5 Disney Controversies That Vanished From Public Memory, But These Fans Are Still Weirdly Fixated On

Disney’s controversies may have faded away into the recesses of history, but the internet never truly forgets.

The Walt Disney Company has existed for over 100 years, and in that time the company has had its fair share of successes and controversies. The company would probably like the latter to be forgotten, but they’ve stuck around and our readers are pointing them out.

We recently asked our readers “What’s that one Disney controversy you’ll never let go of… even if everyone else has moved on? 🤔” Many wrote back, but five responses really stood out.

Reader Susan simply wrote, “The magical express” and we couldn’t agree more.

Disney’s Magical Express was a complimentary transportation service that took guests between Orlando International Airport and the Disney World hotels while also providing luggage delivery. It was discontinued in 2022.

Mears Connect has been the Magical Express’ replacement, but it’s not free — and for many,  that makes it just not the same.

Reader Rachel wrote, “Getting rid of ‘older’ attractions”, which has certainly been a point of contention ever since the Disney Parks started replacing rides decades ago.

Disney is currently in the process of removing a BUNCH of fan-favorite attractions in its American parks, and each decision has easily been met with real backlash. While this kind of controversy gets loud and never really disappears, we don’t see a reality in which Disney stops modifying its parks at the expense of older attractions.

Past Disney regimes have always been scrutinized, but the Bob Chapek era was especially so. Reader Claire wrote, “The entire era of Bob Chapek.”

The former Disney CEO replaced Bob Iger but was only CEO from February 25th, 2020 to November 20th, 2022 before being replaced — ironically — by Iger. During his term, Chapek got a lot of heat for controversial creative choices, mismanaging Disney+, hiking up prices, political controversies, and more. Chapek’s tenure was largely not considered very successful and fans are still talking about it today.

Whenever Disney raises the prices, controversy is sure to follow. That controversy only explodes when something that many feel should be free, isn’t.

Reader Rebecca wrote, “Paying to park at the resort where you are staying”, and we definitely get it. That was a dark period — from 2018 until early 2023, Disney charged hotel guests for parking. Self parking had been free before that — and they cheered loudly (us, too!) when the parking fees were removed.

Finally, it seems a lot of fans miss an old Hollywood Studios spectacular!Reader Marion wrote, “Losing Osborne Lights” and we agree!

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights was a beloved Christmas lights and decorations display at Hollywood Studios and was initially constructed by an Arkansas businessman as a gift for his daughter. Disney bought the display and set it up in 1995, running it until January 2016.

What Disney controversies still occupy your thoughts? Let us know and continue to follow us here at AllEars for all the latest Disney news and updates!

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