Walt Disney World has been discreetly reducing ticket prices and hotel rates in response to growing customer dissatisfaction and declining attendance at its parks.
Starting in May, the company introduced discounted three-day ticket packages, allowing guests to visit Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day, although tickets for the Magic Kingdom must still be purchased separately. These lower ticket prices are available until September 24 and represent a significant drop from the previous high of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
In addition to ticket discounts, Disney is also lowering costs for its budget hotel accommodations. A night at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort could be available for as low as $100, depending on booking dates, reflecting discounts of up to 27% off regular rates according to a Bloomberg analysis.
This summer, the parks have also rolled out new dining packages that cut food costs by 20% to 30%. Families can now buy all-day meal passes at $30 for children and $95 for adults, redeemable for various meals and snacks throughout the parks. Disney is also introducing more quick-service meal options, affordable kids’ meals, and flexible restaurant policies.
Experts suggest that the rising costs associated with dining within the parks have contributed to a decrease in customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, reported a drop in customer satisfaction ratings from 90% to 60% after Disney transitioned from a la carte dining to fixed-price meals in many popular restaurants. Although he acknowledged the effectiveness of Disney’s cost-cutting measures, he warned that these changes may not signify a genuine commitment to affordability or guest satisfaction, as the company has historically balanced positive ratings with revenue goals.