Walt Disney World has recently implemented discounts on admission and hotel stays in response to increased customer dissatisfaction and a drop in park attendance.
Starting in May, the resort introduced discounted three-day ticket packages that allow visitors to experience Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day. However, visitors must still purchase tickets to the Magic Kingdom separately.
These lower ticket prices, available until September 24, represent a significant decrease from the previous high of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
Additionally, Disney aims to ease the overall cost of visiting the Florida resort by slashing prices on its budget hotel accommodations. Guests can find rates as low as $100 per night at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort, depending on booking dates. This price reduction amounts to discounts of up to 27% off regular rates, based on a Bloomberg analysis.
The parks have also rolled out new dining packages this summer, which offer discounts of 20% to 30% on dining expenses. Families can purchase all-day meal passes for $30 per child and $95 per adult, applicable for various meals and snacks throughout the parks. Disney World is reportedly providing more quick-service meal options, affordable kids’ food, and flexible dining policies.
Experts attribute the rising costs of dining within the parks as a key factor in declining customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted a drop in satisfaction ratings from 90% to 60% as Disney shifted from a la carte dining to fixed price meals at popular restaurants.
While Testa acknowledges Disney’s efforts to cut costs, he warns that such measures may not genuinely reflect a commitment to improving affordability or guest experience. “Disney has long been willing to sacrifice a certain number of positive ratings for a certain amount of revenue,” he stated.