In response to our sequence of posts that Walt Disney World is Fearful About Its Excessive Costs, we acquired a whole bunch of reader feedback. Unsurprisingly, many centered on WDW pricing out the center class. Simply as many expressed frustration concerning the firm elevating costs whereas making cuts. These followers didn’t essentially thoughts paying extra, as long as they have been getting worth for his or her cash. (Up to date April 13, 2025.)
We agree. That’s exactly why we shared this checklist final 12 months within the first place, and have banging this drum for the previous few years. It helps that Walt Disney World is conscious of fan suggestions and visitor satisfaction scores. Incremental enhancements have helped, as have pretty main strikes of late, most notably the information that each Storm Lagoon and Blizzard Seaside shall be open this summer season and the return of free Airport Baggage Switch as a pilot program. These are occurring for the primary time for the reason that closure again in March 2020, proving that even over 5 years later, just about something is feasible. That’ll be doubly true as Epic Universe opens and Disney finds itself needing to be extra aggressive.
There’s nonetheless stuff to repair, and this checklist covers little-but-big methods to perform that. What we imply by ‘massive little’ issues to repair is the very minor perks or choices that always go unnoticed or are missed by themselves, however make a significant or significant distinction in combination. These are usually not excessive stage and we don’t get many questions on any of them at this level, however they do matter as a result of all of it provides up. Frankly, this what Walt Disney World is all about…
It’s not simply the little particulars in themed design or placemaking, it’s additionally that consideration to element within the visitor expertise. Going above and past in methods massive and small. Enhancements company could not discover in isolation or principally wouldn’t mourn if lacking, however that collectively make Walt Disney World really feel like a well-oiled machine and a world-class trip vacation spot the place each visitor is a VIP. Giving company issues they by no means knew they wanted.
Therefore ‘massive little’ issues. That’s why you gained’t discover Disney’s Magical Specific, free FastPass, or Further Magic Hours on this checklist. And even complaints about shorter park hours, lacking nighttime spectaculars, or subpar upkeep and experience downtime. These are all ‘big-big’ issues about which we nonetheless do hear common complaints and are very noticeable cuts or points. That’s the stuff everyone seems to be speaking about–and for good motive, because it’s both enormously missed or core competencies.
This checklist is extra under-the-radar issues and magical moments that would transfer the needle on visitor satisfaction, intent to revisit or advocate metrics, particularly in combination. However individually, virtually nothing on this checklist is on the stage that even lifelong Walt Disney World followers are usually not reserving journeys or returning because of. The absence issues, however most of this doesn’t actively stand out as being a problem.
Hopefully all of this is smart. Provided that common readers are sometimes longtime Walt Disney World followers who “get” what makes the place particular, I think it’ll resonate. And if not, we are able to return to grousing concerning the Disney’s Magical Specific elimination and whether or not Epic Universe will “drive” Disney’s hand to carry again a few of these extinct visitor perks down the street. However for now, right here’s my checklist of huge little issues that Walt Disney World must carry again…
Resort Supply – It boggles my thoughts that this has not returned. Again in my day, Walt Disney World would magically transfer merchandise to procure within the theme parks to your resort for pick-up so that you didn’t have to hold souvenirs and stuff round all day. This free service was a pleasant on-site perk, and an effective way to not want a pack mule by the top of the day.
This “perk” was mutually advantageous. Walt Disney World’s calculation was that company would spend more cash on merchandise within the parks in the event that they didn’t have to hold their purchases round all day lengthy. They usually have been right. I’m not even an enormous merchandise particular person, and I’ve misplaced rely of what number of occasions we’ve opted in opposition to shopping for one thing in the previous few years as a result of we didn’t wish to lug it round all day. “We’ll simply seize it on the finish of the evening on the Emporium.” (Well-known final phrases that nearly by no means come true.)
I perceive why Walt Disney World didn’t really feel the necessity to carry this again in late 2021 (when just about all the things else was going again to regular), as provide chain disruptions resulted in empty cabinets and merchandise shortages. So there was actually no incentive to supply the perk–the restricted choice of objects was promoting out, regardless.
However issues have modified dramatically since then, and merchandise gross sales have slowed significantly. It’s time to carry again Resort Supply to incentivize memento gross sales and enhance visitor satisfaction. Though it’s pitched as a perk, I strongly suspect Walt Disney World is leaving cash on the desk by not providing Resort Supply.
Lunch & Breakfast at Be Our Visitor – There was a degree when shifting to the identical prix fixe menu for lunch and dinner was the appropriate transfer for Be Our Visitor Restaurant. Desk service eating was in high-demand, company have been spending freely as pent-up demand performed out, and there have been staffing shortages that diminished capability.
That point is over. Be Our Visitor Restaurant is now not as in style because it as soon as was. It’s most likely not even among the many prime 25 most tough Advance Eating Reservations regardless of an inherent benefit of being an in-castle restaurant at Magic Kingdom themed to Magnificence and the Beast. ADR availability is plentiful, as are spots on the Stroll-Up Waitlist. The final time I dined at Be Our Visitor, the restaurant was lower than half full and the server to visitor ratio was surprisingly excessive.
That is doubly true for the reason that counter service restaurant and breakfast ‘scene’ at Magic Kingdom is pretty bleak. Not solely is it dangerous, nevertheless it’s busy. I don’t find out about you, however nothing makes a mediocre meal at Cosmic Ray’s or Pinocchio Village Haus extra pleasant than ready in an extended line or having to hunt for a desk.
Not solely that, however bringing again the counter service lunch and breakfast at Be Our Visitor could be enjoyable–memorable meals that may permit extra company to step inside Beast’s Citadel. Be Our Visitor Restaurant continues to be a winner from a thematic perspective, and experiencing that depart a long-lasting impression on numerous youngsters and their households. (And whereas we’re at it, carry again the devoted Beast meet & greet for dinner. This smile and wave from a distance stopped making sense 2 years in the past.)
Pandora Rangers – Since its opening, Pandora – World of Avatar in Animal Kingdom has been dwelling to a few of Walt Disney World’s weirdest leisure. After testing all kinds of atmospheric acts that fell flat with company, Disney discovered the proper answer with the the Pandora Rangers.
Specifically, when the Pandora Utility Swimsuit walk-around character made its debut within the land. That is just like the navy AMP Swimsuit counterpart in entrance of Pongu Pongu, however not evil. As a substitute, the pleasant pilot of this engages in tacky and enjoyable banter with company, explaining what he’s realized on Pandora.
Maybe I’m a sucker for mechs (I’m an enormous Metallic Gear Stable fan), however I all the time cherished the Pandora Utility Swimsuit and thought it added lots to the land. Crowds all the time gathered to see this towering performer, which is sort of the sight to behold. This particularly makes the checklist as a result of, for all of its magnificence and recognition, Pandora can really feel (paradoxically) useless through the center of the day.
At the same time as each rides submit hour-plus waits and Satuli Canteen is busy, the land itself is quiet and uncrowded…as a result of everyone seems to be in line or consuming. Bringing again the Pandora Rangers would assist give the land extra of a lived-in high quality and assist company recognize the great thing about the land itself that they may in any other case overlook whereas racing round doing the rides and consuming the meals. Animal Kingdom additionally simply flat-out wants extra to maintain company occupied, particularly as points of interest shut and development partitions go up.
Brunch at California Grill – I’ll be trustworthy, I don’t suppose this issues to 99.99% of company. Brunch on the High was a really restricted expertise, and I’m fairly assured that it was principally in style with repeat company. Meaning it was excellent, but additionally that fewer new company have been having fun with it.
Regardless, Brunch on the High at California Grill was our favourite eating expertise at Walt Disney World and we’re amongst this small however vocal minority who would like to see it introduced again. After all, if it does return, it’d most likely go the best way of Takumi-Tei or Monsieur Paul and have an exorbitant value improve that may seemingly make it a non-starter for us. (Even when not, having a brand new child most likely accomplishes the identical.) However we’d wish to at the very least have the choice and realize it’s there.
To make this extra broadly interesting, I’d additionally add eradicating the prix fixe menu at California Grill. That is one other meal service that has outlived its usefulness, and there must be a greater answer to the issue of company wanting ‘free fireworks’ viewing than this. It was enjoyable for the fiftieth, nevertheless it’s gotten previous–and change into unambitious.
Residents – It appeared like an inevitability given the cuts through the years, however shedding the Residents of Hollywood at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Residents of Fundamental Road at Magic Kingdom is such a colossal blow now that we’ve felt their absence for thus lengthy. Though technically completely different, I’d additionally add the Fundamental Road Trolley Present to this.
In each parks, these ‘residents’ are roaming “Streetmosphere” performers who inhabit the doorway space boulevards, giving these streets a way of life. Fundamental Road, particularly, felt like a correct land of Magic Kingdom because of this lived-in high quality. Now it’s only a thoroughfare most company rush by means of on their approach to the rides.
It’s all the time a pleasure to come upon one of many characters or their random reveals, and the ‘residents’ means to single out particular company and make them really feel particular or like a star was one thing particular. That is the kind of factor that doesn’t present up on visitor satisfaction surveys and is an “straightforward” minimize for administration obsessive about spreadsheets or no matter, nevertheless it makes a world of distinction for the individuals impacted. These private connections and little moments are an enormous deal.
We all the time cherished doing lunch at Plaza Restaurant in Magic Kingdom, hoping that one of many residents would drop in for hilarity or hijinks. Likewise, we made a degree of watching the end-of-day Funniest Citizen “comedy-off” on Sundown Boulevard. These performers will not be a synergistic IP addition just like the Mirabel meet & greet, however you higher consider they have been a “model deposit” that embodied the center and soul of Fundamental Road at Magic Kingdom and Previous Hollywood at DHS.
EPCOT Competition Seminars – EPCOT’s festivals have been coasting for the final 5 years. They’ve rested on the laurels of longstanding reputations, whereas being scaled again. Specifically, Meals & Wine is the weakest occasion of the 12 months at EPCOT. It’s in style at this level as a result of hype machine and inertia. Which isn’t to say there aren’t implausible dishes (there are!), nevertheless it’s been a shadow of its former self.
That is partly comprehensible because the occasion has change into a sufferer of its personal recognition, with longer traces and better demand necessitating less complicated dishes that can attraction to extra palates. A good greater motive why it’s the worst occasion of the 12 months at EPCOT is as a result of it now not affords one thing further.
This was alleged to be mounted with the debut of CommuniCore Corridor, which might as soon as once more provide a correct pageant middle. Sadly, it’s undersized and underwhelming, not even able to internet hosting as many choices because the repurposed Wonders of Life pavilion that preceded it. That’s unlucky. By shedding the seminars & demonstrations, superstar chef appearances, particular meals, merchandise & ebook signings, culinary panels, and different low-cost or free occasions, Meals & Wine has gone from the largest-scale occasion of the 12 months at EPCOT to the smallest.
As soon as once more, Walt Disney World is leaving a ton of cash on the desk by not doing them, and if there’s something we all know concerning the firm, it’s that they’re massive followers of cash. Since CommuniCore Corridor isn’t slicing it and Play Pavilion is on permament pause, maybe it’s time to carry again the Wonders of Life as a correct pageant middle and simply have CommuniCore Corridor be a glorified meals sales space and seating space.
Dessert Events – Once more, not everybody has issues with the visitor expertise that revolve round value will increase. The reader responses to our sequence about Walt Disney World pricing out the center class mirrored this. Not solely that, nevertheless it’s potential to take problem with paying extra whereas getting the identical or much less, but additionally wanting sure upcharge alternatives that supply one thing for the additional cash to return. The 2 notions are usually not in battle–it’s potential to carry each!
There’s truly lots within the Enchanting Extras Assortment (and related add-ons) that provides Walt Disney World an amazing quantity of repeatability for regulars. Issues like sure behind the scenes or VIP excursions, eating or dessert events, early or late park entry, and rather more.
We have been by no means notably eager on the dessert events and upcharges in different parks, however can utterly perceive why others discovered them to be particular. As dad and mom to a daughter who’s turning into more and more concerned with all issues Arendelle, I’d think about we’d quickly love the Frozen Ever After Dessert Occasion. Even when it have been costly, that is the form of enhancement that may make for a magical and memorable splurge.
Unused Counter Service Venues – One other comparatively area of interest one on condition that a few of these eating places was solely open just a few weeks per 12 months, however Tomorrowland Terrace, Aunt Polly’s and Tortuga Tavern being closed more often than not has exacerbated counter service crowds. It has additionally made a weak meals scene even worse.
Magic Kingdom wants extra selection on the counter service entrance and likewise extra capability. These two issues would assist enhance the visitor expertise, and lower-traffic places like Tortuga Tavern and Tomorrowland Terrace may have the latitude to serve creative and enjoyable meals, whereas additionally serving to relieve the stress whereas additionally enhancing the park’s delicacies.
As for Aunt Polly’s, I’ve no delusions about it ever reopening given the plans to interchange the Rivers of America. However within the farewell month or in order followers rush to say their goodbyes, it positive could be cool if it did for company to get pleasure from one final meal. I used to be simply out on Tom Sawyer Island a few occasions throughout spring break, and it was shockingly busy.
Jedi Coaching Academy – Even pre-closure, it appeared like there was some want inside Walt Disney World to consolidate Star Wars choices in Galaxy’s Edge and decrease the off-planet choices. I by no means fairly understood this, particularly with Imagineering and the Lucasfilm Story Group being so steadfast concerning the guidelines and character integrity (one other rant for one more day) which means that the land was restricted in who and what it may showcase. Star Excursions was the one massive exception, since they discovered a approach to make The Sacred Story™️ work with the brand new land.
In any case, it’s completely loopy to me that Jedi Coaching Academy has not returned. The Trials of the Temple interactive stage present was completely adored by company, and was a ‘magical second’ for thus many youngsters and their households who had the prospect to take part. It was the form of trip-defining expertise for a subset of company that simply justified its existence. A type of issues that, should you had the fortune to do, you knew simply how particular it was.
At the same time as somebody who by no means acquired to expertise it firsthand or by means of the eyes of my youngster, it was straightforward for me to see that Jedi Coaching Academy was one thing particular. A type of little ways in which Walt Disney World captured lightning in a bottle and turned a easy factor right into a “Core Reminiscence.” Stuff like this that has a propensity to forge a brand new technology of followers is what ought to truly be sacred for Walt Disney World. Whereas we’re at it, carry again the paintbrush scavenger hunt on Tom Sawyer Island for one final hurrah earlier than they pave paradise and put up a car parking zone…or off-road race observe for Automobiles!
Toppings Bars – You is perhaps considering at this level that Magic Kingdom counter service eating is a sore topic for me. Gee, I don’t know why you’d draw that conclusion, that is solely the third entry on the checklist that pertains to the topic. I may simply rant for just a few thousand extra phrases concerning the sorry state of the flagship fort park’s quick meals scene.
Toppings bars made normal theme park fare like dry burgers palatable. It hasn’t helped that Walt Disney World has minimize corners and switched to meat suppliers that promote regardless of the grade is correct above pet food. This can be a level we’ve made earlier than, so I’m not going to beat a useless horse (hopefully the meat provider follows my lead). On the plus facet, at the very least the new menu at Pecos Invoice is a dramatic enchancment from the embarrassingly dangerous “meals” being served there earlier than. But it surely’d be even higher with customizable toppings.
I’m skeptical that is even saving Walt Disney World all that a lot cash. Positive, it reduces visitor abuse of the toppings bar–however the present strategy is rather more labor-intensive, and labor isn’t low cost anymore!
Cinderella Citadel Dream Lights – I’d argue that this isn’t a ‘massive little’ factor–it did and would trigger followers to ebook journeys–however I believe Walt Disney World may disagree. Regardless, I’ll by no means go up the chance to sing the praises of the Cinderella Citadel Dream Lights. These icicle lights have been one among our favourite issues about Christmas at Walt Disney World for the decade-plus. We spent many a late evening on Fundamental Road, merely gazing down at these resplendent lights, savoring the scene. I misplaced rely of what number of occasions we did this through the years–most likely over 100.
For many who have by no means had an opportunity to see the Cinderella Citadel Dream Lights, they’re nothing wanting spectacular. A few of you cynics may suppose such a bodily gentle show is quaint or antiquated, surpassed by the benefit and suppleness of projections. That these of us who miss the Dream Lights are merely clouded by nostalgia and sentimentality, ignoring the daytime visible blight, set up, and ease of the bodily icicle lights.
I wholeheartedly disagree. No projections can match the greater than 200,000 tiny white lights that illuminate Cinderella Citadel and remodel it right into a veritable ice palace. The Dream Lights would cease you in your tracks, with the resplendent bodily show being an absolute jaw-dropper. Phrases, pictures, and video completely can not do it justice. I’m not usually one for the flowery language in Disney’s press releases, however even the corporate’s advertising groups undersold the Cinderella Citadel Dream Lights. No matter reward you’ve heard concerning the Dream Lights, it’s true. All of it.
The Kiss Goodnight – I’m a agency believer that first and closing impressions matter lots for Walt Disney World, which is why I’m such a fan of the improved arrival expertise and streamlining of bagcheck with these Evolv complete physique scanners. It’s an evening and day distinction for the previous course of–or present one at Disneyland. (Severely, it’s. We complain concerning the dangerous–nevertheless it’s additionally vital to reward the nice!)
Whereas this isn’t as impactful (figuratively) for as a lot of company, the Kiss Goodnight is a type of ‘massive little’ issues that left such an indelible impression on the company who noticed it that it may assist flip them into lifelong followers. As soon as once more, phrases, pictures, and even video can not do it justice. We nonetheless tried, singing its praises in “The Kiss Goodnight: The Biggest Factor Most Friends Don’t See” and “The Kiss Goodnight, Revisited.” (Two articles about one thing that lasts solely a few minutes–that ought to say all the things that must be stated!)
The Kiss Goodnight was a type of if you recognize, you recognize magical moments. It was an emotional powerhouse for thus many individuals as a result of it’s the fruits of a fun-filled go to to Magic Kingdom. Throughout this second of pause, you let your guard down and Disney’s cautious tugging at your heartstrings “will get you” as you’re already concurrently drained and glad on the finish of an extended day within the park. That is Walt Disney World at its finest, and the form of ‘massive little’ magical second that the corporate ought to acknowledge is rather more vital than it might sound. Particularly if there’s no intention of bringing again Disney’s Magical Specific, free FastPass, Further Magic Hours, and many others!
Planning a Walt Disney World journey? Find out about resorts on our Walt Disney World Inns Opinions web page. For the place to eat, learn our Walt Disney World Restaurant Opinions. To economize on tickets or decide which sort to purchase, learn our Ideas for Saving Cash on Walt Disney World Tickets submit. Our What to Pack for Disney Journeys submit takes a singular have a look at intelligent objects to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Experience Guides will assist. For complete recommendation, the perfect place to begin is our Walt Disney World Journey Planning Information for all the things you could know!
YOUR THOUGHTS
What ‘massive little’ issues would you wish to see Walt Disney World carry again? Assume it’s these magical moments and different smaller-scale issues which have a means of creating each visitor really feel particular or going above and past which are the center and soul of Walt Disney World? Which of the entries on this checklist would you wish to see return? Do you agree or disagree with our decisions? Any questions we might help you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even while you disagree with us–is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas beneath within the feedback!
