Why Is Disney World's 50th So Underwhelming?

[@CinnamonGrrlErin1]

Pandemic aside, my impression is that someone in upper management really genuinely hates the nostalgic factor of Disney, which is really sad, because that's basically the core of the entire company. So when you have people who only believe in "out with the old, in with the new," of course they're only going to the bare minimum for an anniversary celebration. They don't want people to focus on their predecessors accomplishments, that's why so many shows and movies get canceled when there's a shift in management. They only want their projects to go through and for their names to be praised.

[@TheGreyTurtleEntertainment]

Did you mean Bob Chapek? I've heard he had issues with Iger taking credit for theme park decisions he was involved in.

[@CinnamonGrrlErin1]

@@TheGreyTurtleEntertainment I'm more inclined to think Iger, considering what he let Kathleen Kennedy do to Star Wars, but I also think that's just the overall attitude of upper Disney management in general.

[@MCOlangotang]

They like to use the whole "Disneyland will never be completed" quote to justify change, omitting the part that says "Disneyland will be a MUSEUM of facts".

[@Nojintt]

Saying "pandemic aside" is like saying "cataclysmic meteor aside." The pandemic has 99% to do with the lackluster celebration. California wasn't even open at the time, and Disney World had reduced capacity, with a world that was largely focused on millions of funerals rather than vacations. This video mentioned the pandemic but not nearly enough. It's disingenuous.

[@TheGreyTurtleEntertainment]

@@CinnamonGrrlErin1 Iger for sure was a problem, but Chapek cut the character interactions down to basic meet and greets and photo ops almost a decade ago. No more characters trapsing around making the day magical, just get in line, get a photo, get a photo pass to pay with later, move along, etc. Chapek was in command but irger got the credit for the good decisions.

[@BlueSky-i2u8i]

Also funny thing is Ratatouille was supposed to open Spring 2020 and Harmonious was supposed to debut probably a year before the 50th, neither were initially part of the celebration.

[@nerdalysis]

I would rather have the birthday cake castle back than this sad excuse for a 50th anniversary. It all just feels like a major cash grab that detracts so much from the magic. The objective of this anniversary is made very clear: rake in the cash by selling limited edition stuff and having people fight over it. No respect for the history of the park or people.

[@lancasterblvd2010]

Remember what happened in 1996 when they did that it was an eyesore to people and people have to cancel their weddings and proposals or move it to somewhere else

[@andrewcraig5689]

I was never a fan of the cake castle for WDW's 25th, also I believe with the current projections on the castle during the night show, that cake castle wouldn't work. They did actually put on a much bigger celebration during their 25th Remember the Magic anniversary then they are now and actually focused on the guests and their history. I remember they gave all park guests stickers to wear that had the first year you had gone to WDW on it. Even during EPCOT for the millennium celebration they did the Leave a Legacy guest photo walls.

[@lancasterblvd2010]

@@andrewcraig5689 thank you I respect your opinion

[@kevincallahan8051]

and then months later, they put the limited merch back on the shelves,after saying it was "limited". LOL

[@Attmay]

@@andrewcraig5689 I wasn’t crazy about it, either, but in hindsight it is symbolic of how much of the 90s was spent under the influence of high fructose corn syrup.

[@jacobsekela8691]

Covid + Bob Chapek. Simple as that.

[@darrellaicrag3674]

Iger had a heavy hand lets not forget his role

[@paf268]

And people that keep going even though it sucks

[@AXander1978]

the 50th rumors started when Iger was still there. It was being planned and designed under Iger,...

[@glenpreece]

My thoughts exactly!!

[@patrickdaly5988]

@@darrellaicrag3674 Exactly. We’ve had over 20 years of cuts and up charges now. It’s just more noticeable now as they’re cutting into bone now. The current management is a reflection of what Iger installed during his tenure.

[@tinomacchia5410]

My band had the fortune of performing at Disneyland on July 17th, 2005, the actual 50th anniversary and I still cherish the gold trading pin that employees were given for working that day. It was magical, to say the least. I am beyond saddened that WDW hasn't delivered what it should during their 50th. Chapek needs to go and people need to vote with their wallets. We, the true Disney fans, feel betrayed. We realize that Disney is first and foremost a business and that they owe us nothing, but we are the ones who can dictate their course with our collective voices. Let's stop accepting mediocrity and hold them to the same high standards to which they themselves did!!!

[@dlfendel2844]

With respect, Tino, what they owe us AS a business is HIGH quality and EXCELLENT service, both from their history of providing those AND the prices they now charge for mediocrity. Businesses owe their customers satisfaction, and when people who experience the "now" of WDW are planning future vacations and thinking about going back, a whole lot are going to say "Let's try something else this time."

[@gracielou-pickle5151]

If people are willing to wait 7 hours in line for a stupid popcorn bucket, there's no hope for change from this company.

[@tinomacchia5410]

@@dlfendel2844 I agree but no business owes the patrons a thing; we, the users of their products should choose to reward businesses that offer a good value and disregard the ones that don't. You can't dictate quality, water finds its own level. We just need to stop buying everything Disney sells blindly otherwise they'll never learn.

[@lindatannock]

@@tinomacchia5410 if you went to a restaurant that charged a fortune and promised Michelin star food, and it was nothing more than mediocre, would you go back again? I doubt it! I just can't understand how grown adults put up with it, and literally throw money at that company, when they're being ripped-off ay every cut and turn. I found Disney World to be miserable. You spend most of your day standing in queues, and then get charged a ridiculous amount for even a bottle of water. Adults will literally push a child out the way so they can be at the front for the parade/show. I found their behaviour appalling. I'll stick to Universal and Busch, where I know I can have fun without being ripped-off at every cut and turn!

[@christyleduc6132]

They gave all gold pins for working the 50th anniversary day? They didn’t at Walt Disney World

[@ScottAtwood]

I was fortunate enough to visit Disneyland for the 60th, and I just visited WDW for the 50th, and the difference couldn’t be starker. WDW’s 50th celebration was extremely underwhelming, and seemed to be more about pushing iridescent desserts and merchandise than about celebrating the legacy of the resort.

[@JonathanGaeta]

I’m wondering on how Disneyland’s 70th anniversary will play out if Bob Chapek will still be in position

[@dkraus15]

If Disneyland's 50th was a "thank you" to it's guests, WDW's 50th is a "you're welcome."

[@JustinCoasters]

... That'll be $250.00

[@thewalkingdad68]

If Disneyland's 50th was a "thank you" to it's guests, Wdw's 50th is a "fuck you"... that'll be $250.00 dollars. I think this is a more accurate statement. Disney is a joke. They don't know how absurd they have become. Don't think I'll live to see them wipe the parks to the ground, but I was there when Wdw opened. Lots of great memories there, it's just a shame I'll never set foot on property ever again. Idk, with all the overpricing, the constant failing of ride systems and infrastructure, over charging for food and not to mention the fact that they track you everywhere you go on their property. Just doesn't seem so appealing when you look at it with real world sensibilities does it?

[@ryansalter2325]

WDW: "What can I say except You're Welcome!"

[@torieodain]

@@thewalkingdad68 Came here to say exactly this lol

[@autumn-vl5ez]

yeah, gotta thank them for shit traffic

[@EmilyDiCaprio17channel]

I was at WDW in 2005 and it was so magical. Now I have no desire to return anytime soon and I don’t know if it will ever be the same again

[@JordiLA]

Me too! visited in 2006 it was an awesome travel!! but now.. just looking the ticket prices, genieplus and the crowds.. I think is better to see again all my WDW old videos and make a short visit in october to my nearest Disneyland Paris.

[@Lil_Angry_Bitch]

Why waste your time and money at WDW when Universal is down the street?

[@JordiLA]

@@Lil_Angry_Bitch Because in 2006 the WDW resort was amazing, big, with only a bit expensive prices and when I was a child it was a dream to visit the USA theme parks (visited 2 times in 45 years because Its too much money for me from Spain) Maybe I will visit Florida one last time, but Epic universe is a must. In 2006 I visit too Universal because are near and I was shocked how good it was! Spiderman, Hulk and the Mummy amazed me. But the truth is (for me) expedition everest, test track, tower of terror was a bit better at the moment. Today with the latest adittions on Universal, disney falls behind.. * In my opinion of couse..

[@Lil_Angry_Bitch]

@@JordiLA It's not 2006 anymore regardless of your opinion. It's 2022. Get with the times. Disney sucks now. It's all about Universal.

[@gissneric]

@@Lil_Angry_Bitch You have always hated Disney yet I always see you in every Disney related videos talking crap. If you love Universal then go ahead but let others decided where they like to go. It's their money not yours

[@rach5516]

The loss of pixie dust started when they took away the nighttime parade at MK. Bit by bit they have chipped away until all you have really, is a money making corporation. We just cancelled my 50th birthday trip for March, its just not worth the cost coming from the UK.

[@marcomotroni]

Go to Universal Studios instead if you haven’t been already!

[@rach5516]

@@marcomotroni I have before, it was a while ago. It was brilliant. I think we will book again once they have opened all the new rides and see if things have improved generally. A night time parade is needed too.

[@jonathanbishopmusic]

A non-Disney trip to Orlando is definitely worth a visit. As an Orlando resident I can tell you there's practically an endless amount of vacation-worthy stuff to see and do here without ever setting foot in the mouse territory. SeaWorld has 3 parks (5 if you include Busch Gardens Tampa) and Universal has 3, then there's the Kennedy Space Center, several smaller parks, International Drive, Old Town, downtown Orlando, Winter Park, Cocoa Beach... We've got pretty much anything you could want in a vacation, except maybe a ski resort haha (though we do have a snow park!)

[@mollyoirsghois]

@@jonathanbishopmusic please don't support SeaWorld, their treatment of animals is disgusting

[@jonathanbishopmusic]

@@mollyoirsghois That's a common misbelief, but SeaWorld actually does a lot of work for animal rescue and rehabilitation and is well respected by the scientific community as well as many animal conservation organizations, including the Humane Society. They've also earned top ratings and accreditations from a myriad of zoological boards who inspect their treatment of animals, and they partner with marine biologists to contribute to important research that is saving animals in the wild. Moreover, they ended their orca program six years ago and the parks are now focused purely on education and rides.

[@whatsup5446]

Disneyland’s 50th was so memorable with the spectacular fireworks show, whereas Disneyworld’s 50th on October 1, 2020 was a huge disappointment for those who were there inside the Magic Kingdom.

[@rangers94ism]

Really? I went this past October. Was I supposed to hate it?

[@Katesaprincess]

@@rangers94ism no it was good! It just wasn’t specific to the 50th

[@kevincallahan8051]

@@Katesaprincess Perfectly said!

[@chibicheeks78]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who is underwhelmed by their 50th anniversary shenanigans. Disneyland's 50th anniversary was an incredible experience. I'll never forget it

[@msherd130]

I visited the parks in late October in honestly it really didn't feel like there was any sort of celebration or anything happening. Like you'd run across one of the gold statues and be like oh right I forgot the 50th was thing. Especially in Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios where Disney barely did anything for the 50th at all.

[@pap64]

I think the anniversary is more focused on merchandise than on anything substantial. Yeah I get it the pandemic and all that, but Disney has been operating to near pre pandemic status since the summer of 2021. Also, while Disney was shut down they didn't do anything to get stuff done whereas Universal managed to get a brand new E Ticker rollercoaster running by last summer, and have been hard at work with Epic Universe which WILL be Disney's biggest competition to date. You know something is up when Disney+ day had a lot more hurrah and bravado at the parks than the 50th itself. No really they spent the whole day saying how Disney+ was awesome right down to rare character sightings and events whereas the 50th itself was an afterthought. And I SO agree about the new shows being ads for Disney+ rather than new offerings that celebrate the 50th. Enchantment is an EMBARRASSMENT of a show that replaced what was arguably one of Disney's finest fireworks show on Happily Ever After. This whole celebration can be summed up in one word; RUSHED.

[@kevincallahan8051]

THIS

[@mavricksone]

Little to no improvement in the past few years, tickets skyrocketing in price, taking all the so-called "perks" away or turning those perks into an added fee, plastering every newly acquired IP in every corner of the parks, creating a tiered experience within the parks, chasing away the typical "middle-class Disney parkgoers" and by that I mean those that save money for a trip every other year. The list goes on. Pandemic aside, I think Disney just plain sucks. It's ridiculously out of touch and you get a lesser experience as years go by. Disney is a company and like every company they are looking to grow and expend profit margins, but they're just doing it in a bad way. At this point the Disney parks are made for the Disney apologists, those that go to Disney every other week and are willing to pay for a downgraded experience and will disregard any and every argument by saying "oh if you don't like it/can't afford it, just don't go!!!1!".

[@RealWaltDisney]

Incredible greed on the part of the Board of Directors seeing any little “update” as an improvement on the Parks, appointing spineless executives who agree with the board, and a false sense of security like a funnel action for Star Cruiser reservation in March through August.

[@adrianna5378]

I always hear that Einser kind of messed things ups for Disney but as a kid when he was in charge he did a really good job of hyping new Disney projects up. There were always specials on how rides were designed and created also behind the scenes stuff. Everything just felt more magical and exciting . I miss that.

[@darkinddreamer]

Oh yeah, the difference is Einser "messed things up" by OVERSPENDING on super trendy half thought out ideas. So for those of us that went to DIsney during his tenure had plenty of new shiny things to see and do. Chapek on the other hand messed things up by being a cheapskate, who focuses solely on what will trend on the internet. So he care little about the small details, and things guests might take for granted, yet tell a larger story that will TOUCH them once they look back at their day. Instead, it's merchandise, funky desserts, and statues to chase down like pokemon. AT the end of the day those things feel CHEAP.. because they are.

[@sdboutet]

As usual, WDW is being treated like a middle child. No respect for its legacy, or the guests from the last 50 years that call the east coast Disney parks, their home. As the current "celebration" feels like a slap in the face, I almost think it would've been better had the company just ignored it. We would have forgotten about the "slight" by now, but instead are reminded on a daily basis how (to use your word) lackluster, it really is. As a guest who has been visiting since I was 12 years old back in '73, I was beyond disappointed in the offerings on Oct 1, 2021. Disney can certainly talk the talk, but they've forgotten how to walk the walk.

[@stevemccormick6908]

Yup,I'm a dland guy but we visit wdw alot! What they did to wdw for the 50th was rough.

[@EspenSGX]

Disneyland Paris from under the stairs: "At least you are getting new additional rides!"

[@alexanderhall8392]

@@EspenSGX One of those "new" attractions is a clone of an attraction at Disneyland Paris (Ratatouille). The other (Guardians of the Galaxy) frankly, in my opinion, doesn't belong at EPCOT as, to me, it doesn't seem to fit with what is supposed to be the actual theme of the park. Guardians of the Galaxy seems like an attraction better suited for Hollywood Studios. And according to the video, both parks at Disneyland Paris are supposedly getting new attractions to celebrate the resort's 30th anniversary.

[@EspenSGX]

@@alexanderhall8392 What I wouldn't give for a bunch of copy pastes at DLP at this point. Soarin'? Yes, please! Ride of Passage? Heck yeah! The American parks get new rides rather constantly. DLP now gets new rides, but only at Walt Disney Studios, and they aren't additional rides. The Iron Man coaster is a refurbed Rock 'n' Rollercoaster, the Spider-Man ride replaces Armageddon. Only when Frozen opens in 2024 (hopefully) will the whole resort get one new additional ride. In the mean time you guys in America will already have at least one new addition in the Moana EPCOT area, not to mention what OLC is doing in Tokyo with Fantasy Springs.

[@Dutchduck1977]

@@EspenSGX You are so right. I haven't visited DLP for 13 years now and if I'd go back, the only new thing there would be Ratatouille, which has received very underwhelming reviews and the age old Mickey's Philharmagic, I've seen also that long ago in WDW and DL. I don't care for Avengers and will sit out this draught. But hey, Disney, finally step up your game for all the money you're charging. DLP would cost me DOUBLE the price I paid the last time I visited. I would be VERY surprised if the announced Frozen land, lake, Star Wars etc would be build by 2030 in Paris. Not to mention there seem to be no intention for building anything new in the castle park.

[@flaco171ac]

First time I went to WDW was in 1988 during Mickey's 60th Birthday. That was special. Special shows, land, celebration. It felt special (I was only 11 so of course it did). But looking back I remember so much of it. I went to WDW for it's 50th in October and it just fell a little flat and nothing very memorable.

[@TjSamson]

I'm here to say that even the upcoming 30th Anniversary of Disneyland Paris feels way more than WDW's 50th. Even the 25th Anniversary Grand Celebration of Disneyland Paris despite being done for one day exclusively blew the entire WDW's 50th Anniversary.

[@kettd007]

I've heard DLP's 30th is nothing to brag about, even less than WDW 50th. I remember WDW's past celebrations were awesome, the Tencennial and 25th. Now, at least the MK has been refurbed throughout the park, it's like a new park. i'm hoping the new night time parade, that they planned for the 50th. comes someday. It's all about new leadership in the company and their vision.

[@TjSamson]

@@kettd007 Nah, they got a new castle show with dedicating the 30th with 30 Disney characters represented with the show and more. The show called Dream..and Shine Brighter. They will also have Gardens of Wonder (sculptures with different take of 30 Disney characters) which is definently a much better take on the Fab 50 Golden Statues. The new drone show Disney D Light will also dedicate the 30th Anniversary. You know the difference between those announced show for the 30th and the current 50th of WDW that's running now? It actually celebrates abd honors the anniversary. Paris even got a new hybrid daytime/nighttime christmas parade just last November 2021 and that parade alone had much more dancers featured than any WDW is running right now. WDW right now is just a huge shopping center for merchandise which is very clear what the 50th is all about.

[@onehorseopensleigh]

DL’s 50th anniversary was planned under Eisner, well before Bob Iger became CEO; likewise, WDW’s 50th events date to the years in which Chapek was VP of Parks/Resorts/Merch and Iger was CEO. We’re seeing the culmination of changes made from 2005-2021. DL’s 50th also came on the heels of the Save Disney movement. The company had to get it right. Now they have an army of lifestylers that will defend every upcharge and cutback, and the company doesn’t need to try hard as long as they make shiny Instagram-able desserts.

[@tobiashoyden2644]

Brilliantly put

[@Michelle_B.]

Bob Iger left right before the pandemic started in March 2020 so, what we are seeing is how Chapek values profits of sales on tickets and merchandise, over crowd involvement, or firework spectacular like how DL 50th was.

[@JonathanGaeta]

We’ll try to do the same thing again hopefully before the 70th anniversary of Disneyland

[@itzjoshh93]

Disneyland’s 50th celebration was all about the nostalgia that made it so amazing! I feel like WDW caters to more first time visitors rather than regular visitors. So for them to have a nostalgic celebration wouldn’t make sense to guests that don’t have that emotional connection as someone who went all the time. Regardless, WDW could have done SO much more with their 50th anniversary. Such a missed opportunity.

[@TheGreyTurtleEntertainment]

I mean that cake at the 25th kinda scared them XD

[@stevemccormick6908]

The amount of people that would have made wdw 50th trips should have been massive! But there was no nostalgia for it! Look at wdws 25th anniversary the pepto bismol castle, they nailed their 25th!

[@TheGreyTurtleEntertainment]

@@stevemccormick6908 yes. There's weirdly nostalgia for what at the time, was considered awful.

[@michaeljabronis7271]

You have a great point, if I'm going to Disney and I don't live in California, I'm going to Florida for my visit. Wdw definitely caters to new comers than regulars.

[@jonnym4670]

@@stevemccormick6908 i was there in july that place was a nightmare of crowds and was sold out months in advance WDW was so disappointing i wish I went to Disneyland it was much better

[@AustinTexasDaddyBear]

Its completely lackluster. After spending so much time at Disneyland for the 60th Diamond Celebration, WDWs 50th is boring. GotG: Cosmic Rewind is the only thing im excited for, but mainly because its brand new. Ive ridden Ratatouille in Paris multiple times and always felt it was lackluster, and Tron is a amazing coaster, but ive done it when I went to Shanghai. While I admit im lucky to get to see all the parks around the world, and most dont, still, its just not very exciting to go to the 50th when really the only new thing is a ride which still isn't open, two night time shows which are quite boring, and a bunch of overpriced merchandise that is never available due to people buying it all up instantly then reselling it on eBay for a huge mark up.

[@freemanwithoutthephd639]

Okay but what is this background music with mashups of ride/movie themes because I love it 10:37

[@grouchomarcus]

You were correct in stating in comparing the anniversaries that it was a reflection of the incoming CEO. Iger was interested in increasing the fan base by including the purchases of Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and encourage regular visitors back. Chapek is only interested in getting once in a lifetime guests, draining their wallets, and doing the absolute minimum, just like former Disneyland president Paul Pressler. The elimination of the Magical Express is a godsend to Universal. More people will be staying offsite and start exploring their parks. Universal is capitalizing by adding a third gate and their onsite resorts now have more perks than Disney’s. I’m not saying Universal will overtake Disney but Chapek is doing everything he can to help them.

[@Dutchduck1977]

Currently I am more excited about the Velocicoaster and what Epic Universe will bring than what the reaction of WDW will be ...

[@Ronaldl2350]

The current management has lost the vision that Walt Disney had for his parks.

[@Emplordxiii]

Walt was only alive for 1 park(Nara Dreamland could’ve been the second if the licensing deal went through). While Walt was alive, the priority of WDW was EPCOT(MK was just an afterthought and was just there to please the Florida government).

[@jonnym4670]

they want WDW to be stores and parking lots

[@princessriley3335]

That’s 100% and middle management are shitty to the employees. They’re also blind. They hire a lot of people from the internship program and just blindly trust these youngins for management and they don’t see people.

[@themusicmanmn]

We went to WDW in Florida the second week in December for the 50th. I don’t think it has too much to do that I’m older and I notice things when compared to when I was a kid but there were so many things my family and I noticed. The cast members seemed tired and annoyed. I’m sure they’re ready for this pandemic to be over just like everyone else but their discontent really showed. Disney is really nickel and diming their guests. Unrealistic prices and getting rid of anything complimentary or free; like the fast pass. There was trash in the waterways and ponds. Ten years ago, there was NO WAY that would’ve been allowed. Half of Epcot was under construction and they didn’t do too well of a job redirecting visitors. Overall, I’ll still go back but I think they need to rediscover their identity

[@nerdcredcosplay]

I have multiple friends who work at WDW - just like you mentioned, they're nickel and diming guests. They're ALSO shorting staff. They haven't hirred back the same number that they let go at the beginning of covid, they're expecting the employees they DO have to do more work, and management has been entirely shit to employees. WDW really needs an overhaul. Executives are just chasing money, and the regular employees, and guests, are being shit upon

[@DisneyMarkUK]

WDW’s 50th is just a way to sell merchandise in my opinion.

[@chheinrich8486]

The reason it was so lackluster is because disney as a whole has some serious problems with everything from marvel to star wars being in big trouble

[@mavricksone]

I think they're milking these IPs dry in the most predictable way. Sure a boundary-pushing and revolutionary Star Wars or Avatar rides are great, but I think that what actually drew people to Disney were the original rides. Disney is just getting very stale in my humble opinion.

[@Nojintt]

Stop trying to dump on Disney because you think it's cool. I have criticisms towards Disney, but it's clear that 2020/2021 issues are COVID related. Star Wars movies sucked recently, but that's nothing new (see episodes 1-3). Meanwhile the shows (specifically Mandalorian) are doing well. Marvel movies and shows are doing fantastic overall for profits. I'm assuming you hate the liberal stuff Disney is doing so you're jumping on the "Disney is dying!" bandwagon. If that's the case, you're wrong. They're doing fine as far as profit goes, no matter what their agenda. That being said, I believe they should invest more in their parks to keep them up to date, and keep the pace with Universal's expansions.

[@jonnym4670]

@@Nojintt dude you got to pay for FastPass now and fees for everything else ticket prices have skyrocketed they have more stores than anything its not the same Disney quality its like in the early 90's when it was starting to fall a part with only greed left before they made a comeback hopefully they will learn they are killing there brand again and turn it around

[@Nojintt]

@@jonnym4670 Paying for Fast pass and other greedy steps are valid criticisms, but that has nothing to do with the quality of their TV shows, movies, or theme parks. Focusing specifically on the parks... Rise of the Resistance is hands down one of the best rides ever created (possibly the best). Galaxy's Edge and Pandora, while they were over hyped and under delivered, are still top tier theme park experiences. Look I love Universal... I've been to UOR hundreds of times more than Disney. Hagrids and Velocicoaster are my favorite coasters, and Universal has other amazing lands, rides, and events. But Universal is not free of the same criticism that we throw at Disney. Universal was the first to charge for fast pass (they charge a larger blanket price for an all day pass, and have done that for years). They also put a paywall on experiencing the interactive features at Super Nintendo World ($30 band) and The Wizarding World ($69 interactive wand), with more paywall experiences to come. They're cutting features from annual passes instead of adding them... Yes Universal is guilty too.

[@cantafordcollege4672]

@@Nojintt islands of adventure doesn't have a paywall for wizard world?

[@IUmusicBoi]

I live across the street in Celebration…I don’t enjoy going to the parks now even with a 5 minute drive…The parks are now only about nickel and dimeing guests…I take my business up the road to Universal. …thanks Bob Paycheck 🙄

[@SebTH1Games]

My thoughts.. WDW"s 50th, vs DL's 50th DL's had so much love put into it, I vividly remember as a kid experiencing the happiest celebration on earth, they felt like actual full celebrations at the time, and I celebrated it AT Walt Disney World, I LOVED it WDW's 50th however.. I went in november 2021, and uh sad. just sad. I understand the pandemic took a hit on Disney, and the world at large, but it feels so.. barren for a celebration. but what you said at 5:49 THIS HITS SO HARD it really does feel like a Disney+ advertisement more than a Disney World celebration. Disney Enchantment's replacement over Happily Ever After is what really rang that "were not gonna try" bell, cause I legitimately feel its worse, significantly worse than HEA, just with an extra set of Main Street Projections. the song is FINE, but HEA had this.. emotional heart that hit more, where Enchantment feels more hollow and slimmed for cost reduction. Harmonious is 'fine' but I think the gimmick could be worked on better, I still prefer illuminations. That said, yeah, the fact that they've gone "look, its all about the merch this time" and less about the park and its history is sad. How far can we nickle and dime the regular visitor Chapek's leadership is just bad, the companies direction is bad, and I feel those high standards are slipping more and more and more by the day, the cast are fed up, the fans are fed up and its just depressing to see a place we love so much become this shallow for whats meant to be a massive fucking celebration.. Prices keep raising, benefits to stay are being stripped away giving less and less reasons to go, its made me and i know many others reconsider even bothering to go in the future. More fights are happening in the parks, and I cannot help that Disney stopped caring about the consumer and is just wanting their wallets. Which yeah their a buisness, money matters, but it never felt this.. blatant before.

[@cmunoz810]

Unfortunately I didn't make it to Disneyland's 50th celebration, but I was front row on the 60th Diamond celebration and wow still get goosebumps thinking about it. All those people crying and sobbing (myself included) after the Disneyland Forever fireworks were Walt assured us that as long as there was imagination Disneyland would never be complete and of course all the magic he created was ours forever! And who can forget all the "wows" and "oooohs " from the crowds witnessing the debut of Paint the Night parade. The celebration vibe was just felt in every corner of the resort. That's what was missing for me in the WDW 50th such a shame.

[@JonathanGaeta]

@@cmunoz810 I’ve been to both the 50th and 60th and they were equally great. Though the 50th gave Disneyland more additions and reimagining attractions like Astro Blasters, Monsters Inc, Space Mountain, and Pirates. With WDW’s 50th I’m concerned on how Disneyland’s 70th anniversary will play out though hoping Chapek will be outed before the celebration but I doubt it

[@PaddletailPhilly]

Disney has been turning into the Take-Two of... well, everything. This is gonna be immensely cliché but where did the magic go? ;_;

[@paulae4033]

I'm pretty sure I am wrong but wasn't Disneyland offering free entrance on your birthday, during their 50th celebration? I know they did this at one point but unsure when it happened

[@AmusementVision]

That was during the celebrate you celebration back in 2009 I think

[@princessriley3335]

It was def the celebrate you campaign but that was the most annoying campaign of all of them.

[@P-47D_theJug]

This downfall started before the pandemic. Stop blaming the pandemic. Imagineering has been creatively bankrupt for a long time. The other Bob had put this Bob in charge of the parks long before Covid

[@stevemccormick6908]

Imagineering has always been threatened.

[@paradox2767]

I went this year, and couldn't even get into the rat ride with my wife (we're both 24, if that matters). Turns out, the ride's waiting list was strictly digital, and we didn't have our phones with us. Besides, the list filled up immediately. She's a huge fan of the rat movie! We've been calling depression "feeling like you're at EPCOT" ever since.

[@ddc163264]

My daughter was a part of the DL 50th as we sent in her pictures to be included in the character mosaics and they were. It was ONLY because the 50th was so good that at that time she asked if we would go to WDW's 50th and I made that promise to her then. But even she isn't as excited now as she is older and has seen the lame "celebration" that Cheap-ek has allowed. NOTHING is about the parks or the history or the people who made the parks what they are, guests or cast members. It is ALL IP and merch! Raise prices on EVERYTHING and give less. Take away perks and benefits, cheapen almost EVERY aspect of your stay from quality, to services. This is what Corporate Disney thinks of guests and for that matter the few still good cast members that remain. Because the majority that they are hiring are NOT the caliber of what they once were. Which is why they are allowing things that Disney would have NEVER allowed, just to appease the ones that they are hiring. This comes nowhere close to previous celebrations from ANY of the parks. Paris was better for its 25th! So this is nowhere close to DL's 50th. BTW, the LAME excuse of the pandemic, didn't seem to stop Universal from opening new rides not making a huge new park purchases and starting nor did is totally stop the OLC from building in Tokyo.

[@filetofish7688]

“The true standout of the celebration has to be Kite Tails in the Animal Kingdom” True that.

[@thewalkingdad68]

The current state of Disney Co. is kinda like watching two oncoming trains before they collide head on. You know it's going to be gruesome, but you just can't help but to watch it happen. Disney parks over the past few years (especially WDW) have become a lot less clean and tidy, with numerous breakdowns at attractions and even the monorail system itself. The monorail specifically has far been used past it's lifespan more than two times over. When in the parks it's blairingly obvious that they aren't keeping the park as clean and maintained as they always have. You put those things together with the now things you must now pay for that what you used to get complimentary and it's just no longer so appealing to attend a Disney park... especially WDW. (I'm not even going into the price increases on food, merchandise, accommodations...ect.) All said and done the pandemic has been the Disney Co. excuse to flip the reset switch and that's why we're at this point. I do foresee Disney's bottom line being affected along with their competition thriving. Soon, if changes aren't implemented, the Disney parks will be all at the unemployment line. They just won't be able to survive... unless they have a come to Jesus moment.

[@ImGeekinn]

I think disappointing is the exact word i would use for Disney over the past 6-7 years

[@leonard5033]

Even normal days at Tokyo's parks are much grander than the WDW's 50th anniversary. Just saying...

[@ChrisMhiclochlainn]

I was at Disneyland’s 50th anniversary, July 17th 2005, when I was 16 years old. I do not live locally so I only got to see the celebration for the week I was on vacation but it was a blast! Very crowded but the entertainment, refurbishment of the rides, the nostalgia, honoring Walt’s legacy and the experience was worth it. Hell they passed out free birthday cake, enough for everyone on Main Street. Disneyland back then was still affordable so everyone and their mom could attend the festivities. I’ve never been to Disney World but I’ve seen enough videos about their 50th anniversary to see the difference. They seem so focused on selling this big catalog of 50th merch that they are forgetting about the guests experience. It’s doesn’t compare to my memories of Disneyland’s 50th and I’m sorry Disney World fans, I wish you guys got a similar experience.

[@brycevo]

I blame Chapek Chapstick just wants a paycheck

[@JonathanGaeta]

This should be the red flag when it comes to upcoming Disney Park anniversaries as Disneyland’s 70th is not far away and hopefully Chapstick will be outed before then

[@hazeltarr9016]

It was all about catering to the media on October 1st and completely missed the mark for any homage to the legacy.

[@sydneyw2479]

I went to the 50th celebration, and honestly it felt marketed. The cavalcades shown the characters in 50th outfits, but nothing seemed to change the look and feel of the celebration. New rides and restaurants open all the time. Even remy’s ratatouille adventure wasn’t new, it was just copy and pasted from DLP to WDW. Harmonious felt nice to watch, but it celebrated the movies and cultures. Not the park itself. The celebration didn’t really feel like a celebration at all, just another day at disney with more decorations saying “hey we turned 50, no big deal tho. Btw we have new merch.”

[@thegreatpacoasters3134]

The last 3 years I’ve gone to disneyworld have just been a miserable each time when I reflect back. Prices are up, the quality is down and this can be said for pre covid as well. I’m taking my family to universal instead this year

[@jonnym4670]

i took my soon to Disney world last July because i love Disneyland but i won't be making that mistake again

[@icemaster54isaac86]

I got back from Florida today, and I went to Disney World and Universal Studios and they both seemed underwhelming.

[@fortimusprime]

I had such high hopes for the DisneyWorld's 50th Anniversary. I always dreamed of going to these parks because the experience was magical when hearing people talking about it. I fell in love with Happily Ever After and I thought: If Happily Ever After was great, then the 50th Anniversary must be even greater! I watched the show on opening night on KZbin and I was so disappointed. And that Is pretty much the theme here. Disappointment. I thought I was going to experience one of the biggest, most magical and happiest celebrations ever! And it just seems to be a cheap cash grab and press promotion. I'm sad I may never experience the Disney World from the past...

[@leonbrenner236]

Besides all the things people are unhappy about, I don't get what good the reservation system is accomplishing. It's not to reduce capacity because I hear the parks are over filled with people.

[@princessriley3335]

It’s to create control and produce data from guests so they can heavily market to returning guests. That system was never put into place to aid you as a guest. It has only made the place miserable to visit imo

[@Trickstress_]

The only great thing about WDW’s 50th is Spaceship Earth. They did more on actual anniversary day for the 45th than they did for the 50th

[@evabalcazar2940]

I hope to not only make it to the 30th Anniversery in Paris, but that it brings some life to the park after the difficult years dealing with COVID. Disney needs to develop it's relationships with their dedicated fans again and get back into the mindset that EVERYONE deserves the feeling of happiness and magic (if you will lol) that these parks were designed to give. And here's a hint... pushing loads of pricey merchandise is not the answer.

[@ldngigs8416]

Disney needs to get off their high horse, which they got on about 2 years ago. We all understand it's a business and profit is important, but when starting to keep charging more for less, then tables can turn quick and their reputation can get sour - and it takes years or even decades to recover from a ruined reputation. Disney needs to do what it did best for decades, which is to provide incomparable immersion of entertainment and magic for everyone and stop making their guests feel led into a marketing trap just to get the very last penny out of their pocket.

[@JonathanGaeta]

Well if Bob Cheapskate gets outed and with better management and someone who is willing to really save Disney there is a chance for redemption but I highly doubt it but you never know

[@sweetcaroline9596]

The 50th was so lackluster that I thought it hadn’t even happened yet

[@averyeml]

I love that the one thing everyone agrees on is that the vault collection of merch is the 1 thing that’s been done right. And that it’s messed up that it’s just merch, but that the artists killed it.

[@xyriusd832]

I go to Disney every year. This year we went for the 50th and honestly with all the changes especially “Genie plus”, it truly wasn’t a great time. After spending much more than a thousand for 2 days, I won’t be back for years to come. Guess it’s time for our family to have a new vacation tradition 😔

[@GrandMasterLynx]

DisneyLand 50th was 100% Better then Magic Kingdom 50th I was at both

[@alenacusson4343]

I was planning on a big trip to Disney World for my 50th and to celebrate Disney’s 50th. In light of all the changes happening at Disney World it just doesn’t feel like the same place and I won’t be going back.

[@Iamthegame19]

did I remember incorrectly or weren't the projections supposed to go down main street in magic kingdom. I went there during a quick tip since I live in FL now and they didn't so I was very disappointed. I didn't even bother staying just decided to leave. Only things I like about Epcot's is the water motion, and ending fireworks. I miss the reflections of earth globe and it being more about people uniting. The dome is really my only new favorite thing in the parks, which is really sad.

[@emmaschaub22]

Disneyland 50th was the most magical experience in my life. They picked someone everyday on a random ride to stay in a disneyland hotel suite, meet Mickey, be in the parade, & have fast passes to every ride. My friend won it and I’ll never forget the experience. I can’t believe they introduced genie+ during the 50th. It’s such a slap in the face to the great fullness that Disneyland gave during their 50th. I hate it

[@gissneric]

Anyone who have witnessed or attended Disneyland's 60th celebration back in 2015 were very lucky. That was a great time. So much new stuff.

[@cmunoz810]

OMG the fireworks, the parades, the merch, just the celebration vibe all over the resort!! man good times, good times.

[@JonathanGaeta]

@@cmunoz810 plus some upgrades such as the Matterhorn, new destination for Star Tours, Hyperspace Mountain was a temporary overlay. Ahh memories

[@jonathanbishopmusic]

Kinda sad how Busch Gardens Tampa with 1/10000 the budget did a better job with its 60th anniversary celebration than Disney World could do for its 50th. I agree with this video that the tone of this event is more like "it's our 50th anniversary, so come thank us by spending money here" rather than "it's our 50th anniversary, and as a thank you to our guests we're going to commemorate it by doing XYZ." Seems like they spent far more money and effort advertising the event than they spent on the actual event itself, because all they're really doing to "celebrate" their 50th anniversary beyond a couple minor decorations is running an ad campaign and selling some overpriced gift shop merchandise with a "50" logo on it. Instead of hosting free events, giveaways, discounts, or adding anything meaningful to the parks, they're _raising_ ticket prices, _taking away_ free amenities like Fastpass, Disney's Magical Express, and Extra Magic Hours, and making annual passes so expensive and devoid of benefits that there's no point in buying one. All this while adding nothing major to any of the parks except the one ride whose opening happened to coincide with that year (the rest of the Epcot overhaul won't be finished until 2023, since Disney likes to spread out construction costs over multiple fiscal years, so it's hard to argue that they're part of the "celebration"). And unfortunately this kind of epitomizes the current state of Disney World, where everything that used to make it special is now perverted into an opportunity to nickel and dime guests, and where experiences are now intentionally designed to be unpleasant unless you buy every top-tier upgrade and upcharge amenity they offer.

[@MoonFairy929]

Went to WDW spring 2021 and there was NO lead up happening, surprisingly. Disneyland is my hometown park. I remember making jokes about how Disneyland was turning 50 for like 5 years. They really went all out. And there was huge lead in.

[@JonathanGaeta]

Disneyland does feel more at home because that’s where the Disney Parks got their start and every new addition and update they add before or during the upcoming anniversaries are great at Disneyland. Though with WDW’s 50th I’m really concerned considering we are 3 years away for Disneyland’s 70th anniversary and management needs to change at Disney especially Bob Cheapskate

[@asiamommi]

I planned two years ahead of time to visit WDW for the 50th. I was let down Even Disneyland's 60th was better.The amazing Disneyland Forever fireworks show with it's new Main Street projections, launch of the best parade I've seen, Paint the Night. WDW's celebration reeked of Bob Cheapskate's hand.

[@JuniperMB]

I was at Disneyland's 50th..and still have the golden ears. I was really looking forward to celebrating WDW's 50th and flew out to Orlando with my ears, expecting "50th magic." The stage shaow really was just the morning greeting show. There were no speeches, presentation, or special announcements. DL gave us free slices of cake. WDW had nothing but a free poster --when you left! The fireworks shows were much less than good. Harmonious is not really a show unless you have a view of the circle...and that is only viewable in 2 places around the lake. The only things I remember from WDWs 50th were the much shorter-than-expected ride lines because the lines for buying merchandise were VERY long. It's really too bad.

[@JonathanGaeta]

I don’t remember much about Disneyland’s 50th as I was so young at the time as I was 4. But I did go to Disneyland’s 60th and it was great, you had Disneyland Forever, The Paint The Night Parade, a few new additions and updates in both Disneyland and DCA. WDW’s 50th is just lackluster and underwhelming when looking at photos and videos

[@espinoza1987]

So sad they went money hungry. For the 50th they got rid of everything free for guest. Their more focused on selling 50th merch & gaining $ of magical express, magic bands, genie +, expressive hotels & small expensive portion food

[@jontyd1485]

Look at the Happiest Celebration for Tokyo’s 35th Anniversary, WDW’s 50th is embarrassing

[@KAlovesherkitties]

Went to Disney Sea during that 35th Anniversary. Still remember the song they played throughout the park for it. All of the stuff they did for it was amazing and it was an awesome trip. Went to Disney for nye and their 50th was so boring. You wouldn’t have even known it was their 50th barring the shimmery blue Minnie ears, chocolates with it stamped on it, and some bags of blue coffee 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@Emplordxiii]

What about Tokyo DisneySea’s 20th that happen a month before WDW’s 50? Even being retrained due to Covid, it was still better.

[@TjSamson]

The 25th Anniversary Grand Celebration of Disneyland Paris blows the entire WDW's 50th Anniversary.

[@lightningwu]

A VERY VERY good look into just why Walt Disney World’s 50th just isn’t living up the hype as compared to other anniversaries celebrated by Disneyland (50th and 60th), Tokyo Disneyland (virtually every 5 years), and others, including Disneyland Paris (their upcoming 30th). It also takes into account the visions of then CEO Bob Iger when Disneyland hit 50 (publicly accessible anniversary day with plenty of fanfare) to when Bob C. took over (privately held event with almost no mention the anniversary day of at MK). I love Disney, even when I worked there, but mediocrity isn’t something that should be celebrated and when plenty of people (from former Cast Members, media, theme park experts, and even a member of the Disney family, and more) who love Disney’s legacy see where the company is currently going in terms of how it’s treating profits, offerings, and guests (and to a degree, it’s Cast Members), it is a sad thing and I believe when we, the consumer, demand a different direction with our voices and our wallets, then change can happen. I want the plans Disney has to be successful but if they aren’t, I don’t want to see the the hard working men and women at the bottom of the totem pole trying to make those experiences amazing for the limited pay and benefits they receive to be prosecuted for them doing their jobs and trying to give magic to the millions of families who visit. Rather, it should be those at the top and those in leadership positions (supervisors and above if bad at their jobs and being bosses and not being true leaders) who should be held accountable and changed, not being given bonuses to themselves when those bonuses alone could have saved thousands of jobs, paid more living wages and bonuses and better overall benefits to the frontline Cast Members so that many don’t have to live in fear or in poverty, and that mediocre additions get more love than a simple clone attraction, paint job, or lazy firework show and that the current offerings, such as food, don’t get smaller portions for higher prices and that Disney see that what’s its doing to its overall image is WRONG. Things like the upcoming Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser hotel worry me because if it meets only “meh” reviews or worse, it will be those working there who feel the burns, not the people at the top who didn’t do the right marketing or deliver on the right product because they are out of touch on what the people want and still charge top dollar for it. Again, this is a good watch and I hope Disney does more than think they are too big to fail because people will pay “no matter what” but rather, re-capture where they came from so people know the magic they are getting are from Cast Members, front line and top, who truly care and put profits behind overall experience and magical memories. Great video as always guys!!! I hope to personally meet y’all one day!! ^_^ Thx for all y’all do!

[@Rfbutler2009]

It has been very disappointing. Pandemic is no excuse. Disney has plenty of money and they just look at WDW as a money making machine which it is but nothing special whatsoever about the 50th. Just another day with a 50 splashed here and there. That’s it

[@bwaybaby2010]

I was there just last month. It was fun but not something I'd write home about. And the prices were TERRIBLE. Enchantment was a horrendous and sloppy mess. Harmonious was lovely and is currently my favorite nighttime spectacular. I will say leadership under Chapek seems to be suffering. The removal of most onsite perks, the focus on the ultra rich...it was just a bit of a slap in the face this last time around.

[@xixingpooh]

The new Epcot lighting is genuinely impressive. I love seeing it change incrementally throughout the night, it’s breath taking! The castle at magic kingdom however, looks like a dark pink sand castle….Pretty tacky looking.

[@leondatbenik3343]

10:06 What did I miss? Will Disneyland Paris be getting a new ride in the Disneyland Park?

[@elizabethfitch3516]

It’s all about the merchandise and not much else.

[@glenpreece]

You are so right!!! It's absolutely pathetic compared to the DL 50th!!! I'm actually excited for the Paris 30th, I haven't been there since 2013 I'd love to see the changes

[@janspl]

We had a "Bob Chapek" in our company, and now it is out of business.

[@JustinCoasters]

Compared to Fantasy Springs opening next year for Tokyo Disneyland's 40th, Yeah, WDW's 50th is Lackluster

[@jp2411]

For Disneyland's 60th Anniversary, all of their merchandise was diamond themed since it was their diamond anniversary. It's WDW's 50th Anniversary which is the golden anniversary and their merchandise is...."Ear-idescent" themed. My wife and I had our first date at Disneyland during the 60th and we loved the diamond theming. Now, we're preparing for a trip to WDW and I'm completely unimpressed with the lack of golden theming. So many missed opportunities.

[@wdw1hsm1girl]

That anniversary celebration commercial for Paris was alone better than all of the WDW 50th. I think as we move forward in the parks, thats all they want to think about, the future. Having nods to the past of extinct attractions to celebrate where we came from makes us relive those attractions we had growing up. Although Epcot Forever could have been better, it celebrated the past and history. We need more of that attitude in the parks.

[@SRose-vp6ew]

9:00 Yeah, they did NOTHING. Disney World didn't even need to do new; they could have brought back what was old. When they do new ears and popcorn buckets all the time getting to buy new ears and a new popcorn bucket is not that great of a reason to come and spend $$$$. Free pins? A daily give away for a night in Cinderella Castle? Some extra confetti day of? Something? Nope. 2020/2021/2022 is all about spending more to get less while needing to mask in all your ride photos like that actually will help anything or make the parks safe for great-grandma with a lung condition or make Uncle Bob who was ill and over this two years ago want to come. Disney World is so out of touch right now. Star Cruiser.

[@cannotthinkofausername6379]

Disneyland's 50th proved just how important entertainment offerings are to an anniversary celebration. A daytime castle show, a new parade, firework spectaculars, heck even new meet and greet characters could have done so much to making the celebration seem more important. Like stated in the video Tokyo Disney receives a brand new parade each year (and that's just the daytime parade, I'm not including the new seasonal parades every other year). I'm sure fans wouldn't have even minded if half of the parade floats were from past parades around the world, like with Festival of Fantasy or Stars on Parade. In a year when Disney released films that had massive success like Raya, Encanto, Soul, Luca etc and they did nothing to celebrate those characters! I understand that due to the pandemic they didn't want people gathering in large crowds but if all the other parks can find a way, I'm sure WDW can.

[@Emplordxiii]

Even Tokyo DisneySea’s 20th anniversary, which was a month before WDW’s 50th, was better in comparison. WDW is just sad and I feel sorry for everyone being disappointed in it.

[@RossBaby91]

Nothing would beat the 15th anniversary of WDW back in the 80’s. Between the parties and celebrity cameos and performances that was a true celebration!

[@Attmay]

My first and only WDW trip was January 1990, so that is basically how I remember it.

[@Fantozz2]

Disney World should have done a few things to improve the celebration: 1) Add a nighttime parade that’s a “greatest hits” of previous nighttime parades with new golden floats too 2) Make Enchantment celebrate the parks’ music instead of just the films’ greatest hits of the last 10-15 years or so. 3) Add princesses and more ride attraction characters to the Fab 50 collection 4) Update the Carousel of Progress with a new final scene

[@maxf7243]

Took my family there last month. Worst experience... waiting times are insane (no more free fastpass). Price is ridiculous. My 1.5 years daughter learnt the word "wait" and did not lean the word "magical"...

[@gissneric]

I feel like even if the pandemic didn't happen we would definitely have gotten way more but not still not as good as let's say Disneyland's as Chapek is too focused on merchandise. Is it true he used to be in merchandise before Disney? Josh is like just focusing on being handsome.

[@princessriley3335]

But when we closed it gave them a really good opportunity to have excuses for why they changed things and it was never seen as a temporary fix. It was just an opportunity to take back some power from the guests.

[@ryansalter2325]

I haven't been to WDW since 2010, and was anticipating it's 50th anniversary years in advance, never would've knowing a global pandemic would affect it in such a way that anticipated upcoming attractions and renovations would be delayed. With EPCOT's renovations, the Tron rollercoaster, and the Magic Kingdom railroad still not complete/open, I realize that going there now would not be fulfilling as I imagined. That's why I'm going to keep on waiting until everything is complete, even if it's past the 50th anniversary celebration.

[@RankingTheMouse]

Man. Forgot how great DLs 50th was. Sad times to see where we've come. Here's to hoping the tides turn back around again soon

[@JonathanGaeta]

Well if Bob Chapstick gets outed as CEO there could be a chance, plus new management at Disney as a whole

[@elizabethfitch3516]

It seems they are more focused on the International parks trying to make them profitable. They need to remember WDW is the cash cow carrying all the other parks.Don’t take that for granted because it could go away.

[@luna_soleil]

I was gifted a trip by my beloved and I was elated to have such a wonderful present at what should have been a momentous celebration and occasion. The only "celebration" of the 50th was the merchandise you could buy and the big 50 on the castle. It didn't feel like a milestone in the least. I encountered more celebration for wearing my birthday button than anything they did for the 50th. By the end of my trip I was thinking, if I dont get any merch with the 50th anniversary, was I really there for it? Seems like that's what Chapek wanted

[@alextirrellRI]

It's feeling like dark times for the parks.

[@randomcommenterfromdownund8949]

The Disneyland of 2005 was a lot closer to the Disneyland of 11955, than the WDW of 2022 is to the WDW of 1971. It's like the two Disneylands could appeal to the same audience, but the two WDWs are targeted to completely different audiences, and management is more interested in continuing to appeal to the 2022 audience than to make those who really liked the early WDW feel "at home" in the new one. 1971 WDW - OK, I can only speak about the late 1970s and early 1980s as it took forever for me to arm-pull my parents into taking us there, but even then, it was still Florida. A short wander from the hotel village were orange trees where you could pick a few oranges to take home. There was a lake/swamp water swimming lagoon. The Lake Buena Vista Village felt like you were in a relaxing Florida vacation spot, and if you knew where to go (e.g. Heidelberger's Deli), you could go there and grab lunch and eavesdrop on imagineers talking about the not-yet-open Epcot construction. There was one park and four official Disney resorts, one of which was a campground. If those didn't appeal, you could stay in more conventional condo-resort style digs or a mod "Treehouse" in the Lake Buena Vista village at the cost of some transport convenience. In the evenings, you could take a bus from one of the other resorts over to Fort Wilderness and watch Disney movies after dark and go on the Marshmallow Marsh excursion via Davy Crockett Explorer style canoes in the creeks of FW and watch the Electrical Water Pageant from the shore, and enjoy a marshmallow roast and Disney singalong. If you wanted a blockbuster ride experience, you queued for Space Mountain. Over and over and over again. Parents were safe tying a day entrance/rides pass to each kid's shirt at a monorail resort and "ditching" their young teenage kids at the Magic Kingdom that was only a few minutes away for a day so that they could enjoy some adult time back at the resort or go for a round of golf, with instructions to meet up at X place for dinner or to knock on the parents' hotel door late at night at the end of a long day to let them know the kids were back safely. 2022 WDW - It's a big glitzy city with visual and auditory stimulation everywhere you look. The orange trees are long gone, as is the Lake Buena Vista village. Navigating between the parks takes a lot of geographic and WDW transport specific knowledge -- and time. It's no longer as simple as "pick a hotel near the park" because unless you want to visit just one park, no hotel is convenient to all of them and it's easily possible to spend an hour traveling from some hotels to some parks. The laid back Lake Buena Vista village and its treehouse accommodation gave way to the commercialised and fast paced Downtown Disney and Pleasure Island, then to Disney Springs area. The laid back Golf Resort turned into an affordable Disney vacation spot for military families. Marshmallow Marsh? Not a chance... the huge throughput numbers required for attractions now meant that it was history decades ago. Water parks are now high volume attractions for thrillseekers. Speaking of thrills, the parks contain more opportunities for adrenaline rushes -- generally tied to existing Disney intellectual property, and with an exit through the related gift shop. With the world today, and the size of the Disney property, would you as a parent trust your 15 and 12 year old girls wandering around by themselves? There's much more to do, but the WDW of 2022 is tied much more to "doing things" than the WDW of 1971 was. Early WDW was about being in a magical place in the middle of almost nothing, in Florida. New WDW is about many things -- Disney and not -- competing for a Central Florida visitor's attention by offering flashy things to do. This may be why they were afraid to go too "retro" and celebrate the old WDW -- they didn't want to highlight a past that they considered too different (and maybe specifically unappealing, even) from what today's guests want.

[@janhenry9733]

It's really just opportunities to shop for items that are not available to most, whether by scarcity or cost. How can you celebrate with just shopping? Also, there was no party for day guests. Just one for vloggers and planned events for cast. The closest they came to a celebration were the dance parties I heard about on NYE.

[@kingdomconquerors-disney]

I was there on the actual day of the 50th anniversary celebration (Oct 1st 2021) as well as a few days before and after. I've also been back two times since and I can tell you from first-hand experience, underwhelming isn't even the word for it! It was like an average day in Magic Kingdom minus the INSANE crowd level. No speech from Bob Chapel, no thanks for coming, just blah. So very disappointing. Disney is forgetting that EXCEEDING guest expectations it what made Disney, Disney in the first place!

[@MissMyMusicAddiction]

I was expecting October 1 in the MK to be the biggest WDW party, ever, but it wasn't. It was a great day, and I'm glad I was there for it, but I was expecting more than just a normal park day with some new merch, a four-hour wait to get into the Emporium, and walk-ons for almost every attraction, because most of the guests were crowded onto Main Street USA.

[@briansieve]

There was a period during Eisner, Pressler, Harris that I stopped going to Disney because I felt nickled and dimed, and that quality was a very low priority. Chapek got there fast, and tbh Iger started the precipitous decline. I just barely have any interest in Disney right now. I enjoy the Universal reports to most now, and that is where I'm focusing my theme park dollars for the foreseeable future.

[@GrumpyGolf4]

Disney only cares about their bottom line, just like any other corporate entity. As a publicly traded entity, that is to be expected. What is also true it that Disney circa 2022 is not living up to it's corporate legacy of excellence, theming and exceptional guest experience. As consumers, we are all tasked with one thing regarding DIS; that is voting with our money for or against their current policies and practices. I'm voting no. Their product is diluted and no longer worth the premium prices they charge. Caveat Emptor!

[@dlfendel2844]

I hear you, but WELL RUN corporations know that the "bottom line" is about delivering quality at a fair price to insure customer satisfaction and repeat business. Disney used to know that, and that's how they became so successful. They seem to have forgotten. Blaming "corporate mentality" isn't fair. BAD corporate mentality is the culprit here.

[@alegators49]

I was at WDW’s 25th anniversary and recently the 50th. Wow, what a disappointment. I feel sorry for those that never got to experience Disney World back when they cared about the guest. It really is like night and day.

[@MRS.TRIPLE-A321]

The first Disney Anniversary I ever experienced was Disneyland’s Diamond Celebration in honor of the park’s 60th anniversary. It was my first time going to Disneyland since my 11th birthday, now as a young adult [18] in 2014. I’ve never been to WDW and therefore can have no real opinion about it. I’m still looking forward to going in May 2023 to celebrate graduating from grad school! At the end of the day I have to make my own conclusions based on my experience & not just the opinions of others. If anything I was saddened that they chose to retire HEA as the show honors the Disney legacy phenomenally & captures the spirit of Disney excellently! I cry every time I watch it on KZbin! I felt nothing watching Enchantment & thought it was very lackluster for a 50th anniversary. I also hate that they got rid of the magical express. In my opinion it was a slap in the face to guests - especially with big families. You already pay so much money for a Disney vacation, now I have to put out *more* money on a rental car, taxi, Lyft, or uber to get to the resort?! The magical express expressed gratitude & showed genuine care for park guests. I don’t think this feature should’ve been retired. They could’ve at least waited until after the anniversary to make these lousy changes.

[@chrishintz1077]

There is a local embracement of dland, unlike the vibe on the east coast, which is more of a tourist through way. The west coast vibe is of greater expectation. Dland guests take personal, proprietary vigilance over their park.

[@xmen9916]

Bob Cheapek is definitely the wrong person for the job! He’s getting a raise on nothing this year.

[@thedudeabides2531]

Disney has an almost near monopoly on childhood nostalgia. That's why they can get away with jacking up their prices way above the competition.

[@happyguy7005]

I’ll keep my memories of 9 consecutive years 2006-2014. Main building concierge at WDW Grand Floridian. It will NEVER be the same. It’s outrageous now. No perks and higher prices. No more airport pickup/drop off… I’m off to Universal now… affordable and Harry Potter!

[@hollie3904]

I feel that Disney will continue to lose their special touch as they keep cutting entertainment. Covid aside, there were already plans to remove shows and limit character interactions. Guests come once for a high tech coaster and come back for entertainment. I hope they turn things around 🥺

[@princessriley3335]

You’re right and they can’t sell people on coasters bc they don’t do them well. If people want coasters they will go to Busch gardens. Or universal. They come to Disney for all the stuff chapek has been removing. So while he is grabbing all the people who want to travel RIGHT NOW they are losing loyalty of the people who have made Florida a cash cow.

[@PrincessOverDoesIt]

The shade at the kite tails lol 💀