Walt Disney World has been implementing discounts on admission and hotel stays in response to growing customer dissatisfaction and a dip in park attendance over recent months.
Starting in May, Disney introduced discounted three-day ticket packages that allow guests to experience Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day. However, admission to Magic Kingdom still needs to be purchased separately. This pricing represents a significant decrease from the previous high of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
In addition to lower ticket prices, which are available until September 24, Disney is also working to lower the overall cost of a visit to its Florida resort. Discounted stays at the budget-friendly Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort can go as low as $100 per night, depending on the timing of the booking. According to a Bloomberg analysis, these reductions amount to discounts of up to 27% on standard rates.
Furthermore, the parks have rolled out new dining packages this summer, which offer a 20% to 30% reduction on food expenses. Families can purchase all-day meal passes for $30 per child and $95 per adult, applicable at various meal locations throughout the parks. Disney has also introduced more quick meal options and flexible dining policies to accommodate guests better.
Experts attribute the rising food prices inside the parks as a key factor in declining customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, reported a drop in customer satisfaction ratings from 90% to 60% coinciding with Disney’s shift from a la carte dining to fixed-price meals at many popular restaurants.
While Testa commended Disney’s recent cost-cutting measures, he cautioned that this approach may not necessarily indicate a genuine commitment to making experiences more affordable or improving guest satisfaction. He noted, “Disney has long been willing to sacrifice a certain number of positive ratings for a certain amount of revenue.”