In response to growing customer dissatisfaction and a decline in park attendance, Walt Disney World has begun offering discounts on admission and hotel stays over the last several months.
Starting in May, Disney introduced discounted three-day ticket packages, allowing guests to visit Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day, although entry to Magic Kingdom must be purchased separately.
These reduced prices, available until September 24, provide significant savings, dropping from an all-time high of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
In addition, Disney has been slashing prices on its budget hotel options. Guests at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort might pay as little as $100 per night, depending on the timing of their bookings. These reductions represent discounts of up to 27% from standard prices, as per a Bloomberg analysis.
The parks have also introduced summer dining packages that lower meal costs by 20% to 30%. Families can acquire all-day meal passes for $30 for children and $95 for adults, redeemable at select eateries within the parks. Reports indicate that Disney World is increasing quick meal offerings, providing cheaper children’s food, and making restaurant policies more flexible.
Experts note that rising food costs within the parks have contributed to declining customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, reported a drop in customer approval ratings from 90% to 60% coinciding with Disney’s shift from a la carte dining to fixed-price meals at many popular restaurants.
While Testa commended Disney’s efforts to cut costs, he warned that these moves may not indicate a genuine dedication to affordability or guest satisfaction. He remarked that Disney has historically been willing to sacrifice a fraction of positive ratings for increased revenue.