Disney World is EMPTY !?!?!

[@anitawww]

I’m no longer interested in going to DW. When I looked I to it I decided I didn’t want to orchestrate my day including the times I eat my meals. It’s become too regimented to be enjoyable. In the past we could meander around exploring and seeing the sights. Now it all has to be planned in advance.

[@TheDisneySlowdown]

I would say that if you're familiar with DW, you can still do that. If you're married to having to ride certain rides or eat at certain restaurants, then that's going to be more work. It's definitely unfortunate. I just had a delightful meandering day and that video will drop next week.

[@sky0kast0]

If I'm ever going to go to Disney I'm going to go to Disney Japan, if I can look into it just for Splash mountain

[@TheDisneySlowdown]

@@sky0kast0 I hear they have several unique attractions and land there, it would be fun to see and experience.

[@MatthewBratton-d1b]

I would love to go, but I only earn about 50K a year. You need to be making at least mid 6 figures to afford Disney these days sadly.

[@TheDisneySlowdown]

Have you seen my video about a Family of 5 going to Disney World for $5K? It is possible to visit WDW and not spend a fortune, I promise ❤

[@DebPeterson-rq4xv]

Been AP holder since it was the 4 seasons pass. The last few years, Disney has made it clear that AP's aren't a priority. But the DAS changes were the final straw. Disney has said that we just shouldn't come there anymore, so we're done. It's so sad.

[@TheDisneySlowdown]

@@DebPeterson-rq4xv I understand completely 💔 as an AP, I know I don't spend the money at the parks that once a year guests do. My channel is dedicated to Disney on a Budget and not losing your mind 😂 It's sad that so many locals who need DAS are no longer able to qualify. It really breaks my heart.

[@lorianncostello531]

Its been extra miserable this summer. Heat, humidity, and tons of rain. Add in god-awful costs, crowds, ugh! No was I’m paying that much for that misery.

[@TheDisneySlowdown]

Truth! I wanted to go but I also knew I'd be miserable during the summer 😂 If Food and Wine would have started back in June or July like it did last year, I would have braved it I think 😂

[@wabbygillams]

I have plantar fasciitis. I can’t stand for more than an hour without extreme pain. I have to pick between skipping rides or pay to skip the line. Under the new system my 90 grandma who can’t walk without a walker would be denied disability pass. How is this legal?

[@TheDisneySlowdown]

💔💔💔 I'm so sorry 💔💔💔 Everyone should be able to enjoy all Disney has to offer, sadly they have cut out so much enjoyment for a very large group 😢

[@kyle857]

I went in February and it was literally shoulder to shoulder in many places. I wish it was empty.

[@TheDisneySlowdown]

I was there too and it was HORRIBLE! I actually did a video on that, it was by far our worst visit. I didn't realize this but February is huge for cheer, baseball teams, etc. I will say that with those groups visiting, I see A LOT more complaints about line skippers too 😢

[@brianhernandez589]

I was also there in February. I qualified for DAS, then, due to PTSD and awaiting an organ transplant. Earlier this month, I was planning another trip and was denied DAS. To add insult to injury, the cast member told me to reconsider purchasing lighting lane or reconsider my taking the trip at all. So, I did reconsider and went to Universal instead. I see no reason to return to Disney in the future. They have proven beyond the shadow of doubt that they couldn't care less about their disabled guests.

[@TheDisneySlowdown]

​@@brianhernandez589I'm so sorry 💔 it's not right how they're dealing with this. I'm glad you found Universal more open and accommodating. At least the CM was honest with you. Others have not been told to reconsider.

[@FloridaFamily7]

Every park we’ve been to since July has been slam packed and absolutely unenjoyable because of it. Along with the heat. I have no idea why anyone plans to come here during the summer, November-March are cooler and usually less crowded. I truly believe they’re saying crowds are lower but they’re fudging that, Disney has become less and less enjoyable since 2016 for many reasons. 💜

[@TheDisneySlowdown]

Now that we live in Florida, I don't go often in the summer either. I understand that for families that have to travel with children, summer is the best time to plan vacations. The parks appear to be packed however, based on historical wait times from previous years for July, the crowds are down.

[@debrasternhagen6598]

Its a recession issue- our economy sucks!

[@TheDisneySlowdown]

Truth!

[@tarazieminek1947]

Some of this is also likely due to people waiting for Epic Universe to open.

[@TheDisneySlowdown]

I know we are!

[@AuntieKnowsKitchen]

We are😂

[@russellj.s.257]

I was just there this past Tuesday and there are things they can change,for example bring back the smoking sections instead of having them outside the entry way and not start Mickey's not so scary Halloween party until October because celebrating Halloween Halloween in August is ridiculous and bring back The Night of Joy

[@TheDisneySlowdown]

I'm not familiar with the Night of Joy, I'd love to hear more. We just went to Not So Scary on Friday and it was hot, too hot for Halloween. I agree that the Not So Scary party should wait until September and keep having the After Hours events through August.

[@russellj.s.257]

@@TheDisneySlowdown The Night of Joy was an annual Contemporary Christian music concert festival that they held at Magic Kingdom on Labor Day weekend and the weekend after,they would close off the park at 9:00 pm for all the church youth groups all around the state of Florida. It would go on from 9:00 pm until midnight and due to the concerts that meant shorter lines on every single ride and it was fun and it was only two weekends out of the year,it went on from 1983 to 2017, Disney did away with it supposedly to update events.

[@TheDisneySlowdown]

@russellj.s.257 oh wow! I had no idea they hosted anything like that but I wasn't paying attention to Disney during those years. Universal Studios has Rock the Universe the last weekend of January I believe. A friend told me about it and we're going to try to get the youth group to go. Have you ever been to that?

[@russellj.s.257]

@@TheDisneySlowdown yes, three times. There are videos of it on KZbin

[@russellj.s.257]

@@TheDisneySlowdown I went all three times with my youth group

[@jasonbeattie4362]

If DAS changes have made such a big difference to overall park attendance then too many people were getting DAS as a proportion of total visitors. It is definitely the cost. The tickets we have purchased for our trip in August have cost $611 for 14 days entry. It includes park hopper, waterparks, photo pass and mini golf but it is still very expensive.

[@TheDisneySlowdown]

14 days for $611 is actually the cheapest price you can get. That's $43 per day of entry and includes your photo pass (good add on by the way). Do you only have so many days at the amusment parks and then so many of water parks? I've never done the water park add on.

[@jasonbeattie4362]

@@TheDisneySlowdown It is 14 days out of the next 18 days. The water parks are not capped so you can do 14 days in the parks and 4 days in the water parks. Or 18 mornings in the water park and 14 afternoons evening in the parks or any other combination you can think of.

[@TheDisneySlowdown]

@@jasonbeattie4362 That really is a great way to get a lot in! I hope you have a GREAT TIME!! It's a hot one so stay hydrated 🥰

[@brianhernandez589]

According to Bob Iger, it's simply a reaction to the hot Florida weather. 😂

[@TheDisneySlowdown]

😂😂😂 ya, we're all buying that 😂

[@Grain-FreeInsights-wo1qo]

Thank you so much for your video! I've appreciated reading everyone's comments on Disney's DAS Pass. I don't know if I qualify for DAS for a while yet. My big issues are IBS (bathroom needs) and sun exposure (Sjogren's Disease) while in line. I also have severe spinal stenosis, but I know I won't get a DAS for that because I can take my rollator (or, if I end up needing it, a scooter) in the line, which is fine with me. I do not want to jump the line. I'm happy to wait like everyone else, but if I can do it in a shady area, that would be great. I won't need to worry about roller coasters since I plan to avoid thrill rides that might put too much pressure on my spine. All said I'm assuming I won't get a DAS. We'll see. Either way, I love Disney and can hardly wait to go!

[@TheDisneySlowdown]

Good news for you, several of the lines are shaded or inside. I would definitely do more research so you know where to duck out of the sun and which lines to avoid. When are you going??

[@laurentillman9486]

Girlfriend the parks are not empty because of DAS changes. It’s the cost.

[@kimberlybrower925]

It's the lack of value. They took away magical express and fast pass and jacked up prices.... Universal is a way better value. We got season passes to two theme parks more local for less than the 4-day 4 park value pass to Disney.

[@TheDisneySlowdown]

I agree with you. For the locals especially, Disney keeps subtracting while other places are adding. I do miss our Universal passes. I think we're going to have to get them again. Should I change this channel to the Universal Slowdown 😂

[@toddcribbs6844]

Bob Iger has truly done it and I forecasted when I left as an annual pass holder at Walt Disney World in 2008

[@TheDisneySlowdown]

I wasn't paying attention back then.

[@toddcribbs6844]

@@TheDisneySlowdown when you look at the past from Michael Eisner yeah it wasn't the best in the universe but you know how to do things the right way the difference between him and Bob Iger is Bob Iger has no new ideas he has just bought them up when you're talking about intellectual properties dropping old lands for new lands the only one that sticks out in my mind is the world of Avatar in the animal kingdom Galaxy Edge and Toy Story Land find heat and humidity machines like was there going to do at the Magic Kingdom let's not forget about the animal kingdom or Hollywood Studios in the future all IP based stuff these people that are with this company now are the type of people that have bought the welcome out

[@toddcribbs6844]

@@TheDisneySlowdown plus people are getting mad at Bob Iger over this deal with venue Sports it's partly Nelson Peltz and Bob Iger's idea to get Warner Brothers discovery and fox Sports to take their Sports off of everything but luckily a New York judge has blocked it because basically this is going to become a monopoly

[@charlessumner969]

well, it’s not just that they’re not giving Das to people. They changed it back to the old system again. It went from having to go get a time and then returning, to a new system where it was like a lightning lane, back to the old system, where you have to wait the day of and get a time again. At least it’s not the very old system where you had to go to each ride and get a time. Because then I never knew what to do with the disabled person. In the meantime I mean, you can only eat so much and shop so much and the alternative was to stand in another lines so that made no sense at all, I think they’re just trying to push people to buy lightning lane that really doesn’t work well for the disabled because they don’t really do most of the thrill rides anyway.

[@TheDisneySlowdown]

@@charlessumner969 I never experienced the digital lightning lanes or fast passes but I do remember racing to The Land pavilion and getting a ticket for Soarin ❤️

[@charlessumner969]

@@TheDisneySlowdown it’s kind of a mix between both of them now. Can’t make them ahead of time like you used to be able to you have to be in the park the day of and make one at a time instead of three at a time. But at least you don’t have to go up to each ride like we used to have to get a return time then now you can at least do it on your phone.

[@EJJ-EvArms]

I'll keep thi$ $imple: It'$ the co$t.

[@TheDisneySlowdown]

Truth

[@tarasmith6987]

Only Epcot has been empty everywhere else has been busy.

[@TheDisneySlowdown]

With Seven Dwarfs having a 60 minute wait in July, something's up.

[@chrisfoxwell4128]

If DAS is making ot empty then it was definitely being abused.

[@TheDisneySlowdown]

I still don't believe that there was as much abuse. There are A LOT of people who need DAS who are local and have no issues getting the assistance pass at Universal. You have to get documentation from your Dr or therapist for that system. They are truly fed up with the extra costs and they aren't coming to the parks. This might change after a few months 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@collinfossell]

Hi there, I just I just wanted to let you know that I’ve already had Pott with my caregivers about going to Disneyland. Disney World give me and I asked her about the disability access pass and she said to me that because I am blind, hard of hearing, And I have cerebral palsy, and epilepsy, we should not have any problem with me getting denied into the park at all because the cast members will see me walking around with the companion using a cane, and they will notice that there is a blind person throughout the park And we will have to figure out how we can video chat with them, but that’ll be something gonna have to email disability access service on and I already had their email address on my phone so all I would need to do is call Disney World and ask them how we can do that And then hopefully start that out 30 days prior to arrival just to make sure that we’re all good to go and there’s nothing to worry about. We did not get a chance to go to Disney World because for one this summer, we ended up going to Jacksonville Florida instead because We, my mom and I went to the American Council of the Blind Diabetics in Action From July 4 through the 13th so we flew down on the fourth. We stayed all the way through the 13th, and then we went home so that’s why we did not get a chance to go to Disney World but, Disney World has been on my to do list for years, so now what we need to work out on is how do we make it to wear if we want to video chat 30 days prior to arrival how can we make it to where it will be more accessible for me because I cannot see for one, and I have an iPhone 14 Pro, and it has voiceover on it, and we would need to figure out how we can make it to where it be easier for that me to video chat with the cast member 30 days prior to arrival so that’s something we’re gonna have to look at a little bit and then also figure out you know what is it? We can do proof that I do have a disability you know can we call my neurologist office at the Providence epilepsy center in Spokane, and have them send an email to the disability access service explaining my disabilities or can we have, Dr. Casey docket at Providence family medicine North in Spokane email disability access service and explained to them my disabilities and limitations that they can have my needs on file prior to arrival set up when we do check in for the gas pass. That information has already been on file and all good to go so that they can see what my disability needs are on their computer screen so if you are, and if you go to Disney World next time, talk with one of the cast members, and ask them how we can work that out I know you mentioned that the new system was coming out in May and it’s already been that way ever since thenso if you guys can get in contact with one of the cast members, and get those questions you can let me know in the comments

[@TheDisneySlowdown]

@@collinfossell thank you for your comments. The video chat is the same as it was they just aren't approving all the disabilities that they did before. Someone can help you with the video chat. They won't accept any documentation from your providers. The best thing for you to do is to explain very clearly why you're not able to stand in a regular line. I wish you the best of luck.

[@williamoleary9330]

I think what the bean counters at Disney did with DAS is just disgusting. If people are willing to lie on their children or themselves then let karma sort that out. Or you can just make people get notes from Specialists. It’s not against HIPPA Laws at all. We always sign things where our Child’s Specialist can share their medical history with other Doctors so that preposterous for Disney to say otherwise.

[@TheDisneySlowdown]

I agree with you there. Universal and other Amusement parks have no problem using a third party verifier and they request documentation from a doctor or therapist. It really would be that simple.

[@MrMac1138]

The parks are not empty. Universal has even fewer people. It's because it is hot and it can be stormy. People are figuring out summer is not a great time to plan a vacation. It has nothing to do with DAS. Universal offered a $199 pass to Florida residents for a reason - they have attendance issues. You can look and see the weather delays all the time - and Universal has more of a problem with it because they have more outdoor rides. July has been busy, just not as busy in years past. February is much busier than it once was - it used to be very slow in February. It is a shift in when people plan trips.

[@TheDisneySlowdown]

@@MrMac1138 I agree with February, being extremely busy. There were a ton of cheer, dance and baseball teams. There might have been more than that but it was PACKED.

[@vcracing]

It's always hot and stormy in FL. This is no excuse. Plus, United Parks and Resorts (i.e. Sea World and Busch Gardens) recently reported a modest increase in park attendance this year. Disney is currently a disaster. While I think it's silly to say that changes in DAS are having a major impact to the attendance numbers, it's just one more thing in the growing list of issues resulting in reduced attendance.

[@AuntieKnowsKitchen]

Six flags uses a system where you provide a Dr letter, you recertify every year. That’s what me n my daughter n I don’t n can’t ride. Busch n Sea World is so much accommodating to the disabled

[@TheDisneySlowdown]

We never needed it at Six Flags because we hardly ever had long lines but when we reapplied for Universal, I saw that Six Flags was using the same third party verifier. I'm sure Universal has the kinks worked out by now and rumor has it, they'll be putting theirs on their app 🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼 What's Busch Garden and Sea World like? We haven't been to either yet but we're going to Sea World soon for my daughter's birthday.

[@themepark_experience]

Universal is down this summer and so is SeaWorld and Legoland. Maybe it’s a theme park issue or Florida tourism issue?

[@TheDisneySlowdown]

@@themepark_experience I wasn't aware as I don't have passes to those, good to know, thank you! I think there are several reasons, financial being one of them. It's nice to see some discounts on tickets from all the parks trying to lure more people in.

[@tarazieminek1947]

People waiting for Epic Universe is likely part of the issue

[@TheDisneySlowdown]

@polaris1983-y5n true. It keeps dropping 👎🏼

[@shawnhicks619]

Personally I understand the need to have a strict DAS policy. If it’s too lax then people revert to their nature and take advantage. I think that it may have been too lax and people complained, rightly so, and Disney went too far the other direction. On our last trip we needed to take advantage of that DAS program because my wife was twards the end of recovery from her foot surgery that we didn’t know she was going to have prior to purchasing our vacation. And she tried to not use that perk unless she had to. But even we saw people that it’s was very obvious they were simply taking advantage of the system. We are going again in January next year and we hope it’s not as busy as it was in September 22. Our goal is to try to see the things we didn’t see in 22, everything else is gravy. If it’s slow at Disney it’s my opinion it’s a combination of several factors. 1 as you said the economy, 2 there was a lot of pent up travel from the pandemic closure, after things started opening up it coincided with the parks anniversary, 3 even way back in 22 it sure felt like Chapek was taking advantage of the park demand to jack up prices and reducing many years of “perks” that were included into paid additions. Even Iger admitted they probably increased too rapidly, 4 the hot summers in Florida. It’s hot and humid in Florida, like really humid to the point it’s unbearable for a lot of guests. 5 stagnation, which basically falls into a pretty complicated multi faceted reason. Mostly it’s that Disney over spent in its other divisions. Some due to unexpected fall out from park closures and others due to plain over spending. And 6 there likely is still some residual fall out over the spat with the state. I’d imagine that some of that has eased but is still relevant in some peoples mind. While I think Disney had the right to take a position it wound up making enemies from all sides. Disney is for everyone, as it should be, but their core focus should be quality entertainment. Period.

[@TheDisneySlowdown]

@@shawnhicks619 well said! I agree. They just swung the pendulum too far. There are WAY more people with unseen , physical issues where a DAS is better for the CM's and surrounding guests like Type 1 Diabetics having to check blood sugar in line or administer insulin while in line. That's one I just saw in the groups that I wasn't aware of. Adults are walking around with unseen G-tubes, colostomy bags etc. Some situations truly can't be timed and planned for. I've seen so many people say they went to Disney to forget about their daily struggles. It's a shame that the door has been closed 💔

[@gerthenriksen8818]

Well, Disneyland Resort is not empty.

[@TheDisneySlowdown]

@@gerthenriksen8818 I haven't been to DCA. Is it fair to say that it's mostly locals?

[@gerthenriksen8818]

@@TheDisneySlowdown A lot of tourists too. We were there two weeks ago(from Denmark) and come back every year.

[@TheDisneySlowdown]

@@gerthenriksen8818 Have you been to Disney World also or do you just go to Disneyland?

[@gerthenriksen8818]

@@TheDisneySlowdown Just Disneyland Resort. Love the parks and history there.

[@23pinkpear]

So annoying all the changes really i’m going to wing it my park day. I’m over studying strategies and xyz

[@TheDisneySlowdown]

@@23pinkpear I just did that and I have to say, it was delightful!! I really enjoyed my day and didn't stress over what I didn't get to do! It's definitely the way to go!

[@guillermomartin8248]

Im actually at Disney this week and it doesn't really feel empty, not sure what people are talking about. Although, I think they did right by changing that DAS policy, was way taken advantage of. Let me get this straight, you have "anxiety" but you want to queue to get on a thrill ride faster than anyone else lol.

[@barbslife5460]

I agree with you. I have anxiety too, should I go in front of the line? We all have anxiety.

[@TheDisneySlowdown]

It wasn't about the diagnosis, it's about what happens when you're stuck in a sea of people 😂 I'm really most surprised about the people with physical conditions, like inability to control bowel functions for various reasons. Nobody wants a ride queue shut down because someone had an accident that couldn't be avoided. That's going to affect more people and their overall experience.

[@kathymcel]

You don't have anxiety if you don't understand why people need das for anxiety.

[@barbslife5460]

@@kathymcel if a person can be contained in a small capsule, locked down, in the dark, as their body is jerked violently around, I question their anxiety. Ridiculous.

[@jonrobold9421]

Dwarfs

[@Jmmmd]

Flesh out

[@KDG860]

Honestly, it is an embarrassment to tell people you are going to Disney on a vacation.

[@TheDisneySlowdown]

Interesting. I would love to hear why.

[@KDG860]

​@@TheDisneySlowdown Serious? With the amount of money families need to spend. It is like having a sign above your head: "I am here with my credit card and I a complete sucker, so take advantage of me."

[@TheDisneySlowdown]

@@KDG860 I definitely see your point. Although if that's their thing it's no different than any other thing people spend their money on. A comic con is just as expensive and I was surprised by that!

[@dklauf]

Totally disagree. Call it a badge of honor. It's a great deal for residents and annual passholders now. I am happy to support the cast members who work there.

[@kathymcel]

I tell everyone when we're going to Disney because I'm excited and happy to go. 🎉

[@JACOBMORHAR]

DISNEY WORLD Should Be Even More Crowded I Wish Alot Of People Needs To Go To DISNEY WORLD Again

[@TheDisneySlowdown]

I try to avoid the crowds as much as possible 😂