People Are Sharing the Most Alarming Disney World Red Flags in 2026

A lot is changing in Disney World in 2026, more than usual.

Construction is everywhere, especially in 3/4 of the parks, hotel renovations and projects are ongoing, some taking longer than anticipated, and outside the physical parks, we’ll also be getting a new Walt Disney Company CEO this year, who could make some additional choices for the parks and resorts we can’t see coming just yet. We asked our readers on Facebook if they saw any “red flags” (AKA things that make them nervous or hesitant to head to the parks) for Disney World this year, and we’ve got a feeling a lot of you may agree with the top answers.

Higher Cost For Fewer Experiences

The number one answer, by far, that we got on our post was talking about the prices all around Disney World Resort. More specifically, though, many readers are frustrated at the fact that Disney continues to charge for more when there are FEWER experiences available to them.

Reader Amber Vogelsong put a lot of people’s thoughts into words, saying, “Higher costs during less available rides due to heavy construction. People just love paying more for less.” The fact is this: once these projects are complete, there will be LOTS of new things for people to experience, but up until then? Guests are paying higher prices…for walls. As well as the idea of “new things are coming, you just have to be patient!” For people who are dropping an arm and a leg on a Disney World vacation, though, they want things they can experience NOW to make that price worth it — they don’t want to have to stare at those walls and say, “Well, I guess the extra price I paid may be worth it someday.”

This is also true for Disney World’s hotels, as prices have continued to rise, and yet the perks guests get for staying on property have declined drastically. Reader Tish Carroll Sullivan put it well, saying, “people getting tired of paying more for less (less perks, services, reasons to stay on site).” Disney magic is worth a lot, we get it, but there comes a time when people have to choose other locations for their vacations in order to be able to afford it.

IP in Everything

A few readers also said that one of the biggest red flags they’re seeing is, in the words of reader Travis Newton, “Conflating IP with theming.” This is very true, and we’re seeing it in almost all of Disney World’s upcoming projects.

While we love seeing Disney rides and attractions based on our favorite films, a lot of readers said that they wish not EVERYTHING being added was based on existing IP, and had more original ideas from the Imagineers. Reader Noah Lewis Steiner also put it well, saying, “IP is fine, but I don’t think that everything needs to be based on existing franchises. The Imagineers should be allowed to create rides based on new stories and original concepts.”

We totally see where this idea is coming from — original concepts were how we got Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise, Enchanted Tiki Room, Expedition Everest, and so many other rides throughout the parks. This likely tracks almost directly with how Disney is relying on a lot of their film projects being sequels, rather than original ideas, but we do know there are a lot of Disney fans out there who do want to continue to see original films (and if you’re one of them, be sure to go support them in theaters/on streaming when they’re available!).

The Changes to The DAS Program

A lot of our readers also shared that they’re still really put off by the changes Disney made to its Disability Access Service program in 2024. While these changes are now over a year and a half old, based on our readers’ comments, they are still affecting a large number of them majorly during their vacations.

Reader Robert McKnight left a comment that sums up a lot of what other readers feel as well. He said, “It would be nice if they revisit their current DAS program. There may have been abuses in the past, but to exclude everyone just isn’t right.”

It’s true that Universal Orlando assists those with disabilities very differently, as do many other theme parks such as Sea World Orlando, Six Flags parks across the United States, and more, and many people find acquiring those services much easier. Now, Disney Shareholders are set to vote on changes to the Disability Access Service, but there’s no saying if anything will come out of that vote.

We’ll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest Disney World news throughout this year to help you plan for your vacations, so stay tuned to AllEars!

This Lightning Lane Perk Is the Only Reason I Still Stay at Disney World Hotels

What else would you add to this list? Tell us in the comments!

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