Walt Disney World has been implementing admissions and hotel discounts in response to increasing customer dissatisfaction and a drop in park attendance. In May, the company introduced a deal for a three-day ticket package allowing visits to Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day, while entry to Magic Kingdom requires a separate ticket purchase. This pricing represents a significant reduction from the previous high of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
Additionally, Disney is working to improve affordability for visitors by lowering rates for its budget hotel options. For instance, stays at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort can start as low as $100, depending on booking timing, with discounts up to 27% according to Bloomberg’s analysis.
The parks have also launched new dining packages that cut meal costs by 20% to 30%. Families can now buy all-day meal passes priced at $30 for children and $95 for adults, which can be used for various meals and snacks in the parks. Furthermore, Disney World is reportedly providing more quick meal options, cheaper children’s food, and more flexible dining policies.
Experts highlight rising dining costs in the parks as a key issue affecting guest satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted that customer satisfaction fell from 90% to 60% as Disney transitioned from a la carte dining to fixed price meals at many of its popular restaurants. While he commended Disney’s cost-saving measures, Testa warned that these adjustments might not indicate a genuine commitment to affordability or enhancing the guest experience, suggesting that the company has historically prioritized revenue over positive customer feedback.