Walt Disney World has been quietly reducing ticket and hotel prices in response to increasing customer dissatisfaction and a drop in park attendance over recent months.
In May, the company introduced discounted three-day ticket packages, allowing guests to visit Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day, with Magic Kingdom tickets sold separately. This discount, which will last until September 24, represents a significant decline from the peak price of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
Additionally, Disney is lowering the cost of its budget hotel options. Guests can book a night at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort for as little as $100, depending on the timing of the booking. These reductions amount to up to 27% off regular rates, according to Bloomberg.
This summer, Disney parks have also rolled out new dining packages, creating savings of 20% to 30% on meal costs. The dining plan allows families to secure all-day meal passes for $30 per child and $95 per adult, usable at select eateries throughout the parks. Moreover, Disney World is providing more quick meal options, lower-priced children’s food, and more flexible dining policies.
Experts in Disney attendance have pointed to rising food costs within the parks as a key reason behind the decline in customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted that satisfaction ratings dropped from 90% to 60% as Disney shifted from a la carte dining to fixed-price meals at many of its popular restaurants.
While Testa commended Disney’s cost-cutting moves, he warned that these changes may not necessarily indicate a genuine dedication to affordability or enhancing guest experiences, stating that the company has historically prioritized revenue over maintaining high customer ratings.