For decades, Walt Disney World has been the ultimate vacation dream for families—a place where kids could hug Mickey Mouse, ride Dumbo, and eat Mickey-shaped treats without a care in the world.But in recent years, more and more parents are saying something that once seemed unthinkable: Disney World just doesn’t feel safe for kids anymore. And no, it’s not about crime or danger in the traditional sense.It’s about a shift in the culture, the priorities, and who the parks are really for these days.Credit: Inside the MagicInfluencer Culture Has Taken OverWalk through Magic Kingdom right now and you’re bound to spot dozens of ring lights, mini tripods, and people rehearsing TikTok dances in front of Cinderella Castle. Social media influencers have practically claimed Disney World as their own personal content studio. They’re filming on rides, staging photo shoots in character meet-and-greet lines, and setting up cameras in spots where families used to enjoy quiet moments.For parents with small kids, that kind of atmosphere feels less magical and more chaotic. And it’s not just an inconvenience—it’s reshaping the entire park experience. Cast Members are now used to asking guests to step aside so influencers can “get their shot.” Attractions are flooded with people more interested in likes than the ride itself. Some parents feel like they’re watching a theme park morph into a social media backdrop.Inappropriate Behavior is Getting More CommonLet’s talk dress code. Disney used to have a clear standard for family-appropriate attire, but many parents argue that has gone out the window. It’s not unusual to see guests in suggestive shirts walking down Main Street, U.S.A. While adults may brush it off, moms and dads with curious five-year-olds are left scrambling to explain things they didn’t expect to encounter in “The Most Magical Place on Earth.”Credit: DisneyThen there’s the PDA, the profane language overheard in lines, and the bachelorette parties bringing more of a Vegas vibe than a fairytale one. These aren’t isolated incidents anymore. And while Disney does enforce rules, it often feels like they’re picking their battles—especially if the person breaking the rules has 200,000 followers on Instagram.Prices Are So High, Families Are OutnumberedOnce upon a time, Disney World was a place where middle-class families saved up for a few years and made memories that lasted a lifetime. Now? The average price for a family of four to visit for just a few days can easily hit $5,000 or more. And that’s if you’re pinching pennies.With costs so high, many parents say they’re now outnumbered by child-free adults, influencers, and tourists who can afford to pay for Lightning Lane access and VIP tours. That doesn’t make those guests “bad,” but it does shift the vibe. Fewer kids in the parks means fewer stroller-friendly areas, fewer quiet breaks, and more attractions being geared toward thrill seekers or movie nostalgia rather than young children.Credit: DisneySome Say It’s Too Overstimulating — Even for AdultsParents of children with sensory needs, especially those on the autism spectrum, are speaking out too. In recent years, Disney has added more screens, louder music, and more crowds. With nighttime projections, audio overload in queues, and high-energy entertainment packed into every inch, many kids are overwhelmed before lunch.There used to be more quiet nooks, playgrounds, and water misters where kids could decompress. Now, most of those spaces have either been turned into construction zones or repurposed for new attractions that prioritize crowd-pulling over comfort. In addition to all of that, another area of “overstimulation” happens on your phone daily. Having to keep up with everything happening and staying locked on the My Disney Experience app for wait times, Lightning Lane selections, dining reservations, and much more keeps adults staring at their phone screen just as much as anything.The Focus Just Isn’t on Families AnymoreThe company’s focus has shifted. The magic that once felt centered around the wonder of childhood is now being marketed to nostalgic millennials and digital creators.That’s not inherently bad—Disney has the right to evolve—but for parents looking to share that childlike wonder with their kids, it often feels like they’re watching that window of innocence close. And that’s heartbreaking. That’s also not counting the significant number of controversies that many families have seen Disney World go through over the last few years.Credit: DisneyIs It Still Worth It?So is Disney World still worth it for families? Maybe. Some would argue yes, with the right planning and expectations. But many others are saying they’d rather take their money elsewhere—somewhere that actually feels like it’s built for their kids and not someone’s Instagram feed.We’d still argue that there’s no place more magical than Disney, and our family absolutely loves getting to have fun in the parks, but admittedly, there are certainly valid arguments to be had against it.The post Why So Many Parents Say Disney World Is No Longer ‘Safe for Kids’ appeared first on Inside the Magic.