Changes I Wish Disney Would Make
I just wrote a companion article about all the reasons why Walt Disney World visits are better this summer than in previous years.
However, despite all the forward progress Disney has made, I still believe the company has plenty of room for improvement.
![4 theme parks](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Screen-Shot-2022-04-14-at-9.04.34-AM.png)
![4 theme parks](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Screen-Shot-2022-04-14-at-9.04.34-AM.png)
Photo: Disneyplanning.com
Here are a few changes I wish Disney theme parks would make.
Add More Live Entertainment
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2024-wdw-mk-magic-kingdom-cinderella-castle-stock-1-3-scaled.jpg)
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2024-wdw-mk-magic-kingdom-cinderella-castle-stock-1-3-scaled.jpg)
Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom
This is my recurring Streetmosphere gripe.
When the pandemic started, Disney laid off thousands of Cast Members, especially the ones who worked in live entertainment.
![Disney 2024](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/mickey-mouse-and-young-guest-at-cinderella-castle.jpg)
![Disney 2024](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/mickey-mouse-and-young-guest-at-cinderella-castle.jpg)
Photo: Disney
At the time, Disney officials spoke frequently with government healthcare officials.
Disney executives learned that the pandemic would last for an extended period, negating the ability to interact with park guests.
![30th Anniversary](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Citizens-of-Hollywood.png)
![30th Anniversary](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Citizens-of-Hollywood.png)
Photo: Disney
So, shows like Citizens of Hollywood went on hiatus for what we all presumed was a couple of years.
Now, we’re more than four years past COVID-19’s start, yet shows like Citizens of Main Street and Jedi Training Academy haven’t returned.
![Hollywood Studios](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2023-wdw-dhs-hollywood-studios-park-map-stock-3-scaled.jpg)
![Hollywood Studios](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2023-wdw-dhs-hollywood-studios-park-map-stock-3-scaled.jpg)
Hollywood Studios
Similarly, the Pandora Ranger mech still isn’t meeting guests. And I can’t even find some of this stuff on the official site.
While Disney has returned many shows, it’s still missing too many.
Whether management brings back the classics or starts new shows, we need more live entertainment at the parks.
Bringing Back Magical Express
![Magical Express petition](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Disneys-Magical-Express.jpg)
![Magical Express petition](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Disneys-Magical-Express.jpg)
Photo: Disney
Today marks the third time I’ve talked about this lately, but I’m a bit fired up about the topic.
I know that when one particular family member speaks up on a subject, Disney has gone too far and screwed up huge.
That member of my ‘ohana recently vented at dinner about the prolonged, inexcusable absence of Magical Express.
She’s absolutely right, too. Two years ago, Disney shuttered its free transportation service to and from Orlando International Airport.
![Magical Express petition](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Magical-Express-Luggage-Delivery.jpg)
![Magical Express petition](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Magical-Express-Luggage-Delivery.jpg)
Photo: Disney
In the process, Disney left tourists to fend for themselves at one of the world’s fastest-growing airports.
Is that decision the end of the world? Of course not. But it does fit into an emerging narrative about Disney vacations.
![Magical Express](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/magical-Express.jpg)
![Magical Express](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/magical-Express.jpg)
Photo Credit: DVDRentalStore.com
Tourists seem to be paying more while getting less. When CEO Bob Iger returned, he took a few easy wins.
Disney brought back Park Hopping and free parking, among other things, which were much-appreciated changes.
![Mears transfers Disney](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Magical-Express-bus.jpg)
![Mears transfers Disney](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Magical-Express-bus.jpg)
Magical Express bus
However, the best and most popular announcement Disney could make would be the return of Magical Express.
Build More Hotels — Not Expansion Towers
In 2019, Disney’s Riviera Resort opened. While people don’t talk about this much, it’s an expansion tower.
Disney reclaimed some of the land from Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and constructed a standalone tower hotel.
In 2024, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort will open the Island Tower, which is an expansion tower.
Last year, fans entered The Villas at Disneyland Hotel for the first time. It’s a – you guessed it! – expansion tower.
Lately, Disney has preferred to add on to what already exists rather than build something new…and that’s a frustration.
We know about some of the rumored Disney hotels that park planners have considered.
Disney has chosen not to do that because it’s cheaper to expand than to start from scratch.
This strategy needs to change. We need more of the 2,500-room properties at Walt Disney World and especially Disneyland.
Double Early Theme Park Entry
A few years ago, Disney offered something called Extra Magic Hours, and it was a huge benefit to qualifying guests.
Anyone staying at an official Disney resort could enter the parks an hour early or stay an hour after closing.
The Extra Magic Hours depended on the park calendar, but it was basically the superior version of Early Theme Park Entry.
Now, please don’t misunderstand me. I looooove Early Theme Park Entry.
![Magic Kingdom](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2024-wdw-mk-magic-kingdom-main-entrance-main-street-railroad-station-flowers-stock-1-scaled.jpg)
![Magic Kingdom](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2024-wdw-mk-magic-kingdom-main-entrance-main-street-railroad-station-flowers-stock-1-scaled.jpg)
Magic Kingdom
However, longtime Disney observers have noticed a post-pandemic trend.
We’ve got more park guests than ever, but the operating hours have shrunk a bit.
Disney can and should reward its guests staying at official Disney resorts by restoring Extra Magic Hours, in my opinion.
Improve Customer Service
![Disney Dining Plan](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Disney-Dining-Plan-e1685452803860.png)
![Disney Dining Plan](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Disney-Dining-Plan-e1685452803860.png)
Photo: Disney
About ten years ago, I had a modest complaint about something that happened during my Disney vacation.
I’d wound up with extra Disney Dining Plan credits and tried to use them on some snacks before I left for the airport.
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/2023-wdw-mk-magic-kingdom-big-top-treats2-scaled.jpg)
![](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/2023-wdw-mk-magic-kingdom-big-top-treats2-scaled.jpg)
Big Top Treats
A Cast Member had refused, which was honestly her right. There was nothing written in stone about the exchange policy back then.
So, I shot a note to Disney with a simple request to codify the rules somewhere.
![Mickey](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Disney-dining-plan-1.jpg)
![Mickey](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Disney-dining-plan-1.jpg)
Photo: Disney
To my utter shock, someone high in Disney management called me, apologized profusely, and refunded 25 percent of my dining plan cost.
I never asked for that, didn’t need it, and certainly didn’t expect it. As you might imagine, I thought highly of Disney that day.
![Lightning Lane](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-wdw-epcot-remys-ratatouille-adventure-lightning-lane-1-scaled.jpg)
![Lightning Lane](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024-wdw-epcot-remys-ratatouille-adventure-lightning-lane-1-scaled.jpg)
Lightning Lane
Fast forward to 2022, when I had a very real issue with a Lightning Lane that effectively trapped me at the theme park.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance was down, it wouldn’t reopen until after we’d left for the day, and nobody could refund me.
![Lightning Lane](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/lightningLaneHero.webp)
![Lightning Lane](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/lightningLaneHero.webp)
Photo: Disney
I contacted Disney via chat, email, and phone. At the time, the phone service was so swamped that I had to leave a message.
Two years later, I’m still awaiting a reply from Disney. Yes, I know it’s never coming, as I got lost in the shuffle.
![internet](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/shutterstock-world-laptop-internet.jpg.webp)
![internet](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/shutterstock-world-laptop-internet.jpg.webp)
Photo: Rappler
Ultimately, I had to dispute the transaction on my credit card since Disney was so unaccommodating.
Now, the situation has improved lately since Disney is fully staffed again.
![computer](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/dvcresorts-howtobook-story-knowbefore.jpg.webp)
![computer](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/dvcresorts-howtobook-story-knowbefore.jpg.webp)
Photo: DVC
Still, I think even diehard Disney fans would acknowledge that customer service isn’t as good as it was ten years ago.
Customer service embodies one of Walt Disney’s stated standards for his company. It’s also Disney’s biggest competitive advantage.
We all need Disney to prioritize customer service more.
Providing Synergistic Benefits and Discounts
![data](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/binary.jpg)
![data](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/binary.jpg)
Photo: Computer Hope
Okay, I’ll acknowledge that part of the explanation here is that it’s my professional vocation to follow Disney.
Still, I am currently a *deep breath* Annual Passholder, Disney Vacation Club member, D23 Gold member, Disney Visa cardholder, Disney+ subscriber, Hulu subscriber, and ESPN+ subscriber.
![Park Pass Reservations](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Park-Pass-4.png)
![Park Pass Reservations](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Park-Pass-4.png)
Photo: Disney
Oh, and a staggering percentage of my wardrobe comes from DisneyStore.com.
Honestly, I’m probably forgetting some stuff here, but you get the point.
![Disney100 100th Anniversary Disney+ Library Streaming](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Disney100-100th-Anniversary-Disney-Library-Streaming-2.jpg)
![Disney100 100th Anniversary Disney+ Library Streaming](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Disney100-100th-Anniversary-Disney-Library-Streaming-2.jpg)
Photo: Disney
As a loyal Disney customer, I’m constantly mystified by how little interaction there is between Disney’s entities.
Many major companies offer some sort of rewards program. With Disney, the occasional Disney+/D23 perk is the best we get.
![STreaming](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/DisneyPlusStreamingWars_Disney_Getty_Ringer.0.jpg.webp)
![STreaming](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/DisneyPlusStreamingWars_Disney_Getty_Ringer.0.jpg.webp)
Photo: Getty Images/Ringer illustration
Disney needs some sort of comprehensive program that rewards Disney+ subscribers with free Disney Genie+ or Disney Store discounts.
There should be some sort of comprehensive program wherein Disney loyalty leads to better synergistic experiences.
![Streaming](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/bobigerdisneyceo1689256556868.jpg)
![Streaming](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/bobigerdisneyceo1689256556868.jpg)
Photo: English Jargon
Disney has talked about this strategy a lot, but the implementations are few and far between, which annoys me.
Restoring Full Annual Passholder Privileges
![Annual Pass](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2024-wdw-mk-magic-kingdom-ap-annual-passholder-card-stock-6-1-scaled.jpg)
![Annual Pass](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2024-wdw-mk-magic-kingdom-ap-annual-passholder-card-stock-6-1-scaled.jpg)
Annual Pass
Speaking as someone who pays $2,000 a year for my wife’s and my annual passes, let me be clear.
“Good-to-Go Days” aren’t enough of a change from the Disney Park Pass system.
![Annual Passholder magnet distribution](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-wdw-epcot-vipassholder-annual-passholder-days-creations-shop-stitch-magnet2-scaled.jpg)
![Annual Passholder magnet distribution](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-wdw-epcot-vipassholder-annual-passholder-days-creations-shop-stitch-magnet2-scaled.jpg)
Annual Passholder Magnet distribution
Yes, they’re better than the alternative, which is nothing at all, but I’m still not pleased.
I have a Disney Park Pass. It’s called an annual pass without blockout dates.
![Journey of Water preview](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/2023-wdw-epcot-journey-of-water-inspired-by-moana-annual-passholder-preview-standby-1-scaled.jpg)
![Journey of Water preview](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/2023-wdw-epcot-journey-of-water-inspired-by-moana-annual-passholder-preview-standby-1-scaled.jpg)
Journey of Water preview
As long as I’m willing to pay for that, I should be able to enter a Disney theme park whenever I want.
During the pandemic, we all understood why Disney needed to honor social distancing, but those days are over now.
![Annual Passholder Button](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-wdw-epcot-vipassholder-days-annual-passholder-lounge-button-1-2.jpg)
![Annual Passholder Button](https://mickeyblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2024-wdw-epcot-vipassholder-days-annual-passholder-lounge-button-1-2.jpg)
Annual Passholder Button
In 2024, there’s no reason for annual passholders to be prevented from entering the parks whenever we want.
That’s a step backward for Disney and one that merits immediate correction.
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