A Filmmaker’s Return to Disney World: A Journey Through Changes
Earlier this year, Jake Williams, a passionate filmmaker and content creator based in Toronto, made his much-anticipated return to one of his favorite destinations: Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Having visited Disney World and Disneyland multiple times a year since his childhood and becoming an annual passholder as an adult, Mr. Williams faced a long hiatus from the parks, not having visited since 2019.
“As someone who used to go all the time, it’s astounding to think that I hadn’t been to a Disney park in such a long stretch,” he shared during a phone interview. “It truly is a special place,” he added, reflecting on the nostalgic memories attached to the parks.
Before embarking on his trip, Mr. Williams was aware of some changes at Disney World, but he was unprepared for the extent of the transformations he would encounter, starting from the moment he arrived at the airport. Since his last visit, the beloved Magical Express, a complimentary bus service that had transported guests from Orlando International Airport to their Disney resorts for over 15 years, was discontinued. Now, visitors must rely on paid shuttles, which range between $23 to $30 per adult each way, depending on the season, or opt for ride-share services or car rentals.
The removal of the Magical Express highlights a broader concern among Disney enthusiasts: the rising costs associated with visiting the so-called happiest place on earth, coupled with the diminishing perks. As the company has steadily increased ticket prices, hotel rates, and introduced complex, fee-based systems for ride bookings—replacing previously complimentary services—even the most devoted fans are left questioning the value of their beloved destination.
Mr. Williams recounted that a single day spent in the Orlando parks, along with a one-night stay at Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort, set him back a staggering $886.34 for two adults. In an effort to put things into perspective, he decided to calculate the costs of a similar trip back in 2017—a year when he frequently visited the park. The total expense then was $567.90. Even when accounting for inflation, he found the current prices bewildering.
“It’s becoming increasingly difficult to justify a trip to Orlando when you could explore places like Iceland for a comparable budget,” he remarked. “With an expenditure like this, you could experience a multitude of destinations and activities. In fact, you might even enjoy a Disney cruise for less than this!”
