Disney World Makes Major New Restrictions, Guests Feel “Violated”

Walt Disney World Resort has become more restrictive over the years, and guests are beginning to notice major changes.

It’s easy to notice certain changes that happen at “The Most Magical Place on Earth.” In the last few years, Disney has expanded its offerings by opening several new attractions, including Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, and Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana at EPCOT, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, as well as TRON Lightcycle / Run at Magic Kingdom.

In addition to the new attractions that can now be experienced, Disney is constantly renovating and reimagining areas inside of its theme parks– which include Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios– as well as its water parks– Disney’s Blizzard Beach and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon (which is closed for refurbishments currently)– and the Disney Springs shopping and dining district.

Over the years, however, the enchantment of Disney World has come at an increasingly steep price. The cost of admission, accommodation, and, notably, dining has surged, leaving frequent visitors grappling with the financial toll of their beloved escapades.

In its latest ticket price increase at Disneyland and Walt Disney World, for example, the highest single daily admission price increases by 8.4% from $179 to $194 for one Disney World park. These increases have led to new restrictions that will affect all guests.

One devoted Redditor lamented, “We’ve been visiting 3-5 times a year for the past 15 years. Love WDW so much. But it’s now $200+ every time we sit down to eat.” The magic of the dining experience seems to be shadowed by the daunting bills that accompany it.

The allure of a refreshing drink to quench one’s thirst amid the enchanting atmosphere comes with its own financial burden. Another Disney enthusiast bemoaned, “The drink prices have gotten outrageous.” The joy of sipping a cool beverage while strolling through the parks now competes with the shock of inflated prices.

One Disney World guest shared their disbelief at the cost of an alcoholic drink, exclaiming, “I felt violated after being charged $22 for a tiny rum drink in a plastic cup over the weekend.”

The social media sphere echoes the sentiments of these disgruntled visitors. Amid the virtual land of hashtags and emojis, a disheartened Redditor contemplated a shift in vacation plans, stating, “My partner and I were looking into Europe for next year, and you are so right for what Disney cost us, we could go to Europe for like 2 weeks!” The notion of exploring the world internationally becomes an attractive alternative, a tangible escape from the rising costs of Disney enchantment.

As the wave of comments inundates social media, a narrative of economic constraint emerges. The increase in concession prices is not merely an inconvenience; it’s a force reshaping the very fabric of the Disney experience. Families, once bound by the magic of the parks, now find themselves deliberating whether to dine within the confines of the whimsical kingdom or seek sustenance beyond its borders.

The financial stress on these dedicated park-goers reveals a growing dilemma—how to balance the love for the magic of Disney with the strain on personal finances. The concern isn’t limited to the present; it extends to the future of park attendance. As prices soar, the gates of the magical kingdom risk becoming less accessible, potentially excluding those who once reveled in the joy of frequent visits.

What do you think of the changes happening at Walt Disney World Resort? 

This post is originally appeared on Inside the Magic.