Walt Disney World is responding to a rise in customer dissatisfaction and a decrease in park attendance by quietly implementing discounts on admission and hotel stays in recent months.
Starting in May, Disney introduced discounted three-day ticket packages allowing visitors to enjoy Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day, though tickets to Magic Kingdom must be purchased separately. This price marks a significant drop from the previous peak of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass. The lower prices will be available until September 24.
In addition to ticket discounts, Disney is working to make trips to the Florida resort more economical by lowering the price of its most affordable hotel accommodations. Stays at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort can start as low as $100, depending on the booking period, reflecting discounts of up to 27% compared to standard rates, according to a Bloomberg analysis.
Furthermore, the parks have rolled out new dining packages this summer that cut eating costs by 20% to 30%. Families can purchase 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 expanding quick meal options, offering cheaper children’s food, and improving restaurant policies to provide more flexibility.
Experts attribute growing dissatisfaction to increased food prices within the parks. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted a drop in customer satisfaction ratings from 90% to 60% as Disney transitioned from a la carte dining to fixed-price meals at many popular restaurants.
While Testa appreciates Disney’s cost-reduction measures, he warns that these strategies may not reflect a genuine commitment to affordability or enhancing guest experiences. He indicated that the company has historically prioritized revenue over positive customer feedback.