Walt Disney World has been implementing discounts on admission and hotel stays in response to growing customer dissatisfaction and a drop in park attendance. Beginning in May, the company started offering discounted three-day ticket packages for $89 per day, allowing guests access to Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom, while tickets for the Magic Kingdom must still be purchased separately.
These reduced prices, effective through September 24, mark a significant decrease from the previous high of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass. In addition to ticket discounts, Disney is also lowering the cost of its least expensive hotel accommodations, with nights at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort available for as low as $100, depending on the booking date. This represents discounts of up to 27% off standard rates.
Furthermore, Disney has rolled out new dining packages this summer that lower dining costs by 20% to 30%. Families can now purchase all-day meal passes for $30 per child and $95 per adult, which can be used for various meals and snacks throughout the parks. The resort has also introduced more quick meal options, lower-priced children’s food, and more flexible dining policies.
Industry experts have pointed out that the rising expenses of food within the parks have contributed to a decline in customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted a drop in customer satisfaction ratings from 90% to 60% as Disney shifted from a la carte dining to fixed price meals at popular restaurants. While Testa acknowledged the value of Disney’s cost-cutting measures, he warned that these changes might not genuinely reflect a commitment to guest satisfaction or affordability.