WDW July 4 2025

[Sirwalterraleigh]

Do you know how many people fly, then Uber to the resort and take Disney transportation?

Of course it was cheaper and easier with Magical Express.

There are a lot of people in and out of there daily from off property…there are north of 500 hotels in Orlando…there might have been 5 in 1965…

 

[Chi84]

It’s not hard to find…there are many threads. Chances are in either parks threads…or more likely planning threads theres at least a handful of comments suggesting large Crowds each day

Many are probably unaware…which is easy to understand
Also some state that and “shout at the moon” because they just love it SOOO much that they don’t want to entertain that everyone doesn’t want to flood it daily.

And some are Emps that like to think more people and more “riches” will be there before rent is due. Drops in attendance have the most tangible effect on them. I get it.

There are many posts about large crowds because WDW has large crowds.

I don’t know where you get this second idea. I’m not aware of anyone who loves WDW so much that they can’t entertain the idea that the parks aren’t crowded. Most of the people who go there prefer that the parks not be overcrowded. It makes for a better vacation.

What are “Emps?”

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

That’s fine but they generate 100% happiness for my grandkids.

I’m glad this group of execs does not have to start over.

In more ways than you know. They’re in the business to make maximum cash each day…and have committed to do that at all costs. They’d burn the bridge they’re crossing before they get to the other side…if it was worth another $1.

I'm glad your grandkids love the water parks. I find it fascinating that people go to them. While the Disney ones are well themed, they are outdated when you compare them to water parks across the country.

Hence an indication of how they view them…very little reinvestment. And they have had one closed for about 7 years? I think? Only the last couple months did they open both…and i’d guess it is an “experiment” mostly for the free day gimmick. Wouldn’t expect a commitment to run both going forward.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

There are many posts about large crowds because WDW has large crowds.

I don’t know where you get this second idea. I’m not aware of anyone who loves WDW so much that they can’t entertain the idea that the parks aren’t crowded. Most of the people who go there prefer that the parks not be overcrowded. It makes for a better vacation.

What are “Emps?”

And I don’t understand the concept that because people show up everyday…which is beyond obvious…that it automatically makes it a “large crowd” for their design and business needs.

And that’s really all that matters when it comes to the decisions and directions they take.

The opinions of individuals who breeze through town for a week here or there don’t matter…unless they bring the rest of their village with them and they buy a timeshare and a private tour guide.

It’s just how it is.

Emps are “employees”…which fan forums have obviously attracted for decades. Many claim to be “unaffiliated”…but there are signs as to why and how they state things. Usually the main one is inability to move off “public narratives”. Like a self imposed loyalty test.

I don’t hold anyone accountable for that. It’s rather instinctive. But remember they are not told when things look bad…it has to be that way.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

I hadn’t thought about that - and could explain the issue Disney has with filling up restaurants. (In addition to the pricing).

That’s probably part of it

But the bigger issue is likely that they spent 10+ years raising the menu prices across the board - to justify the dining program…then raised the dining plan prices…in a continues cycle

And just blew through the ceiling with it. The mountain looks really pretty until the avalanche slides loose. Sometimes it just goes like that all at once.

 

[Lilofan]

They’re 6, 4, 3 and 2. Their taste in water parks is fairly unsophisticated.

Water parks are our go to place when in WDW but I still don’t have the nerve to go down Summit Plummet at Blizzard Beach.

 

[GhostHost1000]

There are many posts about large crowds because WDW has large crowds.

I don’t know where you get this second idea. I’m not aware of anyone who loves WDW so much that they can’t entertain the idea that the parks aren’t crowded. Most of the people who go there prefer that the parks not be overcrowded. It makes for a better vacation.

What are “Emps?”

Recently returned from 2 weeks there. Multi-times a year visitor for over 20 years. Sure there are always a lot of people grouped together for the night shows, but overall the parks are not as crowded this summer as I’ve experience many times in the past.

 

[Chi84]

Recently returned from 2 weeks there. Multi-times a year visitor for over 20 years. Sure there are always a lot of people grouped together for the night shows, but overall the parks are not as crowded this summer as I’ve experience many times in the past.

When I visited in November 2024 the parks were not as crowded as they were in the past. That doesn't justify the nonsense about unverified large drops in attendance or statements that the parks are "empty" or "ghost towns." Not to mention the ridiculous pictures that prove nothing.

 

[Ayla]

When I visited in November 2024 the parks were not as crowded as they were in the past. That doesn't justify the nonsense about unverified large drops in attendance or statements that the parks are "empty" or "ghost towns." Not to mention the ridiculous pictures that prove nothing.

So they are dropping new discount offers through Christmas because bookings are full?

 

[Jrb1979]

When I visited in November 2024 the parks were not as crowded as they were in the past. That doesn't justify the nonsense about unverified large drops in attendance or statements that the parks are "empty" or "ghost towns." Not to mention the ridiculous pictures that prove nothing.

Like was said before a 5-10% drop would still feel busy but from a Disney perspective that's a significant drop.

 

[Chi84]

So they are dropping new discount offers through Christmas because bookings are full?

There’s an in between. It’s not a choice between full and empty.

I think Disney is responding to some highly public and well-deserved criticism that they are too expensive and getting worse.

 

[Chi84]

Like was said before a 5-10% drop would still feel busy but from a Disney perspective that's a significant drop.

If you read upthread there’s some credible information on attendance.

 

[Ayla]

There’s an in between. It’s not a choice between full and empty.

I think Disney is responding to some highly public and well-deserved criticism that they are too expensive and getting worse.

I think Disney is responding to bookings falling off a cliff.

 

[Chi84]

I think Disney is responding to bookings falling off a cliff.

Len Testa debunked that upthread.

 

[mysto]

What are “Emps?”

Empaths. They feel what you feel via clairvoyance.

 

[Ayla]

Len Testa debunked that upthread.

No, he didn't. He only mentioned the CFO talking about bookings through September.

 

[Chi84]

No, he didn't. He only mentioned the CFO talking about bookings through September.

Ah, and then bookings fall off a cliff. Good luck with that.

 

[JSchnitz]

I know we can’t lean into it too much on here, but the political boycotts here in the U.S. are a real thing. Disney is on that list for some and Florida in general is for many others. I’m in Wisconsin. I’ve been a multiple time AP holder, family of 6. Flying costs are out of control on top of the hefty price to enjoy the parks. I know several other families in the same boat. Not that my situation is the example, but it is something.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

If you read upthread there’s some credible information on attendance.

Len Testa debunked that upthread.

Read it again

No, he didn't. He only mentioned the CFO talking about bookings through September.

Ok good…I thought I had switched my language settings to Greek and hadn’t realized…

 

[Ayla]

I know we can’t lean into it too much on here, but the political boycotts here in the U.S. are a real thing. Disney is on that list for some and Florida in general is for many others. I’m in Wisconsin. I’ve been a multiple time AP holder, family of 6. Flying costs are out of control on top of the hefty price to enjoy the parks. I know several other families in the same boat. Not that my situation is the example, but it is something.

Our Wisconsin dollars are staying in Wisconsin through the Summer. Our annual Door County trip and short weekend trips here and there. I know three families who usually go to FL every year and are choosing to go elsewhere this year ~ one to SC, one to Utah/CA and the other to Yellowstone area.

It isn't just you.