For decades, when you talked about theme parks and mentioned “Disney Magic,” many people knew exactly what you were talking about. There was just something about the original magic of Disneyland, the sheer brilliance of Walt Disney World Resort, the incredible food, the clean dining and bathroom areas, and so much more. Taking a Disney vacation was at the top of the priority list.
Sadly, over the last several years, that Disney magic isn’t what it used to be.
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Sure, things changed a lot after the pandemic — they had to. But it’s been a while since COVID really affected the theme parks, and things still aren’t the same.
Disney leadership has made a lot of controversial decisions recently, and theme park guests have voiced their disappointment. However, nothing has really changed.
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And now, one Disney fan is describing just how much Disney has changed and what it has taken from park guests.
X (formerly Twitter) user Damon Vinci recently laid out what Disney used to offer to set it apart. Those things are now all gone, but Disney vacations are more expensive than ever.
Ok, here’s my issue with Disney as of late. Disney was a leader in the theme park space. Literally nobody did it better. The food was better. The CMs were better. The themes were better. The inclusions and perks were better. It was more expensive than other places, cont 🧵
But you got such better quality than other places. You really felt like there was value. Magical Express was amazing. They picked up your bags and delivered them to your room, so your vacation started when you left the house.
But you got such better quality than other places. You really felt like there was value. Magical Express was amazing. They picked up your bags and delivered them to your room, so your vacation started when you left the house. Cont,
— Damon Vinci 🇺🇸🏳️🌈 (@23XIsquirrel) June 26, 2024
Related: With Disney’s Magical Express Gone, Do You Need to Rent a Car?
MagicBands — Disney’s own creation — made your trip so much easier. You were able to keep your tickets on your card and charge things to your room. And the best part? They used to be free. In fact, lots of things used to be included with the cost of your vacation, including the MagicBands and FastPasses.
You could prepay for meals so you weren’t flipping out your wallet and feeling like you were being nickel and dimed every step of the way. MagicBands and FastPasses were included in your stay. CMs could make magic happen for you at any point of your stay.
Now the base entry to get in is crazy. $200+ a night to stay at All Stars. $120+ for a day in the park. $150+ to attend a party. $50+ for a dinner. Then add Lightning Lanes and you’re talking anywhere from $25-$40 pp per day, plus Single Pass for another $10-$30.
Now the base entry to get in is crazy. $200+ a night to stay at All Stars. $120+ for a day in the park. $150+ to attend a party. $50+ for a dinner. Then add Lightning Lanes and you’re talking anywhere from $25-$40 pp per day, plus Single Pass for another $10-$30. Cont
— Damon Vinci 🇺🇸🏳️🌈 (@23XIsquirrel) June 26, 2024
Related: MagicBands to Become Obsolete at Walt Disney World?
Damon also spoke about Disney’s lack of transparency regarding some of its extras. When Disney Genie+ was first introduced, it had a set price. However, the price of Genie+ now varies based on the time of year and even the day of the week. And since you can’t book Genie+ in advance, you won’t know how much you have to spend.
The lack of pricing transparency at Walt Disney World is maddening. Multi-Pass could be $20. It could be $40. You literally don’t know until the day you buy it, which is during your trip (or just before). How do you plan for that?
For an average family of 4 you are talking about anywhere from $100-$200 in extra expenses per day! The virtual queue is also an issue. You take people who would otherwise be in line for a ride and put them into the rest of the park, which elevates wait times elsewhere.
For an average family of 4 you are talking about anywhere from $100-$200 in extra expenses per day! The virtual queue is also an issue. You take people who would otherwise be in line for a ride and put them into the rest of the park, which elevates wait times elsewhere. Cont
— Damon Vinci 🇺🇸🏳️🌈 (@23XIsquirrel) June 26, 2024
However, it should be noted that Disney recently announced changes to Genie+. Guests will be allowed to purchase the service before their vacation and book up to three ride reservations in advance.
He also addressed the fact that attendance at Disney theme parks has been dropping. Disney CFO Hugh Johnston admitted that back in May, but said that it was due to the post-COVID travel bug having worn off. However, many people think that Disney just no longer holds the same value that it once did.
Many commenters agreed, and some said Damon should contact Disney. Sadly, he pointed out that disappointed guests have been very vocal, but Disney doesn’t seem to be listening.
Do you agree with Damon? Has Disney lost a lot of its magic? Let us know in the comments!
