Walt Disney World has been quietly reducing admission and hotel costs in response to increasing customer dissatisfaction and a drop in park attendance. In May, the resort started offering discounted three-day ticket packages, allowing visitors to access Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day, while admission to Magic Kingdom must be acquired separately.
These lower ticket prices, available until September 24, mark a significant decrease from the previous high of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass. Additionally, Disney is working to lower overall trip expenses by offering discounts on its most affordable hotel options. For instance, a night at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort can be priced as low as $100 based on booking times, translating to discounts of up to 27% off regular rates.
This summer, the parks have also introduced new dining packages that reduce food costs by 20% to 30%. Families can purchase all-day meal passes for $30 for children and $95 for adults, valid for certain meals and snacks throughout the parks. Moreover, Disney is reportedly providing more quick meal options, lower-priced food for kids, and more flexible restaurant policies.
Experts attribute rising dining prices within the parks as a key factor in the decline of customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted a drop in satisfaction ratings from 90% to 60% following Disney’s shift from a la carte dining to fixed prices at several popular restaurants. While Testa acknowledges the effectiveness of Disney’s cost-reduction strategies, he warns that this may not signify a genuine commitment to affordability or guest satisfaction, suggesting that the company has historically prioritized revenue over consistently positive ratings.