Walt Disney World has been reducing admission and hotel prices in response to increased customer dissatisfaction and declining attendance at its parks.
Starting in May, Disney offered discounts on three-day ticket packages, allowing visitors to experience Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day, although tickets to Magic Kingdom remain sold separately. These discounts will last until September 24 and mark a significant drop from the previous high of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
Additionally, Disney has lowered the costs of its budget hotel options, with rates at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort starting as low as $100 per night, depending on the booking period. These reductions can amount to discounts of up to 27% from regular prices, according to Bloomberg analysis.
This summer, the parks have also launched new dining packages, cutting meal costs by 20% to 30%. Families can purchase all-day meal passes for $30 for children and $95 for adults, redeemable at select locations throughout the parks. To further enhance the dining experience, Disney is introducing more quick meal choices, cheaper options for children, and flexible restaurant policies.
Experts have pointed to rising food prices within the parks as a contributing factor to the decline in customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted a drop in satisfaction ratings from 90% to 60% as Disney shifted from a la carte to fixed-price meal options at popular eateries. While he acknowledged the potential benefits of Disney’s cost-cutting measures, he warned that this might not signal a genuine commitment to affordability or improved guest satisfaction. Testa commented that Disney has historically balanced customer ratings against revenue goals.