In response to growing customer dissatisfaction and a decrease in park attendance, Walt Disney World has been reducing the prices of admission and hotel accommodations in recent months.
Starting in May, Disney launched discounted three-day ticket packages, allowing visitors to access Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day, with Magic Kingdom tickets needing to be purchased separately.
These reduced ticket prices, available until September 24, signify a significant drop from the peak price of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
Additionally, Disney is working to lower the overall cost of a visit to the Florida resort by offering discounts on its most affordable hotel options. A night at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort may start at $100, depending on the booking dates, marking discounts of up to 27% compared to regular rates, as per a Bloomberg analysis.
This summer, the parks have also introduced new dining packages that offer savings of 20% to 30% on food expenses. Families can purchase all-day meal passes for $30 per child and $95 per adult, usable for various meals and snacks throughout the parks. Furthermore, Disney World is reportedly adding more quick meal choices, affordable kids’ food, and flexible restaurant policies.
Experts attribute the rising costs of dining within the parks as a key factor in the drop in customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted a significant decrease in satisfaction ratings, from 90% to 60%, coinciding with Disney’s shift from a la carte dining to fixed-price meals at several popular restaurants.
While Testa acknowledges the effectiveness of Disney’s cost-cutting measures, he cautions that these changes may not genuinely reflect a commitment to affordability or improved guest experiences. He pointed out that Disney has historically prioritized revenue over positive customer ratings.