Walt Disney World is quietly reducing the cost of admission and hotel accommodations amid rising customer dissatisfaction and decreasing park attendance.
In May, Disney introduced discounted three-day ticket packages allowing guests to visit Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day, with separate purchases required for Magic Kingdom tickets. These reduced ticket prices are in effect until September 24, showing a significant drop from the peak price of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
Additionally, the company is lowering the price of its budget hotel options. A night at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music and Sports Resort may start as low as $100, based on booking dates, representing discounts of up to 27% from regular rates.
The theme parks are also rolling out new dining packages this summer, cutting food costs by 20% to 30%. These meal plans are priced at $30 for children and $95 for adults, allowing guests to redeem them for select meals and snacks throughout the parks. Disney is also reportedly offering more quick meal options, affordable meals for children, and greater flexibility with restaurant policies.
Experts attribute part of the decline in customer satisfaction to rising food prices within the parks. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted that satisfaction ratings fell from 90% to 60% as Disney transitioned from a la carte dining to fixed price meals at several favored restaurants.
While Testa acknowledged the benefits of Disney’s cost-reduction strategies, he warned that these measures might not indicate a genuine commitment to making the experience more affordable or improving guest satisfaction, suggesting that Disney often prioritizes revenue over maintaining positive ratings.