Walt Disney World has recently implemented a series of discounts on admission and hotel stays in response to growing customer dissatisfaction and declining park attendance.
In May, the company launched discounted three-day ticket packages, allowing guests to visit Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for just $89 per day. However, tickets for Magic Kingdom must still be purchased separately. These reduced ticket prices, available until September 24, mark a significant drop from the previously steep $254 daily cost for a Park Hopper pass.
In addition to reduced ticket prices, Disney is working to lower overall trip costs by slashing rates for its most affordable hotel options. For example, a night at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort can drop to as low as $100, depending on the booking time. This results in discounts up to 27% compared to regular rates, according to Bloomberg.
The parks have also rolled out new dining packages this summer, which cut meal costs by 20% to 30%. The dining plan allows families to purchase all-day meal passes for $30 per child and $95 per adult, redeemable for meals and snacks throughout the parks. Moreover, Disney is introducing more quick meal options, lower-priced food for children, and flexible dining policies to enhance guest experience.
Experts attribute rising food costs in the parks to falling customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, which conducts annual surveys of Disney visitors, noted a drop in satisfaction ratings from 90% to 60% as Disney shifted from a la carte dining to fixed-price meals at various popular restaurants.
While Testa commends Disney’s cost-cutting measures, he cautions that they may not necessarily signify a genuine commitment to affordability or customer satisfaction. He stated, “Disney has long been willing to sacrifice a certain number of positive ratings for a certain amount of revenue.”