It used to be a no-brainer. If you wanted a vacation the whole family would remember forever, you went to Disney. But in 2025, something’s different.
More and more families are choosing not to go. And it’s not because they don’t love Disney. It’s because too much has changed, and not for the better.
1. It’s Just Too Expensive Now
Let’s be honest—Disney has never been cheap. But now, it’s hitting a level that feels extreme.
One-day park tickets are now over $200 per person on the busiest days. Staying at a Disney hotel? You’ll likely pay far over a grand for your stay. And that’s before you factor in flights, meals, and extras.
Throw in a few upgrades, souvenirs, and Lightning Lanes for the busiest attractions. All of a sudden, a short trip can easily hit $5,000–$6,000. That’s just not doable for a lot of families anymore.
2. The Perks Have Disappeared
Remember when Disney gave you cool little extras just for booking a trip? That’s mostly history now.
No more free airport shuttle service. No more complimentary FastPass. Even MagicBands—once mailed to guests for free—are now something you have to buy.
And skipping the lines? That’s no longer part of the deal. You have to pay to use Lightning Lanes, some soaring to $400+ per day, per person. It’s frustrating, especially for families who’ve been in the past and remember how much more was included.
3. It’s Way Too Complicated
Planning a Disney trip used to be fun. Now it feels like a part-time job.
You need to book dining reservations weeks ahead. Ride passes open early in the morning, and if you’re not quick, you miss out. You have to manage everything through multiple apps—and check them constantly during your visit.
For families with young kids, it’s overwhelming. It’s hard to feel relaxed when you’re trying to stick to a schedule tighter than your normal workweek.
4. Other Vacations Are Starting to Look Better
People still want great experiences. They’re just finding them in other places.
Road trips, cabin getaways, beach resorts—even visits to other amusement parks—are becoming more popular. They cost less, require less planning, and offer more time to actually be together.
You don’t need fireworks or a castle to make memories. You just need time, connection, and a little freedom to enjoy the moment.
The Magic Is There, But It Feels Out of Reach
The core of Disney is still magical. The parks are beautiful. The characters are still charming. But the overall experience? It feels a little too polished, too expensive, and too stressful.
Families are beginning to feel like Disney isn’t for them anymore—unless they’re willing to spend big and plan everything to perfection.
If Disney wants to bring people back, it might need to simplify things. Make it more affordable. More spontaneous. And more in line with what Walt originally imagined—a place where families could come together and just enjoy being there.
Until then, more and more families are skipping it. Not because they want to—but because they feel like they have to.
Great article! Disney has indeed gotten too expensive and many of the perks have vanished which makes us feel as if the paying customers are not appreciated. I have always been a great admirer of Walt Disney and his dream which Disney land and especially Disney world seemed to once encapsulate, but it seems to have faded into the mists of greed and social engineering. As mentioned in the article the spontaneity has gone and planning is a virtual nightmare and once in the park you are tethered to your phone and a rigorous schedule. The resort hotels, while pleasant, are certainly not worth twice what a comparable hotel would charge. Disney has invested heavily in Star Wars themes and it would appear that star is fading in popularity and I’m almost certain that the proposed Cars land will also prove to be as unpopular. We’ve been many, many times since 1992 both as parents and as empty nesters and we have watched the magic fade under the harsh light of greed and social engineering. Disney has become both out of reach and out of touch and that is indeed a very sad place for Walt Disney’s dream of an affordable, fun and traditional family destination to be headed. We are fortunate in that we can (barely)afford Disney but it simply is no longer worth the high prices, complicated planning and lack of spontaneity.
This is so, so true! Disney has taken away
A lot of the magic , way too expensive, !
Where is the simple things , yes lots of families
Can’t afford it anymore and it so complicated
Or has be planned months in advanced!
The staff is so friendly and helpful, supportive.
In every way possible, and the cleanliness is unbelievable , nothing out of place !
Thens there the BUT , the big BUT the MAGIC
HAS cost many families away!
And is that’s WALTS DREAM!
So we stay away and watched it through your movies
And songs !