It seems like over the past several years, Disneyland and Disney World have gotten so expensive and I just feel taken advantage of the entire time I’m there. The food is garbage and expensive. The lines are insanely long. It feels way too crowded. It really just feels like I’m being squeezed for every dollar they can get out of me in exchange for very little actual enjoyment.
Is this true about Disneyland or am I just getting old and grumpy and finally seeing Disney without the rose-colored glasses of my youth?
Disneyland has been a beloved institution for decades, enchanting generations of visitors with its magical atmosphere and iconic characters. However, opinions regarding the park’s recent changes and their impact on the overall experience have become increasingly polarized. Some argue that Disneyland has indeed undergone significant transformations, becoming more expensive and crowded, while others suggest that it is our own perception that has shifted as we grow older and become more critical.
When evaluating whether Disneyland has changed or if our perception has, it is essential to consider various elements that contribute to visitors’ experiences. These factors include ticket prices, food quality and cost, crowd levels, and overall enjoyment. By analyzing each of these components, we can gain a deeper understanding of the current state of Disneyland and how it compares to our nostalgic recollections.
Ticket Prices: One of the most apparent changes at Disneyland is the increase in ticket prices. Over the years, admission costs have risen significantly, with some arguing that it has become unaffordable for average families. While there are still options for entry-level tickets, the addition of tiered pricing structures, such as peak and off-peak days, has further complicated the process. This shift in pricing strategies has undoubtedly affected visitors’ perception of value and their assumptions about what Disneyland should offer.
Food Quality and Cost: Another commonly voiced complaint regarding Disneyland is the decline in food quality and the rising prices of dining options. Many argue that the park now prioritizes profit over providing a satisfactory culinary experience. While it is true that some of the classic food establishments have experienced a decline, Disneyland has simultaneously introduced new, high-quality dining options with varying price points. By exploring beyond the traditional food outlets, visitors can still find exceptional dining experiences within the park.
Crowd Levels: The feeling of overcrowding is a genuine concern shared by many Disneyland visitors. As the park’s popularity continues to grow, especially during peak tourist seasons, the number of people in the park can often be overwhelming. The lines for attractions seem to stretch endlessly, and the overall experience can become frustrating. However, Disney has implemented programs such as FastPasses and MaxPasses to help alleviate wait times, allowing visitors to better plan their day and maximize their enjoyment.
To determine whether our perception of Disneyland has genuinely changed or if it is merely a product of aging, it is essential to consider the perspective of a diverse range of visitors. While some argue that the park has lost its charm, others still find immense joy in the Disney experience. This difference can be attributed to several factors, including individual expectations, personal nostalgic attachment, and the ability to adapt to change.
Individual Expectations: As we grow older, our expectations for entertainment often evolve. What thrilled us as children may no longer have the same impact. Consequently, what we seek in a Disney experience may no longer align with what Disneyland offers. Recognizing that our personal expectations have shifted can help us understand our changing perceptions and allow us to reevaluate what we hope to gain from our visits.
Nostalgic Attachment: The memories we form during childhood often hold a significant place in our hearts, shaping our understanding of particular experiences. Disneyland, for many, carries a strong emotional connection tied to their youth. Returning to the park as adults can evoke a sense of nostalgia that may cloud our judgment and prevent us from fully embracing the changes that have taken place. It is crucial to acknowledge and separate our sentimental attachment from our evaluation of the park’s current state.
Adapting to Change: Change is an inherent part of life, and Disneyland is not exempt from this reality. As new attractions are introduced, old ones retired, and the park undergoes renovations, it is natural for people to have mixed reactions. Some may embrace the evolution, while others may resist it. Our ability to adapt to change can significantly impact our perception of Disneyland, as it determines whether we view it as a constant source of joy or an increasingly disappointing experience.
Ultimately, whether Disneyland has changed or if it is our perception that has shifted is a subjective question, influenced by individual factors and personal experiences. While there is no denying that the park has experienced significant transformations, it is also essential to recognize that our own expectations and interpretations play a crucial role in how we perceive the Disney experience.
To fully determine which is more accurate, one must approach Disneyland with an open mind, understanding that change is inevitable and embracing the park for what it currently offers. By managing our expectations, appreciating the new additions, and exploring beyond the nostalgic, we may rediscover the magic that initially captivated us, even if it manifests in different ways.
In conclusion, the changes at Disneyland are a blend of the park’s evolution and our own maturation as individuals. It is natural to feel a sense of disappointment when confronted with alterations to something we hold dear. However, by acknowledging and understanding the reasons behind these changes, we can better appreciate the ongoing efforts to create new and memorable experiences for visitors. Ultimately, the magic of Disneyland lies not only in its physical attractions but also in the emotions and memories it stirs within us. As long as we remain open-minded and willing to adapt to the park’s evolution, we can continue to create remarkable experiences that transcend the boundaries of age and time.
It’s always been that way. At least for the past 40 years.
In the early ’90s, my dad used to complain that they “took the silver fillings from your teeth on the way out.” 😆
I think the Disney ceo said what you said not long ago
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[https://www.forbes.com/sites/nicholasreimann/2023/03/09/ceo-bob-iger-disney-park-pricing-was-too-aggressive-and-hulu-might-be-worth-selling/](https://www.forbes.com/sites/nicholasreimann/2023/03/09/ceo-bob-iger-disney-park-pricing-was-too-aggressive-and-hulu-might-be-worth-selling/)
DisneyWorld takes either a lot of planning or else modest, reasonable expectations to appreciate it. While the sit-down restaurants used to be much better, they’re still above average compared to other theme park and amusement park restaurants.
I haven’t been to Disneyland enough to compare, but it’s a different experience. It’s never been known for its food, but there are plenty of restaurants outside the park.
Both parks use high prices as one way to help control the crowds. Their new entrance reservation systems should also help, but I don’t know whether it does. But it’s the sort of scenario that’s no win for the consumer – you can’t have something that’s so good that it draws crowds internationally but is also cheap and not overcrowded. Times Square on New Year’s Eve is worse. Concerts and special sporting events can be worse. I don’t see any solutions.
My one suggestion is to set aside FOMO and don’t think in terms of “seeing everything”. Use the tools they have, show up when the parks open, and see enough for it to be enjoyable.
It’s gotten much, much worse. Nowadays if you don’t pay extra for lightning lane passes most of the rides are just not an option. You’re just there to sightsee. For as expensive of a vacation as Disney is it’s pretty brutal when you arrive and realize that you have to pay even more money just to ride the rides.
We went in February this year, and it was 50 degrees, rained 100% of the day, and was very windy. There were short lines everywhere, and we got a lot of riding for our money. But I was shocked at the price. For my family of 5, with the fast pass thing added to each ticket, and parking it was over $1,000. For one day. I’m sure if you buy multi day bundled tickets, it is probably cheaper. But a grand to get in the door felt like a LOT.
That doesn’t include food or anything.
Edit: I was curious and checked my email for the receipt- $1,315 was the exact price of the tickets for 5 people for one day. Two adults, a 14 year old, 11 year old, and a 6 year old who was 10 dollars cheaper than the other tickets.
My feeling is that Disney is an experience, not necessarily a “vacation”. I’ve only gone once. I enjoyed it, and would go again, but I felt like I needed a “vacation” afterwards to recover.
to me it seems if world population grows but the number of Disney Parks do not grow than that means supply is scare and price will rise. If price rose even higher that would fix the long lines. Long lines is sign of not enough supply for demand. Lower the prices and the lines would get longer. Simple economics that Disney is conforming to. The only cure is additional competitor parks with competing charm.
I had military tickets the first two times I went and it felt like a bargain. The third, and last time I went, paid regular rates and it felt so incredibly over the top expensive. The tickets keep getting more and more expensive, the parks more crowded, and more fees tacked on for things that used to be included in the ticket price (faster access on some rides, etc.).
There are rides that are so popular now that unless you spend extra (like, I think $15 per person extra) you have basically zero chance of getting on the ride. This is after paying $150 or so just to get into the park. That is insane, IMO, and not fun.
Looking over the past 10 years, to me it has really skyrocketed in cost.
I would highly recommend [this YouTube documentary](https://youtu.be/9yjZpBq1XBE?si=1qIzA_4QPbHQM_6J) for a really interesting breakdown on the lines situation, that goes to show the overall general decline of the importance in guest experience at the parks too.
Well litterally everything in [this ad](https://youtu.be/Q7Nhwt8GQAI?si=LnzP-ZqHyLQyw3Qb) has either been replaced or monetized so it cannot be denied that it has changed… for the worse.
Losing free fastpass was the worst thing to happen to Disney parks
It’s for sure a money pit. My family hasn’t been able to go back since covid hit because all of the things that used to be included (the wristband, fastpass, transportation from the airport, etc.) is all now extra expenses. And extra magic hours at night are now only for deluxe guests. Like come on Disney, give it a rest. Genie+ and Lightning Lane kind of pushed our disgust over the edge. They’re milking people left and right.
I’ve been going to WDW my whole life, often multiple times a year. 2014 was the first time I went as an adult with a FT job and my own budget. My husband and I had an amazing time and would tell everyone even though it was expensive, we felt there was plenty of value. By our fall 2019 trip we were starting to feel that the value of the experience wasn’t quite keeping pace with the cost.
Then Covid hit and they slashed absolutely every amenity citing safety, even when it was often just a blatant cost savings. I’ve done a few short trips since and it’s only confirmed that Disney wants to squeeze every penny from you but no longer values the guest experience.
There’s plenty of other activities we can spend our money on that even with inflation still offer an experience that’s worth the cost. Disney isn’t it anymore for us.
I just got back from Disneyworld last week as my fourth time there over 30 years. My impression is that they are struggling with inflation/shrinkflation same as everyone else. Compared to previous trips, I could detect subtle things here and there where corners were being cut and prices raised.
Disney was already kind of at the top of my price range expectations so stretching that even further was kind of intolerable. The new fast pass system was the crown jewel of shit… a pay to play system that is even more extractive, more exclusive, and catered to the wealthy at the expense of the average Joe.
I am also really fucking confused why the parks were so crowded during their supposed down season. If anyone could explain that I’d appreciate it. Based on historical patterns this was supposed to be the least crowded of my 4 trips and it was easily the most.
They changed drastically.
I used to be an adult (childfree) annual pass holder. Up til around 2008 I still enjoyed going.
It’s all IPs and screens now. On top of that there’s a festival every month it seems and larger crowds. The food is dumbed down. The prices are higher and guest behavior is deplorable while the employees are less inclined to do anything about it. Also, you need to plan out everything in advance right down to what ride you want to ride and when months in advance now. You used to be able to just sort of at least choose your rides spontaneously.
It started going downhill around 2009-2013. Now it’s just not even fun. It’s a chore. I haven’t been back since ‘14. No desire. I may go at some point for Star Wars but IDK.
When I went in the late 1980’s, I begged my dad to get Disney dollars. I was only 8, but I that day I learned all of the ways the man takes our hard earned money and then tells us to fuck ourselves for daring to ask for any of it back.
That happened to me about 10 years ago here at Disneyland. I grew up going, at least once a year, often twice. It was a special treat. We were lucky enough that my dad‘s company had special nights, where the park was closed, and only his company was there all night. You could just run from ride to ride, and it was the greatest, most special feeling. When my husband and I went a few years ago, I felt crushed and claustrophobic. Every ride we wanted to ride was minimum an hour wait, often hour and a half. Really felt like so crowded, and I had to ask myself if I had just become a grumpy old lady. Every time I think about it, I kind of get a sour feeling. Trust me, it’s the park, not us.
Never have I spent so much to be reminded how not rich I am. It costs a lot to be a 2nd class citizen at Disney! But I’m pretty sure it’s always been like that. I remember my dad complaining. And now I do.
It’s the circle of life.
They announced recently to their shareholders that they’re going to focus more on single visit big spenders rather than their dedicated and consistent base because somehow there’s more money there.
European here: Disneyland Paris was always expensive, but now it’s insanely expensive. Food is disgusting, you wait in line hours for 3 minutes of fun. There are less attractions than before.
Worst park of all of those I had seen in the country.
When my kids were little, their mother wanted us to go there every other weekend. A nightmare.
Local Disney Adult Realizes the Magic Was Just Consumerism All Along
I can’t speak for Disneyland but I took my kids to Disney World in 2018. We booked an all inclusive vacation through Disney World which included lodging at the Pop Century for 7 days, tickets to all the parks, along with a bunch of extras, fast passes, wristbands were mailed to us, the dining plan 2 meals a day, unlimited drinks and 1 (maybe 2) snacks per person We paid 1200 dollars for 4 people. We went in November.
Trying to book that same vacation now is nearly triple the price and the last time I checked there was no dining plan.
I will never go to Disney again 😂 Disney out-priced middle and even lower middle class families who could do Disney with a Disney fund jar. It’s absolutely unbelievable! There’s no magic in ripping off families.
I have a friend who lives outside Orlando. I was going to plan a trip to Disney a few years ago and asked him when’s the best time of year to go when the park won’t be as busy. He laughed and told me it doesn’t matter, the park is packed 365-days a year.
He then suggested that Disney can charge outrageous fees because families will continue to pay them and that at some point the fees will reach a point where only wealthy families will be able afford a Disney vacation. However, Disney doesn’t care because the theme parks will continue to be just as packed as before, but now they’ll just be packed with rich wealthy families instead.
That shift in socioeconomic class and demographics also translates into less riff-raff, bad behavior, and all the other associated problems it brings to their parks, so Disney is basically becoming a destination country club and resort for the wealthy.
His comments were profound, and I scrapped my Disney plans for a 10-day family trip to the West and South rim of the Grand Canyon, Williams, Kingman, and Sedona, AZ, Las Vegas, and Route 66 instead.