There’s no denying it—Disney World is trying to win fans back. Between new entertainment like The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure and the return of beloved nighttime shows, the parks are slowly starting to feel like their old selves again. But for many die-hard Disney lovers, the magic still isn’t fully restored. Something feels off. And if you talk to those longtime visitors, they’ll tell you exactly what’s missing.
These are the changes guests are practically begging Disney to make—and why ignoring them could cost the company more than just goodwill.
Let’s start with the elephant in the room: the price tag. Disney World trips have become more expensive than ever, and families are feeling the pressure. While recent deals—like the $99-per-night offer for Disney+ subscribers—were a breath of fresh air, guests want to see those savings show up more often. It shouldn’t feel like winning the lottery just to get an affordable Disney vacation. People understand the parks won’t ever be cheap, but a few more regular, family-friendly promos would go a long way in making guests feel valued again, not just milked for every dollar.
Then there’s the emotional sting of losing some of the most iconic attractions in Disney history. Splash Mountain is gone. MuppetVision 3-D* is on the chopping block. And the rumored removal of Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America? That one stings especially hard for guests who grew up with those experiences. Change is inevitable—everyone knows that. But Disney’s approach lately has felt like it’s rushing forward without looking back. Fans don’t want progress to come at the cost of memories. There’s a way to introduce fresh ideas while still honoring the past—maybe through tributes, Easter eggs, or even rotating legacy attractions. But right now, it feels like nostalgia is getting tossed aside.
Another huge complaint that just won’t die? The disappearance of the Magical Express. For years, this free airport transportation option made the vacation feel seamless. Land at MCO, hop on the bus, and the magic began. Now? Guests are left juggling Uber rides, rental cars, or expensive third-party shuttles. It’s a logistical headache—and more importantly, it removes one of the earliest magical touchpoints of the Disney experience. Even a simplified version of the Magical Express would make a difference. Right now, guests just feel abandoned before they even step foot in the park.
Park hours have also become a sticking point. Magic Kingdom often closes at 10 p.m.—earlier than many guests would expect for a park known for dazzling nighttime experiences. And don’t even get fans started on Animal Kingdom, which sometimes shuts its gates before the sun goes down. Not being able to see Pandora glow at night is a major missed opportunity. Extending hours, even just a little, would make evenings less rushed and a whole lot more memorable. Disney already has the entertainment lineup. Why not give people more time to enjoy it?
Finally, there’s a growing sentiment among guests who want Disney to steer clear of political controversies. Over the past few years, the company has found itself at the center of heated debates, and many fans—regardless of where they fall politically—are asking for one thing: escape. People visit Disney World to forget about the real world, not to be reminded of it. That doesn’t mean ignoring important values, but it does mean leading with magic, storytelling, and imagination instead of messaging that feels divisive. The best version of Disney has always been one that brings people together, not splits them apart.
It’s clear Disney is trying. You can see the effort in the shows, the seasonal deals, and the new attractions popping up across the parks. But to truly bring the magic back? It’s going to take more than flashy updates. Guests want to feel heard, respected, and remembered. They’re not asking for perfection—they’re asking for the Disney World they fell in love with.
The magic isn’t gone. It’s just waiting for the right spark.
I agree with what the article above says. I miss so many of the things that used to be perks. I would rather have had Disney charge for Magical Express than end it. And Disney has done better on getting out of politics these last few months, and I am grateful for that. I hated how it divided fans, and they should never have become involved in politics. I go to Disney for escape for a while. Don’t want or need that kind of stuff. Get enought of that in “real life”.