Walt Disney World has been quietly lowering admission and hotel rates in response to growing customer dissatisfaction and a drop in park attendance. Since May, Disney has introduced discounted three-day ticket packages allowing visits to Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day, while separate tickets are required for Magic Kingdom.
These reduced ticket prices, effective until September 24, mark a significant decline from the peak price of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass. Additionally, Disney is aiming to offset the overall costs of visiting the Florida resort by slashing prices on its budget hotel options. Rates at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort can start as low as $100, leading to discounts of up to 27% when reservations are made at certain times.
The parks have also rolled out new dining packages this summer, reducing the cost of dining by 20% to 30%. Families can purchase all-day meal passes for $30 per child and $95 per adult that can be used for meals and snacks throughout the parks. More quick meal options, affordable children’s food, and relaxed restaurant policies are also being offered.
Experts attribute the rising food costs within the parks to a decline in customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted that customer satisfaction ratings fell from 90% to 60% as Disney transitioned from a la carte dining to fixed-price meals at many popular restaurants. While Testa commended Disney for its cost-cutting measures, he warned that this may not indicate a genuine commitment to affordability or enhancing guest satisfaction, emphasizing that Disney has historically balanced customer ratings with revenue objectives.