Walt Disney World has been quietly cutting admission and hotel prices in response to rising customer dissatisfaction and faltering park attendance. As part of this effort, discounted three-day ticket packages were introduced in May, allowing guests to visit Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for just $89 per day, although Magic Kingdom tickets still need to be purchased separately.
These reduced prices, effective until September 24, mark a significant decrease from the previous high of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass. Additionally, Disney is lowering prices for its budget hotel options, with rates at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort starting as low as $100, depending on booking time. This represents discounts of up to 27% from usual rates, according to a Bloomberg analysis.
The parks have also unveiled new dining packages this summer, offering meals at 20% to 30% lower prices. Families can purchase all-day meal passes for $30 per child and $95 per adult, applicable for various meals and snacks across the parks. Moreover, Disney is broadening its quick meal selections and adapting its restaurant policies to be more flexible.
Experts highlight the rising costs of dining within the parks as a key factor contributing to decreased customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted a significant drop in customer satisfaction ratings, which fell from 90% to 60% as Disney shifted from a la carte dining options to fixed price meals in many popular restaurants.
While Testa commended Disney’s efforts to cut costs, he warned that such measures might not genuinely reflect a commitment to affordability or customer satisfaction, suggesting that the company has historically prioritized revenue over positive experiences.