In the echo chambers of social media, the narrative surrounding Walt Disney World often feels like a broken record of “budget cuts” and “lost magic.” If you scroll through enough threads, you’d be forgiven for thinking the parks are held together by duct tape and high ticket prices.
However, a viral conversation recently ignited by @DisneyClipsGuy on X (formerly Twitter) has flipped the script. The thread, which asked fans to name the things Disney has gotten right lately, quickly became a roadmap of modern successes. From infrastructure overhauls to the return of fan-favorite perks, the consensus is clear: while we weren’t looking, Disney quietly fixed many of its biggest flaws.
As of early 2026, the “Disney Standard” isn’t just back—it’s been modernized. Here is a deep dive into the 10 things Disney World has absolutely nailed over the last few years.
1. The Skyliner: The Transportation Revolution
Before its launch, critics mocked the Disney Skyliner as “sweat-boxes in the sky.” Today, it is arguably the most successful addition to the resort’s infrastructure in the past 30 years. By linking Pop Century, Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach, and the Riviera to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios, Disney didn’t just add a ride; they created a whole new way to vacation.
The Skyliner works because of its “passive” capacity. Unlike a bus that you wait 20 minutes for, the gondolas are a constant stream. It has turned “Value” resorts into “Elite-lite” locations and made the International Gateway at EPCOT the most desirable entrance in Orlando.
2. The GPS Bus Overhaul: No More Guessing Games
While the Skyliner gets the glory, the Disney Bus System has undergone a high-tech “glow up.” Disney has refreshed its fleet with newer, quieter models featuring USB charging ports and more comfortable seating. But the real win is the integration with the My Disney Experience App.
The real-time bus trackers at the resort stops are now incredibly accurate. The anxiety of “did we just miss the Magic Kingdom bus?” has been replaced by the calm of knowing exactly when to leave your room. It’s a logistical win that saves families an average of 45 minutes of “standing around” time per day.
3. The “Anti-Screen” Movement: A-1000 Animatronics
For a few years, fans feared Disney was becoming “Universal-lite,” relying too heavily on digital screens and projection-mapped faces. Disney clearly got the memo. The recent opening of Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and the upgrades in the EPCOT Transformation have showcased a return to physical, tactile magic.
The new A-1000 series animatronics are a triumph. Seeing Tiana or the figures in the upcoming Monsters, Inc. land move with fluid, lifelike grace reminds guests why they pay the “Disney Premium.” It’s the difference between watching a movie and stepping into one.
4. Spontaneity is Back: The Death of the Reservation
The post-pandemic “Park Pass Reservation” system was the biggest thorn in the side of frequent flyers. Disney’s decision to remove reservations for date-based tickets and bring back All-Day Park Hopping was a massive olive branch to the fandom.
The parks feel “free” again. Being able to wake up, see that the weather is nice, and decide to spend the evening at EPCOT without asking an app for permission has restored the spontaneity that makes a Disney vacation feel like an actual vacation.
5. Cosmic Rewind: The Best Ride in Florida?
You cannot talk about Disney’s recent wins without mentioning Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. Disney managed to build a genuinely thrilling coaster (the reverse launch is a game-changer), but still accessible to families. By mixing a randomized “Awesome Mix” soundtrack with a rotating ride system, they created a “re-rideable” masterpiece that has single-handedly revitalized EPCOT’s “thrill” reputation.
6. The “International Gateway” Experience
Disney has leaned into the idea that a park entrance can be an experience. The renovation of the International Gateway at the back of EPCOT has turned it into a “secret” sanctuary. It’s now a hub of food, transportation, and low-stress entry, making the “resort-to-park” transition feel seamless. It’s a masterclass in urban planning within a theme park setting.
7. The Nighttime Spectacle: Happily Ever After’s Return
Disney attempted to replace Happily Ever After with Enchantment, but when the fans spoke, Disney listened. Not only did they bring back the fan-favorite show, but they upgraded it. Adding projections all the way down Main Street, U.S.A., U.S.A. turned the show from a “fireworks display” into a 360-degree immersive event. It was a rare moment for a billion-dollar company to say, “You were right, we were wrong,” and the guests rewarded them with record-high satisfaction scores.
8. Dining Plan and “Free” Perks
The return of the Disney Dining Plan and the reinstatement of free overnight parking at resort hotels were huge wins for the “value” narrative. These changes signaled a shift away from “nickel-and-diming” and back toward the “all-inclusive” feel that defined the 1990s and 2000s. Staying on-property feels like a privilege again, not just a logistical necessity.
9. Journey of Water: The “Vibe” Park
The opening of Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana, proved that Disney still knows how to do “Discovery.” It’s a walkthrough attraction with no height requirement, no line (usually), and a heavy focus on the beauty of nature. It honors the “Living Seas” and “The Land” spirits of EPCOT while leveraging world-class IP. It’s the perfect “break” in the middle of a high-stress park day.
10. The “Josh D’Amaro” Transparency
Finally, the “win” is the leadership’s new tone. Between the D23 announcements and the transparent progress on Villains Land, Disney is finally telling fans where they are going. There is a sense of momentum in the parks that hasn’t been felt in a decade. The commitment to a $17 billion Florida expansion isn’t just a number; it’s a promise that the best is yet to come.
Conclusion: Perspective is Everything
It’s easy to get lost in the “Disney is too expensive” discourse. But as the followers of @DisneyClipsGuy pointed out, if you actually step onto a Skyliner cabin at sunset or walk off Cosmic Rewind with “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire still ringing in your ears, it’s impossible to deny: the magic isn’t just alive; it’s thriving.
Disney has successfully modernized its logistics, returned to its animatronic roots, and started listening to its guests again. The “Golden Age” isn’t in the past—it’s happening right now in the dirt, the steel, and the smiles on Main Street.
Which of these “wins” has had the biggest impact on your recent trips? Are you a Skyliner superfan or a Cosmic Rewind addict? Let us know in the comments!
