It’s been one other enormous 12 months for Walt Disney World information–good, unhealthy and ugly. From the continued reopening and new rides to development and reimaginings to political issues and controversial adjustments. This publish takes a have a look at the 22 largest Walt Disney World information of the 12 months, as determined by you.
By that, we imply the tales had been probably the most learn by readers. Some of what makes this prime 22 checklist is unsurprising, however in different circumstances, the information that struck the largest chord with readers caught us unexpectedly. (I’ve truly made a concerted effort to cowl information past what personally pursuits me, partially as a result of a whole lot of that has been well-liked and partially as a result of reader feedback have made subjects way more fascinating to me on a number of events.)
Rather than simply going into autopilot mode for the tip of the 12 months and having this be a regurgitation of previous tales, I additionally wish to preserve it fascinating and recent by revisiting a few of these tales. With the good thing about hindsight and extra time to ruminate on the subjects, there’s added perspective for no less than a few of them. With that in thoughts, let’s run down the highest Walt Disney World information of 2022…
Epcot’s Longest Line! – Silly as it would sound, this goes down as probably the most “optimistic” information of the 12 months for me. While Figment and old-fashioned EPCOT Center have seen a resurgence (no less than superficially), this made nationwide headlines and demonstrated the drawing energy of the enduring character. If there’s a brand new Journey into Imagination introduced within the subsequent few years, we will level to this because the turning level.
New Tower Coming to the Polynesian – And this goes down as probably the most miserable information of the 12 months to me. So a lot on this checklist is non permanent, topic to undoing or different future adjustments. Building a large, generic timeshare tower between two exemplars of themed design isn’t. For me, this demonstrates a prioritization of effectivity (denser and cheaper development) over present, and that’s actually unlucky for followers of themed design.
Chapek Addresses Disney Fan Outrage, Demand, Price Increases, Reservations & Reedy Creek – About one month earlier than he was fired, Bob Chapek sat down for this erratic interview with the Wall Street Journal. I used to be no fan of his earlier than, however that is the place he actually jumped the shark for me, as he turned brazenly antagonistic in the direction of followers and defensive–whereas claiming to be “teflon.” His downfall was the earnings name and c-suite revolt just a few weeks later, however this was the start of the tip from my perspective.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Opening Info – Not that new sights have to be talked about for months or years, but it surely’s wild to me that Cosmic Rewind largely left ‘the discourse’ so shortly after it debuted. That’s very true given how a lot ‘New EPCOT’ has disillusioned or been met with indifference. Cosmic Rewind, against this, is basically good and actually enjoyable, and likewise tries it’s darndest to thematically match into Future World. (It falls in need of that, however comes nearer than moderately may’ve been anticipated.) To no matter extent the brand new EPCOT is nice, it’s being carried by Cosmic Rewind, Beacons of Magic, and some different smaller additions.
Cosmic Rewind Getting Holiday Remix – We haven’t talked about it a lot, however some classes ought to’ve been discovered based mostly on the fan response to Guardians of the Galaxy Cosmic Rewind: Holiday Remix. First, don’t do overlays for model new sights–a whole lot of followers do annual Christmas journeys. Second, present extra discover and clear begin and cease dates for overlays–Disney by no means introduced when this is able to start, nor when it’ll finish. Finally, make vacation overlays good–Holiday Remix underwhelms, actively undercutting the in any other case nice experience within the course of.
Modify Button Coming to Genie+ – We referred to as the introduction of the modify button a sport changer, and stand by that. The paid FastPass service will doubtless by no means escape the shadow of its predecessor–and bungled launch–amongst diehard followers, however this was an essential step ahead. We nonetheless don’t love paying for the service or a whole lot of little issues about it, however this was the characteristic that ought to enable some followers to maneuver on, and eventually no less than settle for the change from free FastPass to a paid service.
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure Model First Look – Speaking of acceptance, one of many issues that has heartened me this 12 months is the ‘evolving attitudes’ in the direction of the Splash Mountain reimagining. Sure, there’s nonetheless a vocal minority with their petitions and so forth, however they’ve turn out to be a self-defeating fringe group. There are nonetheless loads of others who’re understandably mourning the lack of a childhood favourite, however doing so with an optimistic outlook about Tiana’s Bayou Adventure–or no less than the hope that it’s an excellent reimagining.
Splash Mountain Closing Date – Same concept right here. An enormous a part of the acceptance is probably going fueled by the sorry state of Splash Mountain for the final a number of months. I can safely and confidently say that should you didn’t get to “say goodbye” with one final experience, you aren’t lacking something. Your reminiscence right here, nevertheless hazy, is definitely higher than the precise attraction proper now.
Disney’s Bath Brand Ending – I used to be stunned that this was such an enormous story, and debated whether or not to even cowl it. Nostalgia in the end gained out, as we have now fond ‘scent memories’ of Walt Disney World’s soaps and shampoos through the years. If we’re studying classes by wanting again at information, the takeaways right here must be that emotion and nostalgia are of paramount significance to followers, and little particulars matter. All of that must be patently apparent, however should you have a look at a few of Walt Disney World’s choices over the previous few years…maybe a reminder is required.
Prices Increasing & Removing Reservations for 1-Day Tickets – If final 12 months was that of nickel and diming (and I believe it was), this was the 12 months of the value enhance at Walt Disney World. While I don’t suppose customers truly turned quantity to rising prices–on the contrary, individuals are feeling more and more squeezed in all instructions–you all undoubtedly turned numb to information of value will increase. Normally, value will increase are main information. This 12 months, solely a pair tales broke via. (And this one was arguably ‘popular’ as a result of reservations angle.)
Magic Kingdom Expansion: Coco, Encanto & Villains Lands Revealed – It was a bizarre D23 Expo, with Disney sorta-but-not-really asserting Moana and Zootopia lands for Animal Kingdom, and providing a imprecise “beyond Big Thunder” have a look at what may presumably be coming to Magic Kingdom. Honestly, I used to be stunned these tales weren’t larger–however as defined earlier than, I perceive followers not taking critically these non-announcements after being burned earlier than on really-for-real bulletins.
Record High Price for Genie+ – Just a little over a month after the transfer to date-based pricing, Genie+ hit its highest value of the 12 months at Walt Disney World. Even at virtually double the price, demand has remained excessive and Lightning Lane availability is decrease on ~$30 days than ~$16 ones. There’s gotta be a value level at which demand begins to drop, but it surely’s undoubtedly not $30. Perhaps we’ll discover out whether or not $40 or $50 does the trick in 2023.
Affordable Housing Coming to Walt Disney World – This is a type of “bigger picture” tales that I don’t suppose some Walt Disney World followers absolutely grasp but. Although staffing shortages have been enhancing, elevated competitors for hospitality employees within the coming years (hey, Epic Universe) and the unsustainable upward pattern of shelter prices pose long-term challenges.
What’s Up With Housekeeping? – We haven’t revisited this matter shortly, most likely largely as a result of Sarah and I’ve had zero points with housekeeping within the second half of the 12 months. (I’m curious…is that constant together with your experiences?) Walt Disney World taking energetic steps to revive housekeeping service, at the same time as motels had been reserving up regardless, must be considered as a constructive and that not all the present corner-cutting is everlasting. (Admittedly a low bar and never worthy of reward, however a pleasant improvement.)
Walt Disney World Cancels Brightline Train Station – In an unsurprising twist, Walt Disney World launched the next assertion over the summer season: “As many people who are involved in this project are aware, the new route configuration does not support a Disney Springs station and as a result, we don’t anticipate being part of this project.” However, the saga didn’t finish there…
Disney Changes ADR Cancellation Window – While there have been justifiable issues that this is able to solely worsen ADR hoarding, that doesn’t but look like the case. Walt Disney World has finished so much to even the enjoying subject and make it simpler for informal company to dine at desk service eating places, and that is one other internet constructive, in our view.
Happily Ever After Returning – This information remains to be devoid of particulars, however one of many first reveals throughout Josh D’Amaro’s D23 Expo presentation was that Happily Ever After is returning and Harmonious goes away. Some followers (mistakenly) consider it’s simply the theme tune returning, but it surely’s the total present, doubtless modified for Main Street projections and extra.
TRON Lightcycle Run Delayed – I’m actually curious as to how this curler coaster shall be perceived by Walt Disney World followers. I’m already anticipating points with a experience designed for Asian physique sorts being inbuilt America. (In truth, earlier than it was introduced, I contended that it will by no means be cloned domestically as a result of even with some commonplace experience autos, it simply wasn’t workable.) I’m additionally questioning whether or not expectations are too excessive for this given the development period and following Cosmic Rewind. (It’s enjoyable, however quick and never almost nearly as good as that EPCOT E-Ticket, in my view.) I assume we will see about all of that!
Genie+ Lawsuit – This lawsuit is fascinating from a historic perspective, and readers had been clearly fascinated by that–and, I suppose, the prospect of Disney being pressured to “abandon” Genie Plus. Not to burst any bubbles, however I don’t suppose this lawsuit will quantity to something. I wouldn’t be stunned if it’s quietly dismissed (most likely not settled) and we by no means hear something about it once more. Who is aware of, although.
Florida Passes Bills to Dissolve Reedy Creek Improvement District – I assume I lied after I referred to as the Poly tower probably the most miserable information of the 12 months. Substantively, that’s true, however this was probably the most miserable non-substantive matter. I really like over-analyzing boring Disney information and dissecting company enterprise choices. I hate divisive subjects which might be virtually not possible to interrupt down with out bias. Ironically sufficient, Walt Disney World has had two main points within the final three years that largely revolve round various kinds of “theater.”
Southwest’s Holiday Meltdown – This isn’t Walt Disney World particular and it’s truly fairly stunning {that a} information story that’s only some days outdated has turn out to be larger than people who have had months to unfold (and garner views). The extra I examine this, the extra fascinating it turns into to me.
Southwest is an organization with clear parallels to Disney when it comes to its company tradition and distinctive place in its trade. Both Disney and Southwest technically have opponents, and but, to so lots of their followers, there isn’t any various. Now, Southwest is damaging its particular model in ways in which may show to be irreparable if it doesn’t course right rapidly. Sound acquainted?!
Disney’s Bob Swap: Chapek Fired, Iger Rehired – I additionally lied after I referred to as the Figment line probably the most optimistic information of the 12 months. Same deal right here as above, however on the constructive, non-substantive aspect. For me, this comes right down to the straightforward idea of the corporate heading within the fallacious or proper course. Admittedly, that is predicated largely upon “vibes” and nebulous notion of “magic,” however I believe these are of paramount concern for the Walt Disney Company.
It’s doubtless going to take years to get better from the Chapek period, however no less than the prepare is heading in the right direction once more. As somebody who has been a fan for many years and shall be one for many years to come back, outlasting previous, current, and future CEOs, I’m desirous about the large image and long-term. For all the cynicism and disappointment of the previous couple of years–a lot of which is able to linger for no less than yet another–it’s been some time since I’ve been this optimistic about the way forward for the corporate and the parks. More than the rest, my outlook heading into 2023 is that there’s an excellent massive stunning tomorrow.
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YOUR THOUGHTS
What do you consider the largest information tales of the 12 months for Walt Disney World? Any main bulletins, cancellations, or bombshells that you just’re stunned didn’t make the lower? What’s your tackle the nice, unhealthy, and ugly of 2022 WDW information? Do you agree or disagree with our commentary? Any questions we might help you reply? Hearing your suggestions–even whenever you disagree with us–is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!