Travel analysts found that Walt Disney World in Orlando witnessed one of its lowest waiting lines in nearly 10 years this Independence Day, indicating less foot traffic|Joel|CC BY-ND 2.0
Disney World is seeing dwindling crowds and even fewer waiting lines. It is even offering hotel discounts around peak seasons like Christmas.
Travel analysts found that Walt Disney World in Orlando witnessed one of its lowest waiting lines in nearly 10 years this Independence Day, indicating less foot traffic.
Why?
Disney is facing multiple challenges that have led to the slowdown.
- The park has faced consumer resistance to recent price hikes and changes in its operations. Disneyland raised the price of multiday tickets from $255 per adult to $285 in October.
- Several Republicans and conservatives boycott the park amid a legal battle with Florida Governor Ron Desantis.
- As the U.S. recorded triple-digit temperatures last week, and the heat is expected to rise further, people are choosing cooler places to travel to.
In a May earnings call, former Disney finance chief Christine McCarthy had said the company anticipated lower business in its American parks during the second half of this year.
Disney is also intentionally thinning crowds for customers willing to pay a little more for a better park experience.