Now that travel is back to normal and the world seems to be operating again, there are some experiences that are missing at Walt Disney World that as a patron and travel planner I would love to see return. Most of them have not returned without explanation while others may have reasons that I just don’t agree with. In either case, I hope Disney has plans to bring these things back at some point.
Let’s start with the Main Street Trolley Show! I know Walt Disney World officially announced that this show was not returning, but I hope that since this was done in the Chapek era there might be some reconsideration!
For those who might not remember, or may have never seen this, the Main Street Trolly Show would make its way down Main Street U.S.A. with about 10 performers who would entertain guests entering the park. This show would change music and costumes depending on the season and was such a delightful way to start your day! I will never forget the look on my daughter’s face when one of the dancers came up to her and welcomed her to Disney – it was truly that magical moment that people talk about! It was even more magical when the same woman approached her on our second visit to say hello – I am sure the woman did not remember my daughter, but my daughter remembered her, what are the odds?
This second one has me scratching my head, where is the Beast meet and greet at Be Our Guest? I love the atmosphere of this restaurant and although my husband and I differ in opinion on the food (I’ve always loved my dinner – he has had more of a hate/love relationship) we always loved the chance to meet Beast! The Beast running by your table and waving is just not that same and given that the pricing is what it is, I believe guests deserve more of an experience like before. Other character meals have returned in full form and although I would love to see more characters and interaction at Be Our Guest, at least the Beast should return to his former glory!
And while we are talking about Be Our Guest, I wish they would bring back a breakfast option. We really miss the breakfast here! Granted this was a pre-lockdown change but maybe they will reconsider!
Speaking of characters where is Tinker Bell? We loved going to Pixie Hallow and meeting Tinker Bell. This character interaction was always a favorite because just getting to her was magical. My daughter loved blowing on the pixie dust to make a door open and entering Pixie Hallow almost made your feel like you were stepping into another world! Just like the Beast I do not know what possible reason Disney has for not bringing Tinker Bell back, but we are hoping they do soon!
While we are on characters, we would also like to see the return of Photo Pass Photographers (not those horrible boxes) at more of the meet and greets! No matter how hard I try, I cannot capture the same pictures that these amazing individuals capture when my daughter is interacting with characters. They have a way of capturing a magical smile or knowing glance that I just cannot grab (not to mention I am usually caught up in trying to watch and experience the moment too).
My daughter is a character kid and not a ride kid, so these pictures are invaluable memories of our trip and since lockdown there are just not as many, which has made me question the need for Memory Maker. I am not sure if Disney still has some staff shortages or if the expansion of Capture Your Moment has pulled these photographers from the Meet and Greets, but I sure hope more Photo Pass Photographers return soon! (As an aside, I wish Disney would abandon the whole box photographer concept and bring back the photographers instead – I have not had one single shot from these photo pass opportunities that have been worth it.)
In terms of dining, I am missing and hoping for the return of 1900 Park Fare when construction ends at the Grand Floridian later this year! This was the only restaurant that I loved both the character breakfast and character dinner. Typically, I find the dinner buffets not worth the hype or money, but 1900 Park Fare was top notch in terms of food and experience! I loved the variation in characters, making this a place you could eat at twice in the same day! For breakfast you could see Tigger, Alice, the Mad Hatter, and Mary Poppins. At dinner it was Cinderella, Prince Charming, Lady Tremaine, and the Stepsisters. We had some great character experiences here and miss them terribly! Our fingers are crossed that we will see a triumph return by the end of the year!
Although I should stop at 5 because of the title of this article, I must add one more. Disney needs to bring back the original Magic Band! We used to collect them as souvenirs from our trip and now we just use our old ones. I cannot justify the cost of the new Magic Band+ nor do I find the need to charge yet another device on my vacation worth it! I have not seen any dramatic benefits with the new bands. I’ve stopped recommending them for clients. I do hope Disney reconsiders their strategy here and expands the original Magic Band – I think so many people would prefer having a choice again.
Is there anything you are missing at Walt Disney World? We would love to hear from you! Comment below!
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