Walt Disney World fans have a lot of complaints, which we “celebrate” on this most glorious of holidays with a Festivus airing of grievances (followed by the final tradition, the feats of strength). There have been many guest unfriendly changes that are unsurprisingly unpopular, including cutbacks, price increases, delays, nickel & diming, and more.
It’s impossible not to notice this. Many complaints we hear from readers are prefaced with “I’m normally a fan no matter what who defends Disney, but…” or “I don’t normally complain, but…” There have been far fewer fans offering defenses of unpopular decisions with the rationalization that Walt Disney World is a business. There’s also less knocking of those who air their grievances as “so-called fans” and much more agreement and acknowledgement of Disney’s shortcomings.
So in honor of Festivus, we’re going to air the biggest grievances fans have with Walt Disney World. A lot of this list has actually changed, in large part because Walt Disney World has made several positive changes in the last two years that largely restored the guest experience and on-site hotel perks to its 2019 status. (We said largely, not completely.) Nevertheless, some ‘greatest hits’ still remain. Here’s a rundown of the “top” 10 complaints we hear from fans, including some of our own commentary about where we agree and disagree…
10. DAS Dehumanization
Disney overhauled Disability Access Service (DAS) at Walt Disney World last year to combat abuse, misuse, and proliferation of the program’s use–with issuances of DAS tripling from 2019 to last year. The changes almost immediately decreased DAS dramatically, due to a spike in denials.
The new system has has had direct impacts for disabled guests as well as indirect ones for all guests, resulting in lower wait times and faster-moving lines (see Is Lightning Lane Multi Pass Still “Worth It” at Disney World?). That has come at a cost to disabled guests, and many of those impacted by the changes have been vocal in sharing their stories.
We’ve heard from countless guests who have had incredibly negative, invasive, humiliating, and dehumanizing experiences with the new DAS application process. We continue to receive reader comments and messages with regularity, and see viral social media posts about DAS once every few weeks. None of these are glowing reviews. Some are heartbreaking.
Although the crackdown on DAS was necessary, the heartbreaking stories of DAS denials have made clear that a more flexible and humane approach is needed. The word that has been used repeatedly to describe the interview process is interrogation. While this process is stressful for Cast Members, there’s got to be a better way of handling the process that feels less adversarial. Even if the DAS reduction is needed, there’s absolutely no excuse for making the process this dehumanizing.
DAS making this list is nevertheless somewhat surprising. Unlike other entries that apply to everyone, DAS is used by a subset of guests. However, it’s a highly sensitive subject that is very personal since it is, quite literally, make or break for some guests trying to experience Walt Disney World.
This is far and away the most common complaint cited when people say they’ve stopped visiting Walt Disney World, period, in the last year-plus. That’s especially sad, as many of those families are the people who needed Disney in their lives the most.
9. Stuff Still Missing
Walt Disney World is largely back to normal ~5 years after the COVID closures. However, the list of what’s still missing is way longer than it should be. And there are some true headscratchers on that list, too.
For example, Jedi Training Academy was absolutely adored by guests, and was a ‘magical moment’ for so many kids and their families who had the chance to participate. The ‘citizens’ in both Magic Kingdom and DHS were the heart of entertainment in their respective parks, and great welcoming acts to both.
This was such a popular topic that we followed up with Big Little Missing Things Walt Disney World Needs to Bring Back with a lengthy list of how the guest experience has been eroded with these cuts. That garnered over 100 reader comments and guess what? It was NOT a bunch of fans saying: “Nah, I’m good. I hope Walt Disney World continues to offer me less while charging more!”
In a vacuum, it might be possible to rationalize or explain away so much of Disney’s lethargic pace in resuming normalcy. However, once you step back and look at the totality of the circumstances–especially as compared to their competitors and in light of the prices being charged–it’s all much less forgivable. For the purported leader of the theme park industry, they’ve sure been doing a lot of following.
8. Death of Spontaneity
We’ve extolled the virtues of spontaneity at Walt Disney World for years–cautioning against overplanning. Much to the consternation of many readers, this site is vehemently anti-spreadsheet. (I’ll admit, it’s an odd position for a planning blog to take.) But there’s a reason for that, beyond the simple fact that the best laid plans of mice and humans often go awry.
It’s that one of the biggest complaints we hear from Walt Disney World visitors is that the experience is too scripted, and there aren’t enough opportunities for spontaneity. No one likes to hear this (and obviously we wouldn’t say it directly in response to anyone airing post-trip grievances), but part of this is, frankly, their own fault. You absolutely do not need to plan down to the minute or hour; there are ample opportunities for spontaneity–but you have to allow for it.
However, part of this is Walt Disney World’s doing. They have crafted a massively complicated and complex vacation destination that lends itself to an inordinate amount of pre-planning and structure. The good news is that we’ve heard this much less lately. With park reservations gone, Park Hopping rules lifted, and pent-up demand continuing to exhaust itself, today’s Walt Disney World has more opportunities for spontaneity than the Walt Disney World of two years ago.
7. Boring, Bland & Basic
One of my biggest worries for the future of Walt Disney World is a lack of bold bets and creative risks. More decisions by analytics, fewer by real people. Less that’s interesting and unique, more that’s beholden to brand deposits and dictated by accountants.
It seems to be seeping into the parks. Just look at the World Celebration Gardens or CommuniCore Hall! Or listen to the music chosen for new entertainment. Design based on popular public park styles; decisions driven by Disney+ marketing targets or viewership data.
Walt Disney World is a business and always has been. It’s also innovative and imaginative, an ambitious endeavor built not by MBAs and accountants, but by creative visionaries–it should be treated as such by those who now lead it.
The good news is that things are trending in the right direction. Walt Disney World’s track record on recent resort reimaginings and room redesigns has been really good–much better than the dark days of 2017. Projects like Test Track 3.0, Beak & Barrel, and even Starlight Night Parade demonstrate that Disney’s still got it–and hopefully the tide is turning thanks to new leadership at Imagineering.
6. Cutbacks & Charges
Nickel & diming (or cutbacks and upcharges) is an unsurprising entry on this list. Want a MagicBand? That’ll cost you! Bread to start your table service meal? Prepare to pay extra! Evening Extra Magic Hours? Upgrade resorts! Want to see a parade or stage show? It’s behind a paywall.
Of course, the most obvious of all is the switch from free FastPass to paid Lightning Lanes. What was once available to everyone increased in price to $16 with Genie+ and has skyrocketed since. Multi-Pass can cost as much as $45, and if you want Lightning Lane Premier Pass on a peak season day, add another 0 to that price. Ouch.
I’m not a fan of nickel & diming. I don’t want to give this major grievance only cursory treatment, but there’s just not a ton I can add here that hasn’t already been said. There are arguably some scenarios–like cutting back on plastic waste with MagicBands or hiring enough housekeepers being nearly impossible–where some of this is understandable.
By and large, it’s just a way to improve margins. It’s an effective approach because each is minor in isolation, but there’s a reason why “death by a thousand cuts” is a saying. The totality of these cost-cutting measures has become very noticeable. I’m reminded of it just about every time I order a counter service entree, and the portion is smaller and lower quality.
5. End of Disney’s Magical Express
Speaking of cutbacks, we still hear from readers holding out hope that Disney’s Magical Express will return. We share this, and guess who else does? The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, which runs Orlando International Airport (MCO). If you don’t believe me, check out Will Disney’s Magical Express Airport Shuttle Ever Return? That recent post covers the very real possibility of DME returning, as part of an initiative by MCO.
Although its spiritual successor is still operated by Mears, it’s just not the same for many fans that Walt Disney World does not offer airport transportation. (The luggage handling is also a very big deal to some people, which caught us by surprise.) It made Walt Disney World feel all-inclusive, like they “took care of you” from the moment you stepped off the plane until you left to return home.
Honestly, I still cannot make sense of Disney’s decision to kill off Magical Express. It’s gotta be one of those things that somehow makes sense on a spreadsheet, but is doing incalculable damage in the real ‘World. I firmly believe the beancounters got this one wrong, and its long-term consequences to the company will far exceed whatever money they saved.
Eliminating Disney’s Magical Express is short sighted and will cost the company hotel stays, visits to other theme parks, meals outside the resort complex, and more. One of Walt Disney World’s greatest strengths was its bubble, and the company has voluntarily punctured that. The captive audience that was viewed as advantageous for years is gone–and at a time when Walt Disney World’s #1 competitor keeps growing and getting stronger. Make it make sense.
4. Too Much Screen Time
Refreshing for better Lightning Lanes. Mobile Order for counter service restaurants and Merchandise Mobile Checkout to buy stuff. Checking Walk-up Waitlist for new table service availability. Looking at wait times and showtimes. Joining virtual queues. Reading restaurant menus. Playing the MagicBand+ mini games or the DuckTales World Showcase Adventure.
For years, we’ve said that Walt Disney World leans too heavily on technology (ironic, since it’s something the company is objectively awful at) and not enough on tactile experiences. To paraphrase my favorite Walt Disney quote, “it’s people that make the dream a reality.”
The best memories are formed as a result of interpersonal moments, and so much emotional resonance is derived from guests connecting with Cast Members. Even if people can’t put their finger on it, so much of what differentiates and defines the appeal of Walt Disney World is the ‘little things’ that connect them to other people and the environments around them. Big new rides get people to take the trip, but it’s the myriad little things and those connections that convince them (even subconsciously) to return.
While we don’t agree with all of the specifics that new technology is “bad” (it isn’t!), like many fans have done, we agree with the generalized sentiment that spending a day at Walt Disney World now nudges guests towards spending way too much time with their faces buried in their phones.
New features are great in isolation, and benefit the company by improving efficiency and cutting costs. However, the totality of all of this amounts to Walt Disney World effectively leaning into its weakness and away from its strengths. And that’s worthy of a pretty big ‘grievance,’ if you ask me.
The good news is that Walt Disney World recognizes that guests constanting looking down at their phones ‘breaks the spell’ of the communal theme park experience. Their solution to this is smart glasses that reduce screen time. Wait, what?!
3. Maintenance & Unexpected Downtime
This had been a growing complaint for the last few years, to the point that it was close to #1 on this list last year. It’s still far from perfect (hence the #3 ranking), but it’s improving! Attraction downtime is still higher than its historical average, but numbers are moving in the right direction. It’s still possible to get really unlucky–or lucky–as breakdowns are always a fact of life at theme parks.
Honestly, this is going to take time for Walt Disney World to fully address this issue. Remember how we warned of the loss of institutional knowledge with the furloughs and layoffs back in 2020? Well, look no further than this for the “fruits” of that short-sighted decision, as maintenance departments have been decimated and have far fewer years of tenure.
Sadly, there’s no easy fix. It’s not simply a matter of properly staffing those departments again. When you lose a bunch of old-timers with decades of experience in legacy systems and proprietary technology, you can’t just hire some fresh-faced kid off the street and expect the same results. This was always a risk when baby boomers started retiring en masse, but 2020 really accelerated it and caused a lot of damage all at once.
For its part, Walt Disney World disputes that there’s been increased downtime and maintenance issues in the last few years, but it is well-documented (and true). It’s also patently obvious to just about anyone who visits regularly now vs. back in 2019 and earlier.
2. Disney Turning Its Back on Middle Class
That Disney is turning its back on middle class Americans has been a common refrain for years, but it has skyrocketed to #1 or #2 in 2025. This is no surprise, as Walt Disney World is Worried About Its High Prices took the spotlight this spring and was an incredibly hot topic, spawning a whole series of posts.
We took that a step further in Is Walt Disney World Too Expensive for Middle Class Americans? by digging into data. That covered the average costs of a Disney vacation, typical consumer spending on travel at different income brackets, and more.
Then just last month, the topic turned to how the Rich Rescued Walt Disney World from a Spending Slump. That was again prompted by data showing that higher income consumers were continuing to spend big on travel and leisurely, whereas there’s already been a slowdown among the lower classes. That Disney continues to do well, according to its CFO, thanks to the company targeting guests in “higher income deciles.”
This is not a huge shocker to anyone who has been paying attention, but it’s still a bit of a gut-punch. There have been no shortages of examples of Walt Disney World aiming upmarket and pricing out the middle class. The most obvious of these is, quite simply, price increases. Those alone have put a Walt Disney World vacation out of reach for more and more Americans. But there’s also the proliferation of pricey upcharge offerings, VIP tours, After Hours events, Lightning Lane Premier Pass, and more.
Disney is arguably among the most distinctly American companies, and it’s something of a bellwether for middle class Americans as a result. At its heart, Walt Disney World is a middle class vacation destination. America’s middle class families from the middle of the country have, historically, been Walt Disney World’s bread and butter!
The current trajectory doesn’t change until that group says “enough is enough” and pulls back on spending and splurging. That tide is already turning, hence the first post indicating that Walt Disney World is worried about its high prices.
To end this on another positive note, “Cool Kid Summer” felt like a direct response to that, as did the flurry of aggressive discounts that made it possible to take a Walt Disney World vacation (at least with regard to resorts and park tickets) for 2019 prices. Judging by the deals already available for 2026, we’re going to see a return of 2019 prices once again!
1. It Didn’t Feel Like a Vacation
A common complaint from fans giving up on the Marvel Cinematic Universe is that “it feels like homework.” The Walt Disney World version of this isn’t quite as concise, but boils down to the trip not feeling like a vacation due to all of the above complaints about screen time, technology, and everything you need to know or do over the course of the trip.
This is one we’re hearing more and more, and it breaks our hearts. This is mostly for obvious reasons–hardworking people are saving for months, spending and splurging thousands of dollars on an expensive vacation to Walt Disney World. It should be one of the most memorable and magical experiences of their lives, and be better than they even could’ve dreamed of. They should come home feeling like Disney treated them like they and their vacation was important.
As a WDW training manual once put it: “Every Guest on our entire 42 square miles of property is a VIP whether they are visiting the Magic Kingdom for a day or vacationing in our resort-hotels for a week or more…Remember that 99% of our guests are great people with everything going their way and having the time of their life. They are the easy ones to serve. Your real challenge will be that tiny 1%…the guests who are hot, tired, hungry, confused, frustrated and perhaps missing their luggage, ticket books or cameras. Or perhaps all of the above. They may not be very understanding and it may be up to you to turn their day around into the positive kind they came here to experience.”
It was always the case that many visitors to Walt Disney World were fulfilling a contractual obligation as parents and taking their kids on rite-of-passage trips with zero intention of ever returning again. But one of the things we loved most about running this blog was hearing from ‘The Grinches’ who told us after those trips that they didn’t expect to even enjoy Walt Disney World, but unexpectedly fell in love with the place. It was like a Hallmark movie about Disney come to life.
Those messages are now few and far between. As much as this breaks my heart, it also worries me. A lot of people point to culture wars, politics, or Universal as being Disney’s downfall. Honestly, I don’t buy into any of that–I think it’s all massively overstated. What worries me much more is that current leadership is benefiting from inertia and a longstanding reputation that they are not doing enough to nurture. That they have lost sight of the Disney Difference.
There will always be a large percentage of visitors who are one-and-done, but current trips should forge future fans. These diehards are the lifeblood of Walt Disney World, unpaid brand ambassadors who spread the good word and convince skeptical friends and family to take trips. It doesn’t seem like that’s happening nearly as often as it was even in 2019. Let me ask: even if you’re continuing to visit, are you still as enthusiastically recommending Walt Disney World to family and friends? Or does your advice now come with asterisks?
Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews. To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!
Your Thoughts
Have any grievances of your own to air about Walt Disney World? Do you agree or disagree with our airing of grievances? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!