Walt Disney World has been implementing discounts on admission and hotel stays in response to increasing customer dissatisfaction and falling park attendance over the past few months.
In May, Disney launched discounted three-day ticket packages that allow visitors to explore Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for just $89 per day; however, tickets to Magic Kingdom need to be purchased separately.
These reduced ticket prices, which are available until September 24, mark a significant drop from the peak price of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
Simultaneously, Disney is working to lower the overall expenses of trips to its Florida resort by offering discounts on its budget hotel options. Rates at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort can go as low as $100 per night, depending on booking dates. These reductions can amount to up to a 27% discount off regular prices, based on Bloomberg’s analysis.
Additionally, the parks have rolled out new dining packages this summer, which can lower food costs by 20% to 30%. Families can now buy all-day meal passes priced at $30 for children and $95 for adults, redeemable for various meals and snacks throughout the parks. Disney World is also offering more quick meal choices, affordable children’s food options, and more flexible dining policies.
Experts attribute the rising cost of food in the parks as a key factor in the decline of customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, highlighted that satisfaction ratings plummeted from 90% to 60% as Disney transitioned from a la carte dining to fixed-price meals in many favored restaurants.
While Testa commended Disney’s initiatives to cut costs, he warned that these actions might not indicate a genuine commitment to affordability or enhancing guest experiences. He noted, “Disney has long been willing to sacrifice a certain number of positive ratings for a certain amount of revenue.”