Walt Disney World has been quietly implementing price reductions on admission and hotel stays in response to growing customer dissatisfaction and a decline in park attendance.
Beginning in May, Disney started offering discounted three-day ticket packages allowing visitors to experience Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day. However, tickets for Magic Kingdom must still be purchased separately. These lower ticket prices, available until September 24, represent a significant drop from the previous peak of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
In addition to ticket discounts, Disney is working to decrease overall trip costs by reducing prices on its budget hotel rooms. Guests can secure a night at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort for as low as $100, depending on booking dates, marking a potential 27% reduction from standard rates.
This summer, the parks have also launched new dining packages, offering a price reduction of 20% to 30% on dining costs. These packages allow families to purchase all-day meal passes at $30 per child and $95 per adult, redeemable for various meals and snacks within the parks. Moreover, Disney World is reportedly providing more quick meal options, affordable food for children, and greater flexibility in restaurant policies.
Experts highlight the rising expense of dining within the parks as a critical factor contributing to declining customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted that surveys show a drop in customer satisfaction ratings from 90% to 60% as Disney shifted from à la carte dining to fixed price meals at many popular restaurants.
While Testa acknowledged the benefits of Disney’s cost-reduction measures, he warned that these changes may not necessarily indicate a genuine commitment to affordability or guest satisfaction, suggesting that Disney has historically balanced positive ratings against revenue objectives.