Remember when Disney World felt like pure magic, instead of a battle plan you had to strategize months in advance?
Times have changed, and if you haven’t been to Disney World in a while, you might not recognize the place. While some of the magic remains, many of the things Boomers once loved about the Most Magical Place on Earth have vanished like a FastPass reservation on a busy holiday weekend. From classic attractions to budget-friendly tickets, here are three things Boomers won’t see in Disney World ever again.
An E-Ticket Attraction Not Based on an IP Franchise
Back in the day, some of Disney World’s biggest, most thrilling attractions weren’t based on any pre-existing movies or franchises. Rides like Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and Expedition Everest were designed from scratch, telling original stories that felt fresh and immersive. But in today’s Disney, that concept is a thing of the past.
Now, every major new ride is linked to an existing intellectual property (IP). TRON Lightcycle / Run, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance are all tied to massive Disney-owned franchises. The days of stepping into a ride with an entirely original backstory and no movie tie-in are over. If it doesn’t have a built-in fanbase and merchandise potential, Disney isn’t building it.
So, Boomers, if you were hoping to see another epic E-Ticket attraction in the spirit of the original Disney Imagineering masterpieces, sorry to break it to you, but that ship has sailed. (And in their defense, Disney had a lot less IP 50 years ago than it has now!) But Disney has made it clear: IP reigns supreme now.
Cheap Prices
This one probably stings the most. If you haven’t been to Disney World in the past decade or so, brace yourself because the prices have exploded. Remember when you could grab a park ticket for under $50? Or when staying at a Disney resort didn’t cost as much as a mortgage payment? Those days are long gone.
Now, a single-day, single-park ticket starts at over $110 and that’s before you even factor in things like food, souvenirs, and extras like special events or after-hours parties. Dining prices have surged, too. The days of affordable character breakfasts and budget-friendly quick service meals are over.
Sure, Disney was never cheap, but it was once accessible to the average family. Today, planning a Disney vacation requires serious budgeting, and for many, it’s become a once-in-a-lifetime trip instead of an annual tradition. The idea of a “budget-friendly” Disney trip really feels like a relic of the past.
The Original Version of Figment
Ah, Figment. The little purple dragon with a big imagination. He’s still around today, but if you experienced the original Journey Into Imagination ride back in the ‘80s and early ‘90s, you know it’s not the same.
The original ride, featuring Dreamfinder and Figment, was a whimsical, heartwarming experience that celebrated creativity and imagination. Dreamfinder guided guests through various dreamscapes, and Figment was a playful companion, bringing the adventure to life. It was a fan-favorite and a true representation of what EPCOT stood for in its early days.
Then, in 1999, Disney completely overhauled the attraction, removing Dreamfinder and significantly reducing Figment’s presence. Fans were not happy. After guest backlash, Figment was added back into the ride in 2002, but it never fully recaptured the magic of the original.
So, while Figment is still kicking around (and getting plenty of merch), the version of him that Boomers knew and loved is gone forever. Unless Disney decides to do yet another overhaul, the original Journey Into Imagination is just a fond memory now.
The Disney World You Knew Is Gone (But That’s Not All Bad)
We get it. Change is hard, especially when it comes to a place as nostalgic as Disney World. If you grew up visiting the parks in the ‘70s, ‘80s, or ‘90s, today’s Disney might feel a little unrecognizable. The old-school charm has given way to high-tech attractions, mobile app planning, and premium-priced experiences.
But here’s the thing – Disney World is still magical, just in a different way. Sure, you won’t see a brand-new ride without an IP, and your wallet will take a serious hit, but there are also stunning new lands, innovative attractions, and more ways than ever to immerse yourself in Disney storytelling. Change is inevitable, and while some of it stings, there’s still plenty to love about the Most Magical Place on Earth.
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I get it. It’s not the same place. And I didn’t make my first trip to Disney until after I was 40. But, yes, it’s still Magical. Disney, for reasons I can’t explain, is one of the very few places where I don’t feel uncomfortable in crowds, and where virtually everyone is polite, and appears to have a good time (with the occasional exception of toddlers!). I’m going to keep going. I don’t mind the IP-linked themes. I’d love to see some of the original concept story attractions come back, but that’s not what today’s customers are focusing on: I’m pretty well convinced the Imagineers are listening to the fans, and I’m perhaps one of the few who think Iger’s been allowing them to do their jobs.
What I miss most about the theme parks is free package delivery service to the Disney Resort for purchases made at the park. I looked forward to visiting the parks and bringing souvenirs home but I don’t want to carry my purchases through the parks, onto the crowded bus, and to my room at the resort. With that benefit gone though it does save me money as I tend to not make a purchase. So in a way that is a good thing cause normally I am an impulse buyer. Thank you for saving me money!
While I realised Disney has had to change over the years to meet the current trends but I feel too much has been lost from the original Disney ideas. And while yes it is crazy expensive there Disney will no longer be getting our families monies ever again. I’ve also talked to several Friends that have recently gone to Disney World and they also agreed that they’re not coming back… Disney should be careful because Sears, Kmart, and also some large banks thought they were too big to fail… But we know how that went.
Oh boo hoo. I remember when eggs were 50 cents a dozen instead of 50 cents each, and planning? Talk about a “battle plan you had to strategize months in advance?” That’s nothing new (or is it just me? ) I still have the printed itinerary I planned for a four day trip in 1985 with my 6 year old daughter. And that wasn’t my first rodeo at WDW. Life is a series of changes. Embrace the positives; the fantastic additions to the parks are one of the big reasons why my family keeps coming back. That and the food (thanks, A.J.!)