One thing that is always consistent about Disney World is that things are always going to change. Let’s face it — that was what Walt pretty much said he wanted way back when he was working on Disneyland.
Dreamer’s Point at EPCOT
Well, a LOT of change has happened over the past decade, and some of the updates have been pretty controversial. We’ve gone from a free FastPass system to a paid Lightning Lane system. We’ve seen new rides being added to the parks while classic attractions got makeovers. We saw EPCOT undergo a massive transformation. Plus there are more BIG changes to come. So we asked you, our DFB readers, about the recent changes you’re not happy about, and you told us.
Here’s what you told us when we asked you “What recent park changes are you not happy about?” Here’s what you told us.
DAS Changes
Many of you are unhappy about the changes Disney recently made to its Disability Access Service (DAS). Emily commented, “Gutting DAS so that many people with physical disabilities are now unable to enjoy the parks.”
Beth agreed, “The changes in who is eligible for the DAS pass. There are people like me who actually need it who are no longer eligible.”
©Disney
Nancy commented: “I’m hoping these draconian measures will and are being reevaluated. They claim to be available for very specific issues, but according to many, many posts of folks who are experiencing these new requirements, it seems arbitrary and cruel.”
Maria said, “DAS- understood that some folks were abusing the system but the current system leaves many people with disabilities having to figure out if they should or can visit. It really needs to be researched more, and they need to listen to feedback in hopes of making adjustments.”
Magic Kingdom
Melissa said, “The narrowing of DAS benefits to be non-inclusive instead of just requiring an actual drs note. I’m sure people with actual disabilities wouldn’t mind handing over a note vs trying to explain themselves to someone who incompetent to judge disabilities over a video chat. Sometimes explaining yourself to someone is humiliating, and I feel terrible for those who go through this anxiety ridden process only to be denied.”
4 Changes That Recently Came To DAS
Frontierland changes
We’ll admit a lot of us were shocked when Disney announced that its new Cars expansion would be taking over Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island. This news also made many Disney fans unhappy. Thom said, “The destruction of Tom Sawyer Island and the riverboat. They’re missing an opportunity to enhance their reimagining of Splash Mountain.”
Rivers of America
Tara agreed: “I think that removing the river in MK is going to ruin the aesthetic by Haunted Mansion, take away shade and a nice get-away from the crowds. Lack of water and shade will make everything feel hotter as well.”
Learn more about the new Cars expansion
The Monsters, Inc. and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Changes
Some of you were also pretty unimpressed about a new Monsters, Inc. land taking over Muppets Courtyard in Hollywood Studios, while the Muppets take over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. Richelle commented, “Rock n roll roller coaster! I’ll forever be salty about that!!
Meanwhile, Anthony isn’t happy about losing Muppets Courtyard, but is okay with the rest: “It’s a shame that Muppet Courtyard will be getting rethemed (that was Jim Henson’s last project). But I am happy that they’ll take over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.”
©Disney
According to Steve, “The loss of Rivers Of America, Muppets Courtyard and related activities, the loss of Aerosmith especially so soon after a refurbishment. But there’s more to be excited about than to mourn. Like Walt said, it will never be finished.” (Well said, Steve!)
Here’s more about the new Monsters, Inc. land
The waffle situation
We’ll admit that we agree with the readers who mentioned the waffle switcheroo that Sleepy Hollow pulled on us in Magic Kingdom earlier this year. Our beloved favorite waffle snacks were switched out for new waffle snacks featuring Mickey-shaped waffles, and y’all — it is NOT THE SAME. Brian summed up our feelings: “Why isn’t anyone talking about the changes at sleepy hollow!!! Make waffles great again!”
Sweet-and-Spicy Maple Chicken Mickey Waffle
Laura added, “Not park exactly but still gutted that we no longer have fresh fruit waffle sandwiches or original chicken waffle sandwiches.”
Mark commented, “The Sleepy Hollow chicken and waffle sandwich – bring it back!”
Y’all, we get it. We really do.
Here’s what happened to the waffles
Other
We had almost 100 comments and wanted to share more of what has made many of you unhappy. Aimee mentioned the early closing hours of Animal Kingdom: “Animal Kingdom’s early closing hours. I loved closing down this park when it was dark and the area by Avatar’s Flight of Passage was lit up with black light paint.”
We remember, Aimee! We also remember nighttime safaris on Kilimanjaro Safaris, but those are a thing of the past now…
P:andora was MEANT to be seen at night
We also can’t forget the upcoming year-long refurbishment of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. That news has disappointed Pamela, who said, “Big Thunder refurb. We are going for our first time in Feb and were really looking forward to riding.”
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Frank was not having it with the EPCOT transformation and said, “Turning EPCOT’s future world into a planter.” Ouch.
Yes, change is inevitable in Disney World, but it isn’t always going to be immediately embraced. But it does give us a reason to keep going back to the parks and discovering our next new favorite thing, right?
Stay tuned to DFB for more.
4 Things We Hope Disney World Changes in 2025
Join the DFB Newsletter to get all the breaking news right in your inbox! Click here to Subscribe!
WE KNOW DISNEY.
YOU CAN, TOO.
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
What do you think? What recent change in Disney World are you not exactly thrilled about? Let us know in the comments!
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
I’m done with Disney. All of it. This article popped up in my news feed, because I was a Disney fan my whole life. Almost bought a DVC timeshare, that’s how much of a fan I was. But the corporation has now strayed so far from Walt’s vision of a place for families to have fun together, becoming a machine for extracting every last dollar from its guests, or should I say victims, with maximal efficiency, that I have lost all interest. The content they produce is no longer fun or exciting, and they destroy the classic rides, attractions, and franchises we all love. At best the Disney corporate leadership holds us all in contempt, but more likely, they actively hate the public. You can hear it in the earnings calls, and you can see it in their actions.
The average family, for whom Walt built the parks, can no longer afford a Disney vacation. And what’s more, it is actually now cheaper to go on an authentic adventure. It costs less to visit real Alpine villages, or the real Neuschwanstein Castle, or go on a real African safari, than it does to have the ersatz theme park facsimile. It only made sense when it was a cheap alternative to doing the real thing. It is way better to go on a real safari. And if you want thrill rides, 6 Flags and Universal do them better. I think next time I want to go to a theme park, it will likely be Dollywood. But really, I’m probably going to just travel. Less crowds even at tourist hotspots, better and cheaper food and accommodations, less hassles, and real experiences.