Walt Disney World has been quietly reducing admission and hotel prices over recent months in response to growing customer dissatisfaction and declining attendance at its parks.
Starting in May, Disney introduced discounted three-day ticket packages, allowing visitors to enjoy Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for just $89 per day, although tickets to Magic Kingdom must still be purchased separately. These reduced ticket prices, available through September 24, mark a significant drop from the peak of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
In addition, Disney is working to lower the overall costs for vacations at its Florida resort by presenting discounts on its budget hotel options. Guests can book a night at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort for as little as $100, depending on the booking dates, reflecting discounts of up to 27% on regular rates, according to Bloomberg analysis.
This summer, the parks also rolled out new dining packages that cut meal costs by 20% to 30%. The all-day meal passes are priced at $30 for children and $95 for adults, allowing families to redeem them for various meals and snacks throughout the parks. Furthermore, Disney World is expanding quick meal options and offering cheaper food for children, along with more flexible dining policies.
Experts attribute the rise in costs for dining within the parks as a key factor contributing to the drop in customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, shared that customer satisfaction ratings have plummeted from 90% to 60% as Disney shifted from a la carte dining to fixed-price meals at many popular restaurants.
While Testa has commended Disney’s efforts to cut costs, he cautioned that these measures may not indicate a genuine commitment to affordability or improving guest satisfaction. He noted that Disney has historically prioritized revenue over positive customer ratings.