Why Disney World is EMPTY This Summer

[@moogle140]

Going to Disney these days feels like work. You have to literally be on your phone the entire time booking things and refreshing and navigating apps and paying extra for this ride and that ride - it’s become an exhausting and expensive chore.

[@Roush427R]

Agree 1000%!!!!!!!

[@DoctorBella]

Yep. I said no to only WDW vacation. I'm always the one having to deal with Disney's horrible app and all the ridiculous reservations you have to make. I'm surprised we don't have to reserve a time to use the bathroom at this point. I want to relax and focus on making memories!

[@tanyaldutton]

Yes, agree. Why do I want to be on my phone all the time in vacation!!!!

[@mikek4581]

Amen

[@DLRNH61]

I totally agree. Disney has sucked all the fun out the experience. It is exhausting.

[@markr1550]

it's not just the increase in prices. Disney has always been more expensive than other vacations, but in the past, you could justify the price because of the exceptional customer service. Remember when you put your bags and the plane, and you were on vacation. You got off the plane in Orlando, got on a bus, checked-in with a friendly face greeting you, and went off to the magic. Your bags magically appeared in your room. At the end of your vacation, you checked in for your flight home at your resort, and could go off for that last day without worry. Then the Magical Express ride to the airport (your bags are already there), and away you go, happy. Now it's a headache, few people to help you, software doesn't always work, and you pay for things that were free, all at a higher price.

[@GewoonVos]

Hello how are you?

[@omriaame6250]

Especially their hotel ticket they too expensive $$$$

[@markr1550]

@@omriaame6250 They are now. The All Star resorts were less than $100 a night, and you had maid service every day. They're now more than double what they were less than 10 years ago, and you get limited maid service. It's all profit over quality. Walt would not be happy.

[@Rebadams7]

I’ve never been to Disney world, only Disneyland, and somehow whatever they did they chased away the Disney magic. It’s just not nearly as much fun as it used to be.

[@amanduuuh_7117]

This is a great point because prices can be chocked up to inflation and economy but there is no reason to not* offer the same concierge perks for more money. Limited maid service in hotels? Thats just...unheard of since peak COVID times.

[@ricklepick9148]

Maybe, just maybe, the parks aren't as busy because Disney priced most people out of affording a trip there.

[@kd4562]

Agreed, but also - even if I did have the 2K I’d need to enjoy a trip for two - I’d prefer to spend it elsewhere. Going to Disney shouldn’t be on the same roster as a trip abroad. They need to get over themselves.

[@gavincurtis]

Maybe they need revenue to pay for all those bad movies?

[@usonohoshi6165]

Also the parks don't look that well maintained apparently. So it begs the question where the money is going if not for the parks and it's attractions.

[@lalalol36]

National Parks are pretty empty (except Yosemite). Also prices are showing that staycation items (hardware, yard furniture and TVs) aren't selling. Where is everyone?

[@erinbell7224]

I love and support this channel, but I am SO OVER DISNEY! They have priced my family and me out :-(

[@jinxy1857]

The price for high admission, high priced food, and high priced basic hotels during incredibly high economic inflation seems to definitely be a contributing factor for less attendance. It’s not only Disney Parks that this is happening to.

[@LeNoLi.]

florida is experiencing a downturn in tourism. billions of dollars lost this season. central and south florida have already reported economic figures and estimations. guess why? nowhere else in the country is tourism so dead.

[@blakepace]

@@LeNoLi. Universal Orlando is packed.

[@laurenceconnelly9694]

I’m here just now and it’s far from empty. Two hour wait for each ride.

[@shechshire]

@@LeNoLi.First of all, Florida is one of the few states that saw any tourism at all because of the tourist friendly laws that other states discarded in favor of covid friendly laws like no crowds & mask requirements that they adopted in favor of. The economy has gone down since then & we can’t ignore the political ideological activism that Disney has engaged in. People are voting with their money.

[@shawnbradford2243]

@@blakepacenot really was at both at the end of May and Disney was busier, the Harry Potter section of universal was pretty busy but not much else

[@marietello2404]

I worked at Disney for years but not since all these changes-it is completely different now. Seems their attention to detail, like bathroom cleanliness etc. has gone by the wayside. And all the technical stuff makes it a chore-I’m sure this is keeping older people away.

[@targy1]

Yes, and the lack of attention to detail has made its way from the parks to the hotels. We stayed at Wilderness Lodge a week ago, and I’m not going through the resort with a white glove, but I noticed many things wrong as compared to when we stayed there 4 years ago. The decline of up keep was noticeable with the resort and some of the cast members.

[@andrewjames8980]

Yes, I went to Disney parks in 2021, and went to (of all places) Silver Dollar City in Branson, MO this past summer. I was instantly thinking that the Disney people should hire the customer experience people at Silver Dollar City to make the parks better. 1. Food everywhere, minimal lines. 2. Everything was clean. 3. They had real-life human beings around to entertain and inspire. 4. It was priced "appropriately". It's shocking that Disney is so big and wealthy but they can't put talented people in charge of what makes them "magic". That being said, I still enjoyed visiting the Disney parks, I just know it could be so much better.

[@alycew.787]

We went to Hollywood Studios last week and couldn’t do anything because all the rides were either broke down or over 2 hr wait times. Tower of Terror wait time was over 3 hrs at one point. Our family watched a couple of shows and left which was fine, because we have yr passes. But every time we have a disappointing day, we think of the families that shell out hundreds of dollars and came from other states or countries with excited children. I can’t imagine most of them ever coming back.

[@DLRNH61]

I'm 61, it's not my park anymore. My husband and I kept going back to visit but feel underwhelmed now. It's so different than it used to be and it's time for us to move on. We accept that.

[@meganruchwatercolors7186]

Me too! I am 60, almost 61, and the magic is gone!!!

[@Ryan_D542]

45 here and I agree; the parks are all underwhelming. The value is just not there. I'm willing to eat the price cause the cost isn't that big of a deal if you have a long enough runway to save but I was disappointed with almost all of the parks. In the '00s it was well worth it; in the '20s the experiences are really lacking.

[@vaderladyl]

51 years here. Yes no magic anymore.

[@christinemikhail7088]

OMG. Me too. I’m 49 and my husband and I have been time time share holders (vacation club members) for 20 years. I don’t know how else to describe it other than the magic is gone. The rooms are getting turned over less and less. You pay more at the restaurants for less. You pay more at the theme parks for an experience that’s just not worth it. We now have turned our vacation dollars for our family towards cruising.

[@catherineromero1862]

I haven’t been to Disneyland, in California and where I grew up going. Since about 2010. And everything I hear about it and based on what it was like that last time I don’t think I’m gonna ever go again. For starters completely beyond, ridiculously priced into the stratosphere. And I saw another commenter above talking about Disney World and how it’s too much work because there’s so much that you have to be tracking all day long on your phone just to ride some rides. What I observed at Disneyland is that there’s always some sort of special show that you want to try and lineup for ahead of time and there’s ropes cordoning off the whole dang place and there’s no more just leisurely strolling through the park and enjoying a wonderful day of laughter and fun with friends or family. So I like some other commentators I’m just accepting that I was very lucky to have grown up when I did and to have enjoyed many many many days at Disneyland growing up and as a young adult with my kids. But I’m moving on from the whole Disney thing and glad I have many happy memories.

[@susan_elizabeth]

Disney has priced themselves right out of the market for regular people who don't reside in Florida. I have no idea how a family of 4 can possibly justify traveling there for a week of vacation. Or even just a few days.

[@johnna16]

We can't justify the price anymore. We used to go to Disneyland 1-2x/year, travelling from western Canada. With skyrocketing prices since covid, the trips now cost *double* what they did in 2015. Flights, transportation to/from Anaheim, hotels, food, park admission, souvenirs... it's all gone up and it's just too much. We took a Disneyland trip last year and it was the last one for the foreseeable future.

[@brookecollins558]

We use to be passholders and we live in FL - 4 hours away. One year we made TEN Trips. Then Disney jacked the prices, was still charging for parking at resorts, made moderate hotel fees a joke, removed fast passes, took away the photo package and to cap it off, they said we were no longer their priority. REALLY? We're spending our Disney money to travel this year to Seattle, Charleston, SC and Asheville, NC. We can easily spend our money elsewhere. I can ALSO buy FIVE Universal passes (same levels) for Three Disney passes.

[@joysjourney3212]

Price is a very important factor in planning any family vacation. Disney's prices are way too high. So high that only wealthy people can go for a week or so. There is no mystery here why the parks are not the usual crowded theme parks! Price. Plain and simple.

[@brookecollins558]

@user-wv9zc7pc9s Our daughter moved to Kissimmee this past year, so we're no longer having to pay for a hotel. I just don't want to do the same ole' thing every year and lose something in return along with a price increase. Our kids are older and they can chose to spend their money if they want. It's just no longer a want.

[@jenniferwelch1835]

They have proved they don't want some people to go there, so just catering to some people, will decline sales. It should be expected. People that can afford it, will still go, I guess!!

[@kevincameron8437]

I just did an 8 night cruise to the Western Caribbean with a family of 4, drink packages, and excursions for almost 1/2 the price for a week stay on property with park hopper passes. This isn’t including the cost of feeding ourselves inside Disney. In other words, Disney has priced itself out of our budget for the foreseeable future. Even the campsites at Ft Wilderness are double what they were pre-pandemic…for a spot to park our camper with no Mousekeeping!

[@geno5169]

My wife and I went on a cruise! It’s such a better deal with all that food. It’s cheaper for a family

[@hdtripp6218]

Booked a huge suite for a 4 nighter at 1/2 the cost of our normal Christmas Disney trip

[@JMtheCONQUERER]

all the talk about how much better cruises are definitely makes me want to go on one.

[@Thelittlethingsoflife]

I tried a Disney Cruise and it worked out less than a park trip. Was great to eat and not worry about cost. The shows were amazing. More activities than I was able to do.

[@kevincameron8437]

@@Thelittlethingsoflife we would like to try a Disney cruise in the future.

[@RandyBoBandy.]

We went last year. Surprised kids by not telling them until driving into park. They went crazy with joy. Spent insane money, stood in 90 minute lines for every single ride, was like walking through a sold out concert crowd with every step, half way through the day the kids were begging to leave. We weaved our way to the exit and the kids asked as we were driving out, “we don’t ever have to come here again, do we”? That sums up Disney world. The place is absolutely awful in every way. Never, ever again.

[@GewoonVos]

Do you like Disney I have a video about Disney

[@julie2673]

@@GewoonVos, That person you replied to is probably pissed but still loves the old Disney. They have a right to be. A lot of us feel the same way.

[@jorgecarrilloestrada]

Your kids said that? wow, that's kinda sad and fun at the same time

[@haroldb1856]

My experience was much the same. I used to love DW, but after my last visit, I have no desire to go back.

[@MaveriKat]

The reason this is happening, (besides their own disdain for the people who's wallets they depend on) is simple: going to Disney these days feels like going to *work* ! You have to literally be on your phone the entire time booking things, refreshing and navigating apps, and paying extra for this ride or that ride... it's become an exhausting and expensive *chore* that sucks the fun out of the entire trip.

[@joeblow5034]

But isnt it worth it to have your children programmed into the gay life style?

[@juliamcgee9607]

Yeah, too bad all the Disney geeks don't realize your average person doesn't want to be on apps booking/paying for rides

[@leahwolber7082]

Our family of five could spend $8000 easily for a 5 day Disneyworld trip, including flights, hotel and food. We just can’t justify spending that amount. They would have to lower their tickets by half to be able to go in this economy. We have other financial priorities:

[@Calix772]

Should probably budget better then, I dont spend that much on trips to Japan for 3 for 18 Day trips.... Have a WDW annual pass and go about every other week. Crazy how much people overspend thinking that they are going about it cheap.

[@godsfamilyhomechurch7215]

Cost that for you at 5 imagine mine being 8. 4 teens, two under 10, my self and wife.

[@marksimons4108]

@@godsfamilyhomechurch7215 exactly and all the trans-baiting with children is a disgrace with the good rides breaking down every other day Im glad that finally they are being taxed like every one else courtesy of Govenor Desantis Godbless🔥👑🕊 ps just been to Universal and it is miles better and the water park Volcano bay the best in Florida!

[@babyshaya]

$8k is on the low end these days. Long gone are the free dining,

[@juanzingarello4005]

That’s insane. For that price, I’d rather take the family on a trip to Europe.

[@bgaviator]

Our last trip was not nearly as fun as they usually are. The new Genie+ system is so terrible. It was so stressful trying to snag lightning lanes first thing in the morning. The Genie+ system also causes you to have to cross the park back and forth multiple times a day which becomes more exhausting. Under the old FastPass system we could pick our rides to all be on one side of the park so we could plan our flow better. Now you're at the mercy of Genie availability which often has you crossing the park multiple times. I told my wife I am not in the mood to go back for quite awhile.

[@tia5626]

Charging for fast passes (or lightning lane now) pushed us over the edge. Plus I HATE having to look down at a phone for half the day. We are a family of six and since the pandemic have switched our vacation focus to state/national parks and exploring new cities. I would love to go back to Disney World again but it is just not in the cards in the near future.

[@JustinCredible31]

I wish I could like this comment 10 more times.

[@jesustakethewheel6941]

Went to Isle Royale National Park recently. Beautiful. Off Grid. Wow!

[@shawnhicks619]

Yeah charging for a service that was once free does smell like fleecing the customer especially considering it was in place for so long for free. But in Disneys defense it appears to be selling and selling well. We are a family of 6 as well, and we went last September to both universal and Disney and I’ll admit it wasn’t cheap. But we also don’t go every year, actually that was our first Disney world trip after many Disneyland trips over the years. I will say while I liked disneyworld I prefer the layout, and lower overall capacity, of Disneyland. Why did we go? Because 3 of our kids will be graduating in a couple of years and we wanted that experience with them. Will I go again? Yeah but it will probably be at least 5-8 years.

[@GewoonVos]

Hello I make videos about Disney

[@steveraceuk]

Yes, nailed it with this comment about the phone usage element. We were lucky enough to go in 2019 before the fast pass system changed and I think that will be our last trip to Disneyworld for the foreseeable future

[@stevekerr1386]

I'm an old Geezer who grew up watching Walt on Sunday night. When I first went to WDW (in the 80's) I was blown away on how clean and spotless it was. There was someone with a broom by every popcorn stand to sweep up the spilled popcorn on the ground. It was magical. Now there is trash everywhere and you can tell it has been there awhile. I still have my AP and I still go several times a year. But I can imagine a younger family would not have the same initial reaction I had back in the 1980's. It's just another theme park to them and it's not magical.

[@geno5169]

Yes so true. Park hopping was included

[@KG-oe8oo]

The quality of the cast members has had a serious downturn. It really is sad.

[@vaderladyl]

@@KG-oe8oo Yes they have to beg for them to join and beg them to stay a while after joining. Turnover is super high

[@joeblow5034]

But its still a good place for pedophiles to groom children

[@lauriebryson5318]

Yes, my first visit to Walt Disney World back in the 70’s was Magical! A place to leave the real world behind as Walt Disney envisioned. Now that Magical Bubble has burst and it’s just another money grab with worldly influence. Not Magical at all.

[@christinemikhail7088]

I am a vacation club member for the last 20 years. We used to have all these benefits related to our timeshare. They don’t seem to exist anymore, or they have changed over the years. Magic is gone. Park tickets have become too expensive. It’s easier for me to book a family vacation on a cruise for less money and have it be all inclusive than trying to deal with Disney genie. It’s not worth it anymore.

[@cynthiawhitaker4538]

The park pass reservation system and especially the Lightning Lane/Genie plus system are keeping so many people away. They are double charging for things that used to be free. I think the hotels rates have gone up considerably as well. With the economy struggling, people don’t have excess thousands to go to Disney again. Most people went during the 90’s, 2000’s, 2010’s, when prices were more reasonable and the experience was richer. Please Disney, get rid of the horrid Genie! No one wants to be on their phone all day hoping to ride 2-3 rides and pay double for the experience.

[@rotjrotk]

I agree. It just seems like you get less than you used to, but pay more. Even a simple thing like paying for your car while you are staying at a resort, seems obnoxious. Especially when you are there for 5-9 days.

[@Determination212]

The ride hop pass I think is an awesome idea because in many situations without it you can waiting up to a few hours in life.

[@GewoonVos]

Disney is the best ❤ I have a Chanel about Disney

[@julie2673]

@@GewoonVos, Not anymore

[@thekraftycreech]

I agree, just went to disney last year for our 4th trip.. the reservation system was the worst.. the fast pass lines were gone.. paying extra to use a lightning lane was absolutely absurd being they used to be free. Tons of our favorite rides were closed..the long lines were AWFUL!! WILL NOT GO BACK!!!

[@cmiller415]

I have a feeling that Disney is going to start experiencing lower crowds because no one can afford to go anymore. Unfortunately they may have to practically go bankrupt before they get the point. Disney thinks they are giving “discounts” but for a middle class family, a discount that brings a hotel room price down from $600 to $$500 a night is NOT anywhere near an affordable discount. Not many people can afford a weeks vacation that is equal to 3+ months salary. The truth is that now Disney is only affordable for the rich. I hope Disney is proud of itself.

[@DoctorBella]

Right! The cost of "moderate" resorts per night BLOWS my mind. And I can't even wrap my head around the deluxe resort pricing!

[@Calix772]

@@DoctorBella Its really just your misconception of affordability and what you think you should be getting. A branded posh resort stay is never cheap, anywhere. Do you balk at the prices of the Four Seasons and Park Hyatt hotels? Its simply the price you pay, and if you cant pay....you dont.

[@23pinkpear]

@@Calix772hat’s different because these Disney hotels mentioned are Cinder block pieces of pathetic construction

[@Calix772]

@@23pinkpear Was really talking about the Deluxe Resorts. Animal Kingdom Lodge, Fort Wilderness Lodge, The Yacht Club, The Boardwalk, Contemporary, Saratoga Springs, are a far cry from "cinder block pieces of pathetic construction" and all fall in or under that mentioned $600 price point. The post also complains about lack of "affordable discounts" but there are rooms $500/600+ off a night. Again, just another misconception. Coronado and Orleans are great resorts both far under that $600 range. People want the Disney branded experience but dont want to pay the price. You can pay $100-150 a night and have a trash hotel in the "Greater Orlando area" that provides no services, no activities, no food options, potentially no pool, likely no transportation, and definitely not any park amenities. Or, you can pay an extra maybe 50-$100 a night and have all of those things, while never leaving Disney property, having extra character and cast interactions, and the ability to have a mid day break from the parks with resort specific transportation.

[@johnnyhan3170]

That's exactly my point (my earlier comment in this comment section), but my English is bad! Your formation of language is wonderful~~

[@katstiehm3932]

Most of the adults in my family felt like the price wasn’t worth the last trip. Not the deluxe hotel, not the nice table service or fast food, or the limited souvenirs. I could coerce them to go once because the kids are little, but none of the adults are on board to do it again in the next ten years. I’m trying to sell them on Disneyland but they’re all looking at me like I’m brainwashed.

[@bobmclennan1727]

Disneyland is a MUCH more relaxing trip, and it offers tons more things to do that aren't Disney-related (beaches, tide pools, various museums in Los Angeles, even a day trip down to San Diego.)

[@patsysolatzzo2962]

I was just here for the fourth and went with my normal Disney group. I travel from Italy but they’re coming from Spain. We have gone together about 2-3x a year and this was the first time I was like “I want to try ____ next time!” And they were all looking at me like “you want to come *back* !”

[@blanchfield137]

@@bobmclennan1727 Florida has much to offer that is not Disney related.

[@InuMokuba]

This feels too relatable! I've never been to Disneyworld(I have been to Disneyland since I lived only a few hours away) and no other adults I know feel it's worth it.

[@kojirosasaki6200]

Try a different park. Knott’s Berry Farm in Anaheim or any of the Universal parks are comparable for a lot less.

[@brent9798]

Honestly I feel Disney's head first dive into politics, flopping movies, overpriced everything, not so great food, and it's ancient attractions are why people are choosing to go elsewhere. It also doesn't help that Universal is cheaper and expanding.

[@johnna16]

It literally costs $800 to take a family of four for a single day. Or $1325 for two days. My family of four spends less than $1200 per month for groceries and Disney here is asking for *more than that* for a 2 day trip to a theme park. Disney execs have lost their collective mind (as well as their grip on reality). (And, as a Canadian, the prices are even worse. It converts to $1062 CAD for a family of four for a single day, and $1759 CAD for two days.)

[@lizpunzalan5823]

Such a good point. Thank you.

[@NaturalBeauty214]

And that's not even including travel to get there plus room and board and souvenirs. It is grossly expensive and greedy of Disney to nickel and dime their paying customers for every little thing. I'm glad I went as a kid but that was in the 90s and early 00s . Unfortunately my kids will never get to go because we can't afford it 😢

[@bluefox8011]

I fast to save money for myself and my boyfreind. i don't know how anybody can do it with children these days. where i'm from a jar a peanut butter used to be $5, and now it's 10 for namebrand and 15 for knock off. like man, i'm already strugglin' to feed myself and make up for my nutritional gaps with supplements, you expect me to do that with kids too? i've never been to disney but, the last coworker I had went maybe 5 years ago already and they also told me it was the last time they would go since thier kids are nearly 10 years old now.

[@nancy9478]

Yes, this!!!

[@brianzannino9323]

Spot on

[@dewberrydave]

The last time I went to WDW was 2017 and loved how easy fast pass was to use and made the holiday so relaxing and easy to navigate through the rides and parks. Now the prices are huge and the thought of genie plus making things harder and having to wake up at 7am on my holiday every morning has completely put me off going. Seems like going is more hard work than a holiday.

[@greensam7074]

There is less stress in building 30 pieces of IKEA furniture without instructions, than negotiating a day in a Disney park and that’s not what I call a fun, enjoyable, stress free day out.

[@ayenah]

I am 40 n have never been to any Disney park! N I don’t feel like I am missing out on anything 😊.

[@Chrispy0515]

I was just at Epcot 2 weeks ago on July 11th and it was PACKED and people were having a great time.

[@cynthiabobst8794]

I just returned from WDW and it was crowded. It was very hot!😊

[@lip1978]

I did a post-covid trip, so it's been checked off my list, so that's definitely a factor. I like how the video avoided the minefield of "politics" as a reason, although it might be a factor on both sides, one side being anti-Disney, the other not wanting to visit Florida.

[@DavidBrooks-mq6js]

Exactly!!! Maybe people are just tired of the wokeness! I USED to love Disney, not anymore.

[@jeffraines414]

Guarantee the political factor comes into play... me and the extended family of 14-20 people quit going for this exact reason

[@planetsky7129]

My family and I have been going to Disney since I was a kid and I'm 57 years old now. The fact that Disney has gotten so over the top expensive, complicated, and have involved themselves in politics when they should have stayed out of it were all reasons why we have stopped going. We used to be Florida annual pass holders, but we're over Disney already. There are other great places to visit and fun things to do elsewhere.

[@scsextra]

@@DavidBrooks-mq6jsno one cares what you think bud. Boomers have limited time left anyway. Bye bye

[@paulieprinceton4550]

Florida saw record number of tourists in the first quarter of 2023. Universal is packed, so it seems like people are avoiding Disney. This goes well beyond Disney World. Most of Disney’s movies released since Covid have lost money or barely turned a profit. Disney +, has never turned a profit and has lost subscribers for 2 straight quarters. Disney is failing on multiple levels for multiple reasons and politics is certainly part of it. We are going to Florida later this summer and we are only going to Universal.

[@Paulies-Hideout]

Less crowds are definitely appealing but my favorite times appear to be gone. Magical Express, manageable crowds, free fast pass where you grab a ticket from a ride you wanted and return at the appropriate time and of course, some good deals. Last time I went sealed the deal. Prices skyrocket, no magical express, it was crowded, fast passes are complicated and pricey, and constantly checking apps for ride availability. Just too much planning and monitoring than actual relaxation. Final days there we either chilled at Epcot or the resort

[@susanski5588]

I think people are finally realizing that cost of a trip is NOT worth going into debt! Until Disney makes it less expensive im not surprised there is less people. I also do t .ike how you have to constantly watch your phone to reserve rides, dining, etc.....What a Pain!

[@brianknowles3967]

Disney is less busy because of all the headache just to schedule the trip with admission costs, Genie +, blackout dates. Also the fact that their production studio have been pissing off certain groups of people with their casting choices. Especially with the new Snow White Live not casting people with dwarfism as the 7 dwarfs.

[@nrr9070]

Why is Disney waiting until 2024 to stop the park pass reservation? If anything they should do that now.

[@A-ro-2803]

I could definitely see them moving that date up.

[@lilmoney7825]

If you have the four day ticket you don’t need reservations.

[@nrr9070]

@@lilmoney7825 The 4 day ticket is only valid for certain dates according to the website. If your staying longer than 4 days and not going to the park on those dates than you make park reservations, which is an absolute nuisance.

[@nrr9070]

@@A-ro-2803 I really hope so. I am not a fan of the park reservations and restrictions for park hopping after 2pm.

[@KristySki]

​@nrr9070 they're available for use through September of this year. There are no blackout dates. And you have 7 days from the 1st day you use your tickets to use all 4 days.

[@randolphwilliams2365]

I loved the attractions that had huge capacity especially Horizons, World of Motion, etc. No stress fun. Waiting more than an hour or more for everything is not enough fun. Why not design everything with higher hourly capacity.

[@vaderladyl]

You cannot do that with a rollercoaster.

[@Drzhivago123]

We typically go to WDW every other year but I’m done with Disney for a while. Their parks have always been expensive but they continue to try and extract money from their guests at every turn. It’s a shame. Seeing what they did to Indiana Jones is the final straw.

[@FordGuy321]

Idrk, what did they do to Indiana jones?

[@ryanmillar3555]

What did they do to Jones?

[@natashastrasburg5668]

What did they do to Indiana Jones?

[@Caelgut]

What did they do to Indiana Jones? I went last September and it was same as I always remembered.

[@paulieprinceton4550]

@@FordGuy321probably a reference to the terrible new movie. They turned Jones into a sad, broken man which is a trend at Lucas Film. They also did it to Han Solo and Luke Skywalker.

[@wickedxj4677]

I just went back for the first time in nearly 20 years from July 14 - 17 and if these parks are considered empty then I can’t imagine how crowded they’ve been in years past. Magic kingdom was a nightmare. We ate two meals that day standing on our feet with no empty tables in sight. Epcot was almost as bad. Maybe it was just a fluke and everybody decided to go that weekend, but wow. Btw they need to easily triple the amount of park benches. Rides were almost the only way to sit down and rest my feet.

[@marsBWR]

Ya I don't understand this "parks are empty" narrative. Was there 2 weeks late July and it was packed. Everything. The parks, disney springs, resort pools. Empty would be not needing genie plus and walking on rides.

[@keithc8491]

We were there June 20th, which was a Tuesday, and I have never seen so much humanity packed in a space before. The wait line was consistently 45” or more, and genie plus was marginally helpful. Don’t think I have the will power to do WDW again.

[@bryanhalpin]

yea this video is very misleading

[@billyjs3]

Same!!!

[@amberdaniels8037]

Thanks for this. I was thinking of going again based on this video. I think I'll stick to Universal this year. I can't do the long waits with a 2 year old!

[@kitkatie0]

I found out I can literally pay to visit another country for the cost of one week in Disney. It's way too much. I'm a die hard Disney kid but I can't spend thousands on it anymore when the experience is not as grand as it used to be.

[@NoelleTakestheSky]

Diseyland Paris is where we go now. That one’s worth it!

[@jeltoninc.8542]

Get a therapist. Find out what happened to you at childhood to still be into Disney. You’re repressing a vital memory.

[@basementdwellers2231]

@@jeltoninc.8542 Are you okay?? Disney isn't just for kids LOL.

[@billfitz5493]

They made it so much more complicated than it used to be. I used to just show up and get in. I was in Epcot this past April. Now you need a reservation before you buy a ticket. That Genie Plus app took me days to figure out. And the entrance fee is ridiculous.

[@foxsden]

I so agree! I have ADHD ( with that i have memory problems) & i recently went with my mom and her friend who don’t speak english so I was completely responsible for helping them and I was so overwhelmed, i nearly had a panic attack and my anxiety was through the roof, i also had very bad experiences with staff where they were very rude to me for not knowing some arbitrary thing that we were suppose to do that was never explained to us. We’re close to orlando and have been to disney before but I wouldn’t even THINK of “vacationing” here again..

[@laurentracy6282]

My son and I are doing a trip to France, Switzerland, and Germany next Spring for much less than our last Disney vacation in December 2021. Frankly, I've done WDW enough times that I can take a break for a while and vacation around the world for less.

[@lesw3803]

A lot of us are turned off by all the hoops you need to jump throught to even plan the trip, not to mention all the electronic hassles required to ride some of the rides.

[@targy1]

Why do people keep saying the parks are empty? Our family was there for 7 days last week and the major rides had a 60+ minute stand by time. That definitely doesn’t scream empty to me.

[@Badaptation]

I would really love to take my family of four again, but it's just so darn expensive. As a Canadian, it means even a budget stay is at least $7000 (CAD) - and who wants to spend all the money on a trip and have to skimp the whole time on food and souvenirs? Or stress over navigating wait times with a preschooler. For that price, I could go to an inclusive resort and actually relax! 😅

[@rosalynschmidt1950]

Agreed. They haven’t offered the Canadian Residents discount in a long time.

[@geno5169]

Yes one park is $. 700 for family of 4. I know we went there last year. It’s a cheaper to go on cruise with all that food!

[@johnna16]

Agree 100%. Also Canadian. We took regular trips to Disneyland for 6 years while our kids were little, always doing budget stays and in 2015/16, we were able to pull them off for $3500 a trip. We went last year and the exact same budget trip cost us $6000.

[@juliebergeron1890]

@@geno5169we live in Canada and just got the 4 day pass for $99 US. A bit of a deal

[@kamloopscruiser874]

It’s not just the pass costs. 🇨🇦 Flights. The Canadian airline costs are far higher. I can get a pretty nice cruise from Vancouver- a 6 hour drive from home for about half the price. Even flying down is cheaper than flying to the States.

[@sdmagic]

Disneyworld, Universal in Florida, and Seaworld in Florida (down 25,000) are all experiencing fewer visitors. So, where's the beef? 1. Most folks say high prices. I agree incomes have not kept pace and folks aren't willing to spend the money like they used to. 2. Some folks say the confusing park reservation system, the confusing ride reservation system, the confusing dining options and reservation system, and all the work required to go to a place you're supposed to be having fun while avoiding work. I see their point. 3. Some folks say the weather -- Excessive heat. I'm on the fence on this one, but I grew up in Phoenix, so there's that. 2. Some folks say politics -- I totally agree with this one. There are a lot of folks that have decided to be trendy and hate Disney for being inclusive and won't go because of it. There are a lot of folks that won't go because Florida is a politically hateful state. The NAACP, the Human Rights Campaign, and the League of United Latin American Citizens have all issued travel advisory warnings for Florida. If you're not hetero, is your safety a concern of Florida, will Florida turn a blind eye to harm that befalls you, or will Florida, itself (police, EMTs, etc.) harm you? Some folks will avoid the area and go somewhere else. The Florida government has ruled that the driver's licenses from Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii and Vermont are invalid in the state. So, it's not inconceivable that folks from those states will be denied car rentals, hotel rooms, and other things you need to show an ID for. What happens if you get stopped for a traffic violation? Do you go to jail for an illegal right turn? Who is going to take the chance that their vacation is ruined? If you do go, is your flight home guaranteed? You need to show ID for that too. Going to Disneyland, Universal Hollywood, Seaworld San Diego, The Warner Bros Tour, San Diego Zoo, and a lot of other attractions looks better and better. There are also a lot of amusement parks scattered throughout the US. Lots of choices. A vacation to the Orlando Area including Disneyworld, Universal, and Seaworld was on my bucket list. It's off the list until Florida gets it's act together.

[@janett253]

I was an AP for over 20 years. I did not renew. I want the "OLD" Disney back. I don't care to go back anytime soon. Expense is part of it but mostly the way the Disney company does not care about guest satisfaction anymore. And their stock shows it. Greed took over and I don't want any part of it.

[@stephencooper2603]

They were ALWAYS greedy, but the past few years have become more and more blatant about it. The parks had to increase profits to make up for the losses from Disney+ and the pandemic. This was clearly coming, and one of the big reasons for Iger to come back and boot Chapek.

[@susan_elizabeth]

Disney's blatant and unapologetic money grab that we have seen over the past 2 years really left a bad taste in my mouth.

[@angela-ti1np]

Why should they apologize when people kept coming? That's how it goes when a business reaches peak success. Katz's Deli charges $25-$30 for a sandwich in NYC because they can, because that's what they have to charge to keep the quality up for a steady stream of customers every day.

[@hereinsert7636]

They have literally admitted they overcharged. Now they will suffer the consequences.

[@angela-ti1np]

@@hereinsert7636 Well they could have suffered the consequences a while ago if only people just stopped coming when the price hikes started. Disney never forced anyone to visit, at any price.

[@dalayneygirl8059]

We're paying a good $300-$400 more a month on higher gas costs, food costs, and heating/ air conditioning costs... inflation is taking up a huge chunk of our vacation/savings category.... and I am hearing that more than anything.

[@vaderladyl]

$400 bucks I don't t have to take my family of 4 to the parks any longer.

[@louisnk9914]

it's because they have priced out regular people in favour of those with deeper pockets , couple that with the recent bad attitude of cast members and you get less visitors . you can have an all inclusive cruise (including some disney cruises) at half the price of going to disney world . its also too much work to visit , you are always on your phone fighting for reservations and rides and it sucks out all the fun .

[@cmejia5922]

My husband and I have gone to Disney twice a year for over 30 years. We LOVE Disney!! We have taken grown children and their families. We have taken only the grandkids and we have gone by ourselves ALOT. No other vacation could even come close to the Disney experience. The food, hotels, and especially their customer service was second to none - it was a magical place - but not any more. Our last trip to Disney was in January 2022. The parks were filthy, rides kept breaking down, lines were crazy and so many people in the parks were rude and grumpy. Not to mention the politics - ugh. Disney was my happy place. I want magic and fun not politics and contention. I still feel the Disney pull every now and then, but we are done with Disney and are spending our money doing other fun things.

[@kencarp57]

The Magic Is Gone

[@jonathanhawks4676]

Politics? I was at WDW 3 weeks ago and didn't notice anything political.

[@Fireslingerpirate]

@@jonathanhawks4676 Wading into politics causing a highly publicized political fights with the FL government, pride stuff everywhere for June, pride stuff being added to movies. Every time you look at the news Disney is in it for some new nonsense in their fight with FL.

[@andreaking2238]

@@jonathanhawks4676You must not watch the news.

[@jonathanhawks4676]

@@Fireslingerpirate I find it very odd people think Pride items are political. I would also add that if you view yourself as a true conservative having the government trying to punish its own state biggest job creator seems at odds with what that party used to stand for. Seems like your political views are now causing you to dislike to Disney world which is pretty sad.

[@KeemieKEZ]

I was just there. Parks were PACKED. Sometimes I think these “stories” come up to drum up publicity and make people come.

[@CynthiaIvers]

Not worth the exorbitant prices anymore. Last time we visited WDW, I waited in 2-hour lines (early 2022) and only got to ride a few rides. Done - now I go to Universal Orlando. Love Harry Potter World!

[@cvn6555]

Disney just never adds enough rides when they build. Universal has rides everywhere, all over the parks. Disney made an error by locating Downtown Disney so far from MK. Universal placed theirs right outside the parks, like a gateway. It's concentrated and it's all right there. Single days are a lot better at Universal and they have the best water park.

[@kamaniaray]

@@cvn6555agreed. And the rides suck! I don’t want a WALKTHROUGH!! Kids and families going in the middle class are going with older kids. We are not seeing young families. That’s the truth. Bring thrills and develop….but how can they? Why develop where you are in legal issues? I get it. I miss the disney magic.

[@denisemcgilvrey3966]

I really wish I could find all the posts and comments over the past couple of years where people literally irately cursed me out for being foolish when I said this was coming. With every decision Disney kept making that was bad for guest experience (price increases, removal of magical express, involvement in social/political issues, paid parking at hotels, etc) I would make comments that people would get fed up and the economy would not support the continued demand. I can’t believe how irately people would respond at such common sense statements. And now, well, time has told.

[@angela-ti1np]

It was foolish of you not to realize lower demand is what Disney wanted. Prices would not have continued to go up and perks would not have continued to be taken away if people had not kept coming.

[@angela-ti1np]

@@maria7muro ??? You contradict yourself. Being packed to capacity every single day makes the park more expensive to man and maintain. It's not 'greed' to charge as much as people are still willing to pay. That's capitalism. Prices are based on supply and demand. Disney doesn't have enough supply to satisfy everyone's demands at a low price point.

[@oceanside88]

Involvement in politics was thanks to attacks by de sanctimonious 🤡

[@angela-ti1np]

@@maria7muro We do know for certain. Disney came right out and said that the price increases were part of their plan to regulate crowds. There are many articles out there on the topic. They're a business with investors, not a charity. Demand has exceeded their capacity for some time -their goal is to make more money off fewer visitors. You don't have to bite.

[@gregturismo4120]

@@angela-ti1npyeah, you’re right, that’s the same reason they’re making terrible movies. They want to keep the audience small to keep the theaters clean. Disney is making terrible decisions all the way around and they are losing billions. They used to be enjoyable but now they are so big they think they can give you whatever they want you to have and you’ll like it; not working. No disrespect but this video doesn’t come near to answering the question it asks.

[@Giovanni_Palladino]

In my opinion, I think Disney crowds are lower because of 3 things; 1) COVID "revenge" travel is done; 2) Price & 3) Politics.

[@nerdscornercollectibles7902]

This. Honestly, I think they’d make a bit more likely if they lowered park ticket prices because then people will buy MORE higher price souvenirs

[@natesandoval6917]

Spot on. People got it out of their system. And social issues are turning many people off. Also epic universe is coming

[@jonathanhawks4676]

I don't understand why you would or wouldn't take a trip to Disney based on politics.

[@Giovanni_Palladino]

@@jonathanhawks4676 Like it or not, Disney has taken a political side and regardless of which side you support, they will offend/anger at least 50% or more of the population causing the consumer to spend their money elsewhere.

[@Giovanni_Palladino]

@@nerdscornercollectibles7902 We're heading down in 8 days and we're lucky that we can afford to go, but it's getting to a point where the cost just isn't worth it. I had a conversation last year with a server in Space 220 (and Chapeck was sitting at the table two spots down from us) that Disney is pushing social inclusion while enacting financial exclusion. Besides the cost of hotels and tickets, a sitdown meal for a family of four is about $300, it's just not sustainable.

[@JS-ls6ky]

We just finished a vacation in Orlando. We opted out of Disney because it was cheaper to go to Sea World and ALL it’s affiliated parks (including food and drinks) than three single park passes at Disney. The Sea World pass included going to Busch Gardens Tampa, Discovery Cove (which was amazing), Sea World, and Aquatica (water park). Plus you can go back to the parks up to 12 days past your first visit. TLDR; Disney priced us out and we are now a SeaWorld Family.

[@missybelmont9830]

That knew stand up Rollercoaster at S.W. is sick...loved it!

[@eternal_napalm6442]

Discovery Cove IS amazing. Such a great day resort

[@Max2nice]

Went to discovery cove twice as a teen. Really amazing

[@Tzreoaor]

How dare you support sea world. You know nothing about how they treat “their” animals

[@Jus2Wise34]

No they are not empty. I was there two weeks ago. And the lines are still plenty longggg!!

[@meechibell9602]

As a native Floridian that lives 15 mins. from WDW and our family use to get APs annually, we saw how Disney's quality of food, service, merchandise were all going down while the prices on those things were going up (which is a reason that many like ourselves did start to leave parks to eat elsewhere with cheaper prices and better tasting food so that is Disney's fault and they started this back I'd say in 2014-15 so it was before the pandemic which they tried to blame a cheaper quality food due to pandemic... bologna!), so those were the first things that made us question getting APs. Then seeing how they were treating their cast members was another big turn off as we had a family member that use to be a CM. Then I'd say the cherry on top is when Disney began to complain about locals not spending money in the parks on meals (which a lot of that was due to outrageous pricing on quick service which tasted worse than ever) even though they know fully well that it's the locals that keep the money coming into the parks during down times and especially during the recession 2007-2010 which they even commented on back then thanking the locals, but sadly as soon as they no longer need us we become like the red headed stepchild. Not only are locals disgusted by the increasing prices, but Disney has also been changing the way the way WDW looks such as making Disney Springs more "fancy," and less theming at resorts, making it obvious to locals that along with increased pricing on everything they are definitely marketing WDW as the vacation spot for the wealthy and not for middle class America. Then on top of that the Genie app, along with park reservations, have made it a chore to go to parks instead of spontaneous fun for locals, so I think many like our family started spending their hard earned money and precious time at other places such as Universal and Busch Gardens that still seem to like their local guests and who also know they are an entertainment business and should stay out of politics as a company. Floridians don't care what your political view on a personal basis is, IMO we are friendly and tend to get along with others even with different views, you have to since we're a 50-50 state, but when you take an entire business, a family entertainment franchise like Disney, which has both Dems and Republicans working for it, that is suppose to be for all people, and it's founder was all about tolerance, but then you take a political stance as a company which goes against half the people that spend their money at your company, well it feels like a personal attack in a way and you feel like they don't like your kind or want it, so those Floridians are more inclined to find entertainment elsewhere to spend their money at places that don't seem to attack their own personal beliefs especially when things they are saying are not even true but lies the media made up and then they attached to them. It's crazy and bad business.

[@lauragb3677]

Based on our “scope it out” 4 day trip 2/22 at Polynesian Hotel…the Genie system , the LONG lines, reduced entrance times etc…we decided to take our family of 10 (grandkids and married kids) on a Royal Caribbean cruise instead. We knew our kids would be frustrated with the park experience for kids 2-7. We were really disappointed in our 4 day trip.

[@danieljustdaniel9550]

Look I live 20 mins from Disney and we hit the parks 2 to 3 times a week (including US ) and they are not empty. So days more than others but not empty.

[@georgepratt3721]

You have to wonder how many out of town guests are waiting till 2025 to be able to visit Epic Universe as well as Disney

[@LChatmanFL]

Excellent point! The IPs at Epic Universal are arguably more popular to a broader demographic than Disney properties right now. Plus... if you are planning on spending 5K or more, why not add EU days? What Disney is worried about is becoming the "add on" days. What does a parent do when their 8yr old says I want to go SNW and Minions, and the parent says... well, what about Mickey & Woody?

[@kencarp57]

For us, it will be ONLY Epic Universe in 2025! There's nothing at WDW that we haven't already done a dozen times, and we no longer have any kids at home.

[@kencarp57]

@@LChatmanFL 8-year-old: "WHO?"

[@danielhopeuk]

We are! From the UK & we’ll probably only be doing Universal. Nothings changed at Disney 🙊😆

[@Excalibur_86]

Im for sure waiting to visit universal in 2025/26

[@julianhernandez2328]

I used to work at WDW and have always been a huge fan. But it's too expensive now. My family is more focused on Six Flags and Busch Gardens these days. They're a fraction of the price. Disney is too expensive and too much work to manage. No interest in going anymore.

[@suzanneandersen7319]

It’s just too confusing and expensive to go to Disney, we used to go almost every year but no more as I don’t want to have my face in my phone all week either. Miss the old Disney.

[@shaunalarrabee2372]

We spent 8000 for a family of 4 for 10 days in Florida. It was an extremely well budgeted trip with park tickets and lots of savings hacks. 4-day Disney pass and 5 days at Universal, front row at Medieval times. We drove to Florida and packed our own food. Stayed in a budget airbnb. That being said, it was a one and done for us. We can go to better places for half the cost. Also, the economy is not great for us right now. Facing potential layoffs, housing shortages and inflation. As a parent, it was also an extreme amount of work to plan and pull all this off. Im going to actually relax on our next trip.

[@worldsgreatestdude1784]

Have you ever criticized the company over ANYTHING? You can thank Bob Iger himself. I don’t understand why people were excited for his return?

[@trailblazer14a]

Getting rid of the fast pass, charging separately for lightening lanes, charging an arm and a leg for genie plus, getting rid of later closing hours/extra magic hours, taking perks away from Disney hotels in Disney springs, making people reserve their first park, inability to park hop due to genie plus, not allowing to book genie plus on the same ride on the same day if available, not allowing multiple rides on the same day if your willing to pay ie letting people pay for Tron only once per day, maxing out genie plus rides (if I’m paying an extra $150 after paying for tickets and lightening lanes, I should be able to use genie plus from rope drop to close). It used to feel like a symbiotic relationship, Disney got my money and I felt good about it because I had a great experience. Did I still have fun, yes. Did I see cast member being rude, arguing? Yes. Did I feel like I got my money’s worth? No. So many broken /closed rides. Disney needs to get it together. Bob needs to go, new/good leadership is needed.

[@Alej3880]

Im an AP and I dont go often. It's just too expensive. From food to souvenirs, even with a discount. The overall experience just isnt the same. I also noticed an uptick in cast members being highly irritated. I feel for them, its tough.

[@janetswope5695]

We are retired teachers and on our retirement there’s no way we can afford to go to Disney anymore. What a shame!

[@Bakerboy1958]

Idk about that. Had an hour wait on a ride in the studios so not sure how empty it is.

[@amandaseppi6122]

I was just there this past week and it was amazing to be able to walk on most rides. If you rope dropped, I did almost every write a magic Kingdom and I was able to get last minute. Dinner is breakfast or lunch with reservations without a problem even space to twenty

[@amandaseppi6122]

We even booked another park and hotel day on the last day of our reservations plus we got dinner at the napoleon pizza place last minute as well, and it was a really decent time six o'clock without a problem, all parks had availability to.

[@amandaseppi6122]

I can attest an hour wait for tron...the other two though were 15 mins maybe if that! Really favor rise and gaurdians for this reason

[@amandaseppi6122]

Also with gaurdians the cast member was so nice, I go sick and had to leave so my husband rode and they said whenever I felt well enough to come back skip the line and we can both ride again 😢❤

[@UmmYeahOk]

Yeah, sorry, no. I just checked ride wait times. It’s noon on a Monday, and every park has at least one 2 hour wait ride, and several hour long waits. While there may not be a 3 hour waits any more, I don’t consider this to be slowing down, or empty. Two rides are virtual queue only still!

[@bryanhalpin]

very misleading video title. parks aren't empty.

[@willt.8645]

I'm at the airport leaving now. Always hated Disney but this past week was very slow and so I enjoyed myself.

[@briancoy297]

Can't be the fact I was able to fly to Europe for a week in Barcelona, then stay in Majorca for a few days while finishing it off with a week long cruise along the Mediterranean Sea all for less than the price for a family of 4 in Disney for a week.

[@ApErson-cm5pe]

Just got back 4 days ago. Definitely less crowded than I expected; by being a bit strategic with Genie+, we hardly waited in lines at all. The heat may have been to blame (who would have imagined July in Florida would be so hot :) ). BTW, the park reservation system makes a park hopper pass almost worthless: You can't hop before 2 PM, AND they wont accept a dinner reservation if you don't have a reservation for that park. I much preferred the old days when a park hopper pass meant you could roam freely from park to park.

[@NoelleTakestheSky]

See, a lot of people don’t want to have to work on vacation. Having to figure out strategies with apps isn’t fun for most people.

[@JavisVersion]

Can I ask what you mean by “they won’t accept a dinner reservation if you don’t have a reservation for that park?” Park passes are, for all but a few days a year, not difficult to obtain. They’re just a tool for Disney to better predict crowds and adjust its capacity accordingly.

[@ApErson-cm5pe]

@@JavisVersion Best to explain with an example: You want to eat dinner at Cinderella's castle at 5:00 PM. That reservation won't be accepted unless you reserve Magic Kingdom for that day, meaning that you can only enter the Magic Kingdom that morning, and can't hop to another park until 2:00 PM. At that time, you could "hop" to Epcot/Studios/Animal Kingdom, but why bother when you have to be back in the Magic Kingdom by 5 for dinner? If you dont care about dinner reservations, you can enter one park in the morning, and then hop elsewhere after 2. I ended up cancelling most of my pre-made dinner reservations, and just reserved dinner on the spot depending on which park we were in (BTW, it wasnt all that hard to get restaurant reservations, which also surprised me)

[@dianaasad9709]

Did you use the genie plus or did you just decide to wing it because it wasn't such a long wait without the app? I am still debating if I want to be stuck to my phone half of the day. Thanks for the input.

[@ApErson-cm5pe]

@@dianaasad9709 We did purchase it every day; without Genie+, you probably will wait for the most popular attractions. Best bet is to make the lightning lanes reservation (or whatever its called these days), and then "fill in" your time with attractions that have lower waits. BTW, I'm as old school as they come as far as hating having to work an app all day, but it actually isn't overly onerous to use.

[@timsoyer3840]

I just went there with my family. And regret it. They were at times obnoxious. For example, at lunchtime, we went to one of their restaurants where I watched as they filmed no less than 20 to 30 cups of soda ahead of time. With no lids. As I waited to order, I’m watching the Flyers landing on it. So, when they started giving my food, I politely asked if I could have a new one. And the person that was pouring, it started having a fit. But while all this was going on, I watched as the workers themselves would take fresh cups and not drink out of the fly infested ones. Another example. One of the people walking around sweeping gum wrappers was walking past us. And my wife asked him a question, and he ignored her. She thought maybe he didn’t hear her. So she has Tim three more times. And he proceeded to just walk past her like she wasn’t there. Over the course of the day. I also felt it was made very clear. Their priority was groups like LBGT not families. Joyed my visit to Florida. And Universal Studios. But never again will I be going to Disney World!

[@justincarey5067]

My wife and I were there in January for a runDisney event. We are going back in November for our last runDisney event. We have both decided to give Disney a break unless it's to travel out West to Disneyland. It's just gotten too expensive and there are other things we'd like to do with our discretionary income. I guess we are not alone.

[@daniellepatten6670]

We are going on an 8 day cruise for way less money over spring break. I have zero interest in paying thousands of dollars for Disney. It is sad because I went 1-2 times a year growing up, things have changed and not for the better.

[@YTAnalyzed]

Disney got too cocky in thinking everyone would pay any price, even if they lower the quality. Turns out, that hype is running out...

[@johnnyhan3170]

They just keep trying customers breaking points lol...

[@Gforu81]

I would not say it's empty Tron and guardians of the Galaxy sell out like everyday at 7:00 a.m.

[@littleyachty]

I just came back from a universal/disney trip and universal was way easier for visitors than disney was. My family enjoyed Universal much more than Disney. The drinking water was cleaner, we cold have a refillable cup for drinks, the food is MUCH better, the rides are more thrilling, and it's so much less expensive. Even our little one enjoyed Universal more than Disney.

[@SumNa340]

Agreed! I also prefer the people who are visiting and working at universal better 😬 Ive also seen fights at Disney and everyone is just happier at universal not all stressed

[@knobbynah]

My wife and I did both Disney and Universal in the past six months. Universal was/is WAAAAY better. At Disney we stayed at Pop Century and at Universal we stayed at Cabana Bay. Both are about the same cost wise I believe, but Cabana Bay was leaps and bound better than Pop Century. Way better food, costs, amenities, design...

[@littleyachty]

@@knobbynah We stayed at Cabana Bay too, great service and aesthetic

[@cvn6555]

And if you get the fast pass you hardly wait in lines at all.

[@MrKelvin2230]

Haha, not. I have both Anual passes for Universal and Disney, trust me Disney still far superior to any other park, Disney is superior in its events, services, cast membersl friendliness, its food, its park look. ect

[@alyxlv8828]

It’s cause it’s just so expensive to go, I see the prices for admission, AP, hotels, food, and merch. It’s crazy. It’s also so damn hot every single day

[@texmexfla]

High Prices? Frustration? Difficult Economic Times?

[@gloria-pk2pk]

I was very disappointed this year going. I don’t think or plan to go back to Disney and my kids felt the same way. This was probably our last trip. The magic just seemed gone.

[@kaf2559]

I was at Magic Kingdom yesterday, Hollywood Studios today and it was packed at both parks. People ARE coming to Disney World!

[@tkaki6029]

Prices, Florida in general, the heat, it’s a conglomeration of things.

[@birbluv9595]

I’m reading a lot of these comments and none of them so far are mentioning the no-go factor for me: having to fly to get there. I am older and go solo since my brother and friends are kind of done with the parks. I really hate flying even under the best circumstances and this summer is a nightmare, full of delays and cancellations and nights spent in airports hoping to get a little further to the destination.

[@triciagrant2315]

Plus, people are wackadoodles on flights now.

[@M星の水晶]

Apparently there are many plane companies that are understaff. which includes pilots. hense all these delays and cancelations. Not sure how true that is. It's an understandable cause, but not a forgivable for travelers and tourist spots, if it keeps continuing like this and making traveling not worth the hassle.

[@lindacalderon6417]

​@user-th1qo4cq9g well they forced their staff to get the clot shot

[@designdoctor247]

we r crusing now...from ports we can drive to...no no no flights....it is tooooo stressful for us...we totally agree w u!!!

[@basementdwellers2231]

Then drive?

[@lenaapple1974]

you say empty this summer..lol...meanwhile this week was CRAZY. The weekend of the fourth was not busy. I just think it was b/c a lot of passes were blocked out, and that the holiday had a work day in between the weekend and the holiday. Not to worry! Crazy disney is back!

[@debbabe2254]

Universal Studios Orlando is also experiencing lower than usual summer crowds. Busch Gardens as well. I wonder why people don't want to visit Florida? 🤔 Disneyland in Anaheim, CA is not experiencing lower than usual summer crowds.

[@GemmaFatFrocks]

U.K. visitors used to get great deals with free dining. What I paid in 2019 for 14 days moderate resort with free dining will now only get me 10 days in budget accommodation and no dining. I’m also hesitant to visit a state where lgbt family members could be refused medical treatment if there is an accident/emergency.

[@Chodaboy65]

Wife and I went twice a year or more with season passes. Haven't been back since Dec 2019. They're using the park to bolster their huge losses on movies, streaming and the starcruiser. No value for what Disney is offering for the price anymore. Raise prices, cut perks. We're switching to Universal vacations until Disney figures it out.

[@jennadar6517]

While the thoughtful reasons you listed are secondary factors, it is mostly people boycotting FL due to the new policies of the state gov't against minorities, and the worldwide inflation removing most families' spending money.

[@yourfriendtuna]

1. Pricing 2. It's complicated to plan a trip for those who don't live in the area. A lot of us have to fly in, rent cars, hotels, etc. 3. The middle class no longer exists, everyone is having to pay higher prices for every day life now and are unable to travel as often, if at all. 4. Disney seems to have lost some of the "magic" with it's new experiences/ride ideas. Tron was a big let down for us.

[@knobbynah]

Totally. The constant jamming of IP down our throats is just boring. Sure the rides are technically advanced, but none of the new rides have imagination. They are just commercials for their dull movies.

[@geno5169]

My wife and I rented a house to try to save $$. It wasn’t enough

[@romeoslover817]

Number 4 rings true to me. I have not been WDW, but I went to Disneyland in 2018. Not impressed. Maybe because I am unfamiliar with the latest movies., or maybe, I have just grown out of it.

[@WakeUpBuildUpLevelUp]

Forget Disney. Many great amusement parks in this country as well like Six Flags and other local amusement parks

[@Gamble661]

We used to love Disney World, even after the kids grew up my wife and I still went...a lot. After our last few trips we're much less eager to return. They charge you for everything these days except the air that you breath, and if they could figure out how to do that I'm sure they would. And after charging someone $100+ for a one day pass they have a hell of a nerve hitting you up $5 for a bottle of water. It's a bit difficult to feel that "Disney magic" when you feel like you're pocket is being picked at every turn. And the last few times we went the parks were indeed overcrowded, to the point that it just wasn't fun. Added to that is the changes they've made to many rides that we used to love, sometimes in the name of progress and sometimes for other reasons. Which brings me to the final reason; I'm having a hard time giving Disney my hard earned money these days after watching them trying to shove their ideology down our throats with their movies and series, what they've done to Indiana Jones is a great example. I don't care what their ideology is, they're entitled to it, as we all are, but keep it to yourself, you're job is to entertain us, all of us, not shove your beliefs down our throats. Add it all up and I think my wife and I are done with Disney, maybe not forever, maybe indeed forever. Time will tell.

[@mausvr7752]

On my last trip last month we left early and I won’t go back this summer for one reason: THE HEAT

[@beccac6812]

People can’t afford it. I am a nurse and I make a decent salary, I go to Disney most summers with my nieces but this summer I could not justify it with the cost of everything, no raises or bonuses at work: it’s getting too expensive to be middle class now

[@tummis04]

I was there over 4th of July, and can confirm it was pretty dead -- at least compared to the same time of year in 2021. We did Animal Kingdom on the 4th and waited in virtually no lines. Less than 20 minutes for Flight of Passage!! Super easy to get virtual queue for Tron, and two days of Guardians!

[@charlesphillips4095]

We used to go every year but with constant price increases and taking away things that used to be free it’s simply not worth it to me anymore. We’re going to Universal this year instead.

[@itsadrivibes]

I hope you enjoy your trip!

[@arielperez3613]

A lot of families got priced out of the park. Since 2020, prices have increased like crazy!

[@johnnyhan3170]

I simply feel a family Disney trip can easily cost over $5k for 4-6 days, which doesn't worth it at all. Sometimes I feel like even if I have that much money, going on a Disney trip might not be a wise decision, not to mention that I don't have that much money. Some IG comments (a lot) say they hope Disney can rise the price more so that ghetto like me can never go to Disney and so the rich can benefit from the lower crowd. I guess they won🤣🤣, middle class like me can't afford it anymore.

[@legendaryTMNICO]

I’ll save 5K for a trip to Budapest before I go to disneyworld.

[@allisongreen5855]

Yeah we are leaning toward Universal Studios and then picking one park to go to at Disney

[@kellynorvell5714]

Sometimes lowering prices brings in people who give challenges/trouble to innocent customers (rowdy young people, theives, drug addicts, etc.)

[@shareepeplinski8028]

I was soooo disappointed by TRON!!! The wait is insane for such a short ride!! We luckily got to do rider swap so my parents had the hour wait (with the VQ) and we only had like a 30 minute wait (ride went down while we were in line) but imo it ends way too soon!

[@randomscb-40charger78]

You shouldn't be that surprised with Lightcycle Run, it's just a copy of the one at Shanghai Disneyland.

[@millionairecheatcode7523]

All of their movies are also tanking at the box office.

[@sashafrodo]

What are you talking about? I go weekly, and it's pretty busy as far as I am concerned. It's still difficult to get certain dining reservations too. More park reservation availability exists because Disney doesn't have to limit the crowds like they did before. And I just came in from Typhoon Lagoon where people stood in the wave pool shoulder to shoulder, knocking into each other in what looked pretty dangerous.

[@dixiech1ck]

Empty? Quite the contrary. It's been crazy busy.