I don’t think anyone will dispute that in recent years there has been a number of changes at Walt Disney World that for many will seem like yet another way for Disney to make money rather than enhance the guest experience and keep the magic alive.
With the upcoming 50th Anniversary celebration beginning on October 1, this week we published a feature, Bursting the “Disney Bubble” – 8 Lost Perks & New Upcharges for Disney World’s 50th Anniversary.
For many Disney fans, the loss of many of the perks for staying on property may be making them consider staying off property. Magical Express has been canceled starting January 1, 2022. Free parking at hotels was introduced back in 2018 and currently costs $90 (Value Hotel) – $150 (Deluxe Hotel), based on a six-night stay. There is no FastPass+ advantage now where on-site resort guests got access to reserving rides 60 days ahead of their visit in comparison to 30 days for off-site guests.
At least resort guests still get free standard parking at Disney’s theme parks and there is early entry 30 minutes before park opening for all resort guests which has replaced Extra Magic Hours. Extended Evening Theme Park Hours where the selected park remains open two hours after its posted closing time, will only be available to those guests staying at a Deluxe resort.
There has been the recent announcement that FastPass+ is now dead and has been replaced by the paid-for Genie+ Lightning Lanes which will currently set you back an extra $300 (for a 5-day trip for a family of 4).
Disney has definitely cut a number of positives and it has inevitably caused frustration and upset to loyal Walt Disney World fans. When posting news and features on Theme Park Tourist and Facebook it has sometimes made me smile, just a little bit, when in reaction to finding out about yet another upcharge or the canceling of a once perk a fan will say “I am never going to Walt Disney World again”.
Whereas I understand this logic, it has led me in recent weeks to wonder, really, are there Disney fans out there that will actually never visit Walt Disney World again?…
VOTE NOW
So, in this week’s Big Debate we ask, You Say You Won’t, But Are You REALLY Never Going Back To Walt Disney World? I am going to be very interested to see the results of this poll, your choices are:
- Definitely Going To Walt Disney World despite the changes
- Have thought about it but could never really ever not go to Walt Disney World again
- Will NEVER go back to Walt Disney World for real
CLICK HERE to vote and don’t forget to share this with your friends and family. We must remember for some people, the changes that have been made may actually suit them better. Let us know what you think by leaving us a comment below or on our Facebook page. As usual, our Big Debate Results article will be coming soon to Theme Park Tourist, and don’t forget you still have time to vote in last week’s Big Debate, Will You Buy Genie+? Look out for the results article which will be coming soon to Theme Park Tourist.
