Walt Disney World has been implementing discounted admission prices and hotel rates in response to escalating customer dissatisfaction and decreasing park attendance.
Since May, Disney has introduced reduced three-day ticket packages, allowing visitors to explore Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for as low as $89 per day, although Magic Kingdom tickets must still be bought separately. These new prices represent a significant reduction from the peak daily Park Hopper pass cost of $254, and the discounts will remain available until September 24.
In addition to lowering ticket prices, Disney is also working to make trips to its Florida resort more affordable by slashing rates at its budget hotels. Guests can now find nights at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort starting at $100, depending on the booking date. These reductions can reach up to 27% off regular prices, according to a Bloomberg analysis.
This summer, the parks have also rolled out new dining packages, cut meal prices by 20% to 30%, and introduced all-day meal passes priced at $30 for children and $95 for adults, applicable for a variety of meals and snacks within the parks. Additionally, Disney World is expanding quick meal choices and providing more budget-friendly options for children, along with more adaptable restaurant policies.
Experts attribute the rising costs of dining within the parks as a key factor behind the drop in customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted a significant decline in satisfaction ratings 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 cost-reducing measures, he warned that these strategies might not signify a genuine commitment to enhancing affordability or customer contentment.