It’s been one other enormous yr for Walt Disney World information–good, dangerous and ugly. From the continued reopening and new rides to building and reimaginings to political issues and controversial adjustments. This put up takes a take a look at the 22 largest Walt Disney World information of the yr, as determined by you.
By that, we imply the tales had been essentially the most learn by readers. Some of what makes this high 22 checklist is unsurprising, however in different instances, the information that struck the most important chord with readers caught us unexpectedly. (I’ve really made a concerted effort to cowl information past what personally pursuits me, partly as a result of numerous that has been in style and partly as a result of reader feedback have made subjects far more attention-grabbing to me on a number of events.)
Rather than simply going into autopilot mode for the tip of the yr and having this be a regurgitation of previous tales, I additionally need to preserve it attention-grabbing and recent by revisiting a few of these tales. With the advantage of hindsight and extra time to ruminate on the subjects, there’s added perspective for not 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 essentially the most “optimistic” information of the yr for me. While Figment and old style EPCOT Center have seen a resurgence (not 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 essentially the most miserable information of the yr to me. So a lot on this checklist is short-term, topic to undoing or different future adjustments. Building a large, generic timeshare tower between two exemplars of themed design just isn’t. For me, this demonstrates a prioritization of effectivity (denser and cheaper building) 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 grew to become brazenly antagonistic in direction of followers and defensive–whereas claiming to be “teflon.” His downfall was the earnings name and c-suite revolt a number of 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, nevertheless it’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 disenchanted or been met with indifference. Cosmic Rewind, against this, is de facto good and actually enjoyable, and likewise tries it’s darndest to thematically match into Future World. (It falls wanting that, however comes nearer than fairly may’ve been anticipated.) To no matter extent the brand new EPCOT is sweet, 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–numerous followers do annual Christmas journeys. Second, present extra discover and clear begin and cease dates for overlays–Disney by no means introduced when this may start, nor when it’ll finish. Finally, make vacation overlays good–Holiday Remix underwhelms, actively undercutting the in any other case nice journey within the course of.
Modify Button Coming to Genie+ – We referred to as the introduction of the modify button a recreation changer, and stand by that. The paid FastPass service will probably by no means escape the shadow of its predecessor–and bungled launch–amongst diehard followers, however this was an necessary step ahead. We nonetheless don’t love paying for the service or numerous little issues about it, however this was the characteristic that ought to enable some followers to maneuver on, and at last not 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 yr is the ‘evolving attitudes’ in direction of the Splash Mountain reimagining. Sure, there’s nonetheless a vocal minority with their petitions and so forth, however they’ve turn into 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 not less than the hope that it’s an awesome reimagining.
Splash Mountain Closing Date – Same thought 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 for those who didn’t get to “say goodbye” with one final journey, you aren’t lacking something. Your reminiscence right here, nonetheless 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 received 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 trying again at information, the takeaways right here needs to be that emotion and nostalgia are of paramount significance to followers, and little particulars matter. All of that needs to be patently apparent, however for those who take a look at a few of Walt Disney World’s selections over the previous few years…maybe a reminder is required.
Prices Increasing & Removing Reservations for 1-Day Tickets – If final yr was that of nickel and diming (and I believe it was), this was the yr of the worth improve at Walt Disney World. While I don’t assume shoppers really grew to become quantity to rising prices–on the contrary, persons are feeling more and more squeezed in all instructions–you all positively grew to become numb to information of value will increase. Normally, value will increase are main information. This yr, 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 saying Moana and Zootopia lands for Animal Kingdom, and providing a obscure “beyond Big Thunder” take a look at what may probably be coming to Magic Kingdom. Honestly, I used to be stunned these tales weren’t greater–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+ – Slightly over a month after the transfer to date-based pricing, Genie+ hit its highest value of the yr at Walt Disney World. Even at nearly double the fee, 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, nevertheless it’s positively 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 assume some Walt Disney World followers absolutely grasp but. Although staffing shortages have been bettering, elevated competitors for hospitality employees within the coming years (whats up, Epic Universe) and the unsustainable upward development of shelter prices pose long-term challenges.
What’s Up With Housekeeping? – We haven’t revisited this subject shortly, most likely largely as a result of Sarah and I’ve had zero points with housekeeping within the second half of the yr. (I’m curious…is that constant along with your experiences?) Walt Disney World taking energetic steps to revive housekeeping service, whilst accommodations had been reserving up regardless, needs to be seen as a optimistic and that not the entire 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 may solely worsen ADR hoarding, that doesn’t but seem like the case. Walt Disney World has completed quite a bit to even the taking part in area and make it simpler for informal friends to dine at desk service eating places, and that is one other internet optimistic, in our view.
Happily Ever After Returning – This information continues 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) imagine it’s simply the theme music returning, nevertheless it’s the complete present, probably modified for Main Street projections and extra.
TRON Lightcycle Run Delayed – I’m actually curious as to how this curler coaster might be perceived by Walt Disney World followers. I’m already anticipating points with a journey designed for Asian physique varieties being inbuilt America. (In reality, earlier than it was introduced, I contended that it will by no means be cloned domestically as a result of even with some commonplace journey automobiles, it simply wasn’t workable.) I’m additionally questioning whether or not expectations are too excessive for this given the development length and following Cosmic Rewind. (It’s enjoyable, however quick and never almost nearly as good as that EPCOT E-Ticket, for my part.) I suppose we will see about all of that!
Genie+ Lawsuit – This lawsuit is attention-grabbing from a historic perspective, and readers had been clearly fascinated by that–and, I suppose, the prospect of Disney being compelled to “abandon” Genie Plus. Not to burst any bubbles, however I don’t assume 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 suppose I lied once I referred to as the Poly tower essentially the most miserable information of the yr. Substantively, that’s true, however this was essentially the most miserable non-substantive subject. I like over-analyzing boring Disney information and dissecting company enterprise selections. I hate divisive subjects which can be nearly unimaginable 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 just isn’t Walt Disney World particular and it’s really fairly surprising {that a} information story that’s just a few days outdated has turn into greater than those who have had months to unfold (and garner views). The extra I examine this, the extra attention-grabbing 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 business. Both Disney and Southwest technically have opponents, and but, to so lots of their followers, there is no such thing as a 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 once I referred to as the Figment line essentially the most optimistic information of the yr. Same deal right here as above, however on the optimistic, non-substantive aspect. For me, this comes all the way down to the straightforward idea of the corporate heading within the mistaken or proper path. 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 probably going to take years to get better from the Chapek period, however not less than the prepare is heading in the right direction once more. As somebody who has been a fan for many years and might be one for many years to return, outlasting previous, current, and future CEOs, I’m interested by the massive image and long-term. For the entire cynicism and disappointment of the previous few years–a lot of which is able to linger for not 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 awesome large lovely tomorrow.
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YOUR THOUGHTS
What do you consider the most important information tales of the yr for Walt Disney World? Any main bulletins, cancellations, or bombshells that you simply’re stunned didn’t make the lower? What’s your tackle the nice, dangerous, and ugly of 2022 WDW information? Do you agree or disagree with our commentary? Any questions we will help you reply? Hearing your suggestions–even once you disagree with us–is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!