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ANALYSIS: Disney World Attendance Plunges To Historic Lows

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Disney World is experiencing a massive decline in attendance in June, with visitor numbers and overall crowd sizes way down in what is typically one of the busiest months of the year.

According to Disney Dining, the current June numbers are noticeably low when compared with historical trends. Social media feedback painted a picture of low energy across the parks, starkly contrasting the vibrant atmosphere typically associated with Disney World during this season. Some users even remarked on the eeriness of encountering low crowds, urging discussions about what might be causing this downturn,” the Disney-focused blog reported.

Economic concerns have been viewed as a potential contributing factor, as rising prices for Disney vacations has been listed as a concern for families considering a trip. While overall inflation trends have cooled, costs of dining, lodging and experiences have increased dramatically across Disney theme parks.

“Disney executives have acknowledged the concern but have been slow to adapt their pricing strategies in light of these economic difficulties,” Disney Dining reported. “The sentiment among consumers suggests an ongoing reluctance to spend on extravagant trips like Disney World, marking a troubling shift for the beloved theme park.”

Earlier this year, reports surfaced that Disney executives were discussing whether their continuous price hikes are alienating middle class families who would have otherwise planned a visit. The price of attending a Disney park has skyrocketed in recent years, with the typical price of a four-day stay inside the park rising by $1000 between 2019 and 2024, according to an analysis conducted by The Wall Street Journal.

Much of the increase — roughly 80 percent — has been driven by new charges for services that were once free.

Central Florida has also been plagued by particularly high temperatures this season, which could be making the company’s flagship Orlando park an unattractive tourist destination. It has been speculated that some prospective visitors may be delaying their trips to cooler months, such as September and October.

The company is also facing difficulties surrounding new offerings from competitors, such as Epic Universe. “The recently opened park has become a popular draw, capturing the interest of families looking for new experiences. Reports indicate that many families prioritize visits to this new venture instead of making their usual trips to Disney World, which is leading to significant attendance drops,” the outlet noted.

Touringplans.com, which tracks theme park traffic, has also taken note of noticeable declines across Disney properties. “We’re now looking at one of the slowest Junes on record in the past decade. The only slower June was in 2021 during the pandemic (and, to be fair, in 2020 when the parks were still closed). If this trend holds, we’re going to have to rename Cool Kid Summer to Ghost Town Summer,” reads the outlet’s grim analysis.