When you’re on a vacation to Walt Disney World, there are elements of your trip that will drive you absolutely bonkers. From things that interrupt your experience to things that don’t fit the idea of being a Disney-approved product or attraction… we want things to get better!
Here’s my wish list of improvements that would make our next Disney adventure even more magical.
1. Transportation: The Not-So-Magical Express
Have you ever tried to leave the Magic Kingdom after fireworks? What about going from your resort to a theme park in the morning? It’s like trying to escape a glitter explosion – sparkly, but chaotic!
We’ve been there and have actually stopped trusting Disney Transportation with our valuable time. Now, more of our budget is being redirected to ride-sharing. Mickey’s ears are cute, but they don’t make the buses run any faster!
Suggestion: Disney, please wave that magic wand (reallocate some budget to the guest experience) and make transportation as seamless as a Cinderella story!
2. Streetmosphere: Bring on the Character!
I was thinking about the feeling you get when you’re walking around Disney’s Hollywood Studios and having the chance to interact with one of the talented entertainers part of Streetmosphere. It’s like being in a real-life movie!
Disneyland has characters that roam around their park, but as WDW is significantly bigger and has operational challenges, it’s easier to have these awesome character actors bring you into their world! Why not have more? Why not try this in some of the other parks? Just wondering… please… 🙂
Suggestion: Spread the Streetmosphere love to all the parks. Let’s turn every corner into a potential Broadway moment! I’d love to see the return of characters like Terk and Meeko to Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Kenai and Koda from Brother Bear to the Canadian Pavilion in EPCOT.
3. Stage Shows: A Tale as Old as… Well, Too Old
Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage, Finding Nemo the Musical, and Festival of the Lion King are all showing their age. They’re like the dad jokes that are funny in some situations but just get an eye roll from 90% of the audience.
Why has Disney allowed these shows to get dated when they have divisions of the company that focus on Broadway and touring experiences? It’s time for a refresh that would make even Lumiere proud!
Suggestion: Bring in the Broadway bigwigs and give these shows a magical makeover! You know that Hercules would do great at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!
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4. Movie Attractions: Stuck on Repeat
The argument that most folks have when trying to justify attractions with screens is that it’s easier to update and keep the content fresh. So why is it that movies in the parks haven’t been updated or re-developed with new footage?
I know that Muppets 3D has sentimental value for folks who are fans of Jim Henson, but what’s the story with Mickey’s Philharmagic? It’s been playing the same tune for years! They added Coco, so we know it can be done!
Suggestion: Let’s see some new cinematic magic that would make Walt himself say, “Now that’s entertainment!”
5. Vegetarian Options: Beyond the Boring Veggie Burger
My partner, Jill, is vegetarian, and we love dining in places that actually give her variety and unique dishes that aren’t boring. Why is it that certain parks (and I’m looking at you, Magic Kingdom) have taken such a long time to adapt menus to folks who want something other than a salad or a veggie burger? Plant-based options can be incredibly creative for the diners and the culinary team.
Just means that we have to head back to Victoria & Albert’s more often! Not that I’m complaining about that, at all!
Suggestion: Spice up those veggie options! Let’s see some plant-based magic that would make even the carnivores curious.
6. Mystery Box/Trading: Bring Back the Pin-sanity!
With the amount of pin trading that used to happen in the parks, the current situation is boring. Most of the pin boards are full of fakes and ebay traders.
For such a profitable and fun part of the company (rivalling things like Vinylmation), why did it change from pre-pandemic interest into something that isn’t interesting.
Suggestion: Reintroduce pin trading with a vengeance!
7. Space Mountain: A Blast from the Past (Literally)
Have you been on Disneyland’s Space Mountain? Side-by-side seats in new ride vehicles and a completely new and exciting experience that can also be changed out for special events and holidays.
There’s a reason why the Space Mountain in Disney World is on my list for the worst attractions for tall guests… because it’s the original ride vehicles from when it opened!!! It’s like trying to fit into your childhood astronaut costume – nostalgic, but painful.
Suggestion: Give our Space Mountain the glow-up it deserves. My knees will thank you!
8. Useable Merchandise: Fashion Meets Function
The merchandise is starting to get more exciting, with character-specific shirts and more adult-focused stuff to buy… but let’s put a challenge out there. Try to find the following:
- Backpacks
- Sidebags or satchels
- Hats
It’s utterly impossible to find fun and quality items from those categories… believe me… I’ve tried 🙂 It’s easier to find a glass slipper that fits than a cool Disney backpack!
Suggestion: Disney, you’ve conquered movies and theme parks. Now it’s time to conquer practical fashion. Maybe let’s look at a Funko/Loungefly store at Disney Springs!
9. Attraction/Restaurant Exclusive Merchandise
I would love to buy merchandise from experiences that actually matter to our trip, as the next evolution of tourism spending doesn’t come from “stuff”, it comes from experiential retail. “I had an amazing time at X and now I’d like to buy something that will make me remember X when I look at it. Victoria & Albert’s is a great example, as I’d love to have something in our home that is a full memory of the evening – in addition to the menus.
Same goes for experiences like the Keys to the Kingdom Tour, Sa’tuli Canteen, or Be Our Guest. Just saying! I want to take home more than just an empty wallet.
Suggestion: Give us more ways to bring home the magic! Exclusive merch is the souvenir equivalent of a membership to Club 33 – everyone wants it!
10. Continuous Improvement: Keep the Magic Fresh
My goal with this article was to make my wish list of things that I wish Disney would improve or work on for my next vacation. I’ll add more to this article as I think about it, but know that it’s feedback from guests who are passionate about the product that get things changed for the better 🙂
Suggestion: Keep listening to us Disney fanatics. We share because we care!
Remember, Disney, it’s the little things that make the difference between a good vacation and a magical one. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to practice my Jedi mind tricks to make these changes happen faster!