True, but you know what else doesn't help? The word-of-mouth scuttlebutt which says rides aren't being maintained like they should, cleanliness and friendliness in the parks has gone downhill, and yet prices there have continued to increase and you get nickel-and-dimed to death like never before. Even if these park stories/problems are overstated, if enough people hear such things, it can put people off.
It's more than the reason the movies fail, is the same reason the parks are failing. Zero creativity at the top. Everything Disney has made the last 20 years has been crap.
Going to Disney these days feels like work. You have to literally be on your phone the entire time booking things and refreshing and navigating apps and paying extra for this ride and that ride - it’s become an exhausting and expensive chore.
It used to be a fun challenge. Last went in 1999 with my soon-to-be wife and another couple and if you timed things right you could spend the whole day at the park and ride between 60-75% of the offerings. Today, it's impossible. Too many restrictions, upgrades, etc, etc. We did our whole trip including Universal/Sea World for $2,500. Today, you'd be lucky to spend that in a day at Disney.
Many Floridians like myself have stopped going to Disney and now spend our money at Universal and Sea World. Disney has become very expensive and are no longer maintained. Universal offers annual passes and is a much better value.
We were at Sea World last year. The park has awful food and the penguin encounter was closed, so was the other indoor ride. Not much to do for us older, non coaster riders besides the shows. They charge extra for the tower. The park needs to rethink maintenance cleanliness and food.
As an out of stater that went to WDW 3-4 times a year to zero visits the past two years, we are taking our kids to Universal this fall for the first time ever. Hope it lives up to the hype!
In the last couple of years it seems Disney has done everything in their power to destroy the family unit that Walt and Roy so cherished. Then they sat back as if to laugh in our faces because we were hurt that the Disney we once knew and loved - is gone. All I can say is, you reap wha your sew. They destroyed it, and they don’t care.
Sadly, the Disney heir and her followers insist on following this woke agenda. Disney may have to be totally destroyed for the woketevists to get a clue.
They act like they want everyone to feel included and have a good time. But then a cast member will say “We will not honor this anymore” when you’re trying to get DAS passes.
Here in the UK 🇬🇧 Travel agents have seen a 92% drop in Disneyland Holidays bookings . People are No longer interested in anything Disney, Even the Merchandise toys etc are staying on shop shelves, The British Tourists will not be preached to about Diversity, And they certainly do not wish to Take their children into Disney Princess Dress Shops with a Man dressed in a DRESS 👗….. Disney has lost the respect of the British people…😢
@@david89732 I’m a Floridian and Disney World opened the I was born. It’s always been such a special place to me until the last few years. They have totally thrown Walt’s dreams in the trash!!! I no longer have an annual pass or go to the parks. I very much enjoy universal studios and visit often. I will just have to look back on all the happy memories of Disney’s past.
What broke me was the overflowing trash cans in the restrooms. I accepted the increase in prices, the long lines ,but when I found out they reduced the maintenance crew. I knew the end was near.
Yep, prices like food items and merch got more expensive.... More rides are having more issues than ever before due to lack of matinence, trash all over the parks, cast members breaking character.... It's only a matter of time before it dies.
@@Disneyfan82 It's part of their cost cutting plan, which personally I would have cut other things besides the matinence considering that they literally keep the park alive.
In the past few weeks I’ve seen people walking off rides cause they break down, pirates was down, people mover was down. STOP BUYING NETWORKS AND MAINTAIN YOUR PARKS! Why does everything look brand spanking new at Tokyo Disney!!!!!!!!
I think that politics are only a minor factor. Disney has neglected the Disney parks in favor of streaming. Furthermore Disney has cut services and increased prices. The Genie+ system was also unpopular. Disney sees its park as a money making opportunity and tried to squeeze the last penny of its guest. Even a disney fan will ask themself why they are paying more for less. Bob Iger is currently sleepwalking Disney in its doom.
Not really sure it’s that simple. When you actively say you’re inserting a “not so secret gay agenda” into children’s programming a lot of parents are going to be out. My wife who cares nothing about politics was done with Disney as soon as that leak came out.
Well I’d go as far as to say they neglected their TV and Movies in favor of streaming. You know? They are overproducing. It affects quality and it affects my attention span. I just told someone else I wasn’t excited for Wolverine and Deadpool for that reason. I already saw both their movies, I don’t really feel the need to see them together in a movie.
Yeah and his replacement was even worse then him for the time he was there, stealing the company blind which is nothing less than they deserved since they've been stealing their guests blind with all they do including stuffing so many people in the parks that it is a hellatious experience with 4 HOUR waits for most rides!
Recently retired from WDW Attractions Engineering, I noticed around 1995 “The Change”. I started with the company at The Jungle Cruise in 1984, when we were rescued from imminent failure. I have observed at ground level the deterioration of story telling. As a young Jungle Cruise Skipper we were always expected to be immersed in the story. The company once treated the parks as a huge sound stage, with the themes going so deep that some roles like Jungle Cruise, Steam Trains, Liberty Bell, Mike Fink Keel Boats, 20K, were gender specific male roles to tell an authentic story. With the recent story failure of Dial of Destiny, I believe the saddest thing is Lucas Film waited too long to capitalize on the stories that could have been for Indiana Jones. Those stories should have been created in the 90’s. I think they missed opportunities long ago. I also share the opinion of Disney should have concerned itself with the majority and not the minority. The original management of WDW, who actually knew Walt Disney, pushed back on The Gay Days Events at WDW, and were admonished for it. Now their complaints are being realized as valid. LGBTQ People do not produce children. Why would you alienate the customer base that made your company what it was. I think we need the likes of Marty Sklar, Dick Nunis, Joe Fowler, Richard Irvine etc. Maybe we are seeking something we cannot find, maybe the late 1980’s were the pinnacle of what people loved about Disney. How sad that is. I hope Disney does not fall to the fate of Pan Am.
Great statement! I was an annual WDW visitor throughout the 80s, 90s and 2000s. It is sad to see what has happened to the company. As a student of Disney history, I recognize those legendary names you mentioned.
This has nothing to do with the gays. That's just right wing talking points. It's about the fact that 90% of what they have created in the last 20 years has been garbage. Epcot is gutted. Instead of updating the Great Movie Ride, they scrap it. Instead of remaking Song of the South, they scrap Splash Mountain. They are being run by uncreative businessmen, that is the problem.
They lost two lawsuits in the 1980s over men dancing together. The presence of Gay Days at the park was pure getoffmybackism, as all their performative gestures of inclusion since then have been as well. None of which required Splash Mountain to be desecrated or the rest of the park to go to shit as it has. It’s a cash vacuum that no amount of pinkwashing will fix. As a Gay man, I couldn’t care less about rainbow Mickey Mouse stickers when I got stuck on one of the Pirates of the Caribbean boats for 10 minutes!
Well said. I've been going to MK since I was 6 months old in 1976. I lived and breathed WDW. I was the type of fan that owned an original monorail door. I tore up my annual pass in 2006. I've only been back once. Almost everything that they do at WDW either disgusts me or infuriates me. It's a zero ground for creative talent. I have made Disneyland my new home base. The magic still exists in Anaheim folks.
Universal is running a full on anti-Disney ad campaign, at least here in Florida. I forget the exact wording off the top of my head, but their TV commericals say something like "It's not magic, it's real".
People are calling this a boycott, but I see this as a loss of interest. people are being turned off by all the remakes and wokeness in their movies, and the bearded men walking the parks in princess dresses is even more of a turn off. meanwhile, Universal Studios is giving you Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, Mario Bros, Transformers, and so many others. That's why I don't see this as a boycott. Disney just isn't giving you good reasons to stay anymore. people are moving on.
For context - I'm not a "target audience" of any of these parks' IPs (superhero movies, video games, etc.) and I'm REALLY NOT into Harry Porter... having said that, I went to Universal last year with a buddy who had tickets and I have to give them alot of credit. The Harry Porter world thing is so well done and the rides so much fun that its easy to see why actual fans of the IP love that place so much. Velocicoaster by itself is already kind of worth it.
I also hear that the parks look like they lack maintenance, despite the price hike. Rides apparently breaking down, more often than they should. Their last HUGE update, from what I hear, was the star cruiser, a hotel OUTSIDE the park- that will be closing this year. So this drop in attendance is more than just woke stuff. It seems like it's WAY beyond that.
@@mambi74oddly enough a Kingdom Hearts world and/or interactive adventure throughout the park (like what Universal is doing with Mario, but just in the Mario area) might help them out.
Because they have too much "pride".Disney executives mentality has a huge ego boost. Universal is coming up and running fast catching up in the race from behind. I want to see what will happen in 2025 when Epic opens up. It's yearly Haunted house in Vegas and mini park in Texas will also help it's brand going forward. It will give Disney some humble pie......
You were so spot on here. We went to DW in 2018 & 2019 & loved it. First chance we got after the shut downs, we booked again & went in 2022. Well, we were SO disappointed that we'll never go again. Why? No Magical Express, no free fast passes, hotel car park charge, surly staff, litter, dirt, chipped paint everywhere, rides not working and shutting down all the time, animatronics not working, magicbands no longer free and another added expense. But what was the biggest slap in the face was the added cost of Genie+ which was a total rip-off, especially when you couldn't book what you wanted. Everyone we spoke to was so unhappy with the changes at DW that they all said they'd never come again, so i knew there'd be this drop in attendance. We're going to Universal from now on.
@@Attmaythey cut wages and cut job positions at the same time. My coworker thought that was a good thing and I told her no it not at all, all that means is the park going to be nasty and more people just phoning in their job not caring and it going to go down hill very fast like every company that been doing that.
The fact that Universal is gaining all the park attendees that Disney lost, and the fact that small indie films are destroying Disney so-called blockbuster movies are the signs that the world no longer needs nor desires Disney in their lives at all. As far as I'm concerned only investors that think they can buy Disney stock at some rock bottom price are the only ones that are hoping for this company to rebound.
@@PowerRangersFanAntiDinoFury And you do realize that Universal is not openly trying to sexualize ALL children? Only Disney is attacking kids on all fronts.
@@PowerRangersFanAntiDinoFuryFlorida is a hot spot for these types of activity, last time I went there, my entire hotel block was covered in police and swat vehicles.
My sister just got back from Disney world. I asked how the virtual lines are for GoTG and Tron, she said they suck. You schedule ur spot (6 hours out for her) then when you come at your time, she still had to wait an hour in a physical line.
My wife who still supports disney is starting to wake up. She dumped her stock and admits there is a problem. The wait times were shocking to her. But she still pays for DisPlus despite it being disappointing the last couple of years. Hard to leave a cult I suppose...
My wife finally decided to ditch D+ yesterday (the last way we were giving Disney money). All the publicity about their new show with the pregnant high-schooler dating literal satan finally did it.
I feel your pain. I was a huge Disney fan since the 80s but they lost my fandom several years ago for multiple reasons. I have family that still wanted to go to WDW, so we went earlier this year. We had fun, but I can’t shake the feeling that I want to be done with them. Genie+ is a mess and very unfriendly to the guest experience. Hang in there. Some of my family seems to be shifting away from it at least a little bit, so there is hope for your wife.
As an avid Disney fan and Florida pass holder for 8 years in a row, let me say I think you nailed several points here. We have stopped supporting Disney all together… no longer go to the parks, no longer subscribe to Disney plus, and no longer buy their products for our child. We are so sad that we can no longer trust Disney to just provide fun without an overt message on sexuality, race, gender, or language. We now have to explain what otherwise used to be simple mindless entertainment. Now understand, we are the kinds of “Disnerds” who worked hard to incorporate the “Disney magic” into the design of our house and everyday living. We have elements of Morocco, Mexico, Nomad Lounge, smells, music, etc….. the care and detail Disney takes with their stories is what we have always appreciated. We would love to see Disney redeem themselves, and your idea about an outreach program for school is good however, I would no longer trust them to provide educational items that weren’t driven by their agendas. So for this reason I wouldn’t support that. All Disney needs to do is get back to being fun, safe, family entertainment without the politics behind their messages. Make a public announcement recognizing their failure and stating their intent to change. Then follow through on their promise. Until we as parents see this happen, there will be no return to the parks. It may be too late for them because it will take a period of correction for families to begin trusting Disney again.
I am also upset with Disney but for very different reasons. Like it’s major prices increases, taking away value added perks and its entire park reservation system that has your face planted on a phone trying to navigate the parks and not in joying you family. ETC. You on the other hand have made claims that Disney sexualized it’s films.Being racist and using foul language! I personal have seen none of that and would like some proof of theses claims are real. Produce a video or show us pictures of these cast members running around the Parks in femal clothing? Etc! Etc!
Here is my take. I am a father of an 8 year old girl and we were in Orlando this summer. I asked my daughter where she wanted to go and her reply was Universal. I asked her why she did not want to go to the Magic Kingdom. She asked what characters are at the Magic Kingdom? I informed her and she knew none of the characters (except Buz Lightyear). She said she wanted to see the Minions and Harry Potter land. Long gone are the days of the ABC Sunday Night Disney movie. That was my generation. If the Magic Kingdom were centered around Pixar characters then I think she would want to go but most kids of today do not know Cinderella or Snow White. They know Lightning McQueen, Woody, Boo etc. Disney had better wake up to this or they will be left behind. By the way, I much preferred Universal because of the roller-coasters. Dad was happy too.
This is such a great comment. Universal has lots of characters that are contemporary. Disney *should* have timeless characters, but they're discarding them. They're saying that what you used to watch is no longer acceptable. IOW, they're destroying their own IP. So what's the point seeing their new acceptable version if in a few years, they'll just again say that today's versions are no longer acceptable.
I remember watching the Wonderful World of Disney on Sundays. That was when Disney could just do no wrong when they still had a creative spark and Disney World was the place to go. Now Disney has lost its creative spark and thanks to Robert Iger has become bloated and fat. Having too many IPs to manage and constantly cutting it's own throat. It's not just the movies that have tanked, merchandise has become a bunch of garbage and the rot has settled into the parks. Disney can't put the blame on COVID or fiscal when your neighbor Universal down the road is bigger then ever, not firing and laying off it's people and not pissing on the family and fans.🤯
Glad you and your little girl had fun. What all studios and not just Disney need to realize is that IPs are generational. You have to keep them at the forefront and in the mindshare of each succeeding one and/or create new successful ones during each one. Universal currently appears to be far more successful than Disney at this.
They dropped their animations and went for full cgi "live action" reboots of their old movies. Guess a "live action lion king" does not work so well in a theme park.
I agree that the "magic of disney" in the parks vanished after 2019. The employees, the experience, everything cratered. I was not a huge disney person, but my wife and kids loved it, so we went, and honestly, I was impressed. The busiest park I've ever been in, didn't see the first piece of trash on the ground. Staff smiling and saying hello to you everywhere you went. After 2019, that all disappeared. Trash on the ground, if you need help with something, you have to search for an employee, and then when you do find them, they act like you're bothering them. The only good thing about it now is the wait times are gone and plenty of free space to sit on a bench and take a break in the middle of the day.
I don't want Disney to die, but I want them to get sick enough that they accept necessary treatment. How bad does it have to get before they get rid of their current leadership?
Growing up in the 1950s in LA county, I was close enough to Orange County (35 miles) that I was able to take a bus to Disneyland... the most wonderful place on Earth... all on my own... which I did several times. On two of those magical excursions I encountered Walt Disney himself. The first time he was walking around alone and no one recognized him, including myself... until after he passed me by and my brain thought about what my eyes had just seen, then it finally dawned on me who that faintly recognizable man was. By then he was about 25 feet past me, but I turned around and called to him. He turned around and politely stood still while I took a photo of him. The second time, a couple years later, he was escorting the Prime Minister of India (Nehru) and his daughter Indira Ghandhi around the park in a Ford model T, -he being the driver and they the passengers. Needless to say, that made my day. :) Not long ago I discovered that the news report of that occasion is on the internet... over 60 years later.
The last time I took my family in 2021, it was such a horrible experience we left on day 5 of a 12 day booking. The magic is gone. Bob and the whole board need to go. I told them I will return when the magic returns.
Most people are fine with woke because they actually looked up it’s definition it means to watch out for bigotry and discrimination against minorities and other groups.
Not completely cost, they are also blaming it on heat. It's hot. In july. In Florida. That's why nobody is going to Disney, they say. I guess Universal and Seaworld which were busy as hell the same weekend are in some alternate dimension where it's cooler.
Probably because the majority of people who frequent the parks don’t care about politics lmao. I’d still ride space mountain regardless of what Disney is putting on the big screen, but I can’t because in order to even get there I have to practically sell Disney my organs to afford it.
@@michaeltaylor788On the contrary, the term "woke" follows an ideology of perpetual victimization based on skin color and/or sexuality and demands that those who are not of their creed pay for their supposed crimes that they didn't commit. It is a disgusting and dangerous ideology. Doesn't take a bigot to know that, nor does it require discrimination like woke ideology does.
Disney stopped telling stories. Stopped creating heroes. Stopped being patriotic. Started pushing adult sexual content which then led to insanity like removing ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls from their greeting… it’s dirty: it’s expensive. It feels like they don’t like families - they want to cater to childless Disney adults. I want normal back!
Fortunate enough to have grown up going to Disney almost every year as a child (I was very blessed to be able to see Disney evolve through the decades). Even did two college programs at Walt Disney World 98’ and 2000). Over time I’ve witnessed the destruction of so many magical attractions and experiences: River Country at Fort Wilderness, Polynesian Resort dinner shows, Disney Magical Express, Pleasure Island, the original Journey into Imagination with Figment and Dreamfinder, Kitchen Kabaret, the original Imageworks with the rainbow tunnel, Communicore/Innoventions, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Snow White’s Scary Adventures, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, Horizons, Illuminations, The Monster Sound Show, Superstar Television, Voyage of the Little Mermaid, The Magic of Disney Animation, The Studio Backlot Tour, The Great Movie Ride, the Osborne Family Light Display, Splash Mountain, DisneyQuest, amazing theme park music-especially at Epcot), “Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls” (they could have kept that and added “friends and Dreamers of all ages” or something if they wanted inclusivity for all identities rather than erasing Walt’s original greeting altogether), free paper-based Fastpass, no park reservation system, and the Main Street Electrical Parade. Also, the overall theming at many of the parks and resorts has suffered greatly. Things are taken out and/or replaced without regard to how the changes complete mess with the previous immersive theming (Like the Riviera resort ruining the previous complete immersion the Caribbean Beach Resort provided or MGM Studios being completely altered and piecemealed back together with IP-focused attractions without regard to previous sight lines and the inability to make it seem like you are walking through old Hollywood anywhere in the park anymore. Things change, but they should take into consideration Walt’s original intentions and the great care Imagineers took to perfect the theming over decades, and the popularity of many attractions and experiences before changing things permanently; often the replacements for beloved attractions have paled in comparison to the originals. In many cases with Disney, the whole was bigger than the sum of its parts. We took our kids last year, so they could experience Walt Disney World at least once, and we went just in time for one last hurrah on Splash Mountain (my 5-year-old’s favorite ride). Certain newer attractions are great, such as Slinky Dog Dash, Toy Story Mania, Cosmic Rewind, and the Skyliner, but they are the exceptions. Cast Members are also still amazing. The 50th Anniversary Celebration was nothing special. I was there for Walt Disney World’s 15th Anniversary Celebration, and every time you entered the park you got a surprise scratch off ticket to win a number of possible special prizes like free tickets or light-up hats, for example (my brother and I both won a hat and we also got a free ticket one time). Anyway, the magic is no longer merely being slowly chipped away, but rather steamrolled over, in an attempt to nickel and dime the customer and make their vacation a chore rather than a magical experience imho. Too bad, and I’m unsure we will ever be back, unless they come to their senses and bring back the magic in a meaningful enough way. I won’t even get started on how unoriginal and preachy most of the recent films have been.
Many of us who worked for them have seen the drop coming for a long time. If you think about how much was cut backstage, and then onstage, from the late ‘90s until now, you have to bury your head in the sand to pretend the resort is as good as ever.
I did the college program spring 97 Fantasyland Merch and then the advanced internship, YES program in spring 2000. I loved both my programs. It saddens me to hear so much has changed. I don't think it is one thing per say that is causing to not come and enjoy the park experience. I see there is a whole bunch of factors. First it does seem like Disney is chipping away at the park experience. During my time in Merch there was a big focus on trying to create magical moments for our guests. My traditions class was 3 days before we even stepped into our assigned location. Then we would train at our location for about a week or so. I've heard today training is not very long at all. Cast members aren't receiving the quality training that we did in the past. I've also heard more college programers now that have become very disappointed with their program and have quit early. I'd say that happened to maybe about 12 % of the CP when I was there and after Covid hit I've heard most people complain and many have said they quit their CP because their working conditions were horrible, they couldn't even get in the parks on their days off, and their rent was so high they couldn't to eat. If anyone had asked me years ago if they should do the college program I would have no reservations in telling them to do the program. I was my university's Disney College Program Rep. Last week someone asked in a Facebook group and I encouraged her to speak with recent participants in the program. I've always spoken about my CP experience to my nephew since he was little. I hoped one day it would be able to experience what I did but now he is 13 and would probably tell him to look at other possible internships if things at Disney don't improve. I also feel like when management doesn't treat their employees well then the guest experience will suffer. Dealing with the public can be extremely hard sometimes but I was blessed in both my experiences that we always knew our management had our back. If we had an issue there was always someone we could call. Our management also gave us some incentives or recognition when we did well. Also the front line cast members need to be paid a living wage. How can someone serve the guest well if they are living in their car? You take care of your employees so they can take care of their guests. I feel like Disney has lost the create magic type thinking. It was all about the experience and now that experience is getting chipped away at little by little and people are having to pay more for less. When I thought Disney in the past I would think a quality product. That is not the case anymore. When I would buy merch in the park or at their Disney Stores I would always so that their products were made better than the same product that was at Walmart. The Disney product would be better quality and last longer. About 5 years ago I started noticing that the Disney products weren't as good quality. My niece received a princess crown and it broke within 5 minutes of receiving it. Old Disney would have said we'll send you a new one etc. Now there is no Disney Store within an 8 hour drive. Going to the Disney Store used to keep me wanting to travel to the parks etc but now with no stores near me I kind of don't think of going to Disney as much. I also agree with Trademom about all the rides they got rid of. I loved all the focus on learning in the parks. I was lucky to give the YES tours to groups of students from around the world. I did look at the offerings for the program now and it looks like they took away most of the programs I did. I know that after my internship the education programs went through a restructure. Yes Programs went through the Disney Institute at the time. The Institute also included camp programs, cooking classes, Wine tasting classes, and photography classes around the parks. I was able to take some of those classes for free if there were openings. All but some of the Yes tours were put on hold and the YES Programs were moved to an office in Celebration. (not sure where it is out of now.) The tickets for the YES Programs was actually cheaper than buying a regular ticket. The issue we sometimes had with that is people would buy the tours and not show up for the tours and just use their Disney ticket. This especially happened with our afternoon tours. I'm not sure your suggestion of giving free tours is a good one. It costs a good amount of money to be able to give the tours and I saw if the kids really didn't want to be there they did not treat their tour guides kindly. Most of the groups were great but there were a few that later got kicked out of the park for bad behavior. For me the political stuff and not having movies I've enjoyed was the last straw for now. I'm hopeful things can improve because I have 2 nieces that have never been to Disney before and would love to go. Lately I've been telling my sister it isn't worth going because of all the expenses . I hope things hurry up and get better because the girls are at good ages to take them to Disney World. I'm just sad so much has changed.
@@Pencelia I’ve also heard, sadly, that the College Program is nothing like it was. The College Program in summer/fall of ‘98 was one of the most amazing, fun times in my life. I worked “Outdoor Foods” at MGM Studios, and got to work at virtually every location in the park. After the park closed, we could ride bicycles through the streets of Hollywood to get around and also rode through the Osborne Christmas Display at night. Our uniforms were even cool-we wore Hollywood Director hats, and our aprons were in three primary colors (red, yellow, or blue-you could alternate each day) with little details like a black and white strip from the top of a Hollywood clapboard. I remember Traditions, professional development classes, the Disney “Look Book,” unlimited free access to parks on days off, free Thursdays at Pleasure Island, Vista Way, the “Disney Point,” making magical moments for guests, huge discounts all over Orlando for Disney employees, Property Control, Cast Member parties in the Parks with special commemorative gifts during the Holidays, College Program Ball at the newly-opened Coronado Springs Resort, and just the amazing experience of working with young people of all cultures from all over the world. I was on the opening crew of Fantasmic at MGM and still have that shirt from 1998. I was also there for the opening of Animal Kingdom, and we all got a commentaries coin. I also did an Advanced Internship in Horticulture at Epcot and the Epcot Resorts in 2000; another amazing experience. I got to work in the gardens all over World Showcase, learn about plants from all over the world, and do a master project that enabled us to design a garden on the island at Caribbean Beach Resort. You certainly did not get rich from these programs, but the experiences were so fulfilling!
Actually they DID change leadership - the got rid of CHapek and brought Back Iger. ANd while he is moving slower than some people want - he is bringing back the Imagineers and slowing on the Penny pinchers. He has changed a number of things already - Free Parking at the Hotels is back, so is the Disney Dining Plan, You can get all of the annual passes again too. Disney Plus - which apparently is popular enough to be bought by most guests - has changed its pricing by park. And they are in line for the new Epcot too. They have discount tickets AND Discounts at the Hotels. Iger has stopped the Snow White movie which was not a good idea to update the story. And he is bringing back the story tellers for the movie studios. However - this takes some time to all pan out. Disney is not an agile bicycle - it is a Huge Ocean liner and the do not turn on a dime. I note they have announced HOTEL discounts for the Holiday season. And single day ticket holders will not need park passes starting Next Year. I suspect disney will be fine.
This really isn't complicated. In a company as huge as Disney, change cannot happen unless it starts at the top. Bob Iger has to be removed. Nothing less than that will convince the public that Disney is a salvageable brand.
I went in 2019. We had a blast, then I made the mistake of going back in February 2023 and I was so stressed out by that dang 7am genie crap and being nickel and dimed at every turn. It was so stressful. It felt like nonstop work, severe anxiety, and it was as though our little holiday was held hostage by greedy execs coercing me into letting them price gouge me the whole time (whether we were in or outside the parks). Being ADHD/Autistic (w/ social anxiety) magnified all of the uncertainty and uncomfortable gold digging Disney was doing - to the point of near shutdown/meltdown. My family eventually convinced me to use DAS - which I felt awful using because I’m a grown-ass man; but if it hadn’t been for that, the whole Disney trip would have been a monumental fail and I wouldn’t have been able to handle a disappointment like this in front of the kids. We used to go every year before 2020. Now I refuse to go again. I felt SO ripped off. We were there 9 days and also did Universal. They’re both expensive, but at least with Universal I can pay for everything up front and walk on rides with my express pass - no worries, no missing out on special moments bonding with family because I’m forced to use a park app on my phone, and with Universal there’s no constant uncertainty wondering if I just blew 15k to wait in line and miss most of the rides we all came there to do. Disney has become so greedy and I honestly felt used - even my niece said it was different, like the magic was somehow gone. I told her it was because she’s growing up, but I knew what she meant. Splash Mountain was “our” most favorite ride and it had already shut down before we arrived. Wish I could have some of my money back. I am STILL paying for that trip on my credit card. We did manage to make some fun memories though. Burns me up that we could have flown around the world and explored the beauty of foreign countries we’ve never been too. Nope, instead I was repeating the same old vacation, while giving my money away to insanely rich people who barely pay their employees a living wage. #ImDoneDisney
Their parks don't sound like they're up to snuff in terms of cleanliness and rides being kept in shape. My aunt and brother-in-law were talking about their trips (they go often) and they were talking about the rides breaking down and animatronics wonking out or screens on things being less maintained. They were still gaga over it but I was like, "So? Is anything NOT breaking constantly there?" Plus lately it seems they want to attract more of the influencers/vloggers and that's going to lose its luster and get old to other people being there. Plus it's expensive as hell!
I grew up around Disney parks, in California until I was 17 and then a few years at the park in Florida. One of the first things we did after moving was convert our Disneyland annual passes into Disney World ones. That would’ve been less than a decade ago and I can’t imagine the company letting you do that type of conversion now lol. I visited Disneyland in Cali this past March; the first time I had been to that particular park in about 8 years and about 4 years since I’d been to a Disney location at all. The difference in just those few years was IMMENSE. Dole whip is one of our family’s all time favorite snacks, so we went to the stand in front of the tiki room with literally no line of people there, and the staff had to tell us that we couldn’t just buy dole whip at the counter, we had to put the whole order through the app. I had no idea how heavy handed they went with the app until that moment, and it just got more and more hairy throughout the day. The park is for children; so essentially banning the ability to give your kid a couple bucks to go buy themselves an ice cream on their own really sucks to me. Also, I’ve seen a few other comments talking about how rides have broken down more frequently, and this is absolutely true. Every ride we went on or had an interest in going on broke down at some point during our day. We rode the Millenium Falcon in the morning, it broke down in the afternoon. We got on Rise of the Resistance (the line for that in itself is insane, we did the virtual queue but I couldn’t imagine waiting 4-5 hours IN THE RAIN for it) and that broke down literally as we sat in the cart. The park employees reactivated our passes to be valid at a later time when the ride was fixed, so what did we do? We decided to head for Space Mountain. We crossed over all the way to the other side of the park, and wouldn’t ya know it, Space Mountain was down too!!! I think we ended up just grabbing some food at that point to kill time, in the middle of California’s record rainfall. And of course when Rise of Resistance was finally back up, we get back to the gate, and 1 out of our 3 tickets wasn’t scanning for the employee. The cast member literally just shook her head and let us through lol like this was the only day I had ever in my YEARS of going where I was seeing cast members openly giving up lol; they KNOW it’s ridiculous and I got a lot of sympathy for them.
They've over complicated the entire experience with money grubbing and saving antics. A fast pass basically means someone else has to wait longer. So you go there to get on 3 rides and stand in line all day, gotta do tons of research, how is this any fun?
Oh my gosh. My parents went for 4th of July and my mom commented at how empty it was! That's insane to me because I remember growing up we'd go to Disney for the 4th and it would be absolutely PACKED. Like so packed it wasnt really fun. Crazy how much things have changed. The resorts are still nice though, so there's that at least.
People are avoiding the parks because Disney has made it clear to EVERYONE their priority cusomers are NOT families or straight people but the LGBTQWTF. That whole LGBTQWTF stuff doesn't play well with foreign vistors, either. It's given the impression that the parks have turned into a slightly less perverted version of San Francisco's Folsom Street Fair. At least Disney isnt selling BDSM gear for toddlers like they do at the Folsom Street Fair...yet. It really isn't a good look. Combine that with Disney's destruction of every franchise they have and telling everyone who doesn't agree with them that their "raaaaacist", "knuckle dragging MAGA/QAnon Rethuglicans", etc. isn't helping, either
My mother was a big visitor to their parks for years. She took family and friends to the park on her own dime. But in the last few years the park wants you to "RESERVE" when you can even go to the park on your vacation you're spending $10,000 on. Park Hopper is gone alone with lots of shops closed. It kills her, but she pulled her money from the last big trip and we're going other places for our family vacations. As I said to her... "Nothing Gold can stay"
Believe it or not, they already offer this service. It’s called a VIP Tour. You skip all the security and are driven right into the parks (like backstage). I did it a few times. It was ridiculously expensive, but we were all happy to be together enjoying Disney,.. that is… before the dark times…
The fact that Disney was just *WAY* too much into the "Reimagine Tomorrow" DEI initiative that former Senior VP Latondra Newton espoused ended up turning off customers to the brand in general. The expensive losses at Disney Plus, the failures of their movie division, and now decreasing attendance at their theme parks is very worrying, because it puts Disney, a _Dow Jones 30 Industrial component_ , at major financial risk. That type of risk could have huge effects on the economies of California, Florida and even New York states, and could trigger the type of financial selloff we haven't seen since the 2008 stock market crash.
If they want to go into the blackhole of oblivion, best to suffer through it then be held ransom by occultist who probably would flush you down anyway.
Disney has lost its way. Both by making corporate greed so important and turning the corporate backs to who Disney was to be according to Walt Disney himself.
I’ve been seeing lots of reports of rides being down lately…more than the norm. Makes me wonder if WDW is skimping too much on the maintenance side to save money. That would be truly concerning. They need someone neutral (outside the company) to go in & clean up all the bad management & refocus the company’s mission.
We spent 20+ days at WDW for several years up until Co Vid hit, we enjoyed the whole all-inclusive feel with Magical Express, luggage delivery from the airport to the rooms, free Magic Bands, Dinning Package and then luggage airline check in at the hotel along with ADR's and Fast Pass 60 to 30 days out. Although it was very expensive we felt appreciated and we felt it was basically worth the money. Now that they have taken all that away, it's not any different than going to Universal, which is what people are now doing! Free Fast Pass was a huge draw, versus the very expensive paid version of FP at Universal... We spent 20K in 2019 at WDW and spent zero in 2022 and 2023 for just this reason. It's not the same experience and it's a pain in the butt to wake up every morning at 7am to get to do anything and still not know. It's just a stressful mess now to go to WDW and I'm not paying for that experience.
This is the perfect comment to describe the problem. WDW has always been expensive but it felt like there was a lot of bang for your buck. Now they nickel and dime guests at every turn, and planning for it is an aggravation. Disney used to be significantly above the competition in guest experience, but they aren’t anymore. FYI Universal offers length of stay Express Pass included with stays at their deluxe hotels. No need to wake up before 7 am nor make attraction reservations.
Universal's Express Pass system is FAR superior to Disney's Genie Plus. Reasons ? 1) With Universal's system, you're not competing with every other guest for a limited number of "fast passes". You get to ride EVERY Express Pass ride once. With Universal's premium version, you can skip the standby lines all day. Disney has nothing that compares. 2) At Disney, you have specific lightning lane return times. At Universal, you can ride whenever. If you value spontaneity as I do, Universal is, by far, the superior "skip the line" system.
@@shawncarter7188 I believe we can all agree that the wealthiest among us are, by far, the most deserving of a premium Disney experience. If $20,000.00 isn't pocket change to you, Disney's obviously NOT for you. Let's not even speak about those reprehensible Annual Passholes, bringing their own food INTO THE PARK !!! Disney is raising the bar on whom they admit, so no more fistfights break out among the rabble. They can go to Gator Land instead, with the other poor people wearing torn clothing and nose rings. Ewww...
We've been to Universal and stayed in Deluxe and that was a great perk. Of course, WDW doesn't even do that and the difference between the cost of a Deluxe at WDW and a Deluxe at Universal is almost double at WDW. This is why WDW is getting hammered!
I spent $12k/year at Disney since the early 70s. As of 2022, I now only go to Universal. Disney feels like low value, rip off, pick pocket, exhausting. I don't want to live on my phone in a park. Can't wait for Epic Universal.
We are long past Disney's chance for redemption. They've had many chances to turn this around. It's far too late. It will take a decade or more to regain the trust they have lost. That might not even be possible at this point. Even after other studios have reversed course and started making box office records, Disney continues to double down. They are done. They will not start recovery until shareholders finally clean house and brings in a new executive team.
100% agree. I grew up going to Disneyland every year. It was our favorite vacation growing up. I continued the tradition with my own family, until 2018. It has just lost my trust more and more as the years have gone by. I now have had 2 children who have never been to Disney, and my older kids that used to LOVE going, don’t even remember it. They are losing potentially generations of fans because of their awful decisions. At this point I’m done with them, and glad to take my money places that are happy to have families there.
They need a complete sweep of the board, and all executives. Good luck with that. This company will be broken into a million pieces and sold off in chunks.
I do NOT want Disney to fail. Advice for Disney, NO POLITICS. NO POLITICAL CORRECTNESS. Speak to people as though it was 1999. Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, that is all you need to do.
I was a season pass holder for years. I will never spend another dollar on Disney parks, merchandise, or entertainment. They have lost their way and have proven repeatedly that they are not to be trusted.
Bob Iger happened to Disney, it has been going down hill since he became CEO in 2005 and I believe he was still in charge while Bob Chapek was CEO because Iger was still on the Disney board.
Well Eisner was crap too, but it turns out he was actually better than what came next. But I wonder if he didn't appoint a crappy successor on purpose, to make himself look good.
What parent in their right mind would allow their children to go to a Disney reeducation camp! My God...do not suggest this! They'll just hire more pdos to work there. They seem to like to do that.
@@WDW_Proave you seen that WB have scrapped the Powerpuff Girls live action series they were working on. Some dialogue from the script got leaked online. Very woke.
On the one hand, I don't want to punish DisneyWorld employees...they're just doing their jobs. ON the other hand, I want to NOT give Disney my business and support such a divisive company that apparently despises my demographic, yet still wants my hard earned Canadian Money. It's a position of prayer....for them and for what to do. The honest assessment of them nickel and diming everyone now instead of appreciating them, is 100% accurate. The biggest, most annoying change that was something that literally angered me the last two trips, was the removal of magical express. It made entire Orlando airport experience ULTRA infuriating and difficult. Secondly, the cut the room service to levels that were infuriating as well. I literally complained about it, and was just told by someone on the phone (who I guarantee worked in California), "Sir, you didn't have to stay there and could have talked to management. It was your choice." I was like wow....they REALLY don't care for my business. Also, almost forgot the terrible Genie plus. What a terrible money grab from Fast Pass. Completely awful and not necessary. Really wasn't even worth it whenever we used it. Disney has fallen...fallen...fallen in magic.
They can get new jobs. People that are now not spending money at Disney can spend it at other entertainment. The demand for entertainment hasn't decreased. One brand failing is opportunity for other brands.
As one of your guests said it before; Disney has spent years self inoculating themselves. It is literally psychologically impossible for them to understand what they are doing wrong. Because to them then they’re not doing anything wrong. Disney leader ship and the board is like the principal Skinner meme on steroids. Only in this case it’s billions and billions of dollars being lit on fire instead of steamed hams.
I think unless the current leadership is entirely booted out and replaced with sensible people I think positive change is about as likely as the Marvel's earning a profit. It's a least fun to watch them reap what they've been sowing.
This is the result of the biggest entertainment brand in the world changing into the biggest activist brand. They did it to themselves and no one else is to blame.
You know why... Everybody knows why . They have aligned themselves with an ideology the large swath of people don't agree with. And the more they double down the more pain they are going to get. It could have been avoided. They don't get $1 of my money anymore. I used to go every year to the parks and I've seen pretty much every Disney movie for last 25 yrs. But all good things come to an end
In regards to the comment you made concerning Disney Corp. coming up with a way to reach those who don't have the financial resources to enjoy a day at a Magic Kingdom...you reminded me of something I was blessed to be a part of just a few months ago. We have been friends with a Disneyland CM for 20+ years. He started out part time as he was also a middle school/band/choir teacher. He made sure his band and choral students were included in Disney's Music Days every year bc, as he put it, he knew a lot of those families would never be able to go to Disneyland as it was cost prohibitive. He has since retired from teaching and works for Disneyland full time. We visited with him a few months ago. I was telling him about a student I have who loves The Mandalorian. He puts on the Mandalorian helmet I have in my classroom when he's feeling distracted and need to finish his math. (I have other students who are learning to read and like to wear the helmet and read to Grogu...Grogu is very non-judgemental and doesn't care how much help you might need sounding out words☺) My friend asked me about my student's family dynamics...mom, dad, 2 kids. He then told me "Let's get them here...I'll get them in and set up a meeting with the Mandalorian." This family was, quite literally, blown away by this kind gesture. And it meant the world to my student. This is not the only family this CM has done this for. When he sees a need he makes the magic happen. Perhaps Disney could learn something here...
You also have to remember that DIsneyland, in Newsom's California, was shut down MUCH longer than WDW in DeSantis's Florida. Also Disney has cut perks like Magical Express and added costs to the FastPas variations, whereas Universal includes the fast pass style option FREE with room rent. Disney ended the dining plans, raised prices like crazy allegedly to recoup from COVID, and for a SHORT while it worked because there was such pent-up demand aftet COVID. BUT...they failed to think that everyday folks in their jobs and businesses had to recoup from COVID's privations too, and putting a 15k family vacation into that formula just plain wasn't on after the reopening flush wore out. As for "friend" and "Pal"??? Kinda close to "Comrade!" and "Tovarich!" isn't it? :) As for the hard WORK on your phone from 7am to midnight that is now a keynote of the GeniePlus system? Don't we all do that at our JOBS and get PAID for it instead of paying EXTRA to do it for Disney? Sheesh... that's not about gay/straight, that's just about human nature.
I am so sad to see what is happening at Disney. Once, it was a way to get away from "the real world" it as truly an escape. Now, my phone is in my hand all the time (I remember leaving it at home back in the day that it was just a phone!) I am sad that the cost is so high but the extras are gone, Magical Express, Fast Pass. I am sad when I buy Memory Maker, but no photographers at the character meet and greets. I am sad that I remember how it use to be, and go hoping to find that innocence and wonder, but it's gone. I am sad that cast members are over worked and have to listen to the frustration of guests who are also looking for the experience they had as kids for their own kids. I am sad that corporate Disney has lost sight of what made Disney Magic and in turn made money. Without the magic, all the price increases in the world won't make it profitable. Catering to what people want is what makes people go to Disney and return to Disney, and tell friends and family about that experience, to show their hard earned money will be well spent and worth it. Gosh, I love Disney, my Disney trips (being from Canada) don't come easy. The cost for me is even higher with the exchange rate. I am so sad that Disney is taking the magic away on so many levels. I liked being called Princess, now it's not politically correct! I'm just sad.
Well, if it costs thousands of dollars _per day_ to go to a park whose employees exhibit more and more widely-unacceptable behavior with each passing year, attendance is going to drop.
I was at the Magic Kingdom in WDW on July 1, a Saturday. I was expecting it to be crowded but it was a shockingly sparse crowd, especially for what was essentially 4th of July weekend. What’s weird is that it was more crowded the week prior. Not sure what is going on.
Disney is suffering from self-inflicted issues. The price and the headache of reservations, apps, not knowing if you'll even be able to ride the attraction you came to see, etc. Universal is doing better and better (I'm a massive fan and passholder) but they're not perfect. Super Nintendo World is impressive in photos, but shoddy and oddly lacks in as much attention to detail as it does excel in big cool ideas. Perhaps its an effect of the mass-retirement of park executives right as they were applying the final touches.
From a ride perspective it is sad Nintendo play it so safe with the kiddie stuff in their parks. Nintendo in gaming is ultra bonkers at times. I'd expect the biggest and fastest Intamin accelerator coasters to be honest. I think it would work well. Lots of teenagers and adults play Nintendo. If they added rides for all ages and even added Sega and Capcom stuff through deals (Sonic / Street Fighter / Resident Evil etc) and became bigger and bigger, it could completely crush Disney!
@@AndrewKeyz A resident evil attraction would be so sick! I wish there was more based on the newer games, the hillbilly family and the old timey castle. I think they needed to start with a family ride. It's certainly popular. It's also really easy to poke holes in its execution. I'm sure the nintendo and universal teams are all over it.
I'm actually pretty sad about this.....a once great family friendly company now distorted and preversed by a bunch of physcos let it 🔥 so we can buy it back and renew
The Parks are my son's favorite place to be. I want the Parks to succeed. However, our last trip to the Parks just wasn't fun. It started with the stress of coordinating park passes. We don't Genie as we have to use alternate lines/access, so that wasn't an issue for us. But for the first time we heard Cast Members complaining about the job-three separate instances. We were pressured to mobile order even though special food needs meant we couldn't. Then all the drunks. People were falling down drunk. Ugh. The shift towards the adult crowd, the politics, the lack of care to maintain the Parks have all combined to make our trip this year be to Universal. Maybe that park has the same issues, but I'm paying far less to go and getting a better hotel!
Start with the basics is right ! Like keeping Cast members in character is a good start. I noticed that things changed and some Cast members seemed bored, bothered, or annoyed to be there. When they said they didn’t have to cover up tattoos, not that I don’t like tattoos I have some myself, but it doesn’t fit the theming at most attractions. Finally bring back quality merchandise, food, and the magic if they are going to charge the amount they do😡
Pro, I agree. I grew up with and my children grew up with Disney. I am angry that they attack us and act like they don't want us anymore. The vast majority of people just want wholesome entertainment, free of adult issues for kids. As an adult I want a place that keeps the nostalgia and new all while delivering the Disney service that used to make you not want to leave. As Universal gets better, steals imagineers and creates a resort experience without all the woke garbage they will steal families like ours away - especially if Disney doesn't change.
It’s a disaster, Disney has destroyed everything that made me fall in love with Disney 😢 They need to: 1. Go back to Walt’s values - quality, quality, quality. 2. Throw away the politics and make movies for kids. 3. Quit the live action remakes that are not even live action I could go on and on.. I’ve been boycotting Disney but I hope they come back! I want to go back to the parks but not like this.. never.
We are international visitors, and we plan our trip around a trade conference. We went in 2021, and we could not ride one popular ride without a USA based cell phone. We spent nearly $1000 for our group to ride no rides. Never again. Last year we did Universal, and are doing that park again this July.
Disney needs to understand that people take your children to the parks so that they can enjoy themselves without worrying about the innocence of their children being violated. They don’t take their children to the park to be exposed to sexual ideologies.
i believe that the only hope for Disney would be to get rid of Iger, the man who started all this mess because he wanted to cater to only 10% of their audience. You know the 10% who don't watch movies, Don't go to theme parks, and don't care how bad the product is as long as the product fits their ideals!!
I don’t know what it’s gonna take, but all the regime has to go. I have many Disney shares, but at various prices over the years and I’m a shareholder second and someone who loved Disney first but now I’m disgusted by them. I’ve mentioned here before how I was obsessed as a kid going to the parks, and when I finally got to go at 11 I was in tears. I couldn’t believe I was there. I’ve been going every two or three years since a great expense from Canada but I’ve stopped. I won’t give a bloody dime but there woke agenda and then ruining legacy rides, movies etc. I’ve had it I’ve had enough. Also I want my stock sold as soon as it becomes financially acceptable. My broker says stick it to them by buying the stock I say screw it it’s like owning the devil.
I bought my shares back around 2000 and sold them this January. I knew when Iger was returning this company was a lost cause for any shareholder. It helps me sleep better at night.
Ever since they closed Splash Mountain, I don't ever want to go. What a brilliant idea to shut down one of their top rides that guests flock to during the summer heat.
I look at the Disney company in the same light as a friend who desperately needs AA counseling, but refuses to go. I want them to be what they once were, but I honestly think that they need a rock bottom or come to Jesus moment to actually turn things around. And for as much as I understand the argument of Iger’s ego not permitting him to allow the company to burn on his watch, I suspect that same ego is easily applied to not admitting the current situation until the Titanic fully breaks in half.
the big issue with Genie+ isn't just the feeling of getting nickle and dimed. It's the fact you are getting milked yet still have to constantly look at your phone to prebook your rides. There's no convenience. Disney has been living in a bubble for far too long. They need a reality check as their arrogance have led them to think they are too big to fail. They kept raising prices, and removing/charging things that used to be free,. They have destroyed consistent theming as they have turned the parks into glorified ad space for their IPs. They have neglected maintenance in the parks. Rides are always breaking down. Garbage are overflowing from the trash cans. Yet, they are more concerned about shoving gender identity messaging to your face by changing things that no one ask for, because they are too afraid some twitter snowflake might get offended.
I was recently at Disney, and most of the time I was on my phone trying to figure out the times for us to get on the rides. All this after all the money spend on hotel, tickets, food and miscellaneous. You will not enjoy your time anymore. Like most people were saying months ago, Disney lost it's Magic! Too expensive!!!!!!
The last 3 trips to Orlando! Disney was not at the forefront for my family. Instead, Universal & SeaWorld including Busch Gardens were at the forefront.
@@television1088 what Magic? Disney lost that magic long time ago. It’s no longer there. We went to the MK in September. It’s just not the same As far as SeaWorld//Busch ) they have great coasters including Iron Gwazi). Discovery Cove was phenomenal. Universal well it has Harry Potter along with better rides like that Veliocoaster, Popeye, Dudley, Spider-Man)
It was only a matter of time before their digital content issues caught up with the parks. I believe the parks have done a generally good job of not mirroring or parroting the social issues in some of their more recent content but at some point, guests will make a connection and basically boycott. Disney is about to see the Bud Light effect at the parks.
I'm happy to not spend money on Disney anymore My kids are aged out of the parks. Stat Wars is just a Saturday morning cartoon at this point. We're all burnt out on Marvel, their only creative talent went to DC anyway. There's no reason for a lot of us to care if they ever recover.
I have a cousin who's an excellent dad. He took his kids to Disney about 10 years ago, and dropped $7k. I asked him yesterday "Would you take your kids to Disney today?" No hesitation "No. Absolutely not." And he said he doesn't know anyone else who would, either.
@@michaeltaylor788 We will have to agree to disagree, Michael. They are what they do. They are as their company acts and is directed by the people in charge. I find their behavior evil. It is axiomatic to me that the company is evil as well. I appreciate that you don't see it that way however.
The basic problem is Disney has gone from being a wonderful fun story teller and having theme parks which were the happiest place on earth to where they by way of movies etc they have become the grouchiest of scolds and then turned their theme parks into that scolding as well. They need to go back to being the happiest place on earth. Disney is going the Sears route. The magic has departed. One day they will be a mere ruin overgrown and tumbled down sold at auction for demolition and complete recycling into other applications. The day is coming when Disney will no more be remembered. Their old movies which could have made lots more money will be ruined. There is NOTHING that can be done to save Disney. I completely agree with your plaintiff request to return to the good thing but they have poisoned the well. They must be run off and junked! This game is over and the gates are closing as the music stops and there is no more magic. They have dumped the pixie dust and cannot fly anymore.
I take my family to Disney world to escape the idiocy of the real world, the CEO and people at the top are bringing the real world into a place that is a fantasy and a realise for millions of people who are fed up with the rubbish that is going on. If they do not change it back to the way Walt wanted it to be they will lose so many lifelong fans like me and my family. I agree with what you say about Genie plus, it marginalises so many people. Disney was produced to allow everyone to enjoy the Magic, they have taken that away. 😢 Please bring back down common sense and Magic, it breaks my heart to see what is happening Thank you for your straight to the point, common sense approach ❤
The only way Disney can save themselves is to 1) Abandon all woke behavior 2) Celebrate their history by means of events such as anniversaries for various iconic rides and talking up Walt Disney. 3) Consistently, release icon classic movies, including the REAL little mermaid on the same release dates or weeks when they first came out. This will send the message of a return to normal which is what we want. We want the Disney we know and love. Plus the movie releases will generate cash with little to no production costs. Not to mention the renewed merchandising profits.
Has Disney finally broke the family budget camel’s back with the accelerated increases in theme park ticket prices, additional tickets for special events, and charging for what was once a free service?
Last time I was at Disney World they were trying very hard to make it seem busier than it was. They were dragging out the lines, the two that I remember were Slinky dog dash, and the Finding Nemo ride. A lot of the carts were empty, it seemed like the cast members were told to let one of the Slinky’s go by completely empty and they just looked confused 😂 Even the parking lots, half of it was completely empty, it looked like they prevented them from spreading out to make it appear as if they were packed.
@@Thedoorway123 I don’t know what you’ve seen, all I know is that, when we finally got on the Finding Nemo ride, four or five of the shells were completely empty, and the line could’ve gone by much quicker if they were filling them up.
@Deertective-vd8uj either the ride has a separate unload station I never been on its so I can't say or not many people were riding it and the ride could have broken down which is why the wait is longer
@@Thedoorway123 I think you misunderstood, (Which is my fault, sorry for not being clear.) I wasn’t saying that I noticed the shells were empty while they were coming up, while we were getting on there were quite a few that they just weren’t loading despite the long line. The ride could have broke down considering stuff like It’s tough to be a bug broke down while we were there (which usually never breaks down), which would have played a factor in the long line, but that would be all the more reason to load all the shells once they got the ride working so that people can have a better experience.
@@Deertective_ I just got from Disney. And it was super packed. The highway was even congested because everybody was headed to Disney. This whole anti woke anti Disney mindset that's been trending is so dumb and annoying lol.
I mean their failure of the movies is what also affecting their park
🙄 We are in a post-lockdown world. People are afraid to catch covid. It’s not rocket science why Disneyland and Disney World are empty./s
True, but you know what else doesn't help? The word-of-mouth scuttlebutt which says rides aren't being maintained like they should, cleanliness and friendliness in the parks has gone downhill, and yet prices there have continued to increase and you get nickel-and-dimed to death like never before. Even if these park stories/problems are overstated, if enough people hear such things, it can put people off.
It's more than the reason the movies fail, is the same reason the parks are failing. Zero creativity at the top. Everything Disney has made the last 20 years has been crap.
No, it's failing because WE ARE in a recession already
Not really it's because park pass reservations and heat
Going to Disney these days feels like work. You have to literally be on your phone the entire time booking things and refreshing and navigating apps and paying extra for this ride and that ride - it’s become an exhausting and expensive chore.
I agree, if you watch the guests, everyone is on their phone. 😢
Not to mention that kind of process just eliminates grandparents from taking their grandkids which was commonplace.
It used to be a fun challenge. Last went in 1999 with my soon-to-be wife and another couple and if you timed things right you could spend the whole day at the park and ride between 60-75% of the offerings. Today, it's impossible. Too many restrictions, upgrades, etc, etc. We did our whole trip including Universal/Sea World for $2,500. Today, you'd be lucky to spend that in a day at Disney.
Agreed
Noone goes there anymore because it's so crowded! 😉
Many Floridians like myself have stopped going to Disney and now spend our money at Universal and Sea World. Disney has become very expensive and are no longer maintained. Universal offers annual passes and is a much better value.
Well done, stoping support for the woke in Disney needs to become a trend until they apologise and return to family values!
We were at Sea World last year. The park has awful food and the penguin encounter was closed, so was the other indoor ride. Not much to do for us older, non coaster riders besides the shows. They charge extra for the tower. The park needs to rethink maintenance cleanliness and food.
As an out of stater that went to WDW 3-4 times a year to zero visits the past two years, we are taking our kids to Universal this fall for the first time ever. Hope it lives up to the hype!
@BritTV7053 be sure to go to both parks, especially if they are Harry Potter fans.
@@TommyGator92
Most definitely as are all HP fans.
In the last couple of years it seems Disney has done everything in their power to destroy the family unit that Walt and Roy so cherished. Then they sat back as if to laugh in our faces because we were hurt that the Disney we once knew and loved - is gone. All I can say is, you reap wha your sew. They destroyed it, and they don’t care.
Sadly, the Disney heir and her followers insist on following this woke agenda. Disney may have to be totally destroyed for the woketevists to get a clue.
Destroyed by design?
@@lottie1144 it appears Disney will push their political agenda until Disney is no longer here. So sad to see what is happening.
How did they destroy the family unit? The only thing im pissed at disney about is the high price ticket cost and not having park hoppers till 1 pm.
@@peejay22And Republicans will push their political agenda until America turns into a fascist police state.
Not saying "ladies and gentlemen" because 1% can get offended is so beyond delusional. Can't stand it.
They act like they want everyone to feel included and have a good time. But then a cast member will say “We will not honor this anymore” when you’re trying to get DAS passes.
@@Deertective_ it's ironic that by trying to be "extra inclusive" they end up erasing 99% percent of people.
way less than 1%
Saying what everybody thinking. Great show guys
If they said “ladies, and gentleman, and smizmars” would that have been better?
It's pretty simple.
"Get Woke, Go Broke"
Do what Walt wanted.
Make folks happy.
Here in the UK 🇬🇧 Travel agents have seen a 92% drop in Disneyland Holidays bookings . People are No longer interested in anything Disney, Even the Merchandise toys etc are staying on shop shelves, The British Tourists will not be preached to about Diversity, And they certainly do not wish to Take their children into Disney Princess Dress Shops with a Man dressed in a DRESS 👗….. Disney has lost the respect of the British people…😢
They've lost the respect of Americans, too.
I’m an American and totally agree with you! Come on over to Universal and sea world
I absolutely despise Disney and their woke betrayal of everything good. It’s a total freak show, I want nothing to do with them.
@@david89732 I’m a Floridian and Disney World opened the I was born. It’s always been such a special place to me until the last few years. They have totally thrown Walt’s dreams in the trash!!! I no longer have an annual pass or go to the parks. I very much enjoy universal studios and visit often. I will just have to look back on all the happy memories of Disney’s past.
UK started all this nonsense.
What broke me was the overflowing trash cans in the restrooms. I accepted the increase in prices, the long lines ,but when I found out they reduced the maintenance crew. I knew the end was near.
How can they do that?
Yep, prices like food items and merch got more expensive.... More rides are having more issues than ever before due to lack of matinence, trash all over the parks, cast members breaking character.... It's only a matter of time before it dies.
@@Dragonk116 Why the hell won't they hire maintenance people to come fix them as they should be doing?
@@Disneyfan82 It's part of their cost cutting plan, which personally I would have cut other things besides the matinence considering that they literally keep the park alive.
In the past few weeks I’ve seen people walking off rides cause they break down, pirates was down, people mover was down. STOP BUYING NETWORKS AND MAINTAIN YOUR PARKS! Why does everything look brand spanking new at Tokyo Disney!!!!!!!!
I think that politics are only a minor factor. Disney has neglected the Disney parks in favor of streaming. Furthermore Disney has cut services and increased prices. The Genie+ system was also unpopular. Disney sees its park as a money making opportunity and tried to squeeze the last penny of its guest. Even a disney fan will ask themself why they are paying more for less. Bob Iger is currently sleepwalking Disney in its doom.
Not really sure it’s that simple. When you actively say you’re inserting a “not so secret gay agenda” into children’s programming a lot of parents are going to be out.
My wife who cares nothing about politics was done with Disney as soon as that leak came out.
Well I’d go as far as to say they neglected their TV and Movies in favor of streaming. You know? They are overproducing. It affects quality and it affects my attention span. I just told someone else I wasn’t excited for Wolverine and Deadpool for that reason. I already saw both their movies, I don’t really feel the need to see them together in a movie.
Disney used money made on theme parks to fund other areas of the company. These decisions are catching up to Disney, and guests are noticing.
Politics are always minor factor. Most Americans have no clue there's any beef between Disney and DeSantis.
Yeah and his replacement was even worse then him for the time he was there, stealing the company blind which is nothing less than they deserved since they've been stealing their guests blind with all they do including stuffing so many people in the parks that it is a hellatious experience with 4 HOUR waits for most rides!
Recently retired from WDW Attractions Engineering, I noticed around 1995 “The Change”. I started with the company at The Jungle Cruise in 1984, when we were rescued from imminent failure. I have observed at ground level the deterioration of story telling. As a young Jungle Cruise Skipper we were always expected to be immersed in the story. The company once treated the parks as a huge sound stage, with the themes going so deep that some roles like Jungle Cruise, Steam Trains, Liberty Bell, Mike Fink Keel Boats, 20K, were gender specific male roles to tell an authentic story. With the recent story failure of Dial of
Destiny, I believe the saddest thing is Lucas Film waited too long to capitalize on the stories that could have been for Indiana Jones. Those stories should have been created in the 90’s. I think they missed opportunities long ago. I also share the opinion of Disney should have concerned itself with the majority and not the minority. The original management of WDW, who actually knew Walt Disney, pushed back on The Gay Days Events at WDW, and were admonished for it. Now their complaints are being realized as valid. LGBTQ People do not produce children. Why would you alienate the customer base that made your company what it was. I think we need the likes of Marty Sklar, Dick Nunis, Joe Fowler, Richard Irvine etc. Maybe we are seeking something we cannot find, maybe the late 1980’s were the pinnacle of what people loved about Disney. How sad that is. I hope Disney does not fall to the fate of Pan Am.
Great statement! I was an annual WDW visitor throughout the 80s, 90s and 2000s. It is sad to see what has happened to the company. As a student of Disney history, I recognize those legendary names you mentioned.
This has nothing to do with the gays. That's just right wing talking points. It's about the fact that 90% of what they have created in the last 20 years has been garbage. Epcot is gutted. Instead of updating the Great Movie Ride, they scrap it. Instead of remaking Song of the South, they scrap Splash Mountain. They are being run by uncreative businessmen, that is the problem.
They lost two lawsuits in the 1980s over men dancing together. The presence of Gay Days at the park was pure getoffmybackism, as all their performative gestures of inclusion since then have been as well. None of which required Splash Mountain to be desecrated or the rest of the park to go to shit as it has. It’s a cash vacuum that no amount of pinkwashing will fix. As a Gay man, I couldn’t care less about rainbow Mickey Mouse stickers when I got stuck on one of the Pirates of the Caribbean boats for 10 minutes!
Well said.
I've been going to MK since I was 6 months old in 1976.
I lived and breathed WDW. I was the type of fan that owned an original monorail door.
I tore up my annual pass in 2006. I've only been back once. Almost everything that they do at WDW either disgusts me or infuriates me.
It's a zero ground for creative talent.
I have made Disneyland my new home base. The magic still exists in Anaheim folks.
@@losanjealous310 😮 I did not know that about the cast members. Last time I went was in 2021. 🫠
Universal is running a full on anti-Disney ad campaign, at least here in Florida. I forget the exact wording off the top of my head, but their TV commericals say something like "It's not magic, it's real".
Its like the old Nintendo vs Sega console war XD
People are calling this a boycott, but I see this as a loss of interest. people are being turned off by all the remakes and wokeness in their movies, and the bearded men walking the parks in princess dresses is even more of a turn off. meanwhile, Universal Studios is giving you Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, Mario Bros, Transformers, and so many others.
That's why I don't see this as a boycott. Disney just isn't giving you good reasons to stay anymore. people are moving on.
Exactly. Disney doesn’t know how to entertain audiences anymore
I feel it's a combination of loss of interest, wokeness and a bit of a boycott.
For context - I'm not a "target audience" of any of these parks' IPs (superhero movies, video games, etc.) and I'm REALLY NOT into Harry Porter... having said that, I went to Universal last year with a buddy who had tickets and I have to give them alot of credit. The Harry Porter world thing is so well done and the rides so much fun that its easy to see why actual fans of the IP love that place so much. Velocicoaster by itself is already kind of worth it.
I also hear that the parks look like they lack maintenance, despite the price hike. Rides apparently breaking down, more often than they should.
Their last HUGE update, from what I hear, was the star cruiser, a hotel OUTSIDE the park- that will be closing this year.
So this drop in attendance is more than just woke stuff. It seems like it's WAY beyond that.
@@mambi74oddly enough a Kingdom Hearts world and/or interactive adventure throughout the park (like what Universal is doing with Mario, but just in the Mario area) might help them out.
The Brand is damaged. The product has been rejected by the consumer but there's no recognition of it by the executives.
Because they have too much "pride".Disney executives mentality has a huge ego boost. Universal is coming up and running fast catching up in the race from behind. I want to see what will happen in 2025 when Epic opens up. It's yearly Haunted house in Vegas and mini park in Texas will also help it's brand going forward. It will give Disney some humble pie......
You were so spot on here. We went to DW in 2018 & 2019 & loved it. First chance we got after the shut downs, we booked again & went in 2022. Well, we were SO disappointed that we'll never go again. Why? No Magical Express, no free fast passes, hotel car park charge, surly staff, litter, dirt, chipped paint everywhere, rides not working and shutting down all the time, animatronics not working, magicbands no longer free and another added expense. But what was the biggest slap in the face was the added cost of Genie+ which was a total rip-off, especially when you couldn't book what you wanted. Everyone we spoke to was so unhappy with the changes at DW that they all said they'd never come again, so i knew there'd be this drop in attendance.
We're going to Universal from now on.
“Surly staff”
What about Tipsy, Queasy, and Remorseful?
@@Attmaythey cut wages and cut job positions at the same time. My coworker thought that was a good thing and I told her no it not at all, all that means is the park going to be nasty and more people just phoning in their job not caring and it going to go down hill very fast like every company that been doing that.
The fact that Universal is gaining all the park attendees that Disney lost, and the fact that small indie films are destroying Disney so-called blockbuster movies are the signs that the world no longer needs nor desires Disney in their lives at all. As far as I'm concerned only investors that think they can buy Disney stock at some rock bottom price are the only ones that are hoping for this company to rebound.
You realize that groomers can even be at universal theme parks? they'll do anything to ruin everything that's meant for children.
@@PowerRangersFanAntiDinoFurythink of the chirrens!
@@PowerRangersFanAntiDinoFurygroomers? Whats that?
@@PowerRangersFanAntiDinoFury And you do realize that Universal is not openly trying to sexualize ALL children? Only Disney is attacking kids on all fronts.
@@PowerRangersFanAntiDinoFuryFlorida is a hot spot for these types of activity, last time I went there, my entire hotel block was covered in police and swat vehicles.
The difference between the parks? One represents struggle sessions, the other represents fun.
My sister just got back from Disney world. I asked how the virtual lines are for GoTG and Tron, she said they suck. You schedule ur spot (6 hours out for her) then when you come at your time, she still had to wait an hour in a physical line.
Yep.
Gets you a time to return to stand in a full line.
And Tron is literally a 60 second ride.
My wife who still supports disney is starting to wake up. She dumped her stock and admits there is a problem. The wait times were shocking to her. But she still pays for DisPlus despite it being disappointing the last couple of years. Hard to leave a cult I suppose...
Find her a new safety blanket
🙄Disney is for true fans only./s
Why on Earth would anybody have a problem with a guy in a princess gown and mustache working at Disney World?
My wife finally decided to ditch D+ yesterday (the last way we were giving Disney money). All the publicity about their new show with the pregnant high-schooler dating literal satan finally did it.
I feel your pain. I was a huge Disney fan since the 80s but they lost my fandom several years ago for multiple reasons. I have family that still wanted to go to WDW, so we went earlier this year. We had fun, but I can’t shake the feeling that I want to be done with them. Genie+ is a mess and very unfriendly to the guest experience.
Hang in there. Some of my family seems to be shifting away from it at least a little bit, so there is hope for your wife.
As an avid Disney fan and Florida pass holder for 8 years in a row, let me say I think you nailed several points here. We have stopped supporting Disney all together… no longer go to the parks, no longer subscribe to Disney plus, and no longer buy their products for our child. We are so sad that we can no longer trust Disney to just provide fun without an overt message on sexuality, race, gender, or language. We now have to explain what otherwise used to be simple mindless entertainment.
Now understand, we are the kinds of “Disnerds” who worked hard to incorporate the “Disney magic” into the design of our house and everyday living. We have elements of Morocco, Mexico, Nomad Lounge, smells, music, etc….. the care and detail Disney takes with their stories is what we have always appreciated. We would love to see Disney redeem themselves, and your idea about an outreach program for school is good however, I would no longer trust them to provide educational items that weren’t driven by their agendas. So for this reason I wouldn’t support that.
All Disney needs to do is get back to being fun, safe, family entertainment without the politics behind their messages. Make a public announcement recognizing their failure and stating their intent to change. Then follow through on their promise. Until we as parents see this happen, there will be no return to the parks. It may be too late for them because it will take a period of correction for families to begin trusting Disney again.
So you want family entertainment, but you don’t like that they support all families. As long as it’s your type of family, it’s ok. Right?
I am also upset with Disney but for very different reasons. Like it’s major prices increases, taking away value added perks and its entire park reservation system that has your face planted on a phone trying to navigate the parks and not in joying you family. ETC. You on the other hand have made claims that Disney sexualized it’s films.Being racist and using foul language! I personal have seen none of that and would like some proof of theses claims are real. Produce a video or show us pictures of these cast members running around the Parks in femal clothing? Etc! Etc!
@@carissaa8411talk about totally missing the point
@@carissaa8411don’t worry you can still enjoy the empty dilapidated parks with your childless Alphabet buddies
Here is my take. I am a father of an 8 year old girl and we were in Orlando this summer. I asked my daughter where she wanted to go and her reply was Universal. I asked her why she did not want to go to the Magic Kingdom. She asked what characters are at the Magic Kingdom? I informed her and she knew none of the characters (except Buz Lightyear). She said she wanted to see the Minions and Harry Potter land. Long gone are the days of the ABC Sunday Night Disney movie. That was my generation. If the Magic Kingdom were centered around Pixar characters then I think she would want to go but most kids of today do not know Cinderella or Snow White. They know Lightning McQueen, Woody, Boo etc. Disney had better wake up to this or they will be left behind. By the way, I much preferred Universal because of the roller-coasters. Dad was happy too.
This is such a great comment. Universal has lots of characters that are contemporary. Disney *should* have timeless characters, but they're discarding them. They're saying that what you used to watch is no longer acceptable. IOW, they're destroying their own IP. So what's the point seeing their new acceptable version if in a few years, they'll just again say that today's versions are no longer acceptable.
I remember watching the Wonderful World of Disney on Sundays. That was when Disney could just do no wrong when they still had a creative spark and Disney World was the place to go. Now Disney has lost its creative spark and thanks to Robert Iger has become bloated and fat. Having too many IPs to manage and constantly cutting it's own throat. It's not just the movies that have tanked, merchandise has become a bunch of garbage and the rot has settled into the parks. Disney can't put the blame on COVID or fiscal when your neighbor Universal down the road is bigger then ever, not firing and laying off it's people and not pissing on the family and fans.🤯
@@darkwolfe6286I hate Bob Iger so much
Glad you and your little girl had fun. What all studios and not just Disney need to realize is that IPs are generational. You have to keep them at the forefront and in the mindshare of each succeeding one and/or create new successful ones during each one. Universal currently appears to be far more successful than Disney at this.
They dropped their animations and went for full cgi "live action" reboots of their old movies.
Guess a "live action lion king" does not work so well in a theme park.
I agree that the "magic of disney" in the parks vanished after 2019. The employees, the experience, everything cratered. I was not a huge disney person, but my wife and kids loved it, so we went, and honestly, I was impressed. The busiest park I've ever been in, didn't see the first piece of trash on the ground. Staff smiling and saying hello to you everywhere you went. After 2019, that all disappeared. Trash on the ground, if you need help with something, you have to search for an employee, and then when you do find them, they act like you're bothering them. The only good thing about it now is the wait times are gone and plenty of free space to sit on a bench and take a break in the middle of the day.
I don't want Disney to die, but I want them to get sick enough that they accept necessary treatment. How bad does it have to get before they get rid of their current leadership?
Growing up in the 1950s in LA county, I was close enough to Orange County (35 miles) that I was able to take a bus to Disneyland... the most wonderful place on Earth... all on my own... which I did several times. On two of those magical excursions I encountered Walt Disney himself.
The first time he was walking around alone and no one recognized him, including myself... until after he passed me by and my brain thought about what my eyes had just seen, then it finally dawned on me who that faintly recognizable man was. By then he was about 25 feet past me, but I turned around and called to him. He turned around and politely stood still while I took a photo of him.
The second time, a couple years later, he was escorting the Prime Minister of India (Nehru) and his daughter Indira Ghandhi around the park in a Ford model T, -he being the driver and they the passengers.
Needless to say, that made my day. :) Not long ago I discovered that the news report of that occasion is on the internet... over 60 years later.
Awesome account. Thank you for sharing!!
Disney needs to get back to Walt's dreams. Get back to family values.
Uh, because Disney planted their flag as an enemy of family values. Just my opinion. I don't see ever going to one of their parks again.
The last time I took my family in 2021, it was such a horrible experience we left on day 5 of a 12 day booking. The magic is gone. Bob and the whole board need to go. I told them I will return when the magic returns.
All the "news" outlets are blaming it on cost, completely ignoring that Disney has turned off many of its former fans (like me) by the woke agenda.
I feel your pain. My kids grew up in the parks. And now I have no desire to go. Truly heartbreaking.
Most people are fine with woke because they actually looked up it’s definition it means to watch out for bigotry and discrimination against minorities and other groups.
Not completely cost, they are also blaming it on heat. It's hot. In july. In Florida. That's why nobody is going to Disney, they say. I guess Universal and Seaworld which were busy as hell the same weekend are in some alternate dimension where it's cooler.
Probably because the majority of people who frequent the parks don’t care about politics lmao. I’d still ride space mountain regardless of what Disney is putting on the big screen, but I can’t because in order to even get there I have to practically sell Disney my organs to afford it.
@@michaeltaylor788On the contrary, the term "woke" follows an ideology of perpetual victimization based on skin color and/or sexuality and demands that those who are not of their creed pay for their supposed crimes that they didn't commit. It is a disgusting and dangerous ideology.
Doesn't take a bigot to know that, nor does it require discrimination like woke ideology does.
Disney stopped telling stories. Stopped creating heroes. Stopped being patriotic. Started pushing adult sexual content which then led to insanity like removing ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls from their greeting… it’s dirty: it’s expensive. It feels like they don’t like families - they want to cater to childless Disney adults. I want normal back!
When did it stop being patriotic and what sexual content.
I grew up going to Disney. I took my kids to my kids to Disney but the agenda now is way too much. They should’ve stayed out of all the politics.
Redemption requires repentance which usually requires sacrifice which often requires suffering... Therefore! I love to see Disney suffer.
Fortunate enough to have grown up going to Disney almost every year as a child (I was very blessed to be able to see Disney evolve through the decades). Even did two college programs at Walt Disney World 98’ and 2000). Over time I’ve witnessed the destruction of so many magical attractions and experiences: River Country at Fort Wilderness, Polynesian Resort dinner shows, Disney Magical Express, Pleasure Island, the original Journey into Imagination with Figment and Dreamfinder, Kitchen Kabaret, the original Imageworks with the rainbow tunnel, Communicore/Innoventions, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Snow White’s Scary Adventures, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, Horizons, Illuminations, The Monster Sound Show, Superstar Television, Voyage of the Little Mermaid, The Magic of Disney Animation, The Studio Backlot Tour, The Great Movie Ride, the Osborne Family Light Display, Splash Mountain, DisneyQuest, amazing theme park music-especially at Epcot), “Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls” (they could have kept that and added “friends and Dreamers of all ages” or something if they wanted inclusivity for all identities rather than erasing Walt’s original greeting altogether), free paper-based Fastpass, no park reservation system, and the Main Street Electrical Parade. Also, the overall theming at many of the parks and resorts has suffered greatly. Things are taken out and/or replaced without regard to how the changes complete mess with the previous immersive theming (Like the Riviera resort ruining the previous complete immersion the Caribbean Beach Resort provided or MGM Studios being completely altered and piecemealed back together with IP-focused attractions without regard to previous sight lines and the inability to make it seem like you are walking through old Hollywood anywhere in the park anymore. Things change, but they should take into consideration Walt’s original intentions and the great care Imagineers took to perfect the theming over decades, and the popularity of many attractions and experiences before changing things permanently; often the replacements for beloved attractions have paled in comparison to the originals. In many cases with Disney, the whole was bigger than the sum of its parts. We took our kids last year, so they could experience Walt Disney World at least once, and we went just in time for one last hurrah on Splash Mountain (my 5-year-old’s favorite ride). Certain newer attractions are great, such as Slinky Dog Dash, Toy Story Mania, Cosmic Rewind, and the Skyliner, but they are the exceptions. Cast Members are also still amazing. The 50th Anniversary Celebration was nothing special. I was there for Walt Disney World’s 15th Anniversary Celebration, and every time you entered the park you got a surprise scratch off ticket to win a number of possible special prizes like free tickets or light-up hats, for example (my brother and I both won a hat and we also got a free ticket one time). Anyway, the magic is no longer merely being slowly chipped away, but rather steamrolled over, in an attempt to nickel and dime the customer and make their vacation a chore rather than a magical experience imho. Too bad, and I’m unsure we will ever be back, unless they come to their senses and bring back the magic in a meaningful enough way. I won’t even get started on how unoriginal and preachy most of the recent films have been.
Many of us who worked for them have seen the drop coming for a long time. If you think about how much was cut backstage, and then onstage, from the late ‘90s until now, you have to bury your head in the sand to pretend the resort is as good as ever.
Very precisely written and right on point
I did the college program spring 97 Fantasyland Merch and then the advanced internship, YES program in spring 2000. I loved both my programs. It saddens me to hear so much has changed. I don't think it is one thing per say that is causing to not come and enjoy the park experience. I see there is a whole bunch of factors. First it does seem like Disney is chipping away at the park experience. During my time in Merch there was a big focus on trying to create magical moments for our guests. My traditions class was 3 days before we even stepped into our assigned location. Then we would train at our location for about a week or so. I've heard today training is not very long at all. Cast members aren't receiving the quality training that we did in the past. I've also heard more college programers now that have become very disappointed with their program and have quit early. I'd say that happened to maybe about 12 % of the CP when I was there and after Covid hit I've heard most people complain and many have said they quit their CP because their working conditions were horrible, they couldn't even get in the parks on their days off, and their rent was so high they couldn't to eat. If anyone had asked me years ago if they should do the college program I would have no reservations in telling them to do the program. I was my university's Disney College Program Rep. Last week someone asked in a Facebook group and I encouraged her to speak with recent participants in the program. I've always spoken about my CP experience to my nephew since he was little. I hoped one day it would be able to experience what I did but now he is 13 and would probably tell him to look at other possible internships if things at Disney don't improve. I also feel like when management doesn't treat their employees well then the guest experience will suffer. Dealing with the public can be extremely hard sometimes but I was blessed in both my experiences that we always knew our management had our back. If we had an issue there was always someone we could call. Our management also gave us some incentives or recognition when we did well. Also the front line cast members need to be paid a living wage. How can someone serve the guest well if they are living in their car? You take care of your employees so they can take care of their guests. I feel like Disney has lost the create magic type thinking. It was all about the experience and now that experience is getting chipped away at little by little and people are having to pay more for less. When I thought Disney in the past I would think a quality product. That is not the case anymore. When I would buy merch in the park or at their Disney Stores I would always so that their products were made better than the same product that was at Walmart. The Disney product would be better quality and last longer. About 5 years ago I started noticing that the Disney products weren't as good quality. My niece received a princess crown and it broke within 5 minutes of receiving it. Old Disney would have said we'll send you a new one etc. Now there is no Disney Store within an 8 hour drive. Going to the Disney Store used to keep me wanting to travel to the parks etc but now with no stores near me I kind of don't think of going to Disney as much. I also agree with Trademom about all the rides they got rid of. I loved all the focus on learning in the parks. I was lucky to give the YES tours to groups of students from around the world. I did look at the offerings for the program now and it looks like they took away most of the programs I did. I know that after my internship the education programs went through a restructure. Yes Programs went through the Disney Institute at the time. The Institute also included camp programs, cooking classes, Wine tasting classes, and photography classes around the parks. I was able to take some of those classes for free if there were openings. All but some of the Yes tours were put on hold and the YES Programs were moved to an office in Celebration. (not sure where it is out of now.) The tickets for the YES Programs was actually cheaper than buying a regular ticket. The issue we sometimes had with that is people would buy the tours and not show up for the tours and just use their Disney ticket. This especially happened with our afternoon tours. I'm not sure your suggestion of giving free tours is a good one. It costs a good amount of money to be able to give the tours and I saw if the kids really didn't want to be there they did not treat their tour guides kindly. Most of the groups were great but there were a few that later got kicked out of the park for bad behavior. For me the political stuff and not having movies I've enjoyed was the last straw for now. I'm hopeful things can improve because I have 2 nieces that have never been to Disney before and would love to go. Lately I've been telling my sister it isn't worth going because of all the expenses . I hope things hurry up and get better because the girls are at good ages to take them to Disney World. I'm just sad so much has changed.
@@Pencelia I’ve also heard, sadly, that the College Program is nothing like it was. The College Program in summer/fall of ‘98 was one of the most amazing, fun times in my life. I worked “Outdoor Foods” at MGM Studios, and got to work at virtually every location in the park. After the park closed, we could ride bicycles through the streets of Hollywood to get around and also rode through the Osborne Christmas Display at night. Our uniforms were even cool-we wore Hollywood Director hats, and our aprons were in three primary colors (red, yellow, or blue-you could alternate each day) with little details like a black and white strip from the top of a Hollywood clapboard. I remember Traditions, professional development classes, the Disney “Look Book,” unlimited free access to parks on days off, free Thursdays at Pleasure Island, Vista Way, the “Disney Point,” making magical moments for guests, huge discounts all over Orlando for Disney employees, Property Control, Cast Member parties in the Parks with special commemorative gifts during the Holidays, College Program Ball at the newly-opened Coronado Springs Resort, and just the amazing experience of working with young people of all cultures from all over the world. I was on the opening crew of Fantasmic at MGM and still have that shirt from 1998. I was also there for the opening of Animal Kingdom, and we all got a commentaries coin. I also did an Advanced Internship in Horticulture at Epcot and the Epcot Resorts in 2000; another amazing experience. I got to work in the gardens all over World Showcase, learn about plants from all over the world, and do a master project that enabled us to design a garden on the island at Caribbean Beach Resort. You certainly did not get rich from these programs, but the experiences were so fulfilling!
I am afraid they would have to purge leadership, and get the message out of their products.Something they don't seem to willing to do.
Actually they DID change leadership - the got rid of CHapek and brought Back Iger. ANd while he is moving slower than some people want - he is bringing back the Imagineers and slowing on the Penny pinchers. He has changed a number of things already - Free Parking at the Hotels is back, so is the Disney Dining Plan, You can get all of the annual passes again too. Disney Plus - which apparently is popular enough to be bought by most guests - has changed its pricing by park. And they are in line for the new Epcot too. They have discount tickets AND Discounts at the Hotels. Iger has stopped the Snow White movie which was not a good idea to update the story. And he is bringing back the story tellers for the movie studios. However - this takes some time to all pan out.
Disney is not an agile bicycle - it is a Huge Ocean liner and the do not turn on a dime. I note they have announced HOTEL discounts for the Holiday season. And single day ticket holders will not need park passes starting Next Year.
I suspect disney will be fine.
This really isn't complicated. In a company as huge as Disney, change cannot happen unless it starts at the top. Bob Iger has to be removed. Nothing less than that will convince the public that Disney is a salvageable brand.
I went in 2019. We had a blast, then I made the mistake of going back in February 2023 and I was so stressed out by that dang 7am genie crap and being nickel and dimed at every turn. It was so stressful. It felt like nonstop work, severe anxiety, and it was as though our little holiday was held hostage by greedy execs coercing me into letting them price gouge me the whole time (whether we were in or outside the parks).
Being ADHD/Autistic (w/ social anxiety) magnified all of the uncertainty and uncomfortable gold digging Disney was doing - to the point of near shutdown/meltdown. My family eventually convinced me to use DAS - which I felt awful using because I’m a grown-ass man; but if it hadn’t been for that, the whole Disney trip would have been a monumental fail and I wouldn’t have been able to handle a disappointment like this in front of the kids.
We used to go every year before 2020. Now I refuse to go again. I felt SO ripped off. We were there 9 days and also did Universal. They’re both expensive, but at least with Universal I can pay for everything up front and walk on rides with my express pass - no worries, no missing out on special moments bonding with family because I’m forced to use a park app on my phone, and with Universal there’s no constant uncertainty wondering if I just blew 15k to wait in line and miss most of the rides we all came there to do.
Disney has become so greedy and I honestly felt used - even my niece said it was different, like the magic was somehow gone. I told her it was because she’s growing up, but I knew what she meant. Splash Mountain was “our” most favorite ride and it had already shut down before we arrived.
Wish I could have some of my money back. I am STILL paying for that trip on my credit card. We did manage to make some fun memories though. Burns me up that we could have flown around the world and explored the beauty of foreign countries we’ve never been too. Nope, instead I was repeating the same old vacation, while giving my money away to insanely rich people who barely pay their employees a living wage.
#ImDoneDisney
Their parks don't sound like they're up to snuff in terms of cleanliness and rides being kept in shape. My aunt and brother-in-law were talking about their trips (they go often) and they were talking about the rides breaking down and animatronics wonking out or screens on things being less maintained. They were still gaga over it but I was like, "So? Is anything NOT breaking constantly there?" Plus lately it seems they want to attract more of the influencers/vloggers and that's going to lose its luster and get old to other people being there. Plus it's expensive as hell!
I grew up around Disney parks, in California until I was 17 and then a few years at the park in Florida. One of the first things we did after moving was convert our Disneyland annual passes into Disney World ones. That would’ve been less than a decade ago and I can’t imagine the company letting you do that type of conversion now lol.
I visited Disneyland in Cali this past March; the first time I had been to that particular park in about 8 years and about 4 years since I’d been to a Disney location at all. The difference in just those few years was IMMENSE. Dole whip is one of our family’s all time favorite snacks, so we went to the stand in front of the tiki room with literally no line of people there, and the staff had to tell us that we couldn’t just buy dole whip at the counter, we had to put the whole order through the app. I had no idea how heavy handed they went with the app until that moment, and it just got more and more hairy throughout the day. The park is for children; so essentially banning the ability to give your kid a couple bucks to go buy themselves an ice cream on their own really sucks to me.
Also, I’ve seen a few other comments talking about how rides have broken down more frequently, and this is absolutely true. Every ride we went on or had an interest in going on broke down at some point during our day. We rode the Millenium Falcon in the morning, it broke down in the afternoon. We got on Rise of the Resistance (the line for that in itself is insane, we did the virtual queue but I couldn’t imagine waiting 4-5 hours IN THE RAIN for it) and that broke down literally as we sat in the cart. The park employees reactivated our passes to be valid at a later time when the ride was fixed, so what did we do? We decided to head for Space Mountain. We crossed over all the way to the other side of the park, and wouldn’t ya know it, Space Mountain was down too!!! I think we ended up just grabbing some food at that point to kill time, in the middle of California’s record rainfall. And of course when Rise of Resistance was finally back up, we get back to the gate, and 1 out of our 3 tickets wasn’t scanning for the employee. The cast member literally just shook her head and let us through lol like this was the only day I had ever in my YEARS of going where I was seeing cast members openly giving up lol; they KNOW it’s ridiculous and I got a lot of sympathy for them.
They've over complicated the entire experience with money grubbing and saving antics. A fast pass basically means someone else has to wait longer. So you go there to get on 3 rides and stand in line all day, gotta do tons of research, how is this any fun?
if you don't want to use the app, you have to go next door and wait in line to order dole whip in person at the tropical hide-a-way.
Oh my gosh. My parents went for 4th of July and my mom commented at how empty it was! That's insane to me because I remember growing up we'd go to Disney for the 4th and it would be absolutely PACKED. Like so packed it wasnt really fun. Crazy how much things have changed. The resorts are still nice though, so there's that at least.
They are removing all the theming from the resorts.
@@clarkkent7973 What do you mean? Like Beach Club will no longer be based off of Cape May?
heard it was more busy on the 3rd of July than the 4th
New batch of imagineers coming hopefully! My daughter is hoping to be one and she has storytelling talents!
People are avoiding the parks because Disney has made it clear to EVERYONE their priority cusomers are NOT families or straight people but the LGBTQWTF. That whole LGBTQWTF stuff doesn't play well with foreign vistors, either. It's given the impression that the parks have turned into a slightly less perverted version of San Francisco's Folsom Street Fair. At least Disney isnt selling BDSM gear for toddlers like they do at the Folsom Street Fair...yet.
It really isn't a good look.
Combine that with Disney's destruction of every franchise they have and telling everyone who doesn't agree with them that their "raaaaacist", "knuckle dragging MAGA/QAnon Rethuglicans", etc. isn't helping, either
I dunno - they had a dude in drag as a fairy princess for guided shopping tours in Disneyland recently - so yeah, they are indeed going there :p
Disney, Hollywood, all of them, need to be ignored. This way, they shut down. Two months and broke.
Disney lost its ability to create ‘fun’.
Bob Iger is responsible for whats happened to Disney. He has to go.
It doesnt matter if he changes his mind. He doesnt know HOW to run Disney.
My mother was a big visitor to their parks for years. She took family and friends to the park on her own dime. But in the last few years the park wants you to "RESERVE" when you can even go to the park on your vacation you're spending $10,000 on. Park Hopper is gone alone with lots of shops closed. It kills her, but she pulled her money from the last big trip and we're going other places for our family vacations. As I said to her... "Nothing Gold can stay"
I will never visit the Disney parks ever again, so they can continue raking up the prices
Disney has found a way to charge you for everything in the park. Soon they will charge you for a fast pass to go through security to get in the park.
Or the oxygen you breathe in the park!
Believe it or not, they already offer this service. It’s called a VIP Tour. You skip all the security and are driven right into the parks (like backstage).
I did it a few times. It was ridiculously expensive, but we were all happy to be together enjoying Disney,.. that is… before the dark times…
The fact that Disney was just *WAY* too much into the "Reimagine Tomorrow" DEI initiative that former Senior VP Latondra Newton espoused ended up turning off customers to the brand in general. The expensive losses at Disney Plus, the failures of their movie division, and now decreasing attendance at their theme parks is very worrying, because it puts Disney, a _Dow Jones 30 Industrial component_ , at major financial risk. That type of risk could have huge effects on the economies of California, Florida and even New York states, and could trigger the type of financial selloff we haven't seen since the 2008 stock market crash.
Yeah that's what I was thinking earlier. As much as I hate Disney, it would be bad for people if the company tanks suddenly.
If they want to go into the blackhole of oblivion, best to suffer through it then be held ransom by occultist who probably would flush you down anyway.
latondra? um......ok
I have said this many times; Disney continues to reinforce failure at every level.
Disney has lost its way. Both by making corporate greed so important and turning the corporate backs to who Disney was to be according to Walt Disney himself.
They also need to get rid of the ridiculous reservation system for Disneyland
I’ve been seeing lots of reports of rides being down lately…more than the norm. Makes me wonder if WDW is skimping too much on the maintenance side to save money. That would be truly concerning.
They need someone neutral (outside the company) to go in & clean up all the bad management & refocus the company’s mission.
How long before somebody dies on one of those rides because of an accident that can still be prevented if they act now?
We spent 20+ days at WDW for several years up until Co Vid hit, we enjoyed the whole all-inclusive feel with Magical Express, luggage delivery from the airport to the rooms, free Magic Bands, Dinning Package and then luggage airline check in at the hotel along with ADR's and Fast Pass 60 to 30 days out. Although it was very expensive we felt appreciated and we felt it was basically worth the money. Now that they have taken all that away, it's not any different than going to Universal, which is what people are now doing! Free Fast Pass was a huge draw, versus the very expensive paid version of FP at Universal... We spent 20K in 2019 at WDW and spent zero in 2022 and 2023 for just this reason. It's not the same experience and it's a pain in the butt to wake up every morning at 7am to get to do anything and still not know. It's just a stressful mess now to go to WDW and I'm not paying for that experience.
This is the perfect comment to describe the problem. WDW has always been expensive but it felt like there was a lot of bang for your buck. Now they nickel and dime guests at every turn, and planning for it is an aggravation. Disney used to be significantly above the competition in guest experience, but they aren’t anymore. FYI Universal offers length of stay Express Pass included with stays at their deluxe hotels. No need to wake up before 7 am nor make attraction reservations.
You spent $20,000 at WDW in one year? Jesus
Universal's Express Pass system is FAR superior to Disney's Genie Plus. Reasons ? 1) With Universal's system, you're not competing with every other guest for a limited number of "fast passes". You get to ride EVERY Express Pass ride once. With Universal's premium version, you can skip the standby lines all day. Disney has nothing that compares. 2) At Disney, you have specific lightning lane return times. At Universal, you can ride whenever. If you value spontaneity as I do, Universal is, by far, the superior "skip the line" system.
@@shawncarter7188 I believe we can all agree that the wealthiest among us are, by far, the most deserving of a premium Disney experience. If $20,000.00 isn't pocket change to you, Disney's obviously NOT for you. Let's not even speak about those reprehensible Annual Passholes, bringing their own food INTO THE PARK !!! Disney is raising the bar on whom they admit, so no more fistfights break out among the rabble. They can go to Gator Land instead, with the other poor people wearing torn clothing and nose rings. Ewww...
We've been to Universal and stayed in Deluxe and that was a great perk. Of course, WDW doesn't even do that and the difference between the cost of a Deluxe at WDW and a Deluxe at Universal is almost double at WDW. This is why WDW is getting hammered!
Disney Plus/lightning lane was one of the worst things Disney decided to do in the parks.
I spent $12k/year at Disney since the early 70s. As of 2022, I now only go to Universal. Disney feels like low value, rip off, pick pocket, exhausting. I don't want to live on my phone in a park. Can't wait for Epic Universal.
We are long past Disney's chance for redemption. They've had many chances to turn this around. It's far too late. It will take a decade or more to regain the trust they have lost. That might not even be possible at this point. Even after other studios have reversed course and started making box office records, Disney continues to double down. They are done. They will not start recovery until shareholders finally clean house and brings in a new executive team.
100% agree. I grew up going to Disneyland every year. It was our favorite vacation growing up. I continued the tradition with my own family, until 2018.
It has just lost my trust more and more as the years have gone by. I now have had 2 children who have never been to Disney, and my older kids that used to LOVE going, don’t even remember it.
They are losing potentially generations of fans because of their awful decisions. At this point I’m done with them, and glad to take my money places that are happy to have families there.
Disagree with you entirely I think there is a chance Disney can change the course but it will take time
Unfortunately reinforcing failure is now one of Disney's strengths.
It will take five minutes to sell out if they drop prices.
They need a complete sweep of the board, and all executives. Good luck with that. This company will be broken into a million pieces and sold off in chunks.
I do NOT want Disney to fail. Advice for Disney, NO POLITICS. NO POLITICAL CORRECTNESS. Speak to people as though it was 1999. Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, that is all you need to do.
I was a season pass holder for years. I will never spend another dollar on Disney parks, merchandise, or entertainment. They have lost their way and have proven repeatedly that they are not to be trusted.
Bob Iger happened to Disney, it has been going down hill since he became CEO in 2005 and I believe he was still in charge while Bob Chapek was CEO because Iger was still on the Disney board.
Well Eisner was crap too, but it turns out he was actually better than what came next. But I wonder if he didn't appoint a crappy successor on purpose, to make himself look good.
What parent in their right mind would allow their children to go to a Disney reeducation camp! My God...do not suggest this!
They'll just hire more pdos to work there. They seem to like to do that.
Rey Palpatine isn't bringing in the crowds huh?
Needs more Vader.
@@WDW_Proave you seen that WB have scrapped the Powerpuff Girls live action series they were working on. Some dialogue from the script got leaked online. Very woke.
Need more Rey’s! Still too much toxic masculinity.
Disney has the Navi... people still like the Navi right?
On the one hand, I don't want to punish DisneyWorld employees...they're just doing their jobs. ON the other hand, I want to NOT give Disney my business and support such a divisive company that apparently despises my demographic, yet still wants my hard earned Canadian Money. It's a position of prayer....for them and for what to do.
The honest assessment of them nickel and diming everyone now instead of appreciating them, is 100% accurate. The biggest, most annoying change that was something that literally angered me the last two trips, was the removal of magical express. It made entire Orlando airport experience ULTRA infuriating and difficult. Secondly, the cut the room service to levels that were infuriating as well. I literally complained about it, and was just told by someone on the phone (who I guarantee worked in California), "Sir, you didn't have to stay there and could have talked to management. It was your choice." I was like wow....they REALLY don't care for my business.
Also, almost forgot the terrible Genie plus. What a terrible money grab from Fast Pass. Completely awful and not necessary. Really wasn't even worth it whenever we used it.
Disney has fallen...fallen...fallen in magic.
They can get new jobs.
People that are now not spending money at Disney can spend it at other entertainment. The demand for entertainment hasn't decreased. One brand failing is opportunity for other brands.
As one of your guests said it before; Disney has spent years self inoculating themselves. It is literally psychologically impossible for them to understand what they are doing wrong. Because to them then they’re not doing anything wrong.
Disney leader ship and the board is like the principal Skinner meme on steroids. Only in this case it’s billions and billions of dollars being lit on fire instead of steamed hams.
I think the investors are all asleep. Shouldn’t they be concerned?
I think unless the current leadership is entirely booted out and replaced with sensible people I think positive change is about as likely as the Marvel's earning a profit. It's a least fun to watch them reap what they've been sowing.
It's not that fun
No more tolerance for things we don’t truly accept
This is the result of the biggest entertainment brand in the world changing into the biggest activist brand.
They did it to themselves and no one else is to blame.
You know why... Everybody knows why . They have aligned themselves with an ideology the large swath of people don't agree with. And the more they double down the more pain they are going to get. It could have been avoided. They don't get $1 of my money anymore. I used to go every year to the parks and I've seen pretty much every Disney movie for last 25 yrs. But all good things come to an end
In regards to the comment you made concerning Disney Corp. coming up with a way to reach those who don't have the financial resources to enjoy a day at a Magic Kingdom...you reminded me of something I was blessed to be a part of just a few months ago.
We have been friends with a Disneyland CM for 20+ years. He started out part time as he was also a middle school/band/choir teacher. He made sure his band and choral students were included in Disney's Music Days every year bc, as he put it, he knew a lot of those families would never be able to go to Disneyland as it was cost prohibitive. He has since retired from teaching and works for Disneyland full time.
We visited with him a few months ago. I was telling him about a student I have who loves The Mandalorian. He puts on the Mandalorian helmet I have in my classroom when he's feeling distracted and need to finish his math. (I have other students who are learning to read and like to wear the helmet and read to Grogu...Grogu is very non-judgemental and doesn't care how much help you might need sounding out words☺)
My friend asked me about my student's family dynamics...mom, dad, 2 kids. He then told me "Let's get them here...I'll get them in and set up a meeting with the Mandalorian." This family was, quite literally, blown away by this kind gesture. And it meant the world to my student.
This is not the only family this CM has done this for. When he sees a need he makes the magic happen.
Perhaps Disney could learn something here...
You also have to remember that DIsneyland, in Newsom's California, was shut down MUCH longer than WDW in DeSantis's Florida. Also Disney has cut perks like Magical Express and added costs to the FastPas variations, whereas Universal includes the fast pass style option FREE with room rent. Disney ended the dining plans, raised prices like crazy allegedly to recoup from COVID, and for a SHORT while it worked because there was such pent-up demand aftet COVID. BUT...they failed to think that everyday folks in their jobs and businesses had to recoup from COVID's privations too, and putting a 15k family vacation into that formula just plain wasn't on after the reopening flush wore out. As for "friend" and "Pal"??? Kinda close to "Comrade!" and "Tovarich!" isn't it? :) As for the hard WORK on your phone from 7am to midnight that is now a keynote of the GeniePlus system? Don't we all do that at our JOBS and get PAID for it instead of paying EXTRA to do it for Disney? Sheesh... that's not about gay/straight, that's just about human nature.
I’m in uk and even I have been put off bringing my kids to Disneyland since seeing so many times the predators that are being caught there…
I am so sad to see what is happening at Disney. Once, it was a way to get away from "the real world" it as truly an escape. Now, my phone is in my hand all the time (I remember leaving it at home back in the day that it was just a phone!) I am sad that the cost is so high but the extras are gone, Magical Express, Fast Pass. I am sad when I buy Memory Maker, but no photographers at the character meet and greets. I am sad that I remember how it use to be, and go hoping to find that innocence and wonder, but it's gone. I am sad that cast members are over worked and have to listen to the frustration of guests who are also looking for the experience they had as kids for their own kids. I am sad that corporate Disney has lost sight of what made Disney Magic and in turn made money. Without the magic, all the price increases in the world won't make it profitable. Catering to what people want is what makes people go to Disney and return to Disney, and tell friends and family about that experience, to show their hard earned money will be well spent and worth it. Gosh, I love Disney, my Disney trips (being from Canada) don't come easy. The cost for me is even higher with the exchange rate. I am so sad that Disney is taking the magic away on so many levels. I liked being called Princess, now it's not politically correct! I'm just sad.
Remember, folks: entertainment and politics don't mix. Keep them apart, and all will be good.
That's not true all there have been cases where entertainment and politics do mix well
@@animezilla4486 Nope. Entertainment and politics do not mix, and the current catastrophic state that Hollywood is in because of it is proof.
Well, if it costs thousands of dollars _per day_ to go to a park whose employees exhibit more and more widely-unacceptable behavior with each passing year, attendance is going to drop.
I was at the Magic Kingdom in WDW on July 1, a Saturday. I was expecting it to be crowded but it was a shockingly sparse crowd, especially for what was essentially 4th of July weekend. What’s weird is that it was more crowded the week prior. Not sure what is going on.
wasn't it 126 degrees on July 4th? It was busy just after. I think the heat had a lot to do with the "small" crowd that day.
@@MrWookie1981 Yes, it was super hot but it was that way for the entire previous week as well. Very little rain and cloud cover.
Disney is suffering from self-inflicted issues. The price and the headache of reservations, apps, not knowing if you'll even be able to ride the attraction you came to see, etc. Universal is doing better and better (I'm a massive fan and passholder) but they're not perfect. Super Nintendo World is impressive in photos, but shoddy and oddly lacks in as much attention to detail as it does excel in big cool ideas. Perhaps its an effect of the mass-retirement of park executives right as they were applying the final touches.
From a ride perspective it is sad Nintendo play it so safe with the kiddie stuff in their parks. Nintendo in gaming is ultra bonkers at times. I'd expect the biggest and fastest Intamin accelerator coasters to be honest. I think it would work well. Lots of teenagers and adults play Nintendo. If they added rides for all ages and even added Sega and Capcom stuff through deals (Sonic / Street Fighter / Resident Evil etc) and became bigger and bigger, it could completely crush Disney!
@@AndrewKeyz A resident evil attraction would be so sick! I wish there was more based on the newer games, the hillbilly family and the old timey castle. I think they needed to start with a family ride. It's certainly popular. It's also really easy to poke holes in its execution. I'm sure the nintendo and universal teams are all over it.
I'm actually pretty sad about this.....a once great family friendly company now distorted and preversed by a bunch of physcos let it 🔥 so we can buy it back and renew
If people ask, "why did this happen?"
The answer was clear before them.
Disney has gone too far with the 'rainbow' that worries parents
The Parks are my son's favorite place to be. I want the Parks to succeed.
However, our last trip to the Parks just wasn't fun. It started with the stress of coordinating park passes. We don't Genie as we have to use alternate lines/access, so that wasn't an issue for us. But for the first time we heard Cast Members complaining about the job-three separate instances. We were pressured to mobile order even though special food needs meant we couldn't. Then all the drunks. People were falling down drunk. Ugh.
The shift towards the adult crowd, the politics, the lack of care to maintain the Parks have all combined to make our trip this year be to Universal. Maybe that park has the same issues, but I'm paying far less to go and getting a better hotel!
Start with the basics is right ! Like keeping Cast members in character is a good start.
I noticed that things changed and some Cast members seemed bored, bothered, or annoyed to be there. When they said they didn’t have to cover up tattoos, not that I don’t like tattoos I have some myself, but it doesn’t fit the theming at most attractions. Finally bring back quality merchandise, food, and the magic if they are going to charge the amount they do😡
Very good point regarding the services. Even Dollywood runs trams (not that Dollywood is not a great place). Service use to be key.
Pro, I agree. I grew up with and my children grew up with Disney. I am angry that they attack us and act like they don't want us anymore. The vast majority of people just want wholesome entertainment, free of adult issues for kids. As an adult I want a place that keeps the nostalgia and new all while delivering the Disney service that used to make you not want to leave.
As Universal gets better, steals imagineers and creates a resort experience without all the woke garbage they will steal families like ours away - especially if Disney doesn't change.
Universal didn't steal familys away
Disney drove familys away.
It’s a disaster, Disney has destroyed everything that made me fall in love with Disney 😢
They need to:
1. Go back to Walt’s values - quality, quality, quality.
2. Throw away the politics and make movies for kids.
3. Quit the live action remakes that are not even live action
I could go on and on.. I’ve been boycotting Disney but I hope they come back! I want to go back to the parks but not like this.. never.
We are international visitors, and we plan our trip around a trade conference. We went in 2021, and we could not ride one popular ride without a USA based cell phone. We spent nearly $1000 for our group to ride no rides. Never again. Last year we did Universal, and are doing that park again this July.
Disney needs to understand that people take your children to the parks so that they can enjoy themselves without worrying about the innocence of their children being violated. They don’t take their children to the park to be exposed to sexual ideologies.
i believe that the only hope for Disney would be to get rid of Iger, the man who started all this mess because he wanted to cater to only 10% of their audience. You know the 10% who don't watch movies, Don't go to theme parks, and don't care how bad the product is as long as the product fits their ideals!!
Fire Iger! Boycott Ben and Jerry’s
I don’t know what it’s gonna take, but all the regime has to go. I have many Disney shares, but at various prices over the years and I’m a shareholder second and someone who loved Disney first but now I’m disgusted by them. I’ve mentioned here before how I was obsessed as a kid going to the parks, and when I finally got to go at 11 I was in tears. I couldn’t believe I was there. I’ve been going every two or three years since a great expense from Canada but I’ve stopped. I won’t give a bloody dime but there woke agenda and then ruining legacy rides, movies etc. I’ve had it I’ve had enough. Also I want my stock sold as soon as it becomes financially acceptable. My broker says stick it to them by buying the stock I say screw it it’s like owning the devil.
I bought my shares back around 2000 and sold them this January. I knew when Iger was returning this company was a lost cause for any shareholder. It helps me sleep better at night.
Ever since they closed Splash Mountain, I don't ever want to go. What a brilliant idea to shut down one of their top rides that guests flock to during the summer heat.
I look at the Disney company in the same light as a friend who desperately needs AA counseling, but refuses to go. I want them to be what they once were, but I honestly think that they need a rock bottom or come to Jesus moment to actually turn things around. And for as much as I understand the argument of Iger’s ego not permitting him to allow the company to burn on his watch, I suspect that same ego is easily applied to not admitting the current situation until the Titanic fully breaks in half.
the big issue with Genie+ isn't just the feeling of getting nickle and dimed. It's the fact you are getting milked yet still have to constantly look at your phone to prebook your rides. There's no convenience.
Disney has been living in a bubble for far too long. They need a reality check as their arrogance have led them to think they are too big to fail. They kept raising prices, and removing/charging things that used to be free,. They have destroyed consistent theming as they have turned the parks into glorified ad space for their IPs. They have neglected maintenance in the parks. Rides are always breaking down. Garbage are overflowing from the trash cans. Yet, they are more concerned about shoving gender identity messaging to your face by changing things that no one ask for, because they are too afraid some twitter snowflake might get offended.
I was recently at Disney, and most of the time I was on my phone trying to figure out the times for us to get on the rides. All this after all the money spend on hotel, tickets, food and miscellaneous. You will not enjoy your time anymore. Like most people were saying months ago, Disney lost it's Magic! Too expensive!!!!!!
The last 3 trips to Orlando! Disney was not at the forefront for my family. Instead, Universal & SeaWorld including Busch Gardens were at the forefront.
Sea world and Busch are so trashy though.. and Universal does not have the Disney magic.
@@television1088 what Magic? Disney lost that magic long time ago. It’s no longer there. We went to the MK in September. It’s just not the same
As far as SeaWorld//Busch ) they have great coasters including Iron Gwazi). Discovery Cove was phenomenal. Universal well it has Harry Potter along with better rides like that Veliocoaster, Popeye, Dudley, Spider-Man)
Ok
@@marcflothe No it's still there, it's in the atmosphere and friendliness, still miles above Universal and the rest. But not as good as it used to be.
It was only a matter of time before their digital content issues caught up with the parks. I believe the parks have done a generally good job of not mirroring or parroting the social issues in some of their more recent content but at some point, guests will make a connection and basically boycott. Disney is about to see the Bud Light effect at the parks.
I'm happy to not spend money on Disney anymore
My kids are aged out of the parks.
Stat Wars is just a Saturday morning cartoon at this point.
We're all burnt out on Marvel, their only creative talent went to DC anyway.
There's no reason for a lot of us to care if they ever recover.
I have a cousin who's an excellent dad. He took his kids to Disney about 10 years ago, and dropped $7k.
I asked him yesterday "Would you take your kids to Disney today?"
No hesitation "No. Absolutely not."
And he said he doesn't know anyone else who would, either.
Evil does not try to redeem itself.
Disney is not evil.
@@michaeltaylor788 We will have to agree to disagree, Michael. They are what they do. They are as their company acts and is directed by the people in charge. I find their behavior evil. It is axiomatic to me that the company is evil as well. I appreciate that you don't see it that way however.
@@darthlaurel what makes them evil may I ask.
The basic problem is Disney has gone from being a wonderful fun story teller and having theme parks which were the happiest place on earth to where they by way of movies etc they have become the grouchiest of scolds and then turned their theme parks into that scolding as well. They need to go back to being the happiest place on earth.
Disney is going the Sears route. The magic has departed. One day they will be a mere ruin overgrown and tumbled down sold at auction for demolition and complete recycling into other applications. The day is coming when Disney will no more be remembered. Their old movies which could have made lots more money will be ruined. There is NOTHING that can be done to save Disney.
I completely agree with your plaintiff request to return to the good thing but they have poisoned the well. They must be run off and junked! This game is over and the gates are closing as the music stops and there is no more magic. They have dumped the pixie dust and cannot fly anymore.
I take my family to Disney world to escape the idiocy of the real world, the CEO and people at the top are bringing the real world into a place that is a fantasy and a realise for millions of people who are fed up with the rubbish that is going on.
If they do not change it back to the way Walt wanted it to be they will lose so many lifelong fans like me and my family.
I agree with what you say about Genie plus, it marginalises so many people. Disney was produced to allow everyone to enjoy the Magic, they have taken that away. 😢
Please bring back down common sense and Magic, it breaks my heart to see what is happening
Thank you for your straight to the point, common sense approach ❤
The only way Disney can save themselves is to 1) Abandon all woke behavior 2) Celebrate their history by means of events such as anniversaries for various iconic rides and talking up Walt Disney. 3) Consistently, release icon classic movies, including the REAL little mermaid on the same release dates or weeks when they first came out.
This will send the message of a return to normal which is what we want. We want the Disney we know and love. Plus the movie releases will generate cash with little to no production costs. Not to mention the renewed merchandising profits.
Woke behavior do you know what woke actually means.
Has Disney finally broke the family budget camel’s back with the accelerated increases in theme park ticket prices, additional tickets for special events, and charging for what was once a free service?
No prices have always been high and people still go
Mario is the reason, and when Super Mario World opens in Florida, I think you’ll see a major shift, I know I’ll be there
Mario is going to wipe them out.
I'm looking forward to Epic Universe. Monsters area especially
@@WDW_Proonly time will tell
The Mario ride sucks. I’m no fan of Disney but when it opens in Florida you’ll see what I’m saying.
I hope they bring Zelda and Lord of the rings too.
As a Floridian since 1977, I choose to spend my $ at Universal because going to Disney now feels like an expensive second job.
I am Universal bound till the Genie BS is gone at WDW.
Heard rumors universal is patenting something similar to genie so.....
Retheming Splash Mountain? 🤔
I shall never forgive them for that.
Last time I was at Disney World they were trying very hard to make it seem busier than it was. They were dragging out the lines, the two that I remember were Slinky dog dash, and the Finding Nemo ride. A lot of the carts were empty, it seemed like the cast members were told to let one of the Slinky’s go by completely empty and they just looked confused 😂
Even the parking lots, half of it was completely empty, it looked like they prevented them from spreading out to make it appear as if they were packed.
Nothing was empty lmfao
@@Thedoorway123 I don’t know what you’ve seen, all I know is that, when we finally got on the Finding Nemo ride, four or five of the shells were completely empty, and the line could’ve gone by much quicker if they were filling them up.
@Deertective-vd8uj either the ride has a separate unload station I never been on its so I can't say or not many people were riding it and the ride could have broken down which is why the wait is longer
@@Thedoorway123 I think you misunderstood, (Which is my fault, sorry for not being clear.) I wasn’t saying that I noticed the shells were empty while they were coming up, while we were getting on there were quite a few that they just weren’t loading despite the long line. The ride could have broke down considering stuff like It’s tough to be a bug broke down while we were there (which usually never breaks down), which would have played a factor in the long line, but that would be all the more reason to load all the shells once they got the ride working so that people can have a better experience.
@@Deertective_ I just got from Disney. And it was super packed. The highway was even congested because everybody was headed to Disney. This whole anti woke anti Disney mindset that's been trending is so dumb and annoying lol.