Walt Disney World has been quietly reducing admission and hotel prices in recent months due to growing customer dissatisfaction and falling attendance at its parks.
In May, Disney began offering discounted three-day ticket packages for $89 per day, allowing entry to Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom, although tickets for Magic Kingdom must still be purchased separately. These ticket prices will be available until September 24 and mark a significant drop from the previous high of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
Disney is also lowering the costs of its budget hotel options. Stays at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort can start at $100 per night, depending on the booking date, reflecting discounts of up to 27% off standard rates.
In addition to ticket and hotel discounts, Disney introduced new dining packages this summer that cut food costs by 20% to 30%. Families can purchase all-day meal passes for $30 per child and $95 per adult, which can be used for meals and snacks throughout the parks. Reports indicate that Disney World is also expanding quick meal options and offering more affordable food choices for children, along with greater flexibility in restaurant policies.
Experts attribute the rise in food costs within the parks as a key factor in decreased customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted that satisfaction ratings plummeted from 90% to 60% as Disney shifted from a la carte dining to fixed-price meals at popular venues.
While Testa commended Disney’s cost-reduction efforts, he warned that these measures may not signal a genuine commitment to affordability or guest satisfaction, highlighting that Disney has historically balanced positive guest feedback against revenue generation.