Walt Disney World has been reducing admission and hotel prices over recent months in response to rising customer dissatisfaction and decreasing park attendance.
Beginning in May, the resort offered discounted three-day ticket packages allowing access to Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day, although tickets to Magic Kingdom must be purchased separately. These promotional rates will be available until September 24 and represent a significant drop from the previous high of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
In addition to ticket reductions, Disney is lowering the costs of its budget hotel options. Prices at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort can start at $100 per night, a drop that can be up to 27% from regular rates, as noted in a Bloomberg analysis.
This summer, Disney parks have also rolled out new dining packages that cut food costs by 20% to 30%. Families can purchase all-day meal passes priced at $30 for children and $95 for adults, which are valid for various meals and snacks throughout the parks. The organization is reportedly enhancing quick meal choices, offering cheaper food for children, and improving restaurant policies for flexibility.
Experts highlight the rising costs of dining within the parks as a critical factor contributing to diminished customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted a drop in customer satisfaction ratings from 90% to 60% as the company shifted from a la carte dining to fixed-price meals at various popular restaurants.
Testa acknowledged the merit of Disney’s cost-reduction initiatives but warned that these measures might not indicate a genuine focus on affordability or enhancing guest experience. He remarked, “Disney has long been willing to sacrifice a certain number of positive ratings for a certain amount of revenue.”