Disney World Attendance Isn’t the Only Thing in Decline According to Guests

Walt Disney World in Florida is having a tough time this summer. Between intense heat trying to melt its Guests and Governor Ron DeSantis cracking down on the theme park, many reports offer a bleak picture. All the buzz has notably affected attendance, but some Guests have begun to discuss another declining feature of Disney World.

Disney World Attendance Falls

Orlando theme park tourism is lower across the board this summer, and Disney has taken a massive hit. Reports indicate that the Disney World Resort has seen a noteworthy 20% reduction in attendance compared to usual summer figures. However, the intense Florida heat and Governor aren’t completely to blame.

The Disney vacation dream has become increasingly unattainable for the heart of its audience, the middle-class families. Multiple visits to the theme park were a common occurrence in the past, but many visitors have been priced out. This sharp decline is a trend that some Guests argue is filtering into another cherished Disney experience — merchandise quality and options across the Parks.

Disney Merchandise Decline

One Disney fan recently took to the r/WaltDisneyWorld subreddit to vent their frustrations over the theme park’s recent merchandise offerings. Many responses shared their sentiment, which triggered a discussion on the quality of Disney merchandise since the Covid-19 pandemic.

The original post was upset because the person could not find anything worth purchasing despite extensively shopping at all the Disney Parks. They expressed disappointment in the retail management’s choice of merchandise, particularly noting an abundance of “ears” and a lack of appealing T-shirts. In their opinion, this year’s merchandise selection is noticeably lower in quality compared with their positive shopping experience the previous year, leading them to describe 2023 as a merchandise “drought.”

I shopped and shopped at every park…… but bought nothing! Who is managing their retail? It’s all ears! I could not find a single T-shirt worth buying. Last year the stores were stocked with cool merch! 2023 is a drought! WHY?

I shopped and shopped at every park…… but bought nothing! Who is managing their retail? It’s all ears! I could not find a single T-shirt worth buying. Last year the stores were stocked with cool merch! 2023 is a drought! WHY?
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A Concerning Lack of Disney Merchandise Quality and Appeal

Guests quickly began to agree with user @SpiritStreet234. One noted that the quality has diminished to something that could be purchased at a store like Walmart at a much cheaper price.

I feel like their merch has been on the decline for awhile now. I really want stuff that’s nice looking…and the majority of it is…not that. It’s on par with the kind of shirt I could get at Walmart.

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Another response noted that they had purchased less and less merchandise each trip due to not finding anything appealing.

I find the merch quality has suffered greatly since COVID. Not only were the 50th and 100th items lacking, but it feels like I’m buying less and less each trip and we typically go crazy on merch. Mostly the same stuff and not very appealing new items.

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One Annual Pass Holder attributed the decline to the controversial former Disney CEO Bob Chapek. Apparently, his influence on negative Disney experiences started way before taking the mantle from Bob Iger.

Honestly, I’m actually (mildly optimistically) happy to hear that you were able to find decent merchandise last year. It gives hope that things are trending upward.

My wife and I lived in the area and were APs from 2011-2021. We noticed a real shift when Bob Chapek went from President of Consumer Products to Chairman of Parks and Resorts in early 2015. Prior to that change you could find different products in each park, and oftentimes there was a difference from store to store within the same park. With Chapek in charge, it felt like every store was generic and sold the same things.

Hopefully this is a blip on the radar and we’re going back to more interesting and varied shopping options.

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Hope Among the Drama

One Guest did bring hope to the desperate people. They mentioned there are still good merchandise locations if you know where to look. Particularly, the two gift shops on the fourth floor of the Contemporary Resort are well stocked with quality merch options. Responders quickly thanked the poster for the amazing tip.

The gift shop at the Contempo has everything good in the whole World, they should put whoever stocks place in charge of merch everywhere. It’s like I want to spend money but this stuff is no thank you.

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This merchandise problem doesn’t necessarily extend past the Orlando theme park. Our firsthand shopping accounts on a Disney Cruise ship can attest to this. Disney Cruise Line’s 25th-anniversary merchandise is plentiful, and there is a plethora of amazingly comfortable apparel and memorabilia for purchase.

How has your experience been when shopping at Walt Disney World? Do you agree that merchandise quality and options have declined at the Park? Hopefully, this trend starts to take a turn for the better. Shopping for Disney merchandise is a staple in any vacation.