Walt Disney World has been discreetly lowering admission and hotel prices in response to increasing customer dissatisfaction and a drop in park attendance.
Beginning in May, Disney rolled out discounted three-day ticket packages, allowing visitors to experience Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day. However, separate tickets for the Magic Kingdom remain necessary. These reduced ticket prices, valid until September 24, show a significant drop from the previous peak of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
In parallel, Disney is trying to make trips to its Florida resort more affordable by cutting prices on budget hotel options. Stays at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort can start as low as $100, depending on booking dates. This pricing strategy could result in discounts of up to 27% compared to regular rates.
Additionally, the parks have introduced new dining packages this summer, which can lower meal costs by 20% to 30%. Families can opt for all-day meal passes priced at $30 per child and $95 per adult, redeemable at various locations throughout the parks. Reports indicate Disney World is also providing more quick meal options, less expensive food for children, and more adaptable restaurant policies.
Experts point to rising food costs within the parks as a contributing factor to declining customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted that satisfaction ratings have plummeted from 90% to 60% as Disney transitioned from a la carte dining to fixed-price meals in many popular restaurants.
While Testa acknowledged the potential benefits of Disney’s cost-cutting measures, he warned that these actions might not necessarily indicate a genuine commitment to guest satisfaction or affordability. He remarked that the company has historically been willing to trade off positive guest ratings for increased revenue.