Grew up going to Disney and always loved the organic feel of the day. Last year in the park I spend 5 days constantly on my phone chasing the next reservation, pre-buying food, checking line waits, etc. It felt like I was basically being a full time personal assistant to my vacation. Also the food isn't as good as it was even 5 years back. The magic is gone.
@@carloskreek7419 you nailed it. A few times my kids complained to "mom" that I was on my phone a lot. Yeah, I was busy scheduling the ENTIRE DAY. ALL DAY. Can't believe I'm saying this because I grew up 15 minutes away, but I'm almost completely over the Disney experience. It's truly terrible now.
@rhinman my two sons were the same way, in a sense. I felt I was doing more "let's get to the next ride/attraction before we miss our spot" instead of letting them "enjoy" it like I was used to getting to do. Couldn't even enjoy things like "find hidden Mickey mouse" or did you hear that cool fact, etc.
It's not about all the higher prices. There's just so many rules and stress going to Disney. You are tied to your phone to ride and eat unless long lines are ok with you.
I haven't been, but it sounds like from everything I've read you're just glued to your phone and apps in some high anxiety race to get certain times and deals. Sounds too much like work. I'd much rather go to a state park in Florida and leave the phone in the car.
@@greenbrown7776 if you want to relax Disney isn't the place. I went last year, though I did have a great time and I would for sure return it was a lot of stress physically and mentally.
Agreed. We used to love Disney. Took our kids every couple of years. Last time we went we literally had to stay on our phone the whole time for just a handful of rides. They cut all the benefits for staying on property. They literally charge you to park at your resort. No more fast passes. And the park isn’t clean. The Wilderness Lodge used to be a magical experience with music, air conditioning to fit the theme. Last time we were there it just felt like any other hotel.
We probably made our last trip to Disney World this October. Increased costs overall have made the entire trip unaffordable. From increased plane ticket prices, rental car costs, resort pricing, increased ticket and park food prices have put it beyond our reach financially. Sad since we've been fairly regular attendees for over 30 years.
Same because we've never been so disappointed with food sizes and prices. Everything went down and the price went up already did that in 2021 the cups in epcot in 2020 vs now are tiny and the price is outrageous I have pictures showing the difference. I thought my mind was playing tricks on me.
I've been saying this for a long time. Disneyworld has removed the comps and raised their prices enough that they finally priced themselves out of my budget
Recently the channel Bright Sun Travel calculated that for less than the cost of a week at the Riviera Resort you could spend a week on the real French Riviera even taking airfare into account.
Because of my situation i have to stay in a Deluxe resort. I’ll be doing it again in a couple of months, but in 2025 i will probably be joining a friend in a cruise from Tokyo around Japan and across the North Pacific to Alaska and down to Vancouver. I think it’s going to cost about the same.
I miss the magic. Everything costs so much now and it's all soulless. In the past you got the dvd brochures and park maps sent for free, magicbands, fastpass, bus transport from MCO to WDW, and sometimes even free dining package with a resort stay. It all felt so special and fairly affordable. Now I price check just a short trip and decide on a different destination or vacation.
Damn I forgot we used to get the free planning dvd and park map I miss that. I def also miss the magical express and the chance at free Disney dining plan. The free plain magic bands were also fun I had really hoped with the return of Iger we would get at least free fast pass back
Damn I forgot we used to get the free planning dvd and park map I miss that. I def also miss the magical express and the chance at free Disney dining plan. The free plain magic bands were also fun I had really hoped with the return of Iger we would get at least free fast pass back
I miss the DVD'S 😢 and before that the VCR tapes... I had collected one from each Year since 1998 when we got married.we would go every year. But haven't been since 2019...
@@lynnechin7789 No, Disney is definitely not listening. Disney was recently named the biggest tourist rip-off in America. I'm pretty sure that label doesn't bother Disney executives one little bit.
It's really very simple. The cost has increased too much, while the associated perks have been stripped away. It used to be that you could argue it was worth paying the higher cost to stay at a resort because of the various perks ... those perks either no longer exist or now cost. Literally everything about it is more expensive, while nearby resorts off property can be had for an entire week for the cost of a single night at a Disney resort. And that is with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, full kitchen, etc... And that's completely leaving aside the negative publicity. We went twice in 23, and we stayed off property both times. Got a week at the Mystic Dunes resort for $500 and had more fun and relaxation there than on our 3 park days. The park days were exhausting slogs just to ride a handful of rides and see a show maybe. For example, HWS we saw the Indiana Jones show and we did Rise, Millennium Falcon, Slinky, and tower. That's it. We didn't do a meal there either. It's just too much increased cost for too little. If you actually want to ride all the stuff, you're forced into paying extra, and then on top of that paying per rider for the prestige attractions. We have our passes still because we're local and Epcot is still worth the effort. I'm not sure we'll keep the passes after 2024.
We have stayed at Mystic Dunes too multiple times and found the full kitchens, washers and dryers, much more room and much cheaper prices than onsite hotels, well worth the ten minute drive
The fact is, Disney doesn’t care about the average wage person. They know that people will come regardless of what they charge. If they bump their prices and lose 20% attendance that is ok with them. Why would I care about giving my hard earned money to a company who doesn’t care about me?!?
The thing that hit me on this trip (Nov26 - Dec10) was just how dirty Disney has become there’s paint flaking everywhere, rides are absolutely filthy and it just feels run down. Even Tron has got major rust developing and the paints failing. The parks just feel a bit neglected on the whole. I’ve been visiting yearly from the UK since 1996 and I was genuinely shocked.
I wish they would make hotels more affordable for a family of five. It almost doubled our vacation because of that. While Universal has suites for 6 that start at $109 a night.
The resort prices are staggering for sure. We have never stayed at anything above a moderate resort at Disney as the cost for a deluxe resort is nuts. I cannot even fathom how families can afford Contemporary, Grand Floridian, Polynesian, etc. most of which run an upwards of $700 + per night. We don't spend enough time in the room OR at the resort to justify the added expense.
Former Annual here and it's gonna stay that way. There are so many other things to do in Florida besides " Disney" it's just not worth it anymore. I buy light up cubes, grab some Disney beach towels and some old fashion DvDs and a player and we go somewhere on the beach or in the middle of nowhere. I've been doing this since The Mouse started monetizing every thing and we haven't missed the parks at all ❤
Disney's executives only care about short term goals and profits but failed to understand the long term affects. I haven't took my family to Disney since 2012 because it's too expensive. My kids don't have any attachments and nostalgia for Disney and Marvel. That's also why I don't need Disney+ streaming as well.
Yep I agree. I’ve been going to both parks for over 30 years…but the dealbreaker’s for me are no Splash Mountain, higher prices, and lower overall quality. Animatronics and rides are constantly down. I’m saving up a little extra for a plane ticket and going to Tokyo for a true Disney experience.
Also, their express pass most people hate it. Universal's express pass doesn't require constant use of a cell phone. Disney has become not favorite place to go. Very stressful
Having Universal's Express pass gives you an experience of how Disney used to feel. You just see what you want to do and get in line. No stress, no planning, just do what catches your interest. I was constantly on my phone in Disney last summer and hated it. It was just non-stop. I'm convinced Universal will screw up their system when Epic universe opens. They have to watching Disney and thinking, why not us? I hope I'm wrong.
I was at Disney last week. We went resort hopping for a couple of days and I was very unimpressed by how dingy areas where. The elevators in the lobby of the Grand Floridian between the first and second level look like they haven't been cleaned in 10 years. Same thing with the contemporary when you get off the monorail. The tops of the shops and dining area were caked with dust. I would be ashamed to say that I spent $600+ per night to stay at any of these places. The skyliner also had missing paint, the monorails were dingy and many areas were clearly in need of some touch up paint. And for the love of Disney can someone please grease the arms on the Aladdin magic carpet ride! It sounds like they're killing somebody inside of their it's so squeaky!
Today driving around property we noticed the signs were sun faded. You could hardly read them. Dingy dumpy! Good grief pay attention Disney. Universal is always nice. We go there.
The problem is too many people keep going and none of them are complaining. This is why Disney won't change. If the parks were empty for one day, Bobby Eager Iger would be booted out the door the next day.
It becomes more unattainable every year! I know I'm not planning to go any time soon. Would love to take the kids but not to spend thousands and all day waiting to ride 3 rides and meet 1 character. They'll have more fun at our local theme parks, zoo, and aquariums.
I am in Disney right now, I go almost every year. For a $15-25 genie+ pack you can ride every ride in the park once per day with no line? I spent a total of maybe 20 minutes in line and rode every ride in the park. I was back at my resort by 6pm and had a sit down lunch and dinner during that time.
After being an avid Disney goer for over 20 years, our last trip (May 2022) was the final straw. In all aspects it felt like Disney is nickel and diming you to death. Before there was a certain magic to being there. Now between the costs, older rides not being maintained as before there is a certain generic coldness that I never witnessed before. I'm fortunate to have great memories from past visits and I hope that they can bring back the charm and magic that they once had for future families.
Reasons for Disney prices increasing: (1) Attendence is going up, so they can get away with it (2) Attendence is going down, so it is necessary to maintain income (3) Attenddence is constant, so it's worth a try!
We used to love going to Disney, but stopped going in 2019 due to the cost going up and all the benefits/value continuing to go down. I like to check in with these kind of videos from time to time to see what's new and different, and it just seems like more of the same. Our family recently went to Hawaii and had the time of our lives for half the price of going to Disney. I really think that Disney has lost the average family who has moved on and do not plan on coming back.
My wife loves Disney so much. We are Florida residents about 80 mins northeast of the park. 2 daughters, 8 and 2 years old. We went in 2022 and had an incredible experience. No trip for 2023, not that we wouldn’t like to go but can’t justify the costs. Between tickets and parking our family is looking at 400+ per day.
@NothingMaster WELL!!!! SAID!!!! Last time my family and I visited DW was for New years 2019 we attended*PIXAR PARTY* It was Magical...! Then DW completely lost it's magic in 2020 to the present.
We just spent 4 days there, and after this trip, we won't be back. It was a very disappointing trip. The prices are just ridiculous, and the magic of what it used to be is clearly gone. Our last day was spent in the Magic Kingdom, and it was packed, so much so that we chose to depart the park feeling unsafe and claustrophobic. I keep hearing how Universal is so much better, so I think that's going to be where we visit next. I'm just over Disney!!
We tried Universal this year and actually visited them a second time to see everything on a separate trip. We loved not having to be glued to our phones all day. Also, the staff were very friendly and professional. The food was not stellar, but we had a great time. It felt much more relaxed.
Yes! The Express Pass at Universal means you can put your phone away! And I saved hundreds on that EP by staying in a nicer hotel. I may never be able to enjoy Disney again after feeling so spoiled at Universal.
Let’s be honest, the leadership at the Disney company is out of touch with much of the country - particularly parents, families and their values. Bob Iger went all-in on “workers”. He’s made the brand unlikeable and is well on the way to destroying the business.
I am at the parks now, and they are super crowded. This is a first trip back since 2011, and the changes are crazy. You get so much less for sooooo much more 😮
They are raising prices offering no new attractions and they skipping out of repairs. The return for the price is just not worth it to many. I hope you can add more to your focus.
I don't think so. There are too many fools drinking Mickey's Kool Aid to notice that the parks are NOT worth the insane expense and unnecessary effort to visit.
For me, the Disney magic is gone. I live in the southeast United States and road trips to Saint Augustine, Florida, Savannah, Georgia, and Charleston, South Carolina are much more appealing than Disney World. I would rather spend less money to see real places than more money to see pretend places.
@@triton6127Late Jan/Early Feb 2022, what was once considered “off peak” maybe back before 2015, we rode far less rides with Genie+ than we ever did with the free fastpass+ system. And yes, that’s with me waking up at 7 to book ONE single ride, then waiting till the park opened to book a second. By the time you rode the second, your third was either for a ride that never had waits, or they were all gone.
December is not the time to go and enjoy any park: Disney, Universal, Six Flags (well maybe Six Flags for now). College kids are out of school in early Dec then the rest are a week or so behind them, parents are using Disney as a Christmas present, and the out of country travelers are coming in on their winter breaks. If you want to enjoy the parks, come down in Feb or Sept. We prefer Sept as it is generally the cheapest time to go and the least busiest. Hope this helps.
For the cost of a 6 day visit to WDW during the holidays (with DDP)...I spent five days camping in the Everglades then traveled to San Diego for five days hiking in the mountains and then spent three more days in DC on a museum/monument Christmas wrap up. Consider all the experiences I saw and had for the same price (and without lines and sub par food) and you can start to understand while experiencing the real world is a far better value and far more fun. Oh...and I got upgrades on all my flights and upgrades to suites at all my hotels (except the campsite obviously)...Thanks Delta & Marriott. Disney products just ain't worth the hype, the time or the money.
Went to Universal Orlando last year for 3 days, one as VIP, skipped Disney World totally. Just got back from 4 days at Disneyland. Prices are ridiculous, it felt soulless and I had my phone in my hand every 10 minutes. This is not how I remember it.
We started going as a family in 1986 when my daughter was 7 and my son was 3. We have been there many many times with our children and oldest grandson. Sadly we probably won’t be returning with our younger grandchildren, I would love to see the excitement on their faces, but Disney ruined that for us.
It looks like the "The Laws of Diminishing Returns" are starting to bite. The smaller the customer foot fall, the more frequent and larger the price hikes to try and maintain/increase profit margines. Soon only the "well heeled" will be able to afford to go, especially if air fares have to be included.
We spent six days at Disney World to start the New Year , most incredible family vacation to date . The weather , phenomenal , the rides and attractions , phenomenal , the kids imagination , set on fire , much love for D.W. 2024 .
I go to Disney every year and despite earning more income each year, I find myself having to budget more as well. 3 years ago when I started visiting annually, I allowed myself to splurge at Disney. Now I'm finding myself not booking dining reservations or any magical extras for my upcoming trip to save on money. People simply can't afford it anymore with the cost of living so high and raises not matching inflation.
I have zero interest in ever visiting again. My daughter and husband took 3 kids and spent most of their time on their phones booking ride times. And they paid the EXTRA charge for this service. They came home exhausted and broke because it’s just too expensive. Disney has allowed too many people in the park and bottom line is GREED!!
$100 a week for a year is $5200 to spend at Disney. Just did the last 2 years. Didn’t stay on property but we didn’t have to skimp at the parks. I just go home yesterday and I already put $100 in the Disney account.
We have annual passes - when we were there over LAbor Day weekend it was packed but we are willing to walk and skip certain rides if needed v wait so we walked like 33 miles in 3 days and rode 12-15 rides a day - we just walk the ride times and if it is over a certain wait - we just skip it. WE know we will be back again so it’s fine.
We made our annual visit to Florida from the UK in 2023 and for the first-time ditched Disney in favour of just Universal and then went on to Hilton Head and the Smoky Mountains (Destination Dupes). Ironically it probably cost the same but Disney’s persistent push to increase prices while taking value away from visitors, made the decision for us. I’m particularly upset that they only now open one water park in summer, Typhoon Lagoon, which honestly looks tired and can’t compete with Volcano Bay on its own. When are they going to bring back Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon for the summer?! We are planning our 2024 trip to Florida now and Disney won’t be on it again, too expensive and too much value lost. It seems the only way to express our disappointment with Disney’s business strategy is to stop going and spending money with them!! And.... don’t get me started on Disney+, we’re about to cancel our subscription for that too as they put on yet another price increase with progressively poor content!!
Also planning a Disney vacation with new reservation’s system is too hard to figure out. To the average traveler it’s too much of a gamble. Also with that passes should be good for a year not 14 days.
You glossed over the political aspect. Many, many people have sworn off Disney because of their political stance. These same people would have never deserted Disney if the company had stayed out of political arena and focused on being an entertainment company.
@unreasonablethingsI don't think A.J. gets paid by Disney. I have seen many negative comments from here. She just tries to keep things as positive as she can.
We were Disney Passholders for many years. We did not renew our passes this past year. It has been sad to watch the decline at Disney World in ride maintenance, cleanliness, less perks, unfriendly cast members, costs, rules, etc. It also seems that Disney has a new agenda when it comes to movies and shows. I hope the Disney’s leadership will begin to actually lead again.
Oh. have no doubt, Disney management is leading. It's just not in a direction that will show appreciation for their loyal fans. We're not cash cows, treat us as such, we will not spend money so fast their heads will spin.
Canadian here. That "81% increase" in Canadian visitors in 2023 is compared to an unrealistic low number caused by Canada's rigid COVID testing policies. I went in May 2022, and had to plan for tests to get back in to Canada until a month before my trip, when the rules were finally relaxed. Many Canadians on the DIS .message boards refused to plan trips as long as the onerous requirements were in place. Now the US dollar has gotten too strong for us to go back without more Canadian-resident offers.
I went in 2018 as my first visit and loved every moment of it. Wanted to go back but the increase in price (across board) , Stripping of meal plan and shuttle bus is totally not helping. Don't forget Disney in general wants to play that political correctness and causes tragic in their box office and also turning people away to the once fairy tale land and imagination. Their CEO has to go, the mouse kingdom is falling in front of our eyes
@lujack1801 I'd love for you to follow up when you get back about what you thought. I haven't been since around the same time (2003) and I'd love to get the perspective of someone with a similar memory of what it was before.
@@CarolCityCane305no way! They need to fix what they currently have before adding another park. And it would take Disney 20 years these days to build an entire park.
My wife straight up enjoys the booking process for Disney. Picking rides, scheduling dining, etc. Me…I pushed for a Universal vacation last year at 1/3 the cost. In fairness we do tend to go all out when we do Disney
It's because Disney parks are old school attractions compared to Universal. Some rides are 30 years or more old Most of their money is going to their international Disney parks. They have basically overextended their ability to keep all parks up to date. The CEO is the problem. Disney needs to make both American parks number one, if they can't they will lose customers. Plus spending millions on keep the cruise ships up to date, Disney parks could be no more.
@@kellin12 well they definitly dont own the japanese park they only sold the rights to use the characters designs and attractions to them *Masatomo Takahashi, the former president of The Oriental Land Company, states this growth and development as one of its primary goals: "We must not just repeat what we receive from Disney. I am convinced that we must contribute to the cultural exchange between Japan and U.S.A."*
I've sadly never been to Disney World or Land. I'd love to go one day, but every time I research prices, even just for the park, not looking into flight/hotel it makes me physically ill. I doubt I will ever be able to convince myself to pay that much to stand in lines and spend more money with them. If disney wants people back maybe they should chill out on those prices.
Just came back from an Orlando vacation with my family which included visits to a couple of Disney parks (and Universal Stuodios). The price gouging at these parks has reached an all time shameless "we don't give a $*#! we just want your money" level. It was ridiculous. It did not feel good to spend the days at these parks. We will look else where for other options for vacations from now on.
Up to 2021 went to Disney twice a year for 25 years. I definitely don't feel comfortable taking my grandkids anymore. Disney is not family friendly. Very sad.
I returned from Disney World less than 24 hours ago. We left just as the huge Christmas Break crowds were arriving. The part about needing a vacation from your vacation...wow, I feel that BIG time. On our 6 day trip, we only had the huge crowds the last day, but JUST THAT drained me beyond what I can describe. This plus the cost & fighting with Genie +...all this is to say, I completely understand why people might choose to go elsewhere. And this is coming from a Parks-loving DVC member.
I’ve been a vacation club member for almost 20 years. I’m tired of being nickel and dimes to death. Our last visit, we went to universal. It’s way cheaper and we had a blast
Ive gone once/ twice a year for going on 30 years. Quality of employees dropped in 2014. Been going less and less since 2014. Now Disney feels like it’s not worth it when we go. More work than vacation. Rude employees. Sooo many extras that cost way too much. We’ve been going to Tennessee, Texas, gulf coast instead. Hell. Losing Las Vegas is cheaper than Disney these days.
When my family started going to WDW in 1991 we could stay in a moderate resort, get a 5 day pass, and eat for a $100. a day budget for the 4 of us. I know prices have to rise over 30 plus years but if I was in the same position today I don't think we could afford going to WDW every other year.
The cost of everything at Walt Disney World has increased too much. The magic from the parks has decreased. Cast members are rude. You run into areas of the parks where there's trash. Some of the attractions are outdated. The food isn't as good as it used to be at the restaurants.
I was there yesterday it was way too crowded the ride lines was over an hour and a half long and several you had to use the virtual line on the app to get in line at noon time the tron ride was booked up till 6 pm
Yeah, we go to WDW every three years as it’s truly a nice way to time stamp our crew’s growth through childhood ❤️ we’re absolutely feeling the pinch on the recent trips 2018 $330/night deluxe vs. 2021$550/night deluxe
My family and I visited Disney World in 2012/2013 over New Years. We are going this June after all these years. I'm excited but I sure hope the lines are shorter and less people are there. It obviously will still be more crowded because it's summer but if less people are going, it could make our trip better.
I wouldn't get your hopes up. Lines are just as long as they have always been & the addition of the paid Genie + service has made lightning lane (fast pass) lines long on occasion as well. I think the only thing that will help decrease Disney traffic is when Universal's Epic Universe opens in 2025.
we’ve had passes for yearssss but this year we cancelled them, i miss disney but it’s just not worth it anymore especially with the hotel prices. it’s not just disney that’s more expensive, too. rent, gas, groceries, internet, phone bill, subscriptions etc etc etc, it’s just toooooo much
I hope so, but we’re going in October so I doubt it. We went soon after they opened after the pandemic and it was fantastic!! Nothing will ever beat that as far as crowds go. We also went last January and it seemed as crowded as usual.
I hope so. Ha. We’re going for the third year in a row in mid February. The past two years were amazing trips for us. Looking forward to another awesome time
Unfortunately, my last trip ever to Disney may have been last month. Too expensive. Too much nickel and diming. Too many hoops to jump through. Too much time on my phone just trying to get a spot in line for rides, food, etc. Some rides that don't even have a line, just a 7am mad virtual queue rush. Also, for the first time EVER at Disney, I had not just one, but MORE than one bad experience with a rude cast member. We may return to Orlando eventually, but it'll be for a Universal trip. Sorry Disney, I used to LOVE daydreaming about coming to visit, but now I'll just remember the nightmare that you've become.
We went for years. I have very fond memories. However it is just not the same. Good bye Disney. It appears to me you want to get rid of Walt Disney and all he stood for. I won't be spending money on anything Disney. They have killed the brand. So sad.
Our family along with two other families are not doing Disney World in 2024. We are doing Universal and Sea World for our 10 day vacation. We are so excited
I love Disney and still feel the magic, but I can really see how others don't. I feel like a lot of people like the relax vibe - they want to be able to just hang out, maybe have an idea of what they want to do but not an itinerary for the day. That isn't fun for a lot of people on vacation. Meanwhile, I love that. I love planning out sitting down and planning out what I need to do when because it takes the anxiety out of it for me. Disney is no longer something you can just show up and do. In order to get the most out of it, it's essentially a super long research project - plan out what you want to do, where your going to go, how long in between, back up plans if it's busy etc. Again I love it. We're going this November for the 3rd year in a row, 6th trip over all, and I already have the days planned, rough estimates for dining times, groceries we need, back up plans for what to do if genie plus isn't available. Mom and I spent literal months and hours looking into it in the 9 months leading up to the trip. We have always looked at Disney like this and it has always helped us have a super magical trip. But for people who don't want a research project vacation, or who go with people who don't want to, yeah it's not a fun trip. And that sucks for people who want to do a relaxing Disney trip. Honestly? Picking one or two park days but spending a week a Disney resort for the relaxing vibes might be one way to do that. Parks are hard to do with out the research project aspect.
1972...We go to Disney World. Adult entrance $3.50, kids fee can't remember. You can buy different levels of tickets for minor or major rides. Tickets you don't use save 'till another visit. Even if crowded, the employees make you feel welcome and appreciated. The entertainment is wholesome and no perverse agenda. The culture evil and lunacy has destroyed Disney....Al Scott
Was at Disney World 10-14 Dec and after a lot of trips we never saw such crowds. It was madness. Food costs are ridiculous as are prices for most everything. Love Disney but it gets to a point when it is no longer a magical place - we are probably done until some sanity reappears.
Our economy is horrible and of course that means higher costs for WDW. It's too much money to go and that is sad for those who have made it a regular vacation. Ride lines have always been long but it is also not fun to have to wait hours in some lines and not even able to ride others due to getting into a queue.
Planning our trips in 2018 and 2019 I never considered staying off-site. Now, pricing out a trip in April I just can't see the value in staying onsite. No magic express, no 1 hour early park access, and no advanced ability to book fast pass before off-site guest. I'm still on the fence about the trip. A four night trip with 3 park days not including food is as much as a 7 night, 5 park day trip with dining plan in summer 2019. I'm having a very hard time justifying that. I'm waiting to see if any good discounts drop, otherwise I'm considering Vegas or a cruise.
I visited Walt Disney World with my family in 2022 and it was not a very enjoyable trip in comparison to previous visits. Most of the changes did nothing but aggravate any problems that may have existed. Since then, Disney has made a lot of blue sky promises. Almost none of which I have actually seen implemented. We’ll see in 2025 if I will be visiting Walt Disney World when I go to Orlando to visit Universal‘s epic universe.
The worst thing to look forward to is that, although you might well be alone in WDW in 2024, you'll still have to make a reservation to honor Disney with your presence.
There are only 5 months of the year where the heat is manageable in Orlando (less than 80 degrees. 26.67 Celsius). The humidity makes the weather considerably uncomfortable starting the end of MAY and slowly decreasing through November. Chance of rain is always at least 20% with May at about 3.0 inches and exponentially increasing through October. It rains every day starting in May through October.
MCO is also the worst airport in the country with a completely disorganized and rude TSA staff. I will never fly out of that airport again, it’s pure hell !
We are going for free in January 2024. Hotel "value resort", 5 day park hoppers, Quick service dining plan and one extra meal. Using our Disney Visa points. Flight and shuttle are all we are paying.
We are DVC members when Disney first offered membership at their 1st DVC resort, Old Key West. The reason we bought because of the “ Magic”, the perks, like Magical Express, longer Magical hours, Dining Plan, and many more. Now we don’t use our DVC points at non-WDW Parks in or Disneyland parks. We use our points at other Disney destinations like Aulani, Tokyo Disney (not Disney owned), exchange with II or RCI, etc.
We just went to WDW in March (2024). None of the parks were very crowded and the lines were all reasonable. The cast members did tell us it was much more crowded the week before, though.
It would be nice to see the park more empty but I highly doubt it. Regardless I’ll be going to Disney for 2 weeks. One week at akl and another at port Orleans.
We were just there today at a resort just for lunch. We were discussing how complicated it is just to ride. Virtual que. Too much work. We still have not been in a DW park in over a decade.
I highly doubt it, every single time its absolutely packed. We go with hope but its always shoulder to shoulder, different months, never mattered. Its become almost scary to take another chance and spend the money to not even be able to find a table to eat quick service, stand in barhroom lines all day, get shoved, slammed into and even pooh to be 50 minutes. People just as angry and frustrated as me maneuvering around quickly, 😕, maybe next time
“Empty”? Goodness we want our video seen! Just booked our 2024 visit. Christmas was PACKED! However, i do agree that flight prices are incredibly high - we’re driving this year.
Since magical express perk went away I started visiting universal studios, i had never been before 2022. I have still visited Disneyland and Disney world but I haven't stayed on site during those visits, there isn't a reason for me to pay a premium to stay on site. And we've visited universal 5 times since magical express went away.
I’m going at the end of feb and then again in the beginning of aug!!!! No matter what they do I will find a way to get there! Been going since I was one! And I’m 29 now! I love Disney and always will! You’ll always make money! And you only live once so spend it at Disney ❤️❤️❤️
Small increases ? are you kidding me. I’ve been to Disney over 10 times. The parking is an atrocious charge when you think how much it is to get in the park in the first place. In the uk we don’t have a charge for the parking.
I was there in October and end of November this year and it was packed!!! Hard to do anything and wasted $ on genie + because the return times were during our dining reservation and didn’t line up. I constantly see posts about how dead it is and that’s not been my experience at all!!
