Will Disney World Be EMPTY This Summer?

Summer in Disney World is supposed to be busy… right? But is that still gonna be the case in 2024? Or is Main Street USA gonna be suddenly…. deserted?
[Subscribe for more Disney Food Videos!]
bit.ly/1rqUGbh
[Join our Newsletter]
disneyfoodblog....
Want to support the channel? Check out our line of Disney Dining Travel Guides at DFBStore.com.
Purchase our DFB Disney themed t-shirts and more DFBStore.com.
Get tips, tricks, reviews, and budget advice at DisneyFoodBlog.com
[Social Links]
/ disneyfoodblog
/ disneyfoodblog
/ disneyfoodblog

[@SquareDarian]

As someone who works in tourism in my city, I can confirm that the huge crowds we were getting the previous years is not as prominent now. A lot of that "revenge traveling" is finishing up and with the added high cost of living, many people are opting to wait to travel or do smaller vacations. I also hate to say that a lot of my personal frustration towards Disney has to do with added costs to things that used to be free AND it not always being worth the pay off. Obviously that's my opinion but its an idea

[@adrianeelise3849]

Wait so if I plan a 4 day a trip to Disney at the end of August are there going to be 90 minute lines for rides?? I was thinking about not going due to lines

[@Fishman814]

@@adrianeelise3849 I’m a resident and annual pass holder. I go to Disney once a week, but I only go first thing in the morning for a couple of hours. All the good rides will be approximately 90 minutes the rest of the day.And August will be like a sauna in Orlando.

[@Laylasbadgirllifestyle]

Disney genie prices has gotten outrageous since I last been to Disney in 2022

[@chrisfoxwell4128]

​@@adrianeelise3849, if you look on wdw passport you can see real time wait times. Peter Pan, typically one of the longest waits, is 50 minutes now 6/8 at 1pm on a Saturday.

[@DrVVVinK]

​@@Laylasbadgirllifestylelast time I went to Disney was like in 2005, where they used to call it the fast pass and it was free. Now as an adult I have no desire to go to any Disney park. It is a total waste of money for what you get. I get a lot more value for my traveling to Europe (which FYI for anyone curious, ends up being cheaper than a tip to Disney)

[@galadriusthemighty]

Costs definitely play a part of as well. Not everyone can afford a vacation that costs thousands of dollars.

[@redtiger7268]

Disney used to be a family vacation destination. Now a 4 day trip to Disneyland (not WDW as I do not have the data) with cost an estimated $6k and that is staying off property as a good neighbor hotel. In order to have this kind of disposable income a family of 4 must make over $125k per year (household) At this price they would still have to save for 2-3 years. The US median household income is $75k per year. Disney has now priced itself as for the top 15% of households.

[@danielgutierrez585]

We go for 10 days every 3-4 months, each trip is roughly 6k, not too bad

[@redtiger7268]

@@danielgutierrez585 You're paying $24,000 year year to Disney? How much do you make? You must be in the upper 5% of all income earners in this country. Think about this, you are spending about HALF of what the median American household earns each year just on vacations. Also you have 30 days of vacation each year. Most people are lucky to get 5 paid days off each year.

[@danielgutierrez585]

While I'm not going to disclose my salary, I will say that i am very fortunate and grateful to be able to go on these vacations

[@johnnyhan3170]

@@redtiger7268I can tell your feeling😂 that’s crazy. sounds like a joke😂😂

[@danikeir]

Inflation took spending money in 2022. It took our savings in 2023. It took our credit in 2024. Most middle-class Americans are simply out of money.

[@bobtiki9767]

The republicans took the middle class

[@Kay-id5qc]

doesn’t help that Disney is price gouging like no one else in the business

[@type2red]

100 percent truth.

[@97VobraOwner]

The TDS is strong with you ….

[@jackb5640]

Disney has been taking it customers for granted for far too long. 6 years to build Tron is a prime example, a duplicate of another ride that already exists, just to spread costs. Disney Genie plus. The absurd hotel price, ticket prices, food and drink prices. I hope their arrogance and greed catches up with them, and they're forced to undo a lot of their mistakes to win people back.

[@Canrugger]

Awe muffin

[@moomie1634]

The tron thing was a combination of the exclusivity clause with Disney Shanghai(Because the CCP owns a large stake, Disney has to sign on saying that certain attractions such as tron cannot be built in other parks for a time period) combined with the covid slowdowns, and then the chaos that was the Iger-Chapek shakeup that caused multiple restructurings in just a few years. It didn't take them a long time to build because they were lazy, it took them a long time because of a few extremely chaotic events and an exclusivity clause. They jumped the gun on announcing it, and that ended up hurting them.

[@danielgutierrez585]

I'm hoping it gets more expensive so it won't be crowded when I go

[@alexisxg]

I’m hoping it get much much more expensive that only billionaires can enter so you can’t 😊

[@alexacabello9625]

Hotel prices arent crazy if you stay value. If you go above your means then yes. As for Genie+ you gotta pay $300 for this version at Universal! I honestly love that Genie+ is affordable

[@stevenfoster9402]

1. Disney is too expensive 2. Universal is better and less expensive 3. People are realizing both

[@Libra2go]

Universal has always attracted a somewhat more "low rent" crowd.

[@RedHeadedJumper]

1. Then your not the target market 2. Entry tickets are cheap, but food is much more expensive and not nearly as good 3. People have known forever, and they don’t have a lot of overlap, demographic wise. Disney = young children and family. Universal = young adults and singles. I have passes to both places so i enjoy both places, however I can get everything I want done at Universal in 1 day pretty easily while Disney I would have to rush and still may it finish. Both places are good, for diff reasons

[@jonathanmendoza748]

In what universe is universal less expensive I have been to both parks multiple times and each one’s just as costly

[@nanananananananana00]

i’ve been BEGGING my mom for years to switch from disney AP to universal AP but she’s such a disney fiend 😭 she finally decided to switch once our current disney passes expire instead of renewing again. we don’t live quite close enough to justify holding both passes at once.

[@chrisfoxwell4128]

​@@jonathanmendoza748, I priced out a Universal vacation that matched the Disney vacation my wife demands . Universal was 60% of Disney.

[@Rayrod2324]

I booked a trip for July 8-15 on May 14th. I’ve never booked after you’re able to start dining reservations. Thought I’d be missing out on all the more popular restaurants because I booked so late. Everything was and is still open. I got Topolino’s Breakfast, and the Castle which in past trips I was unable to get the day my dining was open. Literally all the most popular places you can still go on today and get a reservation for pretty much any time of the day. Makes me think it won’t be so crowded.

[@davestanton10]

Same here!

[@bradchin7746]

Yeah. Traveling internationally is better because of the USD. It was much cheaper to go to Japan and visited Tokyo Disney and Universal Japan.

[@pattyperez3108]

Disney is getting so expensive. It's ridiculous. Disney is not as magical anymore since it's not affordable for families anymore. So sad and unfortunate.

[@tnwhiskey68]

I thought that too, but then I realized how many foreign people go also. It saddened me, when I was there, because I know so many children will never be able to even consider going!

[@RyanM7532]

Yeah they’re definitely catering to the rich and or couples without children because I can’t imagine going with a couple kids

[@Canrugger]

Awe muffin

[@Muddragon104]

I agree that Disney has indeed gotten ridiculously expensive. Low crowds could also be because of high prices.

[@moomie1634]

The reason it keeps getting more expensive is because people keep paying. The main areas where Disney should cut prices is in food and genie+, as ticket prices end up being rather small compared to these costs. Hotels are also absurdly expensive on resort. I get why ticket prices have to be so high(they oftentimes lose money when they let a guest in, but they make that money back through food and merch) but hotels do not need to be 200+ for a basic room

[@robertkahro4565]

CONGRATULATIONS ON ONE MILLION SUBSCRIBERS!! MASSIVE ACCOMPLISHMENT FOR AJ AND THE DFB TEAM!!!

[@ashleystarns1949]

We are going to Disney this summer but were very hesitant because of 1) the cost and 2) the changes are confusing. We only go every 5-7 years or so and our last trip was 2019. So much has changed since then that I've been overwhelmed by the changes. Because of these reasons and our girls are becoming teenagers, this will likely be our last trip to Disney.

[@bigfoot-id8bv]

What else happened 4 years ago? If you want Disney back think in nov.

[@WaterBug46]

I have an AP and live close to DW. I’ve not been once this year. It’s more than the obvious expense. It’s a palpable loss of the Disney magic I’ve experienced and expected for over 40 years. The Disney magic is, if not gone, greatly reduced. So I take my business to the other local parks where I am less stressed and can just happily wander around without needing an agenda to follow.

[@quantumquestions5849]

Exactly a lot is gone. someone needs to be removed from ruining Disney

[@acupuncturekid]

Exactly. Disney loves people like you. They hope you always renew without cancelling.

[@billybob-ro6qf]

I live about an hour from Disney & used to also get annual passes every couple of years or so but haven't been since Covid & you're right the magic is gone so many new idiotic rules. Still, I do miss the parks. Thinking about maybe going back next year. I always get the cheapest annual pass which used to be the weekday pass now it's called Pixie pass which still includes weekdays, but it has more days in the summer I can go to now than what they used to offer. Still not a big fan of going in the hottest parts of the year.

[@caseenicole9074]

Congratulations on 1 Million subscribers! What an accomplishment! I started watching your channel over 10 years ago to get the best advice on Disney! Still watch every video. ❤

[@dejavuduo4504]

I work in the Disney reservation center and July and June are already looking to be pretty busy months based on resort reservations and ticket sales. Disney is more expensive but the cost of everything has risen too. If people want to go to Disney world they will. Disney knows that and the sales reflect as such

[@Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa1873]

Some people save for years for 1 day at the park some family's spend more on a 1 day disneylnad trip than some people make in a month

[@billybob-ro6qf]

as a FL resident I can get an annual pass for around $450 which includes free parking. It's only for weekdays which is fine because all my days off work are on weekdays.

[@chaseschwartz]

Disney is outrageously expensive! From my experience, going to Japan for a week is cheaper than spending 4 days at the park!

[@sophiarose5879]

Fr? I’ve been wanting to go to Japan and Disney for a while now. Would it be better do just do Japan at this point 😂

[@vincent412l7]

​@sophiarose5879 the US Dollar has a VERY favorable exchange rate right now. The Japanese Yen is weak now.

[@deadmeme9031]

​​@@sophiarose5879 Honestly yeah, there's also Tokyo Disney which is both an incredibly impressive and also honestly pretty well priced (especially compared to the US parks)

[@PlantCozyGamerJess]

Military here: We got to snag a deal at Shades of Green with the breakfast buffet making it close to the same price of just the room with breakfast being free. If anyone is a military member, I highly recommend a Disney trip. My husband and I are going in Sept and it is actually very reasonable in pricing and we are going to Universal too!

[@December28-ff7ou]

Military family also. We got a great deal on our tickets (which we purchased on base separate from our resort reservation) and then booked with the 30 percent off deal on rooms at a moderate Disney resort. We saved a ton on our upcoming July trip. We are also driving in so we save on flights. For Military, it’s a great time to go.

[@jeninaslicer352]

I’m waiting until 2026 to visit Epic Universe. That way the glitches and wait times aren’t as bad?? I think visiting Disney next summer won’t be that bad if everyone is focused on a Universal and Epic vacation instead. 😊

[@YourHostBobby]

It’s always Empty on Graduation day in Florida, especially in Universal, when I went, the wait times were no more than 40 minutes.

[@mariapadilla4849]

What day is that?

[@YourHostBobby]

@@mariapadilla4849 This year, it was May 15

[@jeannecrawford6324]

They had weeks of Grad Night this year and not just for graduating seniors in high school. There were also Grad Nights for 8th graders who will be in high school next year. Grad Night is not just celebrated on one night. Imagine how many middle schools are in east central Florida, from Brevard County to Flagler County up the coast and all the way to Ocala, Sumter and Lake Counties in west central Florida, and the counties in between.

[@gizmonovack]

Universal is better , Disney is for babies

[@acupuncturekid]

A 40 minute wait time doesn't mean the Parks are empty.

[@MrBoop4345]

I just got back from Disney world yesterday and it was packed.

[@Rimshathaesthete]

Magic kingdom needs more indoor rides to disperse the crowd so people dont have to melt in heat and wait for upro 2 hours for a 30 second ride

[@dfbbreea]

I’m so hoping more indoor rides come with this future expansion! 🤞🏻

[@SkywarpZX]

The long lines benefit disney. They push people to buy genie+ and lightning lane passes to skip the 2 hour wait.

[@ahill209]

"Normalized" attendance may be more about the increased costs than anything else. If anything, reduced attendance might be driven more by the wicked heat and humidity than anything else. As a local to Disney World, it won't bother me at all if attendance is low. Wait times for popular attractions in the sweltering heat is a good incentive to stay home.

[@loken9124]

I'm in magic Kingdom this very second and it's packed, so I doubt it

[@MSPOKERPLAYER]

It won't be less crowded

[@happiersoul]

Have a magical time!!!!

[@Jo-Elle504]

Yesterday, too.

[@tnwhiskey68]

Quit watching videos and go have fun!

[@moomie1634]

People can complain about the prices all they want, because as long as people keep paying, Disney has no incentive to cut them.

[@annoyedok321]

Florida in July with the family at Disney World sounds like hell

[@LoveStallion]

"Empty" and "a little bit lighter" are very different things.

[@seandp85]

I was at the magic kingdom Sunday 6/9/24 and I must say it wasn’t as packed as previous visits. I actually enjoyed most of the rides that I wanted to go on. The longest standby time was a hour but I think it was much shorter. I rode the tron and the queue only took about a hour. The people’s lack of awareness and lollygagging is what’s makes the lines extremely long.

[@dadre1983]

Hopefully so then maybe Disney can finally see the price gauging is turning People away.

[@Canrugger]

Its not that bad and people arent turning away

[@brucecoulter3934]

Don’t count on it

[@ContempoCoding]

Looking at some of the hotel availability makes it seem like it may not be as crowded this summer as usual. I feel like when the parks are packed, the values are all 100% sold out weeks/months in advance.

[@bmn172]

Congratulations on finally hitting one million subscribers!!

[@raquelsimoes9900]

Summer 2014 was the last time we went, and it was UNBELIEVABLY empty at all four parks. It coincided with the World Cup, and I am not sure if this alone would affect Disney crowds that much, but the fact is that we finished MK by 5pm after taking our time and riding Space Mountain with less than 10 min waits FIVE times! This year we're going back again, but this time in late August. I wonder if the Paris Olympics will have a similar effect.

[@lynncm3188]

Disney is no vacation. Too much worry about when you can go, wait times, can’t park hop except for an extra fee. When I vacation I don’t always want to plan things out like you have to at Disney parks. And it’s way too hot. Not enjoyable anymore, many more things to do in the US besides a Disney park.

[@nickw7235]

Bring that competition baby!!! New Universal is going to awesome, can’t wait but my heart is still with the mouse!

[@largol33t12]

They'll have a working Super Mario Land like the one in Japan AND a real Mario Kart! My dream has come true! And they confirmed it: the Ministry of Magic will be built there. I'm still bummed out that they won't have a Hogwarts or Jurassic Park themed hotel. That's a no-brainer.

[@drewpatterson8009]

If Disney starts pumping out the big deals then no. People WILL take advantage. If they don't release big discounts and or package deals the parks will definitely be dead.

[@acupuncturekid]

They will keep raising the prices.

[@MadelineDemartino-f1p]

My husband and I are taking our daughter to Disney and Universal for 7 days later this summer. Universal alone is $1200 for one day and we’re not staying there!

[@krystynarohde9005]

We’re Disneyland pros and going to Disney world for the first time end of August for my 30th bday. We found a great deal through Costco! We booked in January and just recently found out I’m pregnant, but we’re going anyways! I’ll definitely enjoy sitting on Main Street with a snack while my honey rides the crazy rides! Hopefully the park won’t be so packed, especially since the weather is going to be rough at that point of the year!

[@allenbaylus3378]

what deal does costco have on Disney tickets?

[@December28-ff7ou]

Same! I’m from Anaheim and have been doing Disneyland in the scorching dry heat during the summer all my life. Stay hydrated, take lots of breaks and you’ll be fine. I would also recommend opting for a rimmed hat instead of mouse ears. Cooling neck fans/towels are great too. We’re doing Disney World for the first time this summer also since we have recently moved to the South. Im just going in with a similar mentality and have scheduled in a resort/rest day in between park days to recoup.

[@texasburbs4380]

Count me in as waiting for Universal! Looks so amazing....

[@schimenti1]

I think you are missing a key element regarding crowd levels. Iger referred to "post-covid park revenue". Remember you basically had to stay on property OR buy a full priced ticket to reserve a day & time. This drove UP revenue on less attendance. So now, revenue can go DOWN while attendance goes up.

[@TheFtm22]

Oh, Party for the Senses was the BEST! We did that for our 25th anniversary and it was such an amazing night.

[@dfbbreea]

I really really REALLY hope they plan to bring back something similar! 🤞

[@tsyganko]

It says a lot about how much I enjoy watching your channel, when I am watching this despite being one of those people waiting for next year to visit Epic Universe.

[@dfbbreea]

Hey, we are too! So it’s all good! ❤

[@andrewjames1817]

Late 80s early 90s wait lines were over 120 mins for rides

[@The_Alexandra_B]

It wasn’t empty last July when we went and I doubt it’ll be empty when we go in August.

[@kristinavalcarce2404]

I totally get the need for a more relaxing vacation. My family has already decided that in 2025, we're not doing the parks. We're heading to Aulani instead!

[@dfbbreea]

Aloha!! 🌸

[@largol33t12]

I just stay at home. Unfortunately, it seems Universal has no plans to build that third theme park in the middle of America. They've talked about it for years but nothing has come of it. I think that's lazy. They need to do it before Disney gets its hands on a good land deal and drives the prices up.

[@ronpotvin8255]

One thing you didn’t mention is the prediction of a busy hurricane season this year. This might keep the crowds done

[@dubzilla87]

I would never go in the summer, I would melt 🫠

[@dfbbreea]

Can confirm = it’s BRUTAL out here ☀️

[@Electrohead92]

I went in May and it was unbearable. I couldn’t even imagine how bad July and August are. I’d go in September after Labour Day or early October. It’s still warm, but not so ridiculous. It’s also much slower since everyone’s kids are back to school.

[@dubzilla87]

@@Electrohead92 yep! I was just there a few weeks ago for a couple of days before going on a cruise and it was already unbearable. I kept thinking, "how do the ppl that come in the summer do this??"

[@billybob-ro6qf]

even for us born & raised FL folk YES it's HOT feels even hotter this year than most.

[@December28-ff7ou]

Some people don’t have an option to come at any other time of year.

[@camillemitchell301]

My family went on the fourth of july last year, and most rides were a walk on at mk with genie+. When we were in the standby queue it was a relatively short wait.

[@KenLantern]

Wait doesn't Disney not like locals?

[@mymasmith7848]

We are going mid-June, and I am surprised how I can still get or move about our popular restaurant reservations with ease. My only concern is how busy the days of the Tiana Bayou preview in MK could be.

[@bgo6623]

Same for us in July!

[@davidhaven8786]

Yes I agree with that statement, I saved 30 percent on my hotel which helped

[@kellylowe8869]

We’re going end of June and dining reservations are totally open!!!

[@esta8651]

I stay away from June - mid August. Tooo hot 🥵

[@dfbbreea]

Sooooo hot 🫠

[@cell9899]

Lmao!! Let me get this straight: 4 nights 5 days all in inclusive fun package at 5 diamond excaret hotel in Cancun is cheaper than a Disney world economy hotel package?? 😂😂😂 let's see fly from TJ to Cancun or LA to Orlando??? Unlimited amazing food and drinks or burgers and fries? 5 amazing water parks with shows and food or 1 Disney world crowded cluster F***? Luxury hotel and amenities or motel 6 vibes?? Where should my money go 😂😂😂

[@brionfitzgerald1785]

Mid-June trip for me just booked last week, and I was surprised at the campground availability and also still having some decent dining reservation options. I hope that is an indication of how not as busy the parks will be. BUT, as AJ said, I'll be planning for the worst, and hoping for the best. 🎉

[@lamaalqasem9069]

What dining options do you recommend booking beforehand?

[@brionfitzgerald1785]

@@lamaalqasem9069 All of them! I personally try to not overdo it, as dining time takes away from park time. BUT, it can be a nice break in the heat if you do a late lunch. An example would be Liberty Tree in the MK. Buffet style, so about a 2:30 meal time covers both lunch and dinner for us, perhaps with just a small snack (granola bar type and fruit) in the evening. For an 7-8 night vacation, 5 park days, we typically plan 1 MK reservation, either 1 in Epcot, 1 in HS or AK, and then 1 on a rest day (such as the Hoop Dee Doo Review). But we bring fruit, small snacks, and those water enhancers with us in the park.

[@lamaalqasem9069]

@@brionfitzgerald1785 Thank you. This is my first time visiting disney tbh, I'm trying not to miss something :D thank you for the tip!

[@brionfitzgerald1785]

@@lamaalqasem9069 Oh, you will certainly miss something, don't worry. Just accept it. There is too much to try and do in 1 trip. My 'don't miss' short list, outside of the obvious? -MK - Enchanted Tiki Room -MK (or available at the Polynesian) - A Dole Whip. -MK - Egg Rolls, a little 'hot dog's type stand, on you way into Adventure Land from Main Street. - Epcot - The Land and Journey into Imagination (although, that's more from nostalgia from my childhood. I have a Figment tattoo...) - Studios - Tower of Terror at night. - Studios - (If you can swing it) - a quick drink in the Canteena (Star Wars nerd here too...) - Animal - The macaw flight show (don't tell your family, look it up, and let them be surprised by it...) - Animal - If you have littles, take the train to Rafikis (and definitely do the jungle trek). If you can swing it, either the Hoop Dee Doo Review at the campground, or a reservation in Cinderellas royal table in the MK. WAY too many others to mention for me personally, but that is what I would do if I could only go back 1 more time. And the Country Bear Jamboree, but that will still be closed when I go for my visit, sadly.

[@wesdavies2455]

Hey AJ, as a former Disney vacationer, is there a rough number/percentage that is of those across the pond?…. We originally travelled over every 14ish months, but then due to the kids growing, we now come over mostly every 2yrs, and it’s the sheer rise in cost over everything involved with Disney as to why we avoid it the last few years, and now only come over for the weather, the welcoming vacations, universal parks and SeaWorld parks, and we no longer recommend Disney to friends or families purely on cost, even 3 nights at Disney Paris can run higher than a week in the Mediterranean… I think there’s a big number of brits and Europe that has slowed with the cost of the travel and accommodation increases… For me Disney has to go cheaper than all the rest to start pulling back the crowds….🤷🏼‍♂️🇺🇸🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@dezzbrown]

Agreed 100% 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 🤙🏼

[@tomwillms8470]

I hope so. I have two trips planned

[@AGuyNamedZach]

After having had a Disney World experience early 2023 after over a decade of not being able to do so, I prefer Disney cruises for the reasons mentioned in this video. Disney cruises are my ideal balance of fun, relaxation, and price. You get to take things more at your own pace on the ships compared to feeling like you're being pulled in every direction trying to maximize the park experience.

[@islaw1898]

Our 3 week holiday to Japan is coming in at what we’d spend on a 2 week stay in DisneyWorld so…

[@vinnie24]

I was there last week, arrived home last night. The parks were considerably lighter than usual. We were able to finish all the attractions at Epcot in 5 hours (not guardians, still virtual queue. Hollywood studios we were able to ride everything except in galaxy’s edge twice. MK was a bit heavier but nothing to complain about.

[@weatheredseeker]

May while school is still in is one of the slowest times of year at disney and uni.

[@themeparkamusement2214]

The crowds will not go down until Epic Universe opens . Period.

[@slidellaholt]

We aren't falling for this... 🤣🤣🤣

[@thatboyandhismusic]

Just seeing a few of the comments. Let's also remember that Universal (Standard Park and Islands of Adventure) as well as New EPIC Universe aren't Disney. They're a completely different company. Its just that Universal Parks and Disney Parks are all in Orlando but again NOT Disney. ✌🏾

[@ocdidi93]

When Disney says ‘reimagined’, I get scared 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@ZooandWildAnimalPark]

Another factor that will affect crowd levels at Disney World is weather. There are days that can reach 100 degrees fahrenheit. Who would want to go to the parks when its that hot? I've seen less people when it was that hot outside. I take advantage of this despite the intense heat. Joe

[@tridoc99]

I used to be so excited to plan Disney vacations. Last one I planned was for summer 2020, so that didn’t happen. All the changes since then, like not honoring anything from the original Star Wars in all the new Star Wars areas and changing Splash Mountain, constantly changing how fast pass works, etc. That combined with increasing costs have really just ruined the magic for me. Still love AJ though!

[@burpmcgurp9176]

We are disney heads through and through BUT the Universal Announcement and new park news definitely makes us take a second look at where we'd like to go. Disney needs to stop assuming they are an unstoppable force and make updates quicker and lure people back.

[@mystreteacher]

It was really crowded while we were there from the 3rd to the 17th.

[@billybob-ro6qf]

so they lying about small crowds? Figures LOL just trying to sucker people into going thinking they will have the park to themselves.. LOL

[@LadyLunarella]

I havent been since 2010? cuz I hated the crowds and my mom doesnt like it too. I do miss going sometimes but im not that crazy to spend money on them anymore since ive been seeing all the crazy stuff disneys done...for more money and alot of unhappy guests.

[@jaygarner2977]

It wont be empty or any different than any other year. They have tons of locals with season passes that will fill the parks especially as soon as word leaks the parks aren't busy via social media. WDW is also offering dining packages again for people that book a stay on property. This tends to get their hotels filled which in turn fills the parks. I would not buy into the hype that parks will be empty due to economic conditions, etc. That said, I dropped my WDW season pass to take a break from WDW for a bit. Been a passholder for 6+ years. Gonna go back to Universal and enjoy other parts of Florida. This hype about the parks being empty for this reason or that...all trash. I've never been to an empty WDW park (except for covid restart), so if you go, be prepared for crowds.

[@latchkeytales]

Never empty! Even during a downpour when half the folks leave it’s still too crowded lol

[@FLgurl407]

It's hot. Everyone knows this. But unless your used to living in a swamp, I don't think folks truly understand how the heat + humidity affect you. Heat exhaustion comes on real quick and it will take you out. It is no joke. First Aid is always ready and welcoming if you need to get out of the sun and cool down. 🏥☀️

[@Philosophy42DaysUth]

So long as it is too crowded and the lines are too long, it is going to stay empty. No one wants to pay more to avoid waiting in lines that are an hour and 1/2. If they want to get their crowds back, they need to limit the number of people who can be at the park on any given day.

[@BillWilt-lp8pq]

WE have going to WDW for the last twenty years , do I need to change location, maybe universe ?

[@billybob-ro6qf]

try Dollywood that's where I'm heading this summer. Great rides & shows, food is also great.

[@Scrapbooksista70]

I generally don't do summer vacations. But my plan is to take a Disney cruise next August or September leaving out of South Hampton or The Mediterranean.

[@dfbbreea]

Oh fun!

[@DJbassrevolution]

The problem with disney world is it will always be packed full or foreigners at any price point so disney is unlikely to lower cost.

[@StamfordBridge]

All potentially good news for me - I’ll be there in July! 🕺

[@dfbbreea]

Ooh - will you be going before or after the 4th of July??

[@StamfordBridge]

@@dfbbreea Roughly a week after.

[@GTNover]

Disney is okay with less people in the parks as long as things are more expensive to make up the difference. People who still go to the parks will likely be the ones that have more money, therefore spend more money. And those same people will probably be in the parks longer because it won't be nearly as crowded. Instead of many leaving the park at 6 or 7 and having dinner outside of the park, they stay until close, eat in the park, and don't feel rushed so they grab something at the gift shop on the way out. This is a win for Disney, and the guests Disney currently is targeting. It's just not a win for everyone else.

[@CherylPickering1012]

Don't think it's going to be less crowded. The after hour night we booked is sold out

[@cw3166]

Thank you for your video! Congratulations on your milestone of subscribers! Would you be able to do a video about the new DAS program? Not the controversial aspects, but how will your options work like return Que time, EVC use at rides, busses, and will Genie+ and Lightening Lane now be a super long wait? Thank you for considering. Always keep A. J. She is the best!

[@OTHDogDad]

We dropped our annual passes after 20+ years. We’re from out of town, so we always spent a lot. The park experience just never recovered after the pandemic. Our next likely trip will be a few days to check it out when we come down for Universal Studio’s Epic Universe opening.

[@LeaverWild]

Yeah…blistering heat…half mast attractions…insane price gouging… I’m all set. I went Spring Break week and had a blast. My next trip will be at Christmas … while school is still in session. 😂

[@kingofswing3000]

Annual attendance WILL be down. But when you have over 10m visitors, a million less doesn't look that different. And the only reason Disney is doing well with revenue is because of their price increases. Their new model is Revenue over Volume. Less people paying more. They want you to come every 5 years and spend a ton instead of every two years and spending less.

[@type2red]

Even with the decline of Disney’s Brand and the increased costs of the parks. I feel that Disney’s Parks will never be empty, at least not anytime soon.

[@tnwhiskey68]

When your "value" hotel is at least $250-$300 after taxes and fees, plus $20 to park at that hotel per day, people don't want to spend hard earned, hard to save these days money!

[@Canrugger]

Actually its pretty easy to save and those prices are normal for most hotels world wide…same with parking

[@bcs3948]

@@Canrugger🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️

[@themeparkamusement2214]

You can get a $117 a day rate if you go 3 months out and work backwards checking every week, with a start date of Monday. In addition they have stopped charging to park at the resorts. Design your vacation to enter the parks on a tues or wends and you will have a noticeable drop in crowds. In addition you can use the same formula at Universal Resorts and get rooms for $77 a night.

[@stevee8260]

Parking at Disney property hotels is free.

[@richp4198]

Over $200 is way too much to pay for a Disney value hotel even Art of Animation which is the best value resort. They did away with charging for parking at Disney resorts. I'm sure they factor that into the overall price nowadays. It's still much more affordable then staying at a Jersey shore hotel which makes a Disney value resort look like the Ritz Carlton.

[@jasonfrazier83]

The best way to keep your family happy at Disney World is as soon as you walk in the gate split up and meet up for meals.

[@RussellLapeze]

Just spent six days at WDW. Crowds were unbelievable especially in Magic Kingdom. The Disney Studios park was so hot and crammed into a small space. Trying to eat lunch at Woody’s Lunch Box (think that’s what’s it’s called) was so hot and crowded that you can’t even enjoy your lunch. Why can’t Disney spend a little money and put up some kind of roof over more places to eat. They sure are charging enough money to visit these parks.

[@kevinbokesch6665]

I would like that, since I'll be there starting next week, but I have a feeling that won't be the case!

[@MandoJim-69]

I’m from the Uk and travelled to Disneyworld in 2019 & Feb 2020 and had an amazing time, unfortunately I’m never coming back, it’s so expensive and Disney is just not offering value for money anymore. if I travel to Florida I’ll be spending my money at Universal.

[@danielbriones5539]

This probably has something to do with the fact that they got rid of DAS abuse. People do not want to pay for Genie + aka Multi Pass LL when they used to get it for free lol. I was at Disney 7-3 / 7-7 - amazing time at Riviera Resort!

[@joshuadavis2175]

After being a Disney going all these years I'm giving universal a shot next. Disney is getting too expensive and loosing touch with their roots. It's definitely not as magical as it used to be.

[@txworshipleader]

Holy dopplegangers, Batman! That guy in the baseball cap at <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="114">1:54</a> sure looks like me!!!

[@leslylopez5325]

I believe it will be empty this summer. We usually go to WDW twice a year but this year we are skipping it all together and going to Europe for 2 weeks… going to DLP though hehe🤭

[@dfbbreea]

Ahhh!! That’s so awesome!

[@laurencemathewriggs8023]

I think it's the cost they keep creeping the prices up. It's becoming to expensive to go. We did disnyland a few years ago and with hotels and flights and passes it was 12k

[@LindaSirmeyer]

I just came back from Disney! It’s wonderful! Yes expensive and full of people!

[@badhabitbabbitt7655]

Well both Disney water parks aren't open which seems like a 1st. Means less visitors imo. That probably will keep crowds full in the main parks. The changes to the parks appear underwhelming also. Universal will crush WDW when epic universe opens.

[@mynameis5227]

just went to epcot this week & was shocked at how low the crowds were!

[@susanfahey2393]

To answer your question, I hope so. Be there in 18 days.

[@camerachris]

I’m booked for two weeks this summer but it will likely be my last, at least for a long while or until things change

[@GarbageSan]

Can’t wait to go 😊

[@charliegould5865]

I wouldn’t be surprised if the Disney parks were down on visitors this year, with the prices they now charge for entry being so high a lot of people just can’t afford it. Trying to find an actual price for tickets is not easy, but it seems ticket prices are $109 - $189 + tax for an adult and $104 - $184 + tax for an under 10 year old child depending on what Disney have decided to charge for each individual day. Go on the wrong day and a day at Disney could cost you just over $700 + tax for a family of four just to get into the park for one day! Of course there are deals to be had making it slightly less eye wateringly expensive. And let’s not forget the first thing to pay for on arrival at the Magic Kingdom is the car park, as if the park entry ticket isn’t enough there’s a $30 parking charge! Trying to find the actual ticket price for a one day ticket is not an easy job, Disney seems to to have hidden it away somewhere. Maybe because they are embarrassed by their own prices.

[@nikkiberns1365]

I live and work in a National Heritage Site that typically see hundreds of thousands of visitors every summer (pre and post pandemic), and this summer has been QUIET. We’re not even expensive 😂

[@lisajones1062]

I’ve always had annual passes for my family. I can no longer afford even to renew my passes. My granddaughter is a quadriplegic and unable to go on few rides there for the cost of the family getting to do this is vacation. There are just not enough rides that you can bring a wheelchair on so this is excluded. Us from family vacations there as well.

[@lindsaypierce9185]

You have a follower for life. Thank you for addressing the teacher travel life..

[@Coolmist_]

Currently at Disney World, answer is no. It is still jam-packed. It is expensive but u can always find cheaper options from tickets to hotels. Just do some research, and u can cut down on the prices.

[@davidholzwarth2127]

I just came back from Disney 2 weeks ago. It’s not empty

[@billybob-ro6qf]

so why all the lies saying it's empty? Guess some attempt to get more people to go thinking it will be empty then after the buy the tickets too late shoulder to shoulder LOL

[@meghancarr518]

Of course not