Hmmm...wonder if this story is totally factual or not? if it is, must be a wonderful time to visit Disney World with shorter wait times right now!

[MickeyLuv'r]

I don't think it's anything political or that people are "punishing" Disney but simply because we're getting into a recession economy, and this is the effects. The amusement park industry as a whole has been feeling the effects (see $100 million loss from Six Flags...which I think is likely an epically botched merger, but I wanna see their annual filing before I make that judgement. Anyway...)

Mostly I agree, but WDW = a celebration of Americana. People I know are just not that excited to be celebrating Americana right now. It is partly politics, partly the economy, mostly people just feel that the country is dysfunctional.

But even before the shutdown, there is a general sense that the country's dysfunctional.

People see it in all sorts of ways. My insurance company made a small billing mistake when billing me for a reg office visit, and it is going to take - get this - 45 BUSINESS days to correct it after a comically epic effort on my part of making phone calls and waiting on hold, etc.

To me, Disney also feels a bit dysfunctional. Touring has become too complicated. The other day, I went to small local fair, and the rides were simple, but it was fun to just go from ride to ride with minimal waiting, no plan, no phone, no dining reservations....

 

[jprieur]

Used to have annual passes and go multiple times a year since 2013. Some week long trips with some random long weekends throw in. Past several years it’s been intermittent annual passes. We will NOT be renewing after looking at the rack rates for our next trip. Granted they will eventually apply some discounts; but even with the anticipated discounts, I’m not paying that. The value is just gone and it’s just outrageous what they are charging. Affording it is not the problem for us, it’s the value for what we pay. You are charging luxury prices for a non luxury product.

Regardless of your income level you have to rationalize your spend; and it’s just not there anymore for me. It’s not just the hotels it’s just the entire offering. I can recall our 2013 trips stating at port Orleans and enjoying magic kingdom till 2am without up charge or deluxe requirements, using magic express (not for the cost savings but the bubble extension).

I’ve noticed last few trips that LL has been avail for headline rides often till late in the day; no longer selling out, so it seems to me less people are paying the up charge there. Events don’t seem to be an issue as those def sell out.

 

[graphite1326]

I was there for three weeks between August and September. Never bought LL. I think the longest I waited was for Tron and Guardians at about an hour. Other than that, I mostly was waiting about 30 minutes or less for everything.

I was there at the same time and found the same to be true. Never bought LL.

 

[Chef Mickey]

Mostly I agree, but WDW = a celebration of Americana.

No longer true at all.