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Disney World Problems: Why Some Guests Are Saying “Skip 2025-2026”

Ride Failures, Hotel Issues and More Oh My!

Walt Disney World, the happiest place on Earth, is not without its hiccups. Recent reports from guests, like one guest’s social post, are painting a troubling picture about ride breakdowns, hotel issues, and overall park operations. Is Disney World struggling to keep up with expectations?

Mickey Mouse stands with open arms in front of the illuminated Epcot Spaceship Earth at night, showcasing a vibrant purple and orange glow at Disney World.
Credit: Disney Dining

A Redditor’s Honest Take: Ride Breakdowns and Hotel Issues at Disney World

A Reddit post in the r/WaltDisneyWorld subreddit from a user named u/Puffin_ErEh has recently gained attention, with many Disney World fans weighing in on what may be an alarming trend. The poster shared their experience from a two-week trip last month and admitted they were initially skeptical of claims that 2025 and 2026 were the years to avoid the park. However, after their own visit, they were left “shaking their head” at the multiple issues they encountered, ranging from major ride breakdowns to hotel dissatisfaction.

Disney World Feels Off—Are These the ‘Skip Years’ Everyone Warned About?
byu/Puffin_ErEh inWaltDisneyWorld

While the Redditor emphasized that they had an “amazing time” and would “do it all over again in a heartbeat,” the challenges they faced are raising concerns about the state of Disney World. One of the most prominent complaints from u/Puffin_ErEh was the high frequency of ride breakdowns across several major attractions. The poster specifically mentioned the following rides:

  • Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run – Down for nearly two-thirds of the day.
  • Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance (RoTR) – Missing for almost an entire day.
  • Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure – Completely closed for one day, with sporadic openings after.
  • Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind – Out of service for half a day.
  • Tron Lightcycle Run – Also down for half a day.
The Cinderella castle featuring blue and gold accents stands prominently in the center of Disney World. Fireworks are bursting in the sky above the castle. Various costumed characters are gathered at the forefront, with a bright blue sky and fluffy white clouds in the background.
Credit: Disney

These extended closures not only affected the flow of the parks but also forced guests to constantly adjust their FastPass+ and Lightning Lane reservations, sometimes running across different parks to catch a ride when it reopened. For families and thrill-seekers eager to experience the headliners, the constant uncertainty left many feeling frustrated and disappointed.

Constant Ride Stoppages: An Immersive Experience Interrupted

Beyond breakdowns, u/Puffin_ErEh also highlighted the frequent interruptions of continuously moving rides such as Under the Sea, Spaceship Earth, and The Seas with Nemo & Friends. The issue? Stoppages for up to 5 minutes at a time, some due to loading guests with mobility issues, and others seemingly due to operational inefficiencies. For those sensitive to confined spaces or seeking an uninterrupted experience, these delays felt like immersion-killers, with some guests finding themselves on rides being halted multiple times during a single experience.

For parents with young children, the constant interruptions made it difficult to maintain the magic, and it didn’t help that some rides played the same recorded lines repeatedly during stoppages—like Sebastian from The Little Mermaid saying, “What’s this?! You’ve come to a stop!” several times.

Cinderella Castle Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom
Credit: Scott Smith, Flickr

Bay Lake Tower: Not the Disney Magic Guests Expect

The frustrations continued at u/Puffin_ErEh’s hotel stay at Bay Lake Tower. While the resort has long been a staple for those looking to stay close to the magic, the poster noted that several amenities were lacking:

  • The sky bridge was down for renovations, which was not mentioned at the time of booking.
  • Half of the elevators were out of service.
  • Escalators were unreliable, adding to the inconvenience.
  • WiFi in the room was frustratingly slow at 10 Mbps, and attempts to resolve the issue through customer service left the guest stranded without a workable solution.

Considering the high cost of a stay at a Disney hotel ($450+ a night), it’s no surprise that these issues left the guest feeling disappointed. While a $150 motel might be expected to face such problems, a flagship Disney hotel was expected to deliver much more.

A bronze statue of Walt Disney next to a character holding hands stands in front of a castle. Around them, many people walk and gather, some taking photos and wearing casual clothes. The scene is vibrant and lively with the castle's blue and pink hues in the background of Walt Disney World.
Credit: Nicholas Fuentes, Unsplash

Other Guests Share Similar Concerns

This post from u/Puffin_ErEh has sparked widespread conversation across social media platforms, with other guests reporting similar frustrations. Many are echoing concerns about:

  • Ride breakdowns: Disney World’s highly anticipated new attractions, like Tron and Guardians of the Galaxy, have faced technical issues more frequently than expected.
  • Hotel maintenance: Guests at multiple resorts have shared complaints about slow WiFi, broken elevators, and general wear and tear on hotel facilities.
  • Cleanliness issues: Some visitors are reporting that the parks are not being maintained to the usual high Disney standards, with visible litter and unkempt restrooms being a growing concern.
  • Delayed shows and fireworks: Whether it’s a slight delay in the evening fireworks or an entire show being canceled unexpectedly, these tiny changes have added up, leaving guests feeling like the “magic” has faded.
A large crowd of people walking along a pathway in a park reminiscent of Disney World. Many, including families and couples, are dressed in casual summer clothing like shorts and tank tops. With some pushing strollers, the scene feels vibrant, almost akin to having theme park nannies watching over cheerful visitors.
Credit: Flickr/Inside the Magic

The Bigger Disney World Picture: Are These Issues Common?

While the experiences shared by u/Puffin_ErEh may have been especially pronounced during their two-week stay, there’s no denying that Disney World is facing operational challenges. With multiple new attractions, heightened expectations, and increased guest volume, the park is struggling to maintain its once flawless reputation. As many Disney fans are starting to notice, the “under construction” status may not be limited to just physical attractions, but the overall park experience.

For future visitors, it’s essential to manage expectations and prepare for the possibility of occasional ride breakdowns, maintenance issues, or minor inconveniences. However, for those planning a trip, staying informed and planning strategically can make a huge difference in the overall experience.

Are you planning a Disney World trip soon? Have you experienced similar issues? Let us know in the comments below!

Emmanuel Detres

Since first stepping inside the Magic Kingdom at nine years old, I knew I was destined to be a theme Park enthusiast. Although I consider myself a theme Park junkie, I still have much to learn and discover about Disney. Universal Orlando Resort has my heart; being an Annual Passholder means visiting my favorite places on Earth when possible! When I’m not writing about Disney, Universal, or entertainment news, you’ll find me cruising on my motorcycle, hiking throughout my local metro parks, or spending quality time with my girlfriend, family, or friends.

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