influencers have CHANGED the disney parks // for better or worse ???

[@theconfusion]

I’ve never seen someone analyze this topic as well as you have. In my opinion, Disney relies on influencers a lot more than we think, and social media has truly taken over advertising

[@siliconvalleylife2.048]

Except when we got back from our Disneyland vacation in 2019 and posted videos on our personal channel on KZbin, every single video was flagged for copyright infringement. As it states on every Disneyland ticket that commercial videos are prohibited. Yet, somehow influencers get away with it without having to sign licensing agreements with the Disney corporation. That's technically discrimination. Influencers do help with marketing every little new thing that comes out. But Disney is already globally known, they really don't rely on Influencers at all, and never did before the internet. Post covid followed by the cancelation of annual passes, influencing days in the parks is numbered.

[@AussieDisneyGirl]

I agree that influencers are giving people unrealistic expectations about Disney parks. It is so valuable to watch videos from smaller channels or who are not Disney locals to get a realistic perspective.

[@aliceelizabeth5920]

Loved this !!! I definitely relate to the whole trying to get empty photos thing which can be so unrealistic sometimes in busy theme parks but influencers make you think those photos are achievable. Thanks for sharing your thoughts💗💗

[@emilyswanderland]

I’ll do my best gal 😉💛

[@embracetheemily8835]

I feel like a lot of the influencers are from the DCP, and create the 'American girl' vibes. Compared to people like TheTimTracker where her shows how crowded and expensive things are, they can afford it but shows the realist side to it.

[@abbysc417]

EmbraceThe Emily but also DCP creators have to be more positive or even fake because theyre Disney employees.... if a cast member influencer speaks negatively, their job is on the line versus the other creators who aren’t employed by Disney

[@emilyswanderland]

ahaha I literally know the dcp vloggers you're referencing here

[@edwardfreda3335]

@@abbysc417 Yes and no. When creators get to a certain level (AKA Tim Tracker) you'll find that the negatives are either spun or are not even mentioned because they're getting elite access. If they crash on disney, they'll have their access revoked. At that level, they're just an inexpensive marketing arm for the parks.

[@kreepykaylee3651]

Thanks for this! I'm frustrated with the "After Hours" parties because late night hours used to be a "free" perk of Disney resort guests and now it's become something they're charging $100+ for. I never made the correlation between influencers and this change, but it make sense. I love seeing Disney content in between my visits, but there has been a dramatic change with the cost to value ratio :(

[@emilyswanderland]

yesss literally my thoughts! what happened to regular EMH?!

[@sarahskidmore7363]

We still have extra magic hours, which are still free for resort guests! After hours parties are just something different. I can see your point with the frustration but we also have to remember Disney is a business and if people will pay, they’re going to charge

[@kreepykaylee3651]

Sarah Skidmore Yes, there are but one hour in the morning is a fry cry from the extra magic hours that would go until 3am at times. And yes, I agree as long as people pay, they'll keep raising prices.

[@PartOfBrookesWorld]

omg I agree with this so hard. The outfit thing is so true too, it took me too long to realize people were bringing a change of clothes with them so they didn't have to wear those 4in heels or crazy dress all day. I also want to mention too that recently i've noticed people glorifying Disney as a concept Just to get Disney's attention. They just want to get invited to media events and stuff, people are way too overly positive and will say nothing negative or bad about the company just so they can get on their good-side.

[@emilyswanderland]

imagine trying to go on splash mountain in a maxi dress though...COULDNT BE ME

[@PixieDustedCastles]

@@emilyswanderland I always think that I can look nice from the ankles up! It's always walking shoes for me!

[@emilyswanderland]

Pixie Dusted Castles sneakers for life ✌️

[@Samantha-jw7el]

I really appreciate your realistic view of this topic! I do definitely see both sides... I do think that it has made Disney a more socially acceptable "obsession" but when I see people on vlogs going to Disney purely to take photos and leave again... Just enjoy the magic!

[@emilyswanderland]

It’s too expensive to just do it from the ‘gram 😂

[@Samantha-jw7el]

Exactly!! And too fun and distracting!

[@jettingjackie]

I feel like this definitely isn’t talked about enough. An Influencers experience at Disney is definitely not going to be the same as the average person especially if they don’t live near the parks. This is why Disney can be underwhelming for the average family

[@normarenwick5061]

Well said we have been going over 20 years and are realistic , in the beginning there wasn't social media views so we found our way now I see all these vlogs and try to tell people that are going to hold on and not to expect what is portrayed but to go and enjoy, make their own magic experience make memories and don't try to do everything it's impossible and exhausting !

[@DanielleWarren]

Great insights on this subject. I appreciate you expressing the positive impact & the negative. It's good to be aware of how social media influences us in decisions & expectations (and that goes for all social media platforms). It's good to be aware of how marketing strategies are influencing us, and making sure that we are making decisions based on reality. That being said, I do LOVE seeing photos of all the great food and cute clothing and photo ops. I just have to remind myself that not everything is "real life." LOL!

[@emilyswanderland]

oh for sure I follow a TON of disney influencers but you just need to check yourself and your expectations which I often forget to do myself!

[@EmmaJonYoureWelcome]

This is a really good talking point because I definitely would never have considered the negative aspects influencers at Disney. I think there are a whole lot of positives but the kind of false advertising could definitely be misleading to people that have never experienced Disney before. This was a really cool and interesting video xx

[@RhoadesLessTraveled]

Completely agree about it all! I had to keep myself aware of my trip I had being different than what I saw on social media. It was still truly perfect for me but nothing like you see online. Thanks for being so truthful with this video. Its really great to see it from all angles. Sending love and excited for the life update! 💛🌻

[@izzistevens9259]

This is such a good video! I totally agree with everything you said especially with people going on their holiday/vacation with high expectations due to Instagram and KZbin content and realising that it doesn’t really work that way in real life! xx

[@Sam4G0d]

I agree with basically everything. Very interesting analysis.

[@maceereed7654]

I agree on everything, I do however love the after hours events. I just stick away some money before my trip to be able to afford a ticket. Even with EMH the parks are so crowded at all times now that waits are still really long and it’s impossible to get a fast pass for everything I want to ride. I have herniated discs in my back so standing for long periods of time is really hard for me, so for me the after hours where I can just walk on the most popular rides are really worth it!

[@sarahskidmore7363]

Macee Reed make sure you go to guest relations and get a DAS pass. If you can’t stand for long periods due to medical issues, you definitely qualify for one. Then you can get a return time for your favorite rides and still use your fast passes 🤗

[@maceereed7654]

Sarah Skidmore oh my gosh I definitely will do that! I had no idea that was a thing thank you!❤️🤗

[@charbon_nope8142]

Oof I love this video! I'm so glad that you tend to do both goods and bads in your videos as most disney youtubers don't address the negatives

[@emilyswanderland]

thank you for saying that 💛

[@KaitlinsDisneyExperience]

This is so true. 100% agree!

[@joanneuponatime9925]

Love the point about food waste - never thought about that 😦

[@Kristi_McKenna]

love this! 💗and how you always share your thoughts!! super relatable

[@rj9255]

i'm really glad you made such a thought out video about this!! not sure if it's just something i've never noticed, but i feel like a lot of disney influencers tend to not use # gifted when they're invited to events (could help manage expectations if they did...) but it's free advertising on disney's side so can't really fault them for jumping on it

[@emilyswanderland]

yes I've noticed that too!! I think it's because they're not being paid they don't feel the need to but like...it IS advertising

[@lizzythelizaard]

i love that you mentioned walls! I am guilty of taking them myself, but if you think about it that is the ONE way for disney to promote themselves & have their guests get a crowd free picture! It makes the park look fun and not crowded - win, win.

[@emilyswanderland]

girl I love a wall pic don't feel bad about it 😉

[@TeamMaddisonYT]

Love your videos, you have such a cheerful personality

[@emilyswanderland]

Thank you so much 🥰

[@brendaspiv]

I find anything talking about influencer culture interesting! I think that it helps Disney for free promotion and influencers can get opportunities for exclusive events, but it can definitely be misleading and sort of off putting for people who aren’t influencers or don’t have a lot of money to have a similar experience or at least have a good time. At the same time influencers can make it look one way but it’s also important for people to do their own research and not just watch this one person’s highlight reels. Influencers can alter our expectations but that doesn’t mean we can’t be responsible to look at things more realistically.

[@emilyswanderland]

yeah it definitely applies beyond disney but there's been so much of it in the last year so seemed worth commenting on :)

[@brendaspiv]

I agree! I’m interested to see what the new year will bring for influencers in Disney.

[@katiegraver5179]

I don’t follow Disney influencers anymore because it doesn’t seem real. That’s why I love Adam hattan because he is real and doesn’t show off that he can afford to go to Disney. He’s very knowledgeable about the Disney parks (he did the crp before it was popular). He also talks about the prices of things and wether it worth it and jokes about how expensive merch is that he wants but can’t afford. These are the Disney KZbinrs that I like because they are real and honest

[@andrewrudd402]

It has its ups and downs. You do get realistic portrayals on KZbin showing the fireworks being packed and unfilmable, as well as saying about bad experiences, offering helpful tips and not trying to 'play up' as "this is fun". I also think it has attracted people who go to Disney because its a 'must do' and not because they're interested in Disney.

[@JessaM8338]

This is very eye opening and a great video all round. Thank you.

[@rebeccaletitia2367]

I loved this video!! You have really nailed every point and I can tell you have really thought a lot about it all! Have a great week x

[@emilyswanderland]

aw thank you!! 💛

[@laurasan16]

Very excited for your announcement! Also, great video 😁

[@bethkelly5833]

I learned so much today.

[@BigTimeHSMfan]

Paint the best picture possible to get them in the gate. With the KZbin influencer, Disney, and others have shifted some of that advertising expense budget to a less costly vehicle. I was told once by a cast member that Disney's priorities are to keep their properties full and turnstiles turning. The influencer helps with that. How the experience expectation by the Disney guest is managed is another matter. It's not all gumdrops and lollipops. Thanks for raising the subject. 👍

[@wildandwonderful7069]

Thoughtful and positive as usual Emily! I hope Disney is listening. Today I discussed Orlando's growth with my taxi driver as we routed around the new highway construction in the city. The city is doing very well lately I suspect in part due to, as you've keenly identified, competition between Universal and Disney. Orlando today seems from a different planet than the city I visited many years ago. For extended stay tourists or workers/students: I took a couple computer game programming classes at the Orlando Public Library's unique Melrose Technology Center downtown. Has to be seen to be believed. I'm told libraries from other cities are attempting to copy Orlando. Every sort of media tech class or resource is offered, for many levels. Motion capture to renting an entire studio. Free for county residents, low fees for guests(I paid $10 per class and I was the only student!). They also offer online courses for both nonresidents and residents. I will be taking the 3D printing class before I leave.

[@auroracharming5531]

Thinking of applying for a job, I have arthritis in my foot and I can't wear shoes trainers only. Can trainers be worn with costumes for instance working in one of the shops, or an attraction. I went to DLP and looked at everyone's footwear didn't see many trainers?

[@emilyswanderland]

yes everyone wears trainers!

[@horsierida]

This was pretty interesting!

[@daneggo2437]

You've clearly given a lot of thought to this, I definitely feel 90% of these points are throughout social media and they are just more concentrated in the Disney space. I think the thing that we have started to see is the lack of trust of "the media" which has recently started to include social media, due to all this advertising/gifting/influencer culture where it doesn't represent the actual experience! In the 60/70's people had to get used to the idea that celebrities get treated differently to the normal person and now no-one would expect to be treated the same as a celebrity! I think people need to come to that conclusion about influencers, which is much harder to do purely because of the much larger pool of influencers! this comment is a bit like your video, a mish mash of thoughts!

[@emilyswanderland]

yeah it's definitely not disney specific but the rise of it in the disney community in the last year warranted talking about I think!

[@EmilyDiCaprio17channel]

I think that there are many positive things that influencers changed about the parks, however I feel that some things have gotten out of hand. For example, there are some vloggers who film themselves in the hotel pools and hot tubs and do not edit innocent children out of their footage.There are some who vlog in the hotel hallways and talk loudly, film themselves at restaurants while people are just trying to enjoy their meals, ect..

[@Michelle-pd7nu]

Influencers are bad and good at the same time, their experiences are unrealistic, but if you're not able to go to Disney World or Disneyland you can atleast see the parks through their experiences, which is a great thing.

[@Florida-Ken]

I see you as the EM Tracker, the Belle of Banoffe

[@emilyswanderland]

omg what a compliment

[@aliciapearson3120]

The Freakshakes at Toby Carvery look tame compared to the Disney ones honestly, it's kinda odd.

[@georgiagoodley]

Great video☺️☺️

[@alirocks11]

I would say the psst five years have changed dramatically becuase if Instagram and influencers. For sure te food side for specialty foods and allergies. When i was a kid i never got to eat anything at Disney becuase.of gluten. Now everyone knows that and its so much eaiser to find gluten free snacks. So thats nice But i also miss that the low seasons were actually low and not overly crowded. Now its always nuts and everyone seems to be behind the camera and living through their phones rather than enjoying the moment.

[@emilyswanderland]

Oh for sure! The growth of vegan options too has been amazing!! It’s all pros and cons ☺️

[@amangill3154]

Love ❤️ this video

[@andreah1088]

Coincidence that this came out during Disney Creators Week!? ;)

[@emilyswanderland]

omg I genuinely didn't do that on purpose

[@Kamy_369]

I wish I could be a Disney influencer

[@WhatsThisThenLucchiSupremeson]

Love this view on things very interesting video

[@WhatsThisThenLucchiSupremeson]

♡

[@emmaclairestewart6203]

But don’t you do the same thing??