NEW Problems We’ve NEVER Experienced in Disney World Before

The paragraph discusses the challenges of aging when it comes to enjoying rides at Disney World. The speaker, AJ, notes that while they didn't face problems with rides in the past, they now find that some attractions, particularly Space Mountain in Magic Kingdom, have become uncomfortable due to their roughness and the difficulty of boarding and alighting from the ride vehicles. The speaker advises older guests or those with mobility issues to take precautions such as bringing over-the-counter pain relievers, muscle relief balms, and possibly wearing knee supports. They also suggest pacing oneself with ride experiences and choosing seat locations wisely to minimize discomfort.

This section addresses the changing crowd patterns at Disney World, noting that traditional off-season times have become less predictable in recent years. The speaker reflects on how January and February used to be less crowded, but this is no longer the case. They recount specific instances of unexpected crowds during winter and early spring, such as lingering New Year's crowds, Run Disney weekend, and festivals like Epcot's Festival of the Arts. Despite these crowds, there are still periods of lower attendance, particularly in August and September, although these months can bring extreme heat and weather challenges. The speaker also suggests strategies for avoiding crowds, such as visiting during the week instead of on weekends and utilizing resources like Disney's crowd calendars.

The speaker discusses the increasing popularity of Disney's Lightning Lanes and Genie+, which allow guests to bypass queues for popular attractions. They recount an instance where all individual Lightning Lanes sold out within minutes of park opening, and Genie+ also sold out for Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. The speaker advises guests to use early theme park entry, stay in the parks until closing, and consider after-hours events to avoid long lines. They also recommend purchasing Lightning Lanes or Genie+ as soon as they become available to secure access to popular attractions.

In this paragraph, the speaker talks about the disappointment of not getting the desired restaurant view at Disney World, particularly at Ohana at Polynesian Village Resort. They offer strategies for improving the chances of getting a good table, such as arriving early and making reservations before the fireworks begin. The speaker also shares a personal experience of a rental car lacking USB ports compatible with their phone charger, highlighting the importance of bringing charging adapters or portable chargers when traveling.

The speaker laments the loss of several beloved menu items at Disney World, including bottomless mimosas at Stakehouse 71 and side dishes at Roundup Rodeo Barbecue. They also mention the reduction of sauce options at Chicken Guy! and the discontinuation of loaded burnt ends fries at Regal Eagle Smokehouse. Despite these losses, the speaker notes that new treats, like the millionaire shortbread at The Basket, continue to be introduced.

The speaker explains the Early Theme Park Entry perk for Disney hotel guests, which allows for half-hour early access to the parks. They note that not all rides are open during this time, and some popular attractions like Kilimanjaro Safaris and Pirates of the Caribbean are closed. The speaker also discusses the issue of ride breakdowns, which can be frustrating but suggests using the My Disney Experience app to monitor ride status and making flexible plans to adapt to unexpected situations.

The speaker expresses disappointment in finding that some Disney World snacks are not unique to the parks, as they have found similar products in grocery stores. They mention blue milk inspired by Galaxy's Edge, cheeseburger pods similar to those at Satuli Canteen, and Mickey premium bars and ice cream sandwiches available at local stores. However, they also highlight that there are still many exclusive snacks at Disney World, and they direct listeners to the DFB snack guides for a comprehensive list.

The speaker discusses the uncertainty surrounding Epcot festivals due to the anticipated opening of the new Communicore Hall and Plaza. They express concern over how the changes might affect festival experiences, including food booths, live concerts, and other activities. The speaker mentions the early closure of the Flower and Garden festival as an example of how Disney's plans can shift, and they encourage flexibility in festival planning. They also note the introduction of 'Good to Go' days for passholders, which are days when park pass reservations are not required, but these days are limited and not always well-publicized.