Walt Disney World has four theme parks which are Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios. There have been many changes made to the parks since the first one opened in 1971, but a lot has changed more recently. These are some of the ways Disney World has changed in the last ten years.
You’ll Use Your Phone A Lot
Pretty much everything you do is on your phone now, using the My Disney Experience app. This is where you book Lightning Lanes, mobile order, scan your park ticket, check wait times for rides, and more.
Toy Story Land
Toy Story Land opened in Hollywood Studios on June 30, 2018. It has a few rides, including Slinky Dog Dash, restaurants, characters to meet, and more.
FastPasses Have Changed
The whole FastPass system has changed a ton. In 2014 paper FastPasses were discontinued and Disney World implemented the FastPass+ system, which was digital. Later it changed to Genie+, and now they have Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Lightning Lane Single Passes, which is all done from your phone.
Prices Have Increased
Ten years ago in 2015 it cost $105 for a day ticket to Magic Kingdom and $97 for a day ticket to the other three Disney World parks. Now a one day ticket will cost anywhere from $119 to $189 depending on the day you choose and which park you go to.
Splash Mountain Is Gone
Splash Mountain was a water log flume attraction in Magic Kingdom. It closed on January 23, 2023. The ride was changed into Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, which opened on June 28. 2024.
No More Paper Tickets
Disney World used to give you paper tickets that you would scan to get into the parks. They started phasing this out in 2022.
Big Crowds
Walt Disney World’s four theme parks are busier than ever these days. The crowds are much higher than they were ten years ago or even five years ago. Some people don’t find the parks enjoyable with tons of people there, but other people aren’t as bothered and continue to go.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
Walt Disney World got a new land in Hollywood Studios in 2019. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opened on August 29, 2019. It has two attractions, restaurants, shopping, and more. Disneyland also got this land in 2019. See all of the Disneyland changes that happened over the last decade here.
Mobile Ordering
You used to have to wait in line at the quick service restaurants to order your food. Now a lot of the restaurants have the option to mobile order. You do this in the app. It’s really convenient, you order and pay in the app, then pick up your food when it’s ready.
Pandora – The World Of Avatar
Pandora – World of Avatar is an Avatar themed land in Animal Kingdom park. It opened on May 27, 2017. It has attractions, restaurants, and more.
Disney Jollywood Nights
Jollywood Nights is an after hours Christmas party in Hollywood Studios park. This holiday event started in 2023 and takes place in November and December.
New Rides
Disney World has added several new rides over the last decade. Some of them are Guardians of the Galaxy – Cosmic Rewind in EPCOT, TRON Lightcycle / Run in Magic Kingdom, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway in Hollywood Studios, Frozen Ever After in EPCOT, and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure in EPCOT.