Amid rising customer discontent and a drop in attendance, Walt Disney World has been discreetly lowering the prices for admission and hotel accommodations in recent months.
In May, the company introduced discounted three-day ticket packages that allow access to Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day, while still requiring separate purchases for Magic Kingdom tickets.
These reduced ticket prices, valid through September 24, represent a significant decline from the previous peak price of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
Additionally, Disney is working to make trips to its Florida resort complex more affordable by lowering the rates for its budget hotel options. For example, a night at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort can cost as little as $100, depending on the booking time, reflecting discounts of up to 27% on regular prices.
This summer, the parks have also rolled out new dining packages that cut food costs by 20% to 30%. These packages enable families to buy all-day meal passes for $30 per child and $95 per adult, redeemable for select meals and snacks in the parks. Disney World is reportedly increasing quick meal options, lowering kids’ food prices, and offering more flexible dining policies.
Experts suggest that the rising food prices within the parks have contributed to decreased customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted the drop in customer satisfaction ratings from 90% to 60% alongside Disney’s shift from a la carte dining to fixed-price meals at popular restaurants.
While Testa acknowledged the benefits of Disney’s cost-reduction measures, he warned that these changes might not genuinely reflect a commitment to lowering costs or enhancing guest satisfaction. He highlighted that Disney has historically been willing to trade off positive customer feedback for increased revenue.