The Big Debate RESULTS - Why Do YOU Think Theme Park Attendance Is So Low?

Sunday, August 9, 2020 - 07:21

Your Comments and Thoughts Continued...

Mask wearing cast members, Disney — Image: Disney

"We canceled our trip because 1.) airport in a hotspot (Houston) 2.) wearing a mask in that heat, 3.) not getting the resort we reserved 4.) limited experience for same price."

"Went yesterday. Was fantastic. Masks are just fine. The lines are predominantly all indoors so it’s not that hot. No crowds. Rode everything in the park. Space Mtn 4 times. 7 dwarfs 3 times. Most of the other big ones twice at least."

"Value right now. Too expensive for the limited value. I don’t have fears of corona yes it is real, yes people are getting sick but feel I am at similar risk at home."

"I keep seeing people post “half the experience”. To me, it’s just a different experience. Twice the rides, half to a quarter of the crowds, those are all different experiences than normal and are worth a lot in my book. Some of us who got moved around also ended up with some pretty sweet room upgrades. I feel like I’m going to get my money’s worth."

"I would be there if I could, even with the mask and half the magic but living in NY, requires a 2 week quarantine upon arrival and a 2 week upon return. Who the hell can do that?"

Universal Orlando entering — Image: Universal

"Cost vs. Value was the determining factor for us to cancel our 11 day trip. Cut park hours was the number 1 reason..MK closing at 7PM, cancelled dining reservations, menu changes. Not spending that much money to sit in a hotel after 7 PM. We dont go for shopping, we go for rides, shows, dining
I dont mind the masks or social restrictions."

"Well, take a look at FL"s #"s for the last MONTH! Why would you go to Disney or any of the parks? Even with safety precautions, it could never be safe enough!!"

"To each their own. We have been twice a week since they reopened. Love not having people stand on top of me, love the easy relaxing time in the parks, people not running at full force so they can get to a reservation. We have seen all the meet and greet, parades, stage shows, fire works dozens of times so not seeing the is no big deal."

"It’s too hot to wear a mask outside all day. That’s why I haven’t been back. Make it optional, or wear only on ride, in line, or in a shop. If I’m walking around outside and not close to people, I don’t wanna wear my mask."

"Park attendance is low because us brits can’t get there. I will go as soon as we’re allowed because not getting the virus is down to the individual. Look after yourself and keep yourself clean and you’ll be fine!!"

"When you cut the quality of your experience but keep the same price? What do you expect. Also, some states are getting down right militant about people coming back from FL and being quarantined."

"Because no one will pay that much money and have to walk around in a stupid mask in this oppressive Florida heat and also why would you pay that much money when half of the things are closed and your restaurant choices are limited. No thank you. We will wait until next year after the stupid mask nonsense goes away."

"Pandemic and can't afford it right now."

Summary of the debate

So, at this point I always summarise the main themes from the comments:

Florida's COVID-19 numbers and comments regarding the fact we are in the middle of a world pandemic have inevitably been seen a lot on Facebook.
Value for money with the experience they are currently offering. Many readers are saying, lower the prices to compensate for no fireworks, parades etc. Others are saying it is not necessarily "half the experience" it is a different experience with less crowds and therefore twice the number of rides you can get on in a day.
A number of people are saying that they have done the meet and greets and fireworks before so they are not being missed, especially for annual passholders or those who have visited the parks often, the loss of these isn't such a big deal.
The people who are going are definitely enjoying the seriously reduced wait times and there have been a lot of positive reports about how safe guests feel whilst in and around the parks.
Florida residents would have mostly avoided July and August anyway due to heat and international travellers but as they are the ones that are most easily accessible to the parks and they are not choosing to go, attendance is bound to be lower.
Due to high numbers of COVID-19 cases in Florida, more and more states are enforcing quarantine periods for those that choose to travel there. People from around the US are saying that due to quarantines it is more or less impossible to go, even if you wanted to.
Walt Disney World depends on international travel especially in the summer months and this just isn't happening right now.
Earlier closing times of the parks, many guests would enjoy wandering around the parks in the evening, especially in the summer with the slightly reduced heat. Less people are choosing to go because of the reduced hours.
Restaurant choices are limited too.
Unemployment levels currently high and people haven't got the spare money to go to Walt Disney World.
Some people think the theme parks are intentionally keeping people away by not offering heavier discounts although others disagree saying that in the current financial situation that the parks are in, that it wouldn't make business sense to have large discounts. To which some reply, if you offering half the experience at the same price, you are going to have emptier parks.

I just wanted to say that I personally love all theme parks, that's why my husband and I started Theme Park Tourist over 10 years ago. If you feel there is any bias in any of my articles I can only apologize, as this is definitely never intended.

You can read our latest Results and Discussion by clicking on these links:

Princess and Frog, Splash Mountain Disney — Image: Disney

There is still time to vote in our previous big debates if you haven't already:

Frozen sing a long, Walt Disney World — Image: Disney

During a time when your favorite theme park isn't quite reopen yet or at a time when you feel unable to visit for any number of reasons, if you fancy a chilled few minutes be sure to read one of our many new featured articles below:

To see all of our latest features visit our Features Page. Don't forget to leave us a comment below or on our Facebook Page. If you have any ideas for a poll just let me know on [email protected].

Natalie SimView Profile

Co-founder of the site alongside her amazing Husband Nick who had the vision and inspiration to create Theme Park Tourist from scratch. Natalie has always been amazed by theme parks and thinks nothing beats walking around a Disney Park soaking up the sights, sounds and magical atmosphere hand in hand with the ones she loves.