The most obvious indicator I experienced with Disney was when they opened Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland in 2019. I wasn’t able to go the opening weekend, but within a couple of months I was able to visit.

Growing up I’d had the luck of being able to visit the park usually at least once per year.

This was the very first time they hadn’t figured out the queuing for a ride. Disney used to be known for their ability to efficiently wrangle people and queue them properly for rides with long lines without confusion… but this time half the queue was neon masking tape placed on the ground. It lead to confusion, line cutting, and a weird vibe all around.

That wasn’t the last time I had visited, but considering the price of entry has increased by 30% since, I’m not so interested anymore.

I feel like this is a symbol of the difference between the Eisner and the Iger CEO tenures. Eisner built out a massive expansion of the parks under his leadership, doubling the gates in Anaheim and Orlando while planning international expansion. Iger didn’t, choosing smaller expansions with premium experiences over capacity expansions.

It is part of the reason that Universal has been able to grow so much, Disney doesn’t have the capacity that it needs to meet high end theme park demand.

I haven’t been to a Disney park since the early 90s, and everything I hear about the experience now sounds like hell.

Just like the “American Dream” it’s all just smoke and mirrors bullshit.

I have been there once, in 2019, for the Star Wars opening. I must say this is an impressive set for a fan!

Everything there is super expensive. I was in the campground and made my lunch to bring them in the park.