Walt Disney World has been implementing discounts on admission and hotel stays as it faces growing customer dissatisfaction and a decrease in park attendance.
Since May, the company has introduced discounted three-day ticket packages, allowing guests to visit Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day. However, tickets for Magic Kingdom must be bought separately. These reduced prices will remain in effect until September 24 and mark a significant drop from the previous high of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
In addition to ticket discounts, Disney is aiming to lower the overall trip costs by reducing rates for its budget hotel options. For instance, a night at the All-Star Movies, Music, or Sports Resorts can drop to around $100, depending on booking dates. According to Bloomberg, these price cuts can result in discounts of up to 27% off standard rates.
This summer, the parks have also rolled out new dining packages, offering meals at 20% to 30% less than previous prices. Families can purchase meal passes for $30 per child and $95 per adult, redeemable for select meals and snacks throughout the parks. Disney World is expanding quick meal options, providing cheaper food for children, and adjusting restaurant policies for more flexibility.
Experts attribute the increase in dining costs inside the parks to a decline in customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted that customer satisfaction ratings have plummeted from 90% to 60% as Disney shifted from à la carte dining to fixed-price meals at popular restaurants.
While Testa appreciates Disney’s efforts to cut costs, he warns that these measures may not genuinely indicate a commitment to affordability or customer satisfaction. He remarked that the company has historically balanced customer ratings against revenue generation.