WDW during a Recession / Economic Downturn

[Tha Realest]

My Disney fandom took a pause between young adulthood (late 90’s) until when I was done having kids (mid-2010’s) so I missed the post-9/11 and Great Recession eras of the parks. I understand from listening to podcasts like Disney Dish that it drastically affected things, such as completion of resorts and the rollout of DCA.

To those of you that lived through those eras, what sort of things have generally happened during those times?

 

[Nubs70]

What is now Art of Animation resort began construction as Pop Century phase 2. Underground utilities were in place and pads were poured for the hotel blocks with 1 (maybe 2) completed. Then it was allowed to lay fallow for years.

The completed hotel blocks are the ones with the same outside entry as the Pop Century hotel blocks.

 

[drizgirl]

I expect this downturn time to be different from those in the past. Disney has perfected the art of "right sizing" staffing and services in the parks when lower crowds are expected so it never really feels less crowded.

 

[Laketravis]

In the event of a recession and further decline in WDW attendance, I expect them to respond in full force with an irresistable and never before heard of special offer:

AP magnets for everyone!

 

[Kamikaze]

With the exception of 2020 and 2021, WDW attendance has basically increased every year. Even 2002 and in the Great Recession which basically stayed flat.

In the past they've offered discounts to get there, but a recession doesn't directly lead to less attendance.

 

[JIMINYCR]

The recession will have a slight effect on Disney but not to the extent that it’s noticeable. Some staffing will be sacrificed while others in higher positions remain safe.
Those who have the money and the ability to spend without having a great detriment to their bottom line will still vacation in style, spending as they want. Those who are in a situation that have little to no savings or safety net will book trips on credit , spending willy nilly without caring about how that debt will hurt them in the end. They will fulfill their need for pleasure no matter how it impacts their future.
Dis will make cuts in all areas to stay afloat and withstand the momentary bad times as they have in the past. They now have it down to a science on running through bad times. Increase advertising, put in place a variety of packages that intice bookings and sales.
Crowds will slightly diminish but not to the levels guests hope that allows no lines or waits.

 

[networkpro]

2008 was pretty rough. Driving down I4 from Universal to WDW the number of hotels that were shut down was staggering.

 

[TheDisneyParksfanC8]

How much of the 10 years parks plan will suffer though?

 

[Chef Mickey]

The parks have been in recession for 20 years.

 

[Club Cooloholic]

With the exception of 2020 and 2021, WDW attendance has basically increased every year. Even 2002 and in the Great Recession which basically stayed flat.

In the past they've offered discounts to get there, but a recession doesn't directly lead to less attendance.

The prices were still fairly reasonable back then. I don't they would never outright lower the price of parks per day, but hotel prices could go down and they could start doing more ticket deals, which they might have to considering the competition does them all the time.

 

[Vegas Disney Fan]

I suspect when we have our next recession it’ll be similar to what we experienced during the 2020 reopening, some resorts will be closed, some restaurants will be closed, staffing will be seriously reduced, secondary businesses like water parks and mini golf will be closed, etc… as a whole they’ll just reduce everything to whatever level is required to accommodate the level of guests they have.

I believe that’s what happened in 2001 and 2007 also, the parks stayed open (with reduced hours and running rides below full capacity) but the majority of the change was from everything else being downsized to meet demand.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

With the exception of 2020 and 2021, WDW attendance has basically increased every year. Even 2002 and in the Great Recession which basically stayed flat.

In the past they've offered discounts to get there, but a recession doesn't directly lead to less attendance.

If you look at any other travel destination…you’ll find the same trend line.

Because the volume of travel has increased dramatically over the same period.

It’s really nothing Disney “did” per se…

The difference now is they’ve never been this overpriced as compared to the economy…they’ve set themselves up for a steep plummet in attendance if a “traditional” recession hits.

They’re also down 10% from their pre-COVID attendance out of the gate in aggregate…and no…not because they wanted less people

 

[monothingie]

Unprecedented Demand was supposed to last 4eva!!!!

Price Increases
Operational Cuts
Layoffs
Major Projects get scaled back or canceled. (Tee hee)

So a typical day at TWDC.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

Unprecedented Demand was supposed to last 4eva!!!!

Price Increases
Operational Cuts
Layoffs
Major Projects get scaled back or canceled. (Tee hee)

So a typical day at TWDC.

…something was “unprecedented” for sure

 

[monothingie]

…something was “unprecedented” for sure

 

[EricsBiscuit]

I still have my times guides from post 9/11 MK with the park closing at 6:15 pm Monday - Thursday, SpectroMagic and fireworks only on weekends. Crazy times

 

[IanDLBZF]

IIRC Fantasmic was reduced to 2 performances per week in 2009, but that decision was quickly reversed sometime thereafter.

 

[Club Cooloholic]

I suspect when we have our next recession it’ll be similar to what we experienced during the 2020 reopening, some resorts will be closed, some restaurants will be closed, staffing will be seriously reduced, secondary businesses like water parks and mini golf will be closed, etc… as a whole they’ll just reduce everything to whatever level is required to accommodate the level of guests they have.

I believe that’s what happened in 2001 and 2007 also, the parks stayed open (with reduced hours and running rides below full capacity) but the majority of the change was from everything else being downsized to meet demand.

Geez, I mean I realize Trump had an issue with Disney but I didn't know he was going to make it this bad

 

[Chi84]

If you look at any other travel destination…you’ll find the same trend line.

Because the volume of travel has increased dramatically over the same period.

It’s really nothing Disney “did” per se…

The difference now is they’ve never been this overpriced as compared to the economy…they’ve set themselves up for a steep plummet in attendance if a “traditional” recession hits.

They’re also down 10% from their pre-COVID attendance out of the gate in aggregate…and no…not because they wanted less people

It looks like you’re finally going to get the recession you’ve been predicting for years.

 

[allgiggles]

2008 was pretty rough. Driving down I4 from Universal to WDW the number of hotels that were shut down was staggering.

That was when Disney started the "Buy 4/Get 3 Free" offer for hotels and packages. I think the offer opened in Fall of 2008. We booked it in November for travel in May. That was by far the best discount we've gotten in the last 25 years.