Disney World is constantly changing, and it seems like there is always something new and exciting to experience.
From elaborate treats for special occasions to whole park transformations with new attractions in the works — Disney is breathing life into its parks in a lot of ways. But sometimes, it feels like they just…give up in certain areas. Whether it’s a project that was abandoned or a snack that just missed the mark — here are 6 times it seemed Disney threw in the towel.
Hotel Parking
Over the past few years, Disney began charging hotel guests for overnight parking. The rate was previously $15 per vehicle per night at Value Resorts, $20 at Moderate Resorts, and $25 at Deluxe Resorts.
This was just one of a few perks Disney had taken away that were once free. Similar to how canceling the Magical Express (a free airport shuttle for Disney hotel guests) upset a lot of visitors, this change wasn’t a popular one.
But, in January 2023, Disney changed a few policies in an attempt to create a better relationship with its guests. Free overnight parking had returned! So, thankfully, Disney gave up on charging its hotel guests for parking.
Tiana Banana Pudding
Ok, we really do love this treat. The Tiana Banana Pudding has returned for World Princess Week in Disney World, and it is delicious. It’s over at Regal Eagle Smokehouse for a limited time … or is it?
World Princess Week has brought us some unique treats — like the Make It Pink, Make It Blue Color Changing Mouse at Topolino’s Terrace. But this banana pudding we’ve seen time and time again. For starters, you can get banana pudding at Regal Eagle all year round. The only difference is that for the special occasion, it has a Princess Tiana white chocolate medallion.
It is a really cute medallion, but come on! Adding a simple white chocolate decor and calling it special? Not only have we seen this exact dessert last year at the same time, but in February, they rolled it out again for Celebrate Soulfully.
We do love this treat, but it’s starting to feel like Disney gave up on this one rather than put out something unique and exciting!
Epcot Transformation
Okay, the EPCOT transformation did bring us some exciting new additions. We got a thrilling new ride (Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind), a fancy new restaurant (Space 220), a colorful new shop to explore (Creations Shop), and much more.
And, there are even more things in the works! Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana is set to open later this year, as well as the new CommuniCore Hall and CommuniCore Plaza. But parts of the transformation have seemingly been dropped.
A new Mary Poppins Attraction was announced in 2019 for the United Kingdom pavilion, but in 2020 the project was put on hold. By the 2022 D23 Expo, no mention of it was made — could Disney have given up on this?
Another part of the EPCOT transformation that seems to have fallen by the wayside is the Spaceship Earth refurbishment. It was set to get an updated narration and some new additions to a few scenes, but the project was postponed, and we haven’t heard anything new about this in quite some time.
The Play! Pavilion is another project from this transformation that has gone mysteriously silent in the last year. This area of the park was supposed to be a digital metropolis full of games and experiences that allow guests to interact with Disney characters.
It was originally supposed to open with Disney World’s 50th Anniversary in 2021 but didn’t make the cut. And since then, the “coming soon!” emblem was removed from the EPCOT map.
Carousel of Progress
We get it, after a long day at Disney in the Florida sun, we just want to give up and call it a day, too. In 2020, one of Disney’s beloved animatronics seemed to be going through the same experience.
In Carousel of Progress, the Millenium-based John lost his hand! The animatronic was thankfully still able to keep in character for the Christmas Day scene, but we can’t help but think that this dad just gave up for the day.
Disney World can be an exciting place with impressive experiences, but occasionally it feels like they’re phoning it in. Thankfully, there are still new things happening all the time to keep us busy. As always, stay tuned to AllEars for all the latest Disney news!
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In what areas of the park do you feel like Disney has “given up?” Let us know in the comments below!
Why oh why are Disney closing Galaxy’s Edge. We were due to come Disney World in 2020 but all was cancelled due to Covid. Due to family changes etc we can’t make it back until Easter 2025. Just found out about Galaxy’s Edge and my two sons are mortified they’ve waited so long and now it will be gone. Why are they doing this.
Hi Ann! Galaxy’s Edge isn’t closing, just the Galactic Starcruiser hotel.