Reports indicate that Walt Disney World experienced significant declines in attendance during the last three weeks of September, matching low figures seen over the past four years.
Data from cloud trackers between August and September reveals that ride wait times have plummeted to an average of 24 minutes, marking the quietest period since 2021, according to reports.
Some visitors took to social media to express that Disney World felt “abandoned” during this timeframe, describing the park as a “ghost town” with very few people around.
In contrast, Florida overall enjoyed a boost in tourism, with approximately 34.435 million visitors from April to June, an increase from 34.279 million during the same time last year.
While Florida hasn’t lost tourists, Disney World has struggled more than just in late September; it also noted its lowest June attendance in over a decade.
Many families have been expressing frustration over rising costs within Disney resorts and theme parks. Reports suggest that the company is increasingly concerned that these elevated prices are impacting their revenue streams.
According to a survey conducted by a major newspaper, the price for a typical four-day stay increased by $1,000 between 2019 and 2024. A significant portion—around 80%—of that hike is attributed to new fees for services that were previously complimentary.
A recently surfaced video from May highlights a father outlining the expenses associated with his family’s trip to Disney World.
Under the leadership of Josh Damaro, who took the reins of Disney Parks in 2020, efforts have been made to revitalize the park. This includes initiatives like removing the traditional “ladies and gentlemen” greeting as it was deemed insufficiently inclusive. Additionally, there has been criticism regarding the portrayal of a man dressed in women’s clothing at one attraction.
Disney Parks have also invested millions to rework classic rides like Splash Mountain and the Jungle Cruise following accusations from activists labeling them as “racist.”
The company has spent years infusing progressive themes around gender identity and LGBTQ representation into its children’s content, from films to theme park experiences.
