While changes have been part of Disney World’s evolution since the start, some have been more publicized than others.
In fact, recently, a few Disney World changes have been kept as low-key as possible, perhaps hoping guests wouldn’t notice…
Regular MagicBands are Harder to Find
As anyone who took a trip to Disney World in the 2010s would attest, there was a time when Disney’s MagicBands were almost too plentiful, as base models were sent for FREE to every person who booked a trip to the resort. However, these days basically MagicBands are trickier to track down, with pricier MagicBand+ options being much easier to track down.
Communicore Hall has Taken a Strange Turn
When Communicore Hall was announced as the centerpiece of ECPOT’s “reimagining”, it was supposed to be a space that invited “guests inside and bring the center of the park to life seasonally as an ever-changing hall to highlight art, live music, food, and more. It’s… debatable at best as to whether Disney has really kept the space true to that mission statement.
Currently, the space is home to Goofycore. A part of the Cool Kid Summer promotion, the Goofy-themed dance party features “a DJ playing fun tunes as the little ones join in interactive games… with a Goofy twist, of course, like Loopy Limbo and Parachutes ‘n’ Pipsqueaks!”
Are we opposed to kids’ events like this? OF COURSE NOT. However, it certainly seems like a step down from what this particular space was supposed to do.
Concept Art WILL Change..
For decades, concept art of upcoming Disney attractions has tantalized fans. However, this art was usually only on display in small preview centers at the parks or in quarterly reports for shareholders.
That’s no longer the case, as this art is now typically broadcast across social media and other online channels, both official and not. While this is a welcome way to allow even more fans to be excited for upcoming projects, it can also create unrealistic expectations since pretty much every Disney project changes immensely from concept art to actual construction.
Opening Date Timelines Can’t be Trusted
If you’re planning to take a trip to Disney World solely to see an upcoming new addition, we’d definitely say wait until Disney officially announces an opening date before booking.
In recent years, the company will often announce a rough opening timeline, but these often change and shift without warning. Wait until something definitive is set in stone before booking. (And bear in mind that even those dates are arguably subject to change)).
You Can Now Meet Certain Disney Characters for “Free”
As announced earlier in 2025, “This summer, guests staying at select resorts – Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and Disney’s Wilderness Lodge – will be able to enjoy even more Disney-themed activities designed for families with kids. These activities will include character visits with set appearance times to help you plan your day and an expanded itinerary of things to do with your family throughout your stay at these four resorts. “
Having scheduled character meet & greets at these Disney hotels is a game changer for Disney hotel guests, who will be able to meet their favorites BEFORE heading to the parks for the day OR add some Disney character magic to a day otherwise spent just relaxing at their resort. However, it also means that anyone visiting a Disney World hotel – – even those not staying there – – will have the chance to see these characters.
These Disney World changes continue to catch guests off guard. Stay tuned to AllEars for more coverage of the resort’s evolution.
How Disney Parks Have Gone from Theatrical to Practical
What other Disney changes have you noticed in recent years? Let us know in the comments below.
Disney used to be the forefront of innovation, the term imagineers” belonged to them for decades/ So what happened?? Mylar baloons? Even adults like myself have trinkets from the parks, but my kids??? Once it was said anything a child could want had a price. Well let me say this. When 12, my one daughter asked for a Peter Pan Pirate hat worn by the Pirate Captain we were privledged to see by the castle one visit, I went to mad hatter, went to Guest services and asked for a price, at the time (even now) cost was not an issue. Was told “not for sale” hmmmm I can buy $20k crystal castles, but not a hat? Better yet having them open a cart just for a blinking skeleton head at the Haunted mansion? Bring back the innovation, who remembers the bouncing earth balloon balls in epcot, better yet Eddy’s Ice cream, chocolate chip cookie as a base, servings? The popcorn carts with “Orville Reddenbocker” painted on the carts, reminding us of American Invention? Invention, is that close to imagineering ???? Remember what ricky bobby says “if your not first– your last””