A New York Times report, intentionally released ahead of this weekend’s D23 Expo, is drawing attention for its timing as much as its content, highlighting how Disney World vacations are increasingly tailored to affluent visitors. The exposé underscores how premium perks, tiered ride access, and luxury accommodations are reshaping the park experience, leaving many middle-class families struggling to secure front-of-the-line access.
How Disney Cut Out the Middle Class
The report follows 60-year-old school bus driver Scarlett Cressel, who is planning a multi-generational trip to Disney World with her daughter, grandchildren, and mother. Years of careful preparation—including saving, hunting for discounts, and arranging timeshare accommodations—still leave her at a disadvantage. Disney’s tiered ride reservation system favors guests who purchase luxury passes, stay at Disney-owned hotels, or hire private guides. Even after spending thousands on tickets, Cressel was able to secure front-of-the-line access for only one major ride, illustrating how the park’s premium offerings increasingly shape the experience for families with more modest budgets.
For decades, Disney parks promoted an egalitarian ethos, where families from all walks of life could share the magic—standing in the same lines, eating the same food, and riding the same attractions. The Times report makes clear that those days are changing. The park has shifted toward high-end experiences, from tiered ride reservations and luxury hotel packages to exclusive dining events, giving top-spending guests priority access while leaving lower-budget visitors to contend with longer waits and limited availability.
Timing is Everything
Disney responded in a statement to the Times, saying its goal is to make experiences available “to as many families as possible.” The company emphasized that no two experiences are the same and highlighted its range of ticket, dining, and hotel options, “enhanced throughout the year with promotional offers.”
The timing of the report is especially noteworthy. D23, Disney’s biennial fan convention, attracts thousands of fans and significant media attention, making it one of the company’s most visible events. By publishing the report just before the expo, the Times ensured that conversations about pricing, accessibility, and the park’s focus on high-spending visitors would dominate headlines and social media discussions during a weekend intended to celebrate Disney’s legacy and fan community.
For attendees at D23 and fans following from home, the report creates a stark contrast: while Disney celebrates its fanbase and history, the Times shines a light on how access to certain experiences is increasingly determined by how much guests are willing to spend.
