I don’t know how to diplomatically say this because I understand why Disney does these massive media events and influencer previews. Disney is incredibly good at creating hype. When something new launches, they know how to make it feel like a cultural event, not just a ride opening. That kind of marketing has become part of the Disney Parks experience itself. But I think there is a growing disconnect between what people see online and the Disney normal guests actually experience.
Every time Disney debuts a new attraction, land, or entertainment offering, social media becomes flooded with incredible moments from media preview events. And these previews have evolved far beyond simply giving people an early look at a new ride. They now include exclusive character appearances, elaborate one-night-only entertainment, highly themed atmospheres, surprise performances, and curated interactions designed to generate viral excitement.
The result is that Disney creates an image of the parks that many regular guests never actually experience. Families arrive weeks later expecting the energy and magic they saw online, only to realize once they are already on vacation that many of those moments existed solely for a single media event.
I understand why Disney cannot do some of these experiences every single day. Something like the recent live appearances from The Electric Mayhem outside Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is expensive, complicated, and probably unrealistic as a permanent offering. But I also think that highlights the bigger issue. Some of the most exciting and memorable parts of these launches are specifically designed for media and influencers, not for the average family visiting the parks. That creates unrealistic expectations for casual guests, not Disney experts.
Disney fans who follow the parks closely understand what a media preview is, but a lot of people do not. They see viral videos online and think that is just what Disney looks like right now. They are not analyzing whether something was invite-only, temporary, or specifically staged for promotional content. They just see Disney creating incredible experiences and assume that is part of the normal park offering.
So I don’t think it is unfair for some guests to feel disappointed when they realize the version of Disney they saw online was essentially a curated event experience they were never actually going to have access to.
And honestly, I think this taps into a much bigger conversation about modern Disney Parks. There is already a growing feeling that there are different “tiers” of Disney experiences depending on what access you have. After-hours events, premium upcharges, Lightning Lane, extra hours for Deluxe resort guests, influencer events… it can start to feel like the most magical version of Disney is increasingly reserved for a very specific group of people.
I’m not saying Disney should stop doing media previews. Clearly, they work. But I do think Disney should find more ways to let everyday guests experience some of that same energy and spontaneity, even if it is only during select events or surprise pop-ups for regular guests. Because right now, some of the most magical Disney moments are becoming things guests watch online instead of things they actually get to experience themselves, or even dream of experiencing.
