The Walt Disney World Resort has always been touted as one of the ultimate Disney destinations for those seeking to experience a Disney vacation. Home to four theme parks and two water parks, with rides and attractions like Haunted Mansion and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom Park, or lands like Pandora at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, it’s no surprise why Disney World enjoys its reputation.
However, Disney World’s reputation has suffered noticeably recently, as its weathered a feud between Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and the Walt Disney Company, changes to the Reedy Creek Improvement District board, and more.
Disney World Loses its Luster
Over the last few years, however, it’s been incredibly clear that Walt Disney World has dipped in popularity, whether that is because of the increased prices that have resulted in many families who once frequented the Parks being priced out or due to the constant reports of ride breakdowns and understaffed Parks. Some have even reported that Cast Members have become rude and uncaring, and there have been many, many reports of rude Guests.
More and more fans are noticing how Disney World is no longer what it once was, and while Disney might have been all about the numbers during former Disney CEO Bob Chapek’s tenure, they’re certainly paying the price for that now.
A decent sign that it's going to be a slow summer at WDW: Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, Topolino's Terrace and Space 220 reservations aren't hard to come by starting in August.
— Disney Glimpses (@disneyglimpses) June 22, 2023
Fan account Disney Glimpses shared the observation that it’s looking to be a slow summer at Walt Disney World, a sentiment that the Disney History Institute podcast also made.
Read More: Recent Reports Assert Disney World “Unusually Empty,” Losing its Main Audience
Disney Glimpses clarified in a second tweet, “July is slower than usual but still going to be busy. August is typically slow but just much slower than usual this year,” noting that while there would certainly be crowds at the Parks, it’s nothing compared to what one might be expecting or used to during this season.
The account also noted how the current reservation system brings a certain level of transparency to how slow the Parks are at present.
I think all the customer mistreatment and unfriendly policies, cost, and destruction of the nostalgia and charm is finally catching up with them. They have nothing in the pipeline, and universal is truly coming on strong. Not good. https://t.co/wWQoxaXvyx
— Savethemagic (@Savethedmagic) June 22, 2023
Account, SavetheMagic shared,
I think all the customer mistreatment and unfriendly policies, cost, and destruction of the nostalgia and charm is finally catching up with them. They have nothing in the pipeline, and universal is truly coming on strong. Not good.
And Disney has certainly noticed things aren’t as magical as they once were, considering that they have introduced more discounts for the hotels and Parks and have been attempting to win back public favor. They even recently announced a notable change to Disney Genie (with Genie Plus and Lightning Lane).
It will be interesting to see how the summer plays out for the Disney Parks, but it looks like it’s time to pay the piper, and Disney is certainly reaching for its coin.
