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Despite the initial hype, attendance numbers began to dwindle almost immediately. Reports highlighted how Disney struggled to keep the experience filled. They resorted to giving rooms away for free and heavily discounted rates, signaling desperation to attract visitors. The high costs and underwhelming experience failed to justify the expense for many, and cancellations soared.
The decline wasn't just a minor slump; it became a systemic issue. Disney's management had to cut back on the number of trips offered, reducing the operational schedule to just a few per week. Staff layoffs followed as the facility's utilization dropped sharply. This pattern underscored a critical failure: a project that cost billions to construct and promote was quickly turning into a financial drain.