Walt Disney World has been responding to increasing customer dissatisfaction and a drop in park attendance by quietly implementing discounts on admission and hotel stays in recent months.
In May, the company began offering promotions for three-day ticket packages that grant access to Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day. However, tickets for the Magic Kingdom must still be purchased separately. These lower ticket prices, which are available until September 24, mark a significant reduction from the peak price of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
Additionally, Disney is working to make vacations at its Florida resort more affordable by lowering the cost of its budget hotel options. Guests may be able to secure a room at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort for as little as $100 per night, depending on booking timing. This represents discounts of up to 27% from standard rates, according to a Bloomberg analysis.
Alongside these initiatives, the parks have introduced new dining packages this summer, aimed at reducing meal expenses by 20% to 30%. This dining plan allows families to buy all-day meal passes for $30 per child and $95 per adult, applicable to specific meals and snacks throughout the parks. Disney World is also reportedly increasing its quick meal options and offering more affordable food for children while allowing greater flexibility in restaurant policies.
Experts note that rising food prices within the parks are a key factor contributing to lower customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, shared that customer satisfaction ratings dropped from 90% to 60% as Disney shifted from a la carte dining options to fixed-price meals at many popular locations.
While Testa acknowledged the positive impact of Disney’s cost-cutting measures, he warned that these steps might not indicate a genuine commitment to affordability or improved guest experiences. He stated, “Disney has long been willing to sacrifice a certain number of positive ratings for a certain amount of revenue.”