Walt Disney World has been quietly reducing admission and hotel prices amid rising customer dissatisfaction and declining attendance at its parks.
In May, the company introduced discounted three-day ticket options allowing access to Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day. However, tickets for Magic Kingdom must be purchased separately. This represents a significant drop from the previous highest ticket price of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass. These lower prices will remain in effect until September 24.
Additionally, Disney is lowering costs for its budget hotel accommodations. Stays at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort can start as low as $100, depending on the booking time, offering discounts of up to 27% compared to regular rates, according to a Bloomberg analysis.
New dining packages introduced this summer are also aimed at reducing expenses for guests, with meal passes available for $30 per child and $95 per adult. These passes can be used for several meals and snacks throughout the parks, presenting a 20% to 30% savings on dining costs. Disney World plans to provide more quick-service meal options, cheaper children’s food, and more flexible dining policies.
Experts point to rising food prices in the parks as a significant contributor to decreased customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted a significant drop in customer satisfaction ratings from 90% to 60% as Disney shifted from a la carte dining options to fixed-price meals at popular restaurants. While he acknowledged the potential benefits of Disney’s cost-cutting measures, he cautioned that these actions might not genuinely reflect a commitment to affordability or guest satisfaction.