park guest demographics - 70's, 80's, 90's compared to now?

[Tom Morrow]

I first visited the World in 1994 and have been a frequent visitor ever since (and have been a CM for the last few years.) I've been thinking about the amount of foreign guests at WDW, which often is or can feel like the overwhelming majority. (note: this is not a thread for bashing tour groups and the like!)

But has it always been this way? I was a kid on my first few visits, so maybe my perception is skewed, but it didn't seem so drastic back then. So, I'm curious, to those of you who have been visiting since the 70's and 80's, has it always been this way?

 

[Lucky]

Don't know about WDW, but international tourism in the U.S. overall has been trending up for many years due to increasing incomes in many countries and the decline in the value of the dollar relative to other currencies.

 

[wiigirl]

I wish those stats were out there somewhere....I love statistics

 

[Weather_Lady]

In my observation, the number of foreign guests hasn't necessarily increased a lot -- but the presence of identically-dressed tour groups has, which can make foreign guests stick out like a sore thumb. I seem to remember seeing lots of foreign tourists when I was a kid, but they tended to be families, so their nationalities weren't obvious until you heard them speaking in a foreign language, or with a foreign accent.

Of course, I also seem to remember that everyone was nicer back then, ice cream cones were larger, and characters came to YOU to be greeted, instead of the other way around, so take my memories with a grain of salt...

 

[smw]

Of course, I also seem to remember that everyone was nicer back then, ice cream cones were larger, and characters came to YOU to be greeted, instead of the other way around, so take my memories with a grain of salt...

and people dressed in a somewhat civilized manner.

 

[rct247]

I am going to make a safe bet and say that since Asian and Hispanic populations are growing worldwide that Disney Parks are seeing more of these groups than in decades past. With Hong Kong Disneyland, Tokyo Disneyland, and up-coming Shanghai, Walt Disney World typically doesn't see this influx, but without a Disney park in any Central or South American country, all those tourists have made the trip north. Plus, even here in the United States, we are seeing the Hispanic population boom. Not to mention the currency fact noted above.

I could be wrong, but it is just an observation I've noticed.

Now when it comes to acting civilized and respectful. I feel that that has changed over the decades and unfortunately, not on a positive note.

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

I always remember there being a lot more Japanese tourists when I was a kid. But maybe since they have two parks in Japan maybe Orlando isn't as big of a draw for them.

 

[cheezbat]

I always remember there being a lot more Japanese tourists when I was a kid. But maybe since they have two parks in Japan maybe Orlando isn't as big of a draw for them.

Ive noticed less of them at WDW, but far more at DL in recent years. I figure it's cheaper for them to come to the west coast over the east coast...that, and the fact that they generally know quality(ahem! TDR!) I'm sure those coming to the east coast have dropped.

 

[ajrwdwgirl]

Yeah, I noticed more Japanese vistors in DL in April too.

 

[Lucky]

Lots of Brits from mid August to mid Sept. or so at WDW, and most of them are really cheerful and friendly.

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

I believe visiting the former colony is still popular with my country folk and we remain the largest visitor group, which is why we get different tickets and deals from the two main Orlando protagonists. However I have heard numbers are falling as it is een as soo 1990s to visit.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

I always remember there being a lot more Japanese tourists when I was a kid. But maybe since they have two parks in Japan maybe Orlando isn't as big of a draw for them.

Well, yeah. Not to mention that their Disney park(s) smoke WDWs in terms of show quality...just sayin...

 

[experiment624]

Lots of Brits from mid August to mid Sept. or so at WDW, and most of them are really cheerful and friendly.

Agree! This weekend, everyone seemed to have a British accent, even the CMs. But the best part was their very cheerful and polite demeanor. I appreciate it when visitors are respectful. A lot of Nigerians this weekend too, it was lovely to see them, very polite and always smiling.

 

[Goofnut1980]

I look at it as, its WDW, a tourist destination. Bring on the tourists. I just wished people from near and far could actually dress appropriately. People today do not dress like they spent over $2000 on a trip. Some are just sloppy and some, down-right trashy.

When I look back at pictures from the 70s and early 80s, women would be dressed in slacks and a nice top. Today, everything hangs out. That is not something I want to see when I take pictures. Society needs a wake up call. If you can afford to travel to Disney, you can afford clothes that fit you correctly.