NEW Problems We’ve NEVER Experienced in Disney World Before

The first paragraph discusses the challenges of aging when it comes to enjoying rides at Disney World. The speaker, AJ, notes that while they used to be able to enjoy all rides without issue, they now experience discomfort and even pain from certain attractions, particularly roller coasters. Space Mountain in Magic Kingdom is singled out as having become especially rough, causing physical discomfort. The speaker advises older visitors or those with mobility concerns to take precautions such as packing pain relievers, muscle relief balms, and possibly wearing knee supports. They also suggest pacing oneself with ride experiences and choosing seat locations wisely to minimize discomfort. The speaker emphasizes the importance of adapting to these changes to continue enjoying Disney World.

The second paragraph addresses the changing crowd patterns at Disney World, noting that traditional off-season times have become less predictable in terms of visitor numbers. The speaker reflects on past experiences of low crowd levels during certain times of the year, such as the beginning of the year or December, which no longer seems to be the case. They recount specific instances of unexpectedly high crowds during typically quiet periods, such as early January and February, due to lingering holiday crowds, special events, and long weekends. The speaker advises visitors to be flexible with their plans and to check Disney's crowd calendars to anticipate busy periods. They also recommend booking dining reservations and hotel stays early to secure better deals and experiences.

In the third paragraph, the speaker discusses the increasing popularity of Disney's Lightning Lanes and Genie+ services, which allow guests to bypass queues for popular attractions. The speaker recounts an instance where all individual Lightning Lanes sold out within minutes of park opening, as well as Genie+ sellouts for Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. They emphasize the importance of purchasing these services as soon as they become available to ensure access to popular rides. The speaker also suggests strategies for dealing with long lines when these services are unavailable, such as utilizing early park entry for Disney hotel guests, staying in the parks during the last few hours of operation, and considering after-hours events for a less crowded experience.

The fourth paragraph addresses two issues: the unpredictability of getting prime views at Disney World's sit-down restaurants and the challenges of charging devices when traveling. The speaker shares their frustration with booking a restaurant like Ohana at Polynesian Village Resort with the expectation of a view of the fireworks, only to be seated facing a wall. They offer strategies for improving the chances of getting a desired table, such as arriving early and making reservations at times that align with fireworks shows. The speaker also discusses the problem of finding compatible charging ports in rental cars and hotel rooms, emphasizing the importance of bringing charging adapters or portable chargers to ensure device compatibility and avoid anxiety during travel.

The fifth paragraph focuses on the changes and discontinuations in Disney World's menus, which can disappoint visitors who look forward to specific dishes or drinks. The speaker mourns the loss of bottomless mimosas at Stakehouse 71, the reduction of side dish options at the Roundup Rodeo Barbecue, and the decreased sauce options at Chicken Guy. They also express disappointment over the removal of loaded burnt ends fries from Regal Eagle Smokehouse. Despite these losses, the speaker notes that new treats and menu items are regularly introduced, and they commit to keeping visitors updated through their newsletter and guides. They also highlight the positive addition of the millionaire shortbread at the Basket at Weingartner's Bar.

The sixth paragraph discusses the benefits and limitations of early theme park entry for guests staying at Disney-owned hotels or Good Neighbor Hotels. The speaker explains that while this perk allows early access to most attractions, some rides like Kilimanjaro Safaris, River Rapids, and certain character meet-and-greets are not available during this time. They also touch on the issue of ride breakdowns, which can be frustrating but are part of the Disney experience. The speaker advises visitors on how to handle ride breakdowns, including heeding cast member announcements and using the My Disney Experience app to check ride status, and suggests maintaining flexibility and a positive attitude in the face of such setbacks.

The seventh paragraph addresses the commercialization of unique Disney World snacks, which can now be found in grocery stores, and the anticipated changes to Epcot festivals due to the opening of the new Communicore Hall and Plaza. The speaker notes that snacks like blue milk, cheeseburger pods, and Dole whips are now available outside the park, making them less exclusive. They express uncertainty about how the new festival area will affect the traditional festival experience, including the potential loss of seminars, demonstrations, and live shows. The speaker encourages visitors to stay flexible and keep an eye on Disney's announcements for updates on festival schedules and offerings.

The eighth paragraph discusses the challenges faced by annual passholders (APs) due to the new Good To Go system introduced by Disney. This system allows APs to enter the parks without a park pass reservation on certain days, but these days are limited and may not be announced far in advance. The speaker notes that this can lead to APs booking reservations anyway, and if a Good To Go day coincides with a previously booked reservation, Disney will refund the reservation for use on another day. The speaker advises APs to check the annual passholder admission calendar on the Disney World website to find Good To Go days and to be prepared for changes in the festival schedule and crowd patterns.