Walt Disney World has recently implemented a series of discounts on admission and hotel stays in response to growing customer dissatisfaction and falling park attendance.
Starting in May, Disney introduced discounted three-day ticket packages, enabling visitors to experience Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for just $89 per day, however, admission to Magic Kingdom remains a separate purchase. These reduced ticket prices are effective until September 24 and signify a substantial drop from the peak price of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
Additionally, Disney is working to lower the overall cost of trips to its Florida resort by offering discounted rates on its most affordable hotel options. For example, a night at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort could be as low as $100, subject to booking dates. These discounts could be as high as 27% off regular prices, as noted by Bloomberg.
This summer, Disney parks have also introduced new dining packages that cut dining expenses by 20% to 30%. The dining plan features all-day meal passes priced at $30 for children and $95 for adults, allowing guests to redeem these passes for various meals and snacks throughout the parks. Moreover, Disney World is reportedly offering more quick-service meal options, less expensive food for children, and more flexible dining policies.
Industry experts have pointed to the rising costs of in-park dining as a key factor driving decreased customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, revealed that customer satisfaction ratings plunged from 90% to 60% as Disney shifted from a la carte dining to fixed-price meals at many popular restaurants.
While Testa commends Disney’s recent cost-cutting measures, he warns that these changes may not signify a genuine dedication to affordability or guest satisfaction. He remarked that Disney has historically been willing to compromise a certain level of positive feedback in pursuit of revenue.