Walt Disney World has been quietly reducing the prices of park admission and hotel stays amid increasing customer dissatisfaction and declining attendance. In May, the resort started offering discounted three-day ticket packages allowing access to Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for as low as $89 per day, although E tickets for Magic Kingdom still need to be purchased separately.
These lower prices, valid until September 24, mark a significant drop from the previous peak of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass. Additionally, Disney is working to make trips to the Florida resort more affordable by slashing rates on its budget hotel accommodations. Guests can find nights at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort for as low as $100, representing discounts of up to 27% based on Bloomberg’s analysis.
This summer, the parks have also introduced new dining packages that reduce food prices by 20% to 30%. Families can buy all-day meal passes priced at $30 for children and $95 for adults, which can be used for certain meals and snacks within the parks. Disney World is also reportedly expanding quick meal options, offering less expensive children’s menu items, and implementing more flexible restaurant policies.
Industry experts attribute the decline in customer satisfaction, which has dropped from 90% to 60%, partly to the rising costs of dining within the parks. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted that the shift from à la carte dining to fixed-price meals at many popular restaurants has played a role in this decline.
While Testa recognized Disney’s budget-friendly initiatives, he warned that these changes might not indicate a genuine commitment to providing affordable experiences or enhancing guest satisfaction. Testa remarked that Disney has historically prioritized revenue over maintaining high customer satisfaction ratings.