Why Are People NOT GOING To Disneyland?

[@johnreynolds196]

I absolutley hate, hate, HATE!! the reservation system. We are locals and we are a family with a 7 and 11 year olds. We don't do planning ahead. We do Premium Annual Passes, show up on a whim, do what we want then leave. Afternoon parade, dinner, fireworks and a couple of rides before closing... That's our style. We blow with the Disney winds. (Shout out Fresh Baked) Disney has taken that from us. Shame on them.

[@articowl2]

Love those Disney winds and FB❤

[@ninaryan2012]

Shame on us for still going

[@mindyschocolate]

WDW is dropping reservations after the first week of January. Disneyland should be following too at some point

[@rebeccaheuer3255]

SAME

[@keyman6689]

I'd be ticked, too, if I couldn't go whenever I wanted. I'd be going to Knott's instead. Now that I live on the east coast, it's Dollywood for me!

[@katelynevans8100]

I recently just found an old printout of the total cost of a trip my family took to Disney World in 2010. We stayed at Pop Century for 8 nights with the dining plan with park admission for 7 days for 4 people. The price was $1,700 total. I put the same variables in to pretend to book the same trip today, and it cost $6,400. That’s an astronomically insane increase.

[@juanma6020]

Yeah it's insane even with inflation if you make the adjustment it's about $2,400, so still $4,000 more.

[@Menleah]

Ho-lee wow. Ok that really puts some perspective on it.

[@77Scarlet]

I just got back from a week at Disney world. I would have loved to pay only $1,700 😢

[@OfficialSapphirePhoenix]

The jump from 2010 to now is insane...

[@clarkkent7973]

Someone added up the time for all the attractions at the Magic Kingdom at Disney World (not counting waiting in line, etc). The answer was 3 hours and 20 minutes. How much is 3 hours and 20 minutes of entertainment worth?

[@tonycampbell2998]

I love Disney and am a Magic Key holder, but I hate having to have my head down looking at my phone the entire time. Checking que times, ordering food, seeing where characters are for my kids is ridiculous. I don't see the magic because my head is always down.

[@co-hostamanda3240]

I agree with this, I hate the reliance on phone for everything! And I’m usually the planner in the group, which means my head is always buried in my phone planning and booking and reserving etc, and I feel like I completely miss out on the magic of the day!

[@jedibilly]

I agree! Also have to worry about keeping the phone battery charging or keep using the backup travel battery while using this constantly. It's exhausting.

[@devindombrowski8401]

100% agree

[@USCfan03]

I couldn’t agree more.

[@joannh7570]

Expensive and involves the phone too much.

[@tropmonky]

Visiting Disney in Tokyo is EYE OPENING. Prices are good and the quality is SUPER HIGH. On top of that, the people working the parks are much happier overall and that affects things a LOT as well.

[@wocgoblin]

I almost wasn't allowed in cause I have tattoos. It's mind blowing how small it is... well everything in Tokyo is. A large drink is the size of a small. Loved the no lines

[@KD-bk7gd]

Agreed. Tokyo Disneyland has the original vibe.

[@coles5243]

@@wocgoblindid you have to cover up your tattoo? That’s wild!

[@Staciesplaceofficial]

I just went to Disney in Tokyo on Nov 1. SO so fun and it was refreshing that things were actually a bit affordable for once

[@wocgoblin]

Got there before the park was open. While waiting I was looking at the ticket an it said on the back if u have tattoos u may be denied entry or asked to cover them. It also said if a guest complains about someone's tattoos they be asked to cover them or be removed from the park. Got up to the ticket lady an she stopped me. She tried to talk to me but I didn't understand. She went an got her boss. The boss pointed at me an then stuck out her arms. So I figured she wanted to see my tattoos. She did. She gave me the ok to go in.

[@MrVyrtuoso]

1) It's simply expensive and the prices have gone way up. 2) Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lanes create an experience of miserable 3rd class citizen treatment in queues, and we still remember the free Fast Pass from before which adds to the sting. 3) The combination of these two and the quality of experiencing attractions and shows no longer being superior to what you'd experience at Magic Mountain or Knott's (Disney has nothing on Knott's holiday ice show), its value is just not there at the price point of either single day tickets or season passes.

[@princerepo]

Well said !!! And just to add, for me - I don't want to pay $160 (parking include) just to get on 5 rides (w/ one hour wait times) and deal with all the crowds and having to stop or duck because someone it trying to film their tictok. LOL.

[@saveversus]

Agreed; the microtransaction-ing of the experience is killing the fun.

[@diamondrmp]

So those that choose not to use Genie+ makes them 3rd class citizens?

[@123liftoff]

Well said!! My thoughts exactly!!

[@sj8205]

100% Agree…I recently went to DL, I hadn’t been in about 10 yrs. and I could not believe the ridiculously long lines for EVERYTHING! From the parking to even getting on the trams was insane. I miss the Fast Pass lane. It just wasn’t fun like it was 10 years ago. Even the “crappy” rides (i.e., Jungle Cruise) was an hour wait. We had to keep checking on the wait times on our phone app and found many of our favorite rides were not running. And don’t even get me started on the EXORBITANT cost of everything. And the crowds were horrendous.

[@trojansfan20]

I was a long time cast member and have visited both US resorts recently. I will agree that all of the reservation stuff has made it too confusing to guests. I liked the fact that there was so much included with admission. That was what set Disney apart from its competition. The fact that each guest was special. That has sadly been lost.

[@nicholaswong808]

The biggest reason I stopped buying an annual pass (after having one for 4 years despite living in Seattle the whole time), is genie+ only allowing you to select each ride once per day. There’s so many rides that my family doesn’t enjoy and they used to be able to ride their favorites over and over again. That’s no longer an option with genie+

[@Kahoobb]

I thought genie+ gave you a fast pass to go into every fast pass lane for every attraction throughout the day?

[@bryanf.1996]

I grew up close enough to Disneyland that I could hear the fireworks every night. I had annual passes for many years and loved the magic. Disney has changed so much as a company. Our values no longer align. Couple that with the noticeable decline in the park while the cost raises at a fast pace... it's just more than I am willing to take on. More power to those who go, but Disney lost me. RIP Disney Magic.

[@mtkaren]

MAGAt. 😂

[@stanfordite1]

Well after I take Disney over, I will be ushering in the Make Disney Great Again era and everything will be done by asking "What would Walt do?" again. I will win back the fans like you.

[@bryanf.1996]

@@stanfordite1😴

[@bobbythedisneydad5221]

We just came back from a 5 day trip to Disneyland and have previously been annual pass holders for many years, but this last trip felt really off. There were too many people in the park, the average guest now are just not “happy”, and the prices have definitely made an impact on everyone’s expectations. Having to have my head down on my phone the second you enter the park takes away the magic completely out of the experience, I can’t stand it. Also, EVERYONE is on their phones, especially at the nighttime spectaculars and dark rides. The magic for me has definitely gone down. I LOVE Disneyland but we won’t be back for a couple of years and will visit Hawaii instead for the same price.

[@Menleah]

I'm reading a wonderful picture book of the history of Disneyland (Walt Disney's Disneyland, if anyone is interested). Looking through all of the photos from the 50's-90's everyone's heads are up, looking around the park, people are smiling. It's a NIGHT and DAY difference in atmosphere. I don't see encouraging/requiring cell phone use in any way to add to the magic of the park.

[@Davaldod]

One more thing... there's a psychological difference between an experience in which you don't have ride reservations and one where you do. Let's say you've got reservations at 3:30 for 'Rise of the Resistance.' Well, now, that's an appointment, and suddenly your experience is more "caged." It's not really like play anymore. It's more like daily life. We have to be here at a certain time so that means we can't do this and this and, wait, we were having fun doing this but we need to cut it off and go over here now for our reservation. This new paradigm that not only requires us to PAY MORE MONEY ABOVE THE TICKET PRICE just to ride certain rides, but now we're keeping appointments, like meetings at the office, rather than just letting our imaginations and whims whirl us through the experience. Genie+ is literally antithetical to the concept of play, and that's why it feels like it's stealing the joy out of the experience. Surely smart Disney execs can understand this, right...?

[@missjames4405]

Very well stated!

[@Jinkyleizle]

I dunno maybe I’m in the minority but I love that I know when I can go in rise and make sure I stay in the area etc. I like having my day planned out

[@badkneesandall2640]

That would imply there are “smart” Disney execs.

[@ginatroop8461]

Very wise analysis!! Agreed.

[@slutrooster]

​@JL-uc1kc exactly. If it's a ride you really want, it's nice to know you can lock in a a time and you'll experience it. Who wants to be in a 95 min line? I remember six flags magic mountain Goliath ride was 3 hour wait when it was new. I would have loved a fast pass back then. I think ppl forget where we came from. Theme parks are about waiting lol otherwise you pay a premium to not wait. The end

[@Davaldod]

1. The nickel and diming of the experience by requiring so much add-ons just to have a "basic" experience. 2. All the app-based requirements that have you staring at your phone all day - something we used to go to D'land to get away from! There's nothing "free and fun" about it anymore because we have to make reservations for rides and pre-order food and God-forbid you want to get into a restaurant, you better have made your res's six months before. All this to say, that going to Disneyland has become a process, a procedure, a job once you're IN the park and trying to just relax. It no longer feels like a bunch of people all together and enjoying it as equals, but now you're hyper aware of line skipping and a haves/have nots feelings. It's gross.

[@Menleah]

When Star Wars land was a year or two old my bud and I tried to end our day at the cantina. We learned (on the spot) that "oh you actually need to make reservations three months in advance, sorrrrry". To buy alcohol aka shop more. The cantina was one of like THREE things to do at SW land. We both agreed that Walt would have absolutely rejected this idea in such a public area of Disneyland and it left us with a weird, most non-magical feeling at the end of our trip.

[@Davaldod]

@@Menleah 100% exactly right. Completely agree. These reservation policies bring the frustrations of the rat race inside the berm, and that's NOT why we go to a place like Disneyland.

[@jmads67]

Chris, regarding the #3 Reason, being Genie+, I think a big takeaway there, which seems to also be reflected in these comments, is about the necessity of being harnessed to one’s phone the whole time in the parks. When I went last week I didn’t get Genie+ precisely for this reason. No mobile orders, etc. I went old school and just stood in line for everything, and found that I enjoyed this experience FAR more than having to constantly be checking my phone, and feeling schedule-harassed. I was able to just look around and enjoy the vibe of the park, talk to my friend, think, etc. The plaque at the entrance states that we are leaving the world of today. You can’t get more “today” than our phones. We should be able to leave those devices behind so that we can enter and be more fully a part of the world of yesterday, tomorrow, and fantasy. The statement on that plaque should be a mission statement for the company in deciding how best to design the guest’s experience.

[@marissacabrera431]

I love Disney land but my last experience really sucked. Pretty much all of the cast were rude and just didn’t have the spark in them. Which is overall really unfortunate for us but not only them. On top of that we had a the worst experience with management when one of the cast members passed out and someone in our group caught her before she fell and hit her head, and laid her down gently. Begging other members to help her, and even management was ignoring their own worker passing out. It was really sad to see the lack of concern and care for their own team.

[@ericcross4180]

The cast create the magic, not the place. Used to have to be a "cut above" to work at Disneyland. Not so much anymore.

[@Ashwgun]

Because most guests are self entitled jerks, and only think of themselves

[@jurupa]

@@ericcross4180 Disneyland no longer has the pull it once did in hiring and it shows.

[@jessiruu]

I noticed this too on our last trip. There were only a few who were genuinely helpful with a smile not making you feel inconvenient.

[@pamela8590]

These last couple of years I’ve noticed more and more CMs standing and talking to each other, which makes it feel like I’m interrupting them and bothering them if I need to ask something. I also figured Disney needs to pay them more, so I don’t blame them.

[@christopherdargy8394]

You Chris and your channel are major contributors that help me keep the magic.i hadn't been to Disneyland in nearly 20 years and before I went I watched hours of your videos, watched the hidden secret videos, and the walk around tours etc.. We've saved our pennies and will be there the last week in February. Now my kids and I are going through your videos so they can be prepared to associate your tips to their experiences and make it that much more magical. Your work/content is greatly appreciated.

[@DannyHG33]

Never thought I would say this, but I've been enjoying Knott's Berry Farm more than Disney lately. The atmosphere at Knott's still feels the same from decades ago, plus they've been doing some upgrades to the park.

[@JTabor1976]

grew up down the street from Disneyland. My grandma was the left hand lady to Ms. Knott's at the Berry Farm. She had all the famous recipes y aunt now has. I'm personally sick of the increasing prices and lack of services. It also seems every e-ticket attraction breaks down every single time I have been in line every ride every visit since reopen after covid. I' done visiting Disneyland until they price the admission right and the Genie+ service goes away. They took Magic Express out and I stopped going to Disney World. I save so much going to other places in the long run too.

[@Patrick-yh5yd]

You can take MEARS connect from airport for a small charge.

[@JTabor1976]

@Patrick-yh5yd yeah I could however again services taken or now charged for costing more out of pocket for the guests and less funds for the consumer to enjoy the parks.

[@christines39]

The reservation system makes it difficult. Also, setting up pick up times for ordering food is difficult to plan. I wanted pineapple juice on a really hot day but the next scheduled pick up time was in 2 hours. I don’t know where in the park I’ll be in 2 hours.

[@rachelalexander7886]

2 hours was the earliest you could get it…you can simply change the time to later on if you aren’t there in the 2 hours. At least you still get it at some point on your terms.

[@426Hemi]

Thank you for this video. I think the poles spoke for many more of us.

[@hb7282]

I think it’s actually more crowded. I have never had such a difficult time making reservations at my desired restaurants that are in the parks.

[@Mwoods2272]

Also agree, when he said 40,000 people at the park, OK that sounds manageable but when the number of people is really 80,000, it makes it feel like more people because they are letting in more people.

[@douglaswild3852]

We use to travel and visit Disneyland and DCA about twice a year for four or five days each trip. But since the park passes, food , and hotel prices have increased SO much, we haven’t gone even once in three years. 😕 The additional charges for Genie Plus, after hour party’s, souvenirs ect… have just made it impossible to justify going. It’s really to bad cause we REALLY love Disneyland but we just can’t justify spending THOUSANDS on just a few days there. You could go on a cruise or fly somewhere for less money than just a few days at Disneyland these days. It’s made it impossible for families to afford to go. Very very sad.

[@shirleybuxton7301]

Same here. They have easily lost $10,000 a year out of me between passes, food, and the rest. We used to drive from southern San Diego to the Disneyland hotel just to have Steakhouse 55. It’s gone and so am I.

[@Menleah]

These points are valid. I'd add that the terrible quality of their movies and shows (the worst they've ever been, by far) is certainly not going to help attract current or future audiences. Adults lose interest, they don't raise their children on Disney and then the chain breaks.

[@techietam]

Agree with this 100%. I caught part of the Lion King show at Fantasyland theater and it seemed low-budget compared to Mickey and the Magical Map. Now, that show was amazing!

[@erikrunnels8836]

I presume you're referring to their list of recently released flicks? I would almost 100% agree with you (Strange World, Lightyear, and Wish were particularly awful in my mind ... although, I did enjoy Elemental and Reya). That said ... man, the '70's and early aughts were also pretty awful animated movie-wise.

[@Menleah]

@@techietam Which decade was the Magical Map show? It vaguely rings a bell, I would loved to have seen it for sure!

[@techietam]

@@Menleah It looks like it ran from 2013-2020

[@deniselawrie3570]

I have to agree with all you said. The cost and genie plus are my biggest issues. On a side note, my son and his lovely fiancé just came back from Disney Land and one of their most favourite times was meeting you!!! You are their favourite Disney blogger and have been following you for years! The picture the texted me gave me a huge smile! You are fabulous!

[@KawaiiNancy]

😢 I didn't renew my magic keys this year, but it had to be done we weren't happy there anymore. I did get the Knotts pass with everything on it and I can go whenever I want and the entertainment is A+ for three people. Best of all, it was the cost of one magic key 😊 Go where I am happy. 😊

[@loriwade5368]

All great points! Once again, great reporting and a demonstration of how in tough you are with the people!

[@someguy4253]

I’ve been going to both Disneyland and Disney World since I was 7. I last visited Disneyland in Apr to say goodbye to Splash Mountain. I ended up riding it 21 times in a row (thank you single rider lane lol) and had a blast with that! I’ve noticed that the quality of the park experience has gone done tremendously though. Rides are always breaking down and animatronics always seem to have problems. The cast members usually seem unhappy these days as well. I refuse to spend extra on the lightning lane and all of that when fast pass used to be free. If the ride doesn’t have single rider or a short line i usually just skip it. To me Splash Mountain was the heart and soul of the parks. Without those particular songs and characters it feels like something is missing 💔. I have no plans to visit the US parks in the future ….planning to save up for Tokyo Disney instead.

[@joitwotheworld]

Thanks! 🤠

[@provostparkpass]

Holy cow. Thank you. 💙💚

[@Metal_Head_Mark]

I agree with every single one of those reasons. That is why my wife and I have never bought into the MK's. We were AP's for 10+ years pre-covid. Now we only go about 3 times a year. You know what this means Chris? You're just going to have to keep going to the Parks for us. I know it's a lot to ask, lol, but we need you there so you can bring the parks to us. You make us feel like we are right there with you.

[@hollieparker9445]

I love your take on it not being more crowded but more people are out and about instead of in line. Genie+ helps our family enjoy our time since we can only make it to the park once or twice a year.

[@carmel1631]

I understand the intimidation factor. Yes, spontaneity is gone. Having to take notes on how to use Genie+ does not say, 'vacation.' The sign as you enter the park says, 'here you leave the world of today...' Not anymore.

[@happymaskedguy1943]

I’ve watched your videos for a while now, and have become used to your message to viewers about them being awesome. I recently found out that my dad is dying from cancer, and today in particular I am really, really struggling. I feel so scared and depressed, and I’ve been wondering what the point is in living at the moment. When I saw that message again, telling me that I make the world a better place by being here, it honestly helped me a lot. Thank you.

[@ashleyjohnfleming]

Disney could learn a lot from Efteling in the Netherlands, because Efteling really is exactly what Disneyland used to be.

[@ginatroop8461]

Yes! We went last year to Eftling and it was that magical feeling!

[@elizabethr9099]

I needed your pep talk today Chris! Thank you! 🤗

[@provostparkpass]

You are so welcome!

[@dmbrooksonbass]

We went to Disneyland in Anaheim in late August this year and although we still loved it, we found that quite a few of the cast members were not as friendly and helpful as they could have been (and were previously). Some could actually be described as being rude and deliberately unhelpful. We travelled all the way from Sydney Australia and only went for Disneyland and hoped and expected a little more.

[@PsychonautSaiyan]

It’s what happens when you work at a shitty place around shitty people not even making a live-able wage…

[@robcschweitzer]

Reasons I hear a lot: corporate greed, tired of political BS/ agenda BS, disrespect of fan base, prices vs value (value equation), too stressful, and burned out

[@kathycampbell8507]

Totally agree

[@BobothePirate24]

​@@kathycampbell8507me too!!

[@susanspaller61]

Pretty much!

[@tarazieminek1947]

Honestly, the reason we're headed to Orlando instead of California next year is because Universal Studios in Orlando is so much better. We're also going to do an after hours party at Disney World since the crowds and wait times are supposed to be way better. Plus, the drive between Disney and Universal is hellish in California, but quite reasonable in Florida. Also, I've heard crime rates in California have gone up a lot.

[@ganeshjasminepersaud6449]

I ❤ your positive messages in every video, it sounds so sincere and it means a lot to me. You make the world better too. Also I agree with the results, all of them are accurate to me. It’s definitely lost it’s magic.

[@kevinhampton6986]

Yes, the cost has become prohibitive for so many people. The reality is Disney is only related to Walt's dream and vision through the name. It is a corporation and its main interest is to convince the consumer to give it money. Another major factor that was not touched upon is the reality that a significant section of the population has turned away from Disney for certain reasons. While I think there's still plenty of people who will go to Disneyland and WDW, for that matter, the "boycott" certainly is affecting the parks financially both directly and indirectly, which could be causing Disney to recoup some of the money through keeping park prices high.

[@tltfaas]

The boycott lasted about five minutes. People that love Disney didn’t care about what Disney said.

[@kevinhampton6986]

Wrong boycott. I'm talking about the one that is currently going on @@tltfaas

[@catezaida8081]

Exactly! I don't need a political agenda shoved in my face every time I turn around.

[@Paul-ew5st]

@@tltfaas It really isn't a California thing either just Florida

[@dinar.3178]

Disneyland has changed so much when I was a kid. My brother used to work for Disneyland in the late 80’s and it was incredible, free tours around the Disney building in Burbank, company park picnics, discounted admission to Disneyland. Now there is nothing to be excited about. Like almost every thriving businesses now, prices are high, quality is low and the experience doesn’t meet expectations.

[@twicket5]

Nailed it with the spontaneity Was just there Friday and it’s become using the phone all day long. Plus even though the genie plus can help you whip through rides we were still denied some rides with either no times left or having to sacrifice and accept a time hours down the road. Now I will also agree with the state of the parks, dirty, unkempt areas, areas in need of paint, overflowing garbage. It’s a shame.

[@DIGITAL7Media]

The bathrooms are some of the smelliest and unkept ones I have seen. For that ticket price you'd thin kthey would be better kept.

[@carolp4575]

Flying in from the uk at the weekend. Our first time on the West Coast and we can’t wait

[@loramartin4426]

I think there is one thing that could solve a couple of the issues - crowds and loss of magic. Disney needs to curb their corporate greed and hire more people and pay them better. Maintenance would be fully staffed and they could be proactive instead of only responding to equipment failure. More lines could be open in more areas and employees wouldn’t feel like they are overwhelmed and asked to do too much because they’re spread too thin. Whenever a premium company stumbles this badly, it is always a management issue.

[@a5dr3]

It’s not primarily greed, it’s apathy and incompetence. At corporate they have choked out the vast majority of talented people who care about Walt’s legacy for the crime of being white or male. I wish I was a right wing lunatic imagining things, but this is the testimony of my scared and frustrated friends who are high up there, and identity politics is the obvious focus of virtually all Disney content the last ten years. It’s virtually impossible to get hired by Disney, or have upward mobility unless you are the right gender and race. What is literally the focus at meetings, which I’ve observed, are things like, how to get more women in management positions, instead of how can we make a quality product.

[@krystalflaniganunruh6433]

Majority of cast members I’ve come into contact with in the last couple years seemed harried and aggravated. They’re short staffing and really putting their own people through the ringer.

[@rackemyt9999]

I agree with the entire list strongly!

[@Deannanune]

I want to go to Disneyland since I've never been and just checked out of curiosity.... a 2 day Park Hopper ticket with Genie+ on January 11th(my birthday lol) through the 12th is $435, that's crazy! Plus the cost of food, merch, accommodations, etc. Idk how families do it.

[@fire2box]

435 is what I paid for nov 20th and 21st my birthday and the day after. likely spent a little over that between the snacks and drink I had along with my lightsaber build and two larghe plushg from pooh corner. I still thought it was worth it though.

[@Patrick-yh5yd]

Parking just went up!!!!

[@PotaroAM]

Was a pleasure to get to talk to you for a little. I'm Robert, The cast member that complemented the videos!! Keep up the great work. Fav Disney related channel. Was an honor my friend

[@jennilinke1978]

Hi Chris, I'm not quite done this video but here's my two cents...from someone who LOVES Disney but hasn't been often, I come from Canada and haven't been since 2015.We were hoping to go right after Christmas 2023 so we could see a few days of Christmas, then after that comes down, a few days of normal. After seeing I was not going to get the time off work I was hoping for, I have to settle on February (maybe my birthday!) BUT I had to tell my family that this would most likely be the last time I plan to go to Disney for maybe forever or for a very long time. I love Disney, don't get me wrong BUT what I love is the old Disney, the WALT Disney, not the Corporate Disney. Last time I went with Fast Pass it was awesome! If you were fast enough you could get in, not this "if your'e rich enough" you get in. So for my family its costing us $6,000 just to get there and stay and get tickets (which have to be pre planned ,so if one member of our family isnt feeling well, we miss out?!) I can afford the Genie Plus but after spenidng $6,000 to get there, I am a bit irritated with spending more just to get on certain rides. What about the families that are maxing themselves just to go with for their kids.? It simply is not Disney's way. It's just not. So we will go and we will make the most of the trip. But I am sad to say, alas, I think this may be my last time because it's not what Walt wanted. I truly think if he was alive today he would be heart broken with what has been made of his vision. I shall see. I have this next trip planned and who knows? If I feel the magic I felt before, I will plan another trip. If I feel Walt's magic and vision is lost, I may never go back. Adding to this, if I am on vacation with my family, having to look at my phone for anything other than taking pics, thats just not right. Writing this I am almost convincing myself to do something else for a family trip but I do want to give Disney one last chance....we shall see what transpires.

[@wanted-33]

I have to agree, the days taking a spontaneous trip to Disneyland/Disney World are over. Those days of saying, "we've got a long weekend, let's to go to Disney" are over. What used to be fun has become a job, because of all the changes. There is too much planning that has to be made now.

[@flyingdaytrader]

For me it is because the spontaneous element is gone and the having to pay for everything! I may be a lone ranger on this but I really really miss having to actually wait for shows to get a good spot. I enjoyed waiting for Fantasmic two hours before show time and swapping out with others in our group. It created quality time with individuals. Or waiting for Paint the Night and then seeing the fireworks right after. Now it's buy this dinner package or get shoved to the bridge. We are going to rope off the hub for fireworks for people who do the tours, want to watch the parade, we will kick you off the curb if you get there too soon. I get it a little bit for crowd control, but it seems less about crowd control and more about sucking money out of people.

[@themystery9219]

I'm going to DL Jan. 10 and I been doing my homework and I still feel a little overwhelmed but your videos are definitely helping me plan my trip first time going to dl in 20 years

[@suearcher8708]

Boy those five reasons hit the nail right between the Mickey ears! My first trip to Disneyland was as a five or six year old. Living two or three hours away, it was kind of a trip but we went maybe once a year maybe more. I remember the ticket books, I remember the passports, the military nights. I also remember the magic. I remember when Walt still had his hand making the magic. I think the Corp no longer cares how precious the magic is to us "Disney purists". The Magic is not on an app that makes you run from one end of the park to the other, or make a reservation to get a Dole whip.

[@peterl708]

My family and I just got back from Disneyland and DCA few days back. I did a ridiculous amount of planning, including watching your videos and many others. But it paid off - we were well prepared. Genie+ wasn’t so bad once started using it. Our experiences exceeded expectations.

[@annie9855]

We went recently. Between scheduling rides on genie plus and ordering food, i was on my phone non stop. It was a full time job for me organizing the day. I was so irritated having to keep pulling my phone out. It felt like work. Not like fun.

[@tomithot261]

Love professional set up ... and enjoy your talks. Your trips to Tokyo Disney / Universal are special for me as I plan to go 2024. Enjoy your energy and jokes!

[@jimgraham6407]

The crowds are a major issue and I think Genie+ is only part of the problem. The bigger issue is the number of rides they closed and never replaced with new “people eaters”. The People Mover, Skyway, the Fantasyland Boats, Carousel of Progress/America Sings, Mission to the Moon/Mars and I would even say Pooh doesn’t eat as many people as Country Bear Jamboree did. The park just isn’t as good at managing crowds as it used to be.

[@lddcavalry]

Plus the number of rides broken down, maintenance, or simply cutting back staff.

[@TheSwitchbackRiders]

Hahaha ok that exhaust joke had me seriously laughing out loud! Bravo sir..

[@czaz00]

Sadly Disney got political and as I said before an entertainment company has to remain neutral also Disney is all about the money.. I can deal with crowds but being on my phone for everything is ANNOYING!! and because of that people are bumping into each other ..

[@erikrunnels8836]

OHMYGOSH ... I couldn't agree more about the bumping. Granted, it wasn't at Disneyland, ... but, a few months back, at Disney World, I literally saw a mom lift her 4 or 5 year old and toss them through a gap between two adults' legs, while trying to navigate one of Disney's overcrowded parade scrums. ALSO, while trapped in one of those scrums myself, I got a backwards elbow bloody nose from someone who missed their intended target ... another person in the scrum. Didn't even apologize.

[@juliafulton728]

Love you Chris! I agree with the majority of things said but for me, we live close enough where it’s worth it for a couple years to have passes. We won’t ever get this time back with our kids and they love the park just as much as I do. I know things are really tough but I think we also have to hold onto the things that make us happy right now.

[@jlb66066]

We went to Disney last Saturday, The magic was been lost. We use to be AP/Magic Key holders all the way up till last year. We’ve watched it go downhill, while the cost goes up. On Saturday, rides constantly kept breaking down, many shows we either canceled or delayed due to “technical” errors, and four our family of four to eat, or was $150 dollars at Carnation cafe. It’s just not worth our money anymore! The value has been lost!

[@mdlsimpson]

You hit the nail on the head! Great video! Thanks Chris!

[@marcuschristensen1883]

We're getting priced out, unfortunately. We'd love to go with our 2 year old son, and our upcoming baby (he's due in January) in September 2024, but it's just so expensive. Airfare, plus costs of the Ubers to and fro to the airport and hotel, and cost of the tickets is just so darn expensive. We may opt to save up and go with my extended family to WDW in 2025, but then again, even if we scrimp and save, it's probably not realistic. Especially, since the Magical Express is gone. BRING BACK THE MAGICAL EXPRESS! THAT THING WAS AMAZING FOR BOTH THE GUESTS AND THE DISNEY BRAND AS A WHOLE!

[@leahwolber7082]

Yeah I agree! When we went in 2019, the magical express wasn’t just transportation- it kicked off our vacation! We had someone there at the airport waiting and ready to answer our initial questions. It also sets a bar for consistency in the theming. It’s not just a bus.

[@alli_mode]

The laugh track! 😂😂😂 I missed a lot of the trip, so I'll go back, but I'm not a local.

[@logikx1325]

I had Season passes every year until Covid. The decline was noticeable even leading up to that; but the experience since has put the last nail in the coffin. The parks are understaffed, dirty, fast passes cost money now (and not just like Max pass amounts, and then even more to actually ride the new stuff), the entertainment is lackluster (especially for the price) and they've shut down my favorite ride for virtue signaling. Any 2 of those would be a lot but probably overlookable, however as it stands, the quality is like bankruptcy era six flags. I also don't like the heavy lean into IP based everything. IP only works if it is timeless and nothing Disney does these days meets that benchmark.

[@KD-bk7gd]

I used to give Disney about $30,000 of my money per year for my family. Absolutely absurd I realize but we always enjoyed it. I cancelled our annual passes and we have now just started doing more global travel, and we are never going back to Disneyland. I agree with every single one of your points above. We recently went to Tokyo Disneyland and boy, the juxtaposition of that compared to Disneyland or World was WILD. Disney is dead to us, which is sad bc it was such a big part of our lives. It’s also just come politically insufferable. I go to Disney to escape reality, not have modern politics shoved into my face.

[@Ashwgun]

Well they are, as a cast, we are still busy, maybe not my spot, but all the holidays stuff is. Good seeing you Chris, thank you, you are a good guy and we appreciate you

[@charleypizazz5787]

I would agree with others…ticket and on-property hotel costs are really out-of-hand. I’m fortunate to still be able to visit four or five times a year…not sure how a young family of four or five can afford to visit.

[@krystalflaniganunruh6433]

My husband and I stayed at the Grand Californian for three nights in February of 2020. We traveled to New York City for a week in 2022. The New York trip was less expensive!

[@speedyninetyone]

We went in October and loved the mobile ordering. We only waited in one line at a restaurant and it was because my wife was looking for a specific specialty straw and the app didn’t state if they had it or not, and I hated waiting in that line. It was also great knowing what kind of wait times for rides. We just jumped around to the lowest wait time rides and had a great time. Also utilized the single rider option several times as my wife doesn’t like the fast rides. We only had two complaints. The parking staff came across as if they hated life, and we were disappointed that they started switching over to Christmas on Halloween day. We went specifically on Halloween because we wanted the full Disney Halloween experience only to discover we apparently needed to come in September for that.

[@DebraPennington-g4z]

I just got back from 2 days at Disneyland. There were plenty of people there. I can only go every year or two. It was expensive. But we had a good time. Most rides were 30-45 minutes. Stores were full.

[@Daveandjeannerose]

Hi Chris. We still like to have a DCA and Disneyland day, but unless we buy the extra lightening lane pass we can’t take our special needs brother to anything he likes to do. In June we waited in line 4 hours 20 minutes to ride Radiator springs racer! By the time we got on the ride he was too tired to enjoy it!

[@the_original_nimitz]

I think I ran into last Sunday on the San Fran Tokyo bridge…I was the guy with the black, red, yellow Mohawk…I wouldn’t said hello but you were filming! I’ve only been watching the channel for the last 2 weeks…but I’ve enjoyed the great content! I’ve taken two handful of suggestions and they’ve paid off! So Thanks.

[@the1nblack573]

I agree with you on the crowds that it feels more crowded due to Genie+. Reasoning is because before the pandemic an example is Holiday months. Specially December when parks used to hit capacity. I remember times where at the gates they would not allow people to enter until they had guest exit due to reaching capacity which was I believe 80k-85k. Now with the reservations and Genie+ plus people are not held at the gate until an amount of guest exit and Disney is not selling the capacity amount anymore. Genie+ has made it seem heavier due to what you said. People shopping around and dining while they wait for their times. Then the ones without Genie+ having to wait longer for the rides to allow those who have it to be given priority access.

[@deathxsharpee2260]

Great video. Thanks again. We get so much from your videos, take care. And have a Happy Happy!

[@thelmadmark4219]

If we buy the passes we should be able to choose the rides we want one time, the choices should be able to be made once. This would allow us to be present and enjoy the day. Also they need to have more shows and entertainment, the musicals need to come back at least hyperion. Something similar to Bugsland at DCA needs to be added. Things for yound and old to do.

[@disneyplannerbabe6983]

I’m just here to say you need the soundboard every video from here on! More laughter and trombones please!😂

[@NemoVir]

Disneyland has always been expensive, especially if you live out of state, but the value is gone. It’s hard to explain why. I think the main reason is it doesn’t feel special. It like the magic is gone, it feels like another corporate entity I don’t want to spend time and money on.

[@legendaryTMNICO]

You gotta spend more if you’re an out of town visitor because you gotta book a room at hotel somewhere and you gotta buy a plane ticket or drive very far depending on where you live. I can tell you from personal experience that there are out of town visitors who like to ruin the magic too when they go to Disneyland. I took my niece and 2 other out of town visitors to Disneyland and my niece was complaining the weather was too hot in June when it was actually mild.

[@rickvenuto8944]

I agree with almost all of those reasons I really like your analogy of why it feels more crowded. I was very anxious about going about a month ago without my niece who just knows all the ends and out it worked out OK but it shouldn't be a stressful thing. I agree with it a pain with all the reservation stuff.

[@GangaKris]

The money issue is a thing. I was researching my possible first Disney Cruise lately and found that the price of a cruise is sometimes less per day than a single day park hopper ticket for Disneyland and it includes food. 🤷‍♀️

[@clarkkent7973]

And a Disney cruise is twice the cost of a Royal Caribbean cruise, and the Oasis/Icon class ships are theme parks on the water.

[@GangaKris]

@@clarkkent7973 for my particular family, Disney offers more. When my daughter is a bit older, Royal Caribbean is one I will look at. Also, Disney doesn't nickel and dime on their ships as bad as others (Carnival being the worst). I actually did watch a video on another channel comparing the three major lines, Royal Caribbean, Disney, and Carnival. Carnival is the only one of them I probably would never consider.

[@mikechester9689]

My honest opinion as a local, the crowds were getting out of hand before Genie +

[@aztjdriver]

The last time I went to Disneyland was after it reopened after COVID. Crowds were not too bad I really wanted to experience Rise of the resistance but in Six tries I couldn’t manage it needless to say I was very disappointed. I was planning to come back again this November but life intervened so I’m watching Parkpass and others but it always seems very crowded. Maybe it’s what you say that because of Genie plus there are more people not in lines. Because Disneyland is a rare treat for me I almost am forced to use Genie plus next time.

[@gregorywelch1362]

I must be one of the weird ones but I love you jokes and puns I always laugh out loud and have a smile on my face. Thank you for all the jokes puns and the inspirational messages they really lift me up this season.🎄☃️

[@michaelnelson6135]

The last time my family and I went to Disneyland, we had to buy the special lightning Lane for the racers ride because it was broken down so much and the queue was so long. Genie Plus is definitely a sore point for me since I spend way too much time on my phone and not enough time enjoying the magic around me. We are now planning another Disney trip and are reevaluating due to the high price and lower quality. Like you said, there's lots of other places we can go for the price of a Disney trip nowadays. What keeps pulling me back to Disneyland though, is the memories. I grew up on Disneyland and the memories I have of that place are so magical to me that I want to pass on that magic to my own kids.

[@CheriB702]

Chris, you are 100% right!

[@BrianJenkinsDC]

Costs are going up while quality is going down. In the past, increased prices were tolerable because you knew the quality and increased attractions would match it. We spent 3 days in the park last month. Major attractions/ rides were constantly broken down. This adds to the feeling of the park feeling crowded. If Indiana Jones, Space Mountain, and Thunder Mountain are all down at the same time, where is everyone going to go? It drastically increases the wait time in other lines. Also, the standards and training of cast members has greatly suffered. One of the old highlights of going to the park was knowing how well you would be treated by staff. You could count on it! Staff attitude during this last visit was simply "okay", not the traditional GREAT. And with the drop in standards/ grooming, they looked like they belonged in Six Flags, not Disneyland. You can't charge Disneyland prices and deliver Six Flags quality standards.

[@UrSammich]

I want to add the reason why cast members are just "ok" probably has to do with the workers getting paid minimum wage to under the minimum wage. With the cost of living in California being so high, $15.50 (as of writing) an hour is typically not enough to make ends meet. Plus some of the staff working at the parks are also part of the college program. It's something I looked into, but basically it allows students to live near the park and work in the park while attending the program. So I don't know if that affects moral or not. I agree 100% with you. I went last year. Cast members at DL felt like they were overworked, but cast members at DCA felt better and happier.

[@pamela8590]

I agree. There has been a decrease in CM enthusiasm, but until Disney pays them more, I’m not going to complain. They’re human beings who can’t afford to pay rent, but we expect them to perform for us. Also, I disagree with the grooming comment. I’ve never once seem a CM not look presentable or in uniform. Allowing the CMs to express themselves through their hairstyles and facial hair, I’m all for it.

[@Redwhiteblue-gr5em]

⁠@@pamela8590people have different definitions of “presentable”.

[@pamela8590]

@@Redwhiteblue-gr5em what isn’t presentable? Be specific.

[@Redwhiteblue-gr5em]

@@pamela8590 well some people think employees wearing dirty and or wrinkled clothes, having poor posture, appearing unkempt in showering/grooming, not smiling, being rude or indifferent to paying customers etc. And other people think there is nothing wrong with this because that’s the way they present themselves to the public lol.

[@philipjc1]

I just returned from Walt Disney World in Florida, it was packed. Not sure what park you are going to but here in Florida all the parks are full.

[@adam_franklin]

I can imagine the premium price matched with additions like Hong Kong's World of Frozen or Shanghai's Zootopia or Fantasy Springs, but the US is stuck with aging old attractions and infrastructure. Unfortunately, updating the parks holds no value to a shareholder. We're not experiencing the same modern quality as the rest of the world.

[@questionmanga3963]

Daughter (28) and myself (61) went on Saturday (from Atlanta before Rams game). Blue Bayou was great and Rise of the Resistance was amazing. Great trip!

[@UrSammich]

The problem I had on my last trip to Disneyland was just not the same. Previously when I went I just turned 18 and last time I went was last year and I was 30. So a bit of a gap. To me Disneyland was overcrowded, even during a week day in September. There was a ton of kids and I'm thinking "The park shouldn't be as busy because kids are in school, so now tour groups, ect.", but I was wrong. Waiting in lines for rides took forever and while the food always has been pricey, what we got was just "ok". It doesn't mean we didn't have fun and didn't enjoy our favorite rides, but it also meant we went on less rides even though I had genie +. I could barely figure it out day 1. Day 2 we went to DCA which I hadn't been to since it first opened and had a better time. Everything was better all round and less crowds. It was only Day 2 things improved, but at the same time it was still rough. I wanted to go on Radiator Spring's once again, but the wait time shot up to about 160 minute wait at one point and the park still feels like it doesn't have as many rides. It has more then 10-20 years ago, but its still mostly just walking and shows. Either way, I think personally with Disneyland the problem does have to do with a mix of these reasons mentioned and the magic of Walt's vision becoming lost. He wanted a place where families could enjoy time with their kids in a affordable price range in a clean park with cast members always putting on their best. What we see is a overpriced park where parents are spending upwards to 1k or more in an overcrowded park, wait times of 60 minutes or more in a new overpriced system and confusion. The locals feel like they are no longer accepted even though it was the locals who always backed the park up. It's true that its not as random as it once was. To enjoy a single day you have to plan so much in advance, its just not fun.

[@locomotive5A]

I really like the studio background Chris keep using it!! Lots of love from Santa Ana 🙏🙏❤️

[@Gavin2fine]

If you are reading this…… HAVE A GREAT DAY ❤

[@vickiemodica425]

Thank you!

[@co-hostamanda3240]

So kind! Thank you!!!❤

[@MamabaersBedtimeStories]

I love how Paris does there fast pass!

[@notmyfirstlanguage]

Simply put, I think Disney has changed their business strategy since the pandemic to make it so that fewer people want to come but those people spend more money when they do. And I think it worked: fewer people want to come now, and I'm one of the ones who no longer does. One sad thing about this (among others), is that it seems to be a strategy that can only work in the short term, but whose effects cannot be undone.

[@Paul-ew5st]

The strategy is fewer local people because out of state visitors spend twice as much.

[@keyman6689]

A friend struggles to get park reservations when they want to go. They have a top tier pass and can barely use it. They won't be renewing, and I wouldn't either. You'd find me at Knott's every day. They have the best log ride anywhere. I once rode it 18 times in a row. It never gets old for me.

[@awesomesauce8083]

If you ever wonder what an amusement park would look like if it was built by accountants...just go to Disney.

[@DagrtOne]

If you’re paying for Genie plus, it should at least automatically plan your day for you. you should be able to buy it before, makes selections on preferred rides and when you enter the park, it should automatically generate your schedule to maximize the fast passes.

[@ShowTime1390]

I just visited Disneyland after several years and the biggest issue is Genie+ and so many rides being down for an extended amount of time (which affects everything, including Genie+ bookings). Disney needs to rework the Genie+ system, maybe make it cost more so it is a premium product so not as many people have it, so it is a product for families that do want to experience as many rides as possible because they aren't at the parks as often. Right now it's just a source of frustration and feeling ripped off. The booking system in Genie+ is terrible as you're on the phone just checking to see if any bookings open up for a ride or better time options are available. With Genie+ you're on your phone trying to plan like the whole day; it's a terrible experience. Last time I had visited the parks, before Genie+ was around, you'd typically just care about what the next ride or land would be. I likely won't be back to the parks until they change Genie+ and implement something better.

[@nicoleadrienne3882]

lol I was actually behind you in California adventure last week and someone else stopped you before I could catch up to you so I just tried to wave as we walked by … I told my kids that I was totally fan girling but honestly your videos made the trip so easy for us I felt all the magic because I was totally prepared! I watched your videos for months before going and what a thrill that I got to see you even though I couldn’t say hi 👋🏽

[@frankcarr7029]

I've said it before Chris, Disney needs to hire you.

[@Bostonn8]

I go to both and I don't complain. I will keep going. I love them both!!

[@Golfer5824]

Zzzzzzzz

[@stephanie1210]

I wish Disney had a no phone policy because the amount of times I was hit by someone looking at their phone bugged me.

[@shirleybuxton7301]

I agree that there is no more off season. I have DVC and will keep it to go to aulani only. Used to be annual pass holder. No more

[@dcbourne]

We attended Disneyland in Sept ‘23. We did not enjoy it and will most likely never attend again. What killed us were the crowds. it was way too crowded and dealing with the crowds just walking down Main Street was miserable. Wall to wall people is such a pain, and some are just rude with their “me first” mentality. Disney can’t fix people. We unfortunately attended at a time when Cal visitors had to use their discounted tickets the week we were there. The only positives I had was Galaxy Edge (first time visit) and Tatiana’s diner.

[@Disneyfanatic7204]

Same here, The “me first” or “I was here first” attitude has put me off from coming back to Disneyland Paris. People just don’t want to move over not even just a few inches just so you could see the parade even if you’re in a wheelchair. I know they have designated areas, but even they get packed like sardines and the view is not even that good in those areas anyway. Even a guest that was standing next to me got offended by my mum politely pointing out to her that her bag was almost hitting me in my face because I was in a wheelchair. Part of the magic that’s gone from the parks is the people’s respect for each other.

[@michaelfincham2749]

I spend most of my workday on my phone. It's part of my job. When I go to Disneyland to unwind from work, I don't want to have to get back on my phone, just so I don't have to sit in line all day. My friends and I used to be able to just head over to D-Land when we had some free time. No planning just leave work and meet up. There's no spontaneity left at Disneyland anymore.