If these Disney trends are ticking you off, rest assured — you’re not alone.
A gloomy Magic Kingdom
Disney trends at the parks and on the cruise line are always adjusting and evolving…and not always for the better. While we visit Disney every day, we know many of you are Disney die-hards, as well, so we KNOW you have plenty of thoughts on the trends that aren’t winning everybody over.
We asked our readers on Facebook which current Disney trends they could do without, and we got hundreds of responses.
Pixie dusting — the practice inspired by Tinker Bell involving guests receiving an unexpected, magical act of kindness or a small surprise — has become a bit of a controversial topic among Disney fans. Reader Kendra wrote, “‘I’m there in 2 weeks. Someone please pixie dust me.’ Ummm maybe you should be the one to pixie dust someone else??!!”
Reader Katy added, “People asking for Pixie Dust online. The countless [amount] of “I’m here now. Anyone want to dust me!” posts [are] insane.”
Tinker Bell and Fawn
Of course, pixie dusting doesn’t always involve Cast Members — especially aboard the Disney Cruise line, where guests leave little trinkets for other guests at their stateroom door. However, many of our readers consider this a not-so-great practice.
Reader Autumn wrote, “Pixie dusting by visitors… as it takes the ‘specialness’ away from Disney organic magic. Let’s at least call it something else (how about Guest Glittering so it clearly defines… can we make this a thing?) AND quit ‘expecting’ or ‘requesting’ it from anyone!”
Hi Tink!
Pixie dusting was mentioned TONS of time on our prompt, with some calling it littering and others calling it rude. Either way, it seems folks have STRONG opinions on the Disney practice.
©Disney
Of course, not every response was about pixie dusting. Another complaint included taking up space and blocking paths at the theme parks.
Reader Mark wrote, “Walking side-by-side around world showcase my record that I saw is 10 across!!!!!!!” Yeah, that would lead to an understandable. Others noted that it can be infuriating when folks stop on pathways.
It’s very busy some days!
While stopping on pathways is annoying, it seems as though there’s something even more annoying — folks who record or live-stream everything. Many of our readers said it’s super distracting to see influencers and regular guests whip a phone out during dark rides or other experiences and become part of the environment, rather than spectating it.
There is some pushback on this point, though, as Reader Deborah commented, “People who complain about people recording on their phone. Did ya’ll forget when vacations were filmed on big cameras carried on shoulders? We are going as a family for the first time, and I’ll be xx if someone says something about me recording my vacation.”
Happily Ever After
Lightning Lanes and the digitalization of the Disney experience also seem to be a negative trend for many fans.
Reader Jan wrote, “Lightning lanes. The person in charge is not having fun. They are constantly refreshing their phone while stressed. The experience at the parks was great overall but it should be more enjoyable.” It’s true that Disney vacations have become quite taxing for many of the years due to the increased need to plan. If you prefer a more go-with-the-flow vacation, the current setup might disappoint you.
Kilimanjaro Safaris Lightning Lane
I’d also be remiss if I didn’t include another huge negative trend: Increased prices.
It’s a sad fact that doing anything with Disney is costing more and more. Dining, souvenirs, park tickets, and lodging each see price increases each year, and many of you let us know that you’re noticing and aren’t happy.
©Disney
We got many more responses — including points on the lack of creativity in non-alcoholic drinks, a rise in political attire in the parks, EPCOT festivals including major Figment theming, and line cutting. Which trends would you like to see stopped? Let us know in the comments and continue to follow us here at DFB for more Disney updates, tips, tricks, hacks, reviews, and fun tidbits!
The WORST Disney World Trend That Isn’t Going Away Anytime Soon
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I hadn’t thought about it too much, but for me, the political attire was something that made our visit last year less pleasant, especially one younger guest, at our resort, who was always in something up front and in your face supporting his view. And the look that dared you to say anything about it to him. But he wasn’t alone. I saw political statements all over the parks.
I also have to agree that people who are walking… weaving… and suddenly stop makes navigation in a crowded, say, Epcot all the more difficult
My daughter is in charge of the lightning lane aspect of the trip. She likes to be in charge of it–it makes her nervous if someone else is on it (a slow adult). I am a vlogger, but I am very courteous to people around me. I use a scooter, and what annoys me is people lacking spatial awareness. They act like you are not there, walk right into your path (children and grown ups). One person actually walked into me from the side–no way I could have avoided the collision.
Financial annoyance: I have noticed that when Disney produces a disastrous film the next announcement is price increases at the parks. Why should we pay for executives’ mistakes–being unable to read the room?