Amid growing customer dissatisfaction and a decrease in park attendance, Walt Disney World has been quietly lowering admission and hotel prices over the past few months.
In May, Disney began offering discounted three-day ticket packages that allow visitors to explore Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day, although tickets for the Magic Kingdom still need to be purchased separately. These reduced ticket prices, valid until September 24, show a significant drop from the peak price of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
In addition to ticket discounts, Disney is also working to lower the total cost of trips to its Florida resort by offering cheaper hotel rates. A night at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort can be available for as little as $100, depending on the booking date. These reductions can amount to a discount of up to 27% compared to regular pricing, according to Bloomberg’s analysis.
This summer, the parks have also rolled out new dining packages that cut food costs by 20% to 30%. Families can purchase all-day meal passes for $30 per child and $95 per adult, usable for various meals and snacks throughout the parks. Disney World is reportedly providing more quick meal options, affordable kid’s food, and flexible dining policies.
Experts attribute the rising food prices within the parks as a key factor contributing to declining customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted a substantial decline in customer satisfaction ratings, from 90% to 60%, coinciding with Disney’s shift from a la carte dining to fixed-price meals at many popular restaurants.
While Testa commended Disney’s cost-cutting measures, he warned that these changes might not indicate a genuine dedication to making the experience more affordable or improving guest satisfaction. He emphasized that Disney has historically been willing to compromise some positive ratings to enhance revenue.