Walt Disney World is responding to increased customer dissatisfaction and reduced park attendance by offering discounted admission and hotel rates over recent months.
In May, Disney introduced discounted three-day ticket packages that allow visitors to explore Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day, although Magic Kingdom tickets must still be purchased separately. This promotion, which runs until September 24, marks a significant drop from the previous high of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
Additionally, the company is working to lower the overall expense of visiting the Florida resort by cutting prices on its most affordable hotel options. Guests can book a night at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort for as low as $100, reflecting discounts of up to 27% compared to standard rates, based on a Bloomberg analysis.
Moreover, the parks are launching new dining packages this summer that reduce on-site meal costs by 20% to 30%. Families can purchase all-day meal passes for $30 per child and $95 per adult, which can be used for select meals and snacks throughout the parks. Disney World is also reportedly expanding its quick meal options, offering more affordable children’s meals, and implementing more flexible dining policies.
Industry experts attribute the drop in customer satisfaction, from 90% to 60%, partly to rising food prices within the parks and the shift from à la carte dining options to fixed-price meals in many popular restaurants. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, acknowledged Disney’s efforts to cut costs but warned that this trend may not signify a genuine focus on affordability or guest satisfaction. He noted that Disney has historically been willing to trade off customer satisfaction ratings for increased revenue.