Walt Disney World has been quietly implementing discounts on admission prices and hotel stays in response to escalating customer dissatisfaction and falling park attendance over recent months.
In May, the company introduced discounted three-day ticket packages allowing visitors to enjoy Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day, while tickets to Magic Kingdom must be purchased separately.
These reduced ticket prices, effective until September 24, mark a significant drop from the peak price of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
Additionally, Disney is working to lower the overall costs associated with trips to the Florida resort by offering discounts on its budget-friendly hotel accommodations. A night at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort can be as low as $100, depending on booking dates, reflecting discounts of up to 27% from regular rates, as analyzed by Bloomberg.
The parks have also introduced new summer dining packages, which lower meal costs by 20% to 30%. The dining plan permits families to buy all-day meal passes for $30 per child and $95 per adult, redeemable at various locations throughout the parks. Furthermore, Disney World is expanding quick service meal options, offering cheaper food for children, and adopting more flexible restaurant policies.
Experts point to rising dining costs within the parks as a key factor behind the recent decline in customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, stated that satisfaction ratings dropped from 90% to 60% as Disney shifted from à la carte dining to fixed price meals at many popular restaurants.
While Testa commended Disney’s efforts to cut costs, he warned that such measures may not genuinely indicate a dedication to affordability or enhancing guest experience. He noted that the company has historically balanced positive ratings against revenue generation.