Have Disney Parks changed their image and are no longer aimed at families and children anymore?

[HokieRaven5]

well, my previous post above states "Adult focused"

And roughly 40-50% of guests at Disney Parks are adults without kids according to reports from those in the industry.

So again, my point was not that they aren’t also providing the all ages attractions options, but that they have been adding more adult oriented options that appeal to a growing demographic and draw them in as well beyond just the attractions.

 

[ellbell]

Just a follow up, who do you think Geo-82 caters to in the family dynamic? Since that is a 21+ venue at all times within the park.

2 adults in a relationship also constitute a family. You don't need children to be a family.

 

[bdrex28]

And roughly 40-50% of guests at Disney Parks are adults without kids according to reports from those in the industry.

So again, my point was not that they aren’t also providing the all ages attractions options, but that they have been adding more adult oriented options that appeal to a growing demographic and draw them in as well beyond just the attractions.

Again, that is your opinion. the beauty is we can each have our own

 

[reddog21]

"That's the real trouble with the world. Too many people grow up. They forget. They don't remember what it's like to be twelve years old. They spend their lives being 'adults' and 'sensible' and 'serious.' I don't want to do that."— Walt Disney

 

[irlandaise]

So again, my point was not that they aren’t also providing the all ages attractions options, but that they have been adding more adult oriented options that appeal to a growing demographic and draw them in as well beyond just the attractions.

Again, that is your opinion. the beauty is we can each have our own

It isn't an opinion that in recent years the U.S. Disney parks have added more experiences that appeal to adults.

 

[MouseyMin]

They are catering to people who have a lot of money. I would guess that most young families have to spend most of their money on buying a house, paying for childcare, saving for college, etc. So therefore they are gearing a lot now towards older guests who tend to have more discretionary income.

 

[bdrex28]

It isn't an opinion that in recent years the U.S. Disney parks have added more experiences that appeal to adults.

That's good because that's not what I stated, I'll clarify to make it more simple. I don't believe Disney is actively looking at the demographic of people having less children as they are adding more rides etc that are for all ages and younger ages than adult only.

I believe they are trying to make money and appealing to all ages. All ages is exactly what it means: all ages. And all ages includes doing some adult focused like the lounge.

Sometimes these forums are so interesting. Simple things become so difficult.

 

[Forevermarypoppins]

For the sake of friendly argument I would say you are seeing things in a different light because you are getting older yourself.
My first visit was well over 40 years ago. I was fortunate to visit much more than most anyone else I know, although it was well after I started my own family. Now, I'm 64 and I will honestly say 'I LOVE ADULT VACATIONS IN WDW". Usually, it's my sister and myself but I have been with her and just my adult daughter and I've been once w/ just my husband celebrating our anniversary.
IDK is Walt ever thought of the future and the "repeat visitor". I think that's where the money is to be made, in the returning visitor. Give them an immersive experience, treat them very well, make accommodations for everyone ( age, disability, food allergy, non discriminatory, etc) so any family can feel welcomed! I think WDW just a very good job!
Consider this too: family size has shrunk, if that was the only target, profits would suffer.

 

[DodgerGirl]

If Walt Disney World or Disneyland could revive Pleasure Island for adults it would be smart because in my eyes Mom and Dad could have a night out while the kids would be watched by a babysitter and believe me if Pleasure Island was revived it would get rave reviews if it were to happen. But what I think mainly draws adults to Disney Parks is the festivals like the Epcot Food And Wine Festival. But would really would attract more families into Disney Parks is to develop an event called Disney's Family Fair and what this event would have if it existed would be kids activities such as face painting arts and crafts and shows with the Disney characters and for younger kids and toddlers a Disney Junior play area where Disney Junior characters could interact and play games. And for teenagers a dance party would be featured and a celebrity would be on hand for meet and greets and dancing and it would be cool. And for adults they would have casino tournaments every hour as well as free drinks like juice and sodas and snacks like chips peanuts and popcorn and candy and if this event would work for Disney Parks it would gain more families into the parks

 

[Nayan]

If Walt Disney World or Disneyland could revive Pleasure Island for adults it would be smart because in my eyes Mom and Dad could have a night out while the kids would be watched by a babysitter and believe me if Pleasure Island was revived it would get rave reviews if it were to happen.

I loved PI, but sadly it's not a viable business option as far as bars/nightclubs go anymore. Millennials don't party like us GenX people did and seeing bars/nightclubs closing left and right in Orlando and surrounding areas proves that.

And for adults they would have casino tournaments every hour as well as free drinks like juice and sodas and snacks like chips peanuts and popcorn and candy and if this event would work for Disney Parks it would gain more families into the parks

This would never happen. And again, as it's been explained to you, Disney Parks are crazy busy and do not need to attract people.

 

[reddog21]

If Walt Disney World or Disneyland could revive Pleasure Island for adults it would be smart because in my eyes Mom and Dad could have a night out while the kids would be watched by a babysitter and believe me if Pleasure Island was revived it would get rave reviews if it were to happen.

I’m confused—why can’t you do that now? There are literally 20 bars in Disney Springs. If you’re looking for a club, that’s never going to happen. Just look at CityWalk; they’re doing the exact same thing as Disney, shifting from a nightlife district to more of a themed dining and entertainment hub. That’s definitely not a coincidence.

It's funny how this came up because I believe it was Orlando sentinel recently published an article around the mass exodus of "clubs" in and around Orlando with people wanting more "eat" entertainment. It was something like 10 to 15 major club venues that have closed in the past 24 months.

 

[hardcorestitch]

For the sake of friendly argument I would say you are seeing things in a different light because you are getting older yourself.
My first visit was well over 40 years ago. I was fortunate to visit much more than most anyone else I know, although it was well after I started my own family. Now, I'm 64 and I will honestly say 'I LOVE ADULT VACATIONS IN WDW". Usually, it's my sister and myself but I have been with her and just my adult daughter and I've been once w/ just my husband celebrating our anniversary.
IDK is Walt ever thought of the future and the "repeat visitor". I think that's where the money is to be made, in the returning visitor. Give them an immersive experience, treat them very well, make accommodations for everyone ( age, disability, food allergy, non discriminatory, etc) so any family can feel welcomed! I think WDW just a very good job!
Consider this too: family size has shrunk, if that was the only target, profits would suffer.

To add on to this… Disney’s competitor Great Wolf Lodge is actually hosting adults only after hours parties now… on February 14. And that’s a water park resort that caters to clientele similar to Disney Parks.

 

[zackiedawg]

When Disney World opened in 1971, it was the only game in town...so catering mostly to families and children kept it thriving. But over the decades, the area has changed - and now there are many competing theme parks all around, varying from kid-focused to action rides for teens and adults. Disney has stayed relevant by being much more immersive, heavily themed, and catering to the grown children who grew up going to Disney parks and now come back as adults, sometimes with families and sometimes as adult friend groups.

There was a time after Pleasure Island closed when Disney World was stagnating and not providing anything for adults, so even many grown kids who used to go to Disney parks stopped. I know this because I've always gone to Disney and had many friends who did as well, and nearly all of them lost interest and didn't want to go. To them, it was just kids and kiddie rides.

Over the past 15 years, all of the adult-oriented additions to the parks, with rides, theming, resorts, restaurants, bars, festivals, and adult-only spots have helped bring back many of my friends. I talked them into trying Disney again, coming with me and doing the parks 'my way', with focus on not just rides but great food, bars, live music, and other options...now 5 of my good friends regularly come to Disney World with me, or go on their own.

And yet families and kids are still clearly the primary attendees of the parks - they're all around, having a great time just as we did when we were kids. Rides, shows, characters, and theming for children is still omnipresent throughout the parks - but now, there are ALSO rides, theming, food, drink, and entertainment for teens to adults mixed in alongside. So Disney is playing to all ages, as Walt intended...kids, kids at heart, and adults who grew up with Disney. And even those adults who bring their kids now have some places where they can be entertained while the kids are doing their kiddie rides and shows. I see plenty of parents taking a break from the kiddie stuff - a dad getting to stop off for a beer at the Tap House while the kids play in Toy Story Land or Galaxy's Edge...or enjoying a food booth at Epcot while the kids hit Remy.

When I was going to Magic Kingdom in the 70s with my grandmother, we were ages 4-10 and would go on rides while she waited outside (she didn't like most of the rides). What was her entertainment while waiting for us to go through the line and ride the ride? Nothing - she sat on a bench bored out of her mind. She did it for us...but now, that same grandma can see some art displays, listen to a band play, have an adult beverage, sample some international food while waiting and people-watching. She probably would have given her left arm to have had those options back then!

 

[bdrex28]

When Disney World opened in 1971, it was the only game in town...so catering mostly to families and children kept it thriving. But over the decades, the area has changed - and now there are many competing theme parks all around, varying from kid-focused to action rides for teens and adults. Disney has stayed relevant by being much more immersive, heavily themed, and catering to the grown children who grew up going to Disney parks and now come back as adults, sometimes with families and sometimes as adult friend groups.

There was a time after Pleasure Island closed when Disney World was stagnating and not providing anything for adults, so even many grown kids who used to go to Disney parks stopped. I know this because I've always gone to Disney and had many friends who did as well, and nearly all of them lost interest and didn't want to go. To them, it was just kids and kiddie rides.

Over the past 15 years, all of the adult-oriented additions to the parks, with rides, theming, resorts, restaurants, bars, festivals, and adult-only spots have helped bring back many of my friends. I talked them into trying Disney again, coming with me and doing the parks 'my way', with focus on not just rides but great food, bars, live music, and other options...now 5 of my good friends regularly come to Disney World with me, or go on their own.

And yet families and kids are still clearly the primary attendees of the parks - they're all around, having a great time just as we did when we were kids. Rides, shows, characters, and theming for children is still omnipresent throughout the parks - but now, there are ALSO rides, theming, food, drink, and entertainment for teens to adults mixed in alongside. So Disney is playing to all ages, as Walt intended...kids, kids at heart, and adults who grew up with Disney. And even those adults who bring their kids now have some places where they can be entertained while the kids are doing their kiddie rides and shows. I see plenty of parents taking a break from the kiddie stuff - a dad getting to stop off for a beer at the Tap House while the kids play in Toy Story Land or Galaxy's Edge...or enjoying a food booth at Epcot while the kids hit Remy.

When I was going to Magic Kingdom in the 70s with my grandmother, we were ages 4-10 and would go on rides while she waited outside (she didn't like most of the rides). What was her entertainment while waiting for us to go through the line and ride the ride? Nothing - she sat on a bench bored out of her mind. She did it for us...but now, that same grandma can see some art displays, listen to a band play, have an adult beverage, sample some international food while waiting and people-watching. She probably would have given her left arm to have had those options back then!

I think the student enrollment growth at UCF also plays in to crowds at the Epcot festivals. Students get APs and come drink and hang out. UCF has experienced a lot of growth to be one of the largest enrollments in the country.

 

[OKW Lover]

As we get older and our families change, our perceptions also change. I believe that Disney is continuing to strike a good balance when appealing to all their guests.

 

[Joanna71985]

When is the last time you went to WDW? They have things that cater to people of all ages

 

[Forevermarypoppins]

When Disney World opened in 1971, it was the only game in town...so catering mostly to families and children kept it thriving. But over the decades, the area has changed - and now there are many competing theme parks all around, varying from kid-focused to action rides for teens and adults. Disney has stayed relevant by being much more immersive, heavily themed, and catering to the grown children who grew up going to Disney parks and now come back as adults, sometimes with families and sometimes as adult friend groups.

There was a time after Pleasure Island closed when Disney World was stagnating and not providing anything for adults, so even many grown kids who used to go to Disney parks stopped. I know this because I've always gone to Disney and had many friends who did as well, and nearly all of them lost interest and didn't want to go. To them, it was just kids and kiddie rides.

Over the past 15 years, all of the adult-oriented additions to the parks, with rides, theming, resorts, restaurants, bars, festivals, and adult-only spots have helped bring back many of my friends. I talked them into trying Disney again, coming with me and doing the parks 'my way', with focus on not just rides but great food, bars, live music, and other options...now 5 of my good friends regularly come to Disney World with me, or go on their own.

And yet families and kids are still clearly the primary attendees of the parks - they're all around, having a great time just as we did when we were kids. Rides, shows, characters, and theming for children is still omnipresent throughout the parks - but now, there are ALSO rides, theming, food, drink, and entertainment for teens to adults mixed in alongside. So Disney is playing to all ages, as Walt intended...kids, kids at heart, and adults who grew up with Disney. And even those adults who bring their kids now have some places where they can be entertained while the kids are doing their kiddie rides and shows. I see plenty of parents taking a break from the kiddie stuff - a dad getting to stop off for a beer at the Tap House while the kids play in Toy Story Land or Galaxy's Edge...or enjoying a food booth at Epcot while the kids hit Remy.

When I was going to Magic Kingdom in the 70s with my grandmother, we were ages 4-10 and would go on rides while she waited outside (she didn't like most of the rides). What was her entertainment while waiting for us to go through the line and ride the ride? Nothing - she sat on a bench bored out of her mind. She did it for us...but now, that same grandma can see some art displays, listen to a band play, have an adult beverage, sample some international food while waiting and people-watching. She probably would have given her left arm to have had those options back then!

You've given an excellent description!

 

[Nayan]

When is the last time you went to WDW? They have things that cater to people of all ages

She hasn't been in over 20 years.

 

[WIDisneyFan]

As a family that has been at least once a year for most of the past 25 years I would say Disney has done an amazing job at providing things for all ages. Yes the big headline adds do tend to be more thrill and not little kids focused (not all but a large number) but that does not mean younger kids are being ignored. As a simple example the splash play area near Dumbo would never draw headlines but as a family that visits in the summer that was a great add for families with small kids.

I know from talking with my kids they still have fun talking about all the little kid things we used to do - the vast majority of which are still there, but now the little one is about to be 17 so thrill rides, great shows, and adult dining are the focus. Disney changes because the world changes and because how we look at it changes. The amazing part to me that says it all is that after 30+ trips we all can't wait to get back for the next one.

 

[Elephantay]

We love most of the festivals at Epcot, but honestly the drinking is out of hand. We've had several poor experiences there because of it, and need to plan our days/nights in the fall around avoiding weekends at F and W. That stinks- it's a good part of our trip and I wish more was done to keep the atmosphere "family friendly".

Also, we love the MK but what's new there that appeals to teens/young adults? Seems pretty kid oriented to me?
My kids weren't thrilled that the "cool" Splash Mountain is now yet another princess ride- totally understand the need for the updates there but my point is you could argue that any change is for/geared towards this, or against that....

IMO, plenty for all to enjoy when you factor in all of the parks- especially water parks for us- resorts, and DS.