True, but it’s really worse. They have parks/rides with absolutely finite capacity and routinely are way over that capacity. In the 1990s, they managed the load through long lines that had stated wait times; then introduced the “fast pass” which only increased the wait times of those who didn’t have it; then they had something else that was to grant you several of the “big” rides provided you showed up at the right time.
They are deceptive and misleading; but honestly I don’t know what they can possibly do to handle capacity. Disneyland especially is a small park, even with the (Pay extra) Kollyfornia Adventure. FL parks are spread out, and there are four of them, so it’s a little easier.
We were in Disneyland just before the China Virus. Got on every ride we wanted, usually no more than an hour wait (Matterhorn, Space Mountain). Rides that constantly moved, like Haunted Mansion usually had wait times of 20-30 minutes. Matterhorn has some of the lowest capacity, despite two tracks, because I think each bobsled only holds 6, although they may have expanded them to hold a few more. I think Space Mountain ships hold 12-16. They took out the sub ride because among other things it was absolutely the lowest capacity ride and the slowest to load.
Yes, I’m in favor of Disneyland now requiring reservations (as airlines do and as sometimes museums do).
Social media resulted in locals in Disneyland telling everyone stuff like: “Hey, they introduced a new pretzel today” and suddenly thousands of unexpected local visitors would swamp the park. Remember Disneyland is surrounded by MILLIONS of people in LA.
Disneyland couldn’t plan for staffing etc and so the reservation system helps them with that. Time will tell if it helps with the crowds. Apparently not—it’s as crowded as ever but perhaps more evenly disbursed over time. And it makes sense for them to charge more during peak times too.