Walt Disney World has been implementing discounts on admission and hotel stays in response to growing customer dissatisfaction and a drop in park attendance over the last few months.
Beginning in May, the resort started offering a discounted three-day ticket package that allows visitors to access Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day, while separate purchases are still needed for entrance to Magic Kingdom. This promotion is available until September 24 and marks a significant reduction from the previous peak price of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
In addition to lower ticket prices, Disney is also cutting the rates for its budget hotel accommodations, specifically stating that a night at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort may cost as little as $100, depending on the booking date. These reductions amount to as much as a 27% discount compared to regular prices, based on a Bloomberg analysis.
The parks have introduced new dining packages this summer as well, aiming to lower food costs by 20% to 30%. The dining plan includes all-day meal passes priced at $30 for children and $95 for adults, redeemable for various meals and snacks throughout the parks. Disney World is also providing more quick service meal options, kid-friendly food at lower prices, and more flexible restaurant policies.
Experts believe that the rising costs of dining within the parks have contributed to the decline in customer satisfaction. According to Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, customer satisfaction ratings have decreased from 90% to 60% as Disney shifted from à la carte dining options to fixed-price meals at numerous popular restaurants.
While Testa commended Disney’s efforts to cut costs, he expressed concern that these measures may not indicate a genuine dedication to enhancing affordability or customer satisfaction, mentioning that the company has historically been willing to trade off positive customer experiences for increased revenue.