Walt Disney World has been quietly reducing admission and hotel prices in response to rising customer dissatisfaction and a drop in park attendance over recent months.
Starting in May, the theme park began offering discounted three-day ticket packages, allowing visitors to explore Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for just $89 per day. However, tickets for the Magic Kingdom must be purchased separately. This pricing represents a significant reduction from the previous peak of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass, and the discounts will be available until September 24.
To further enhance affordability, Disney has also cut prices for its cheapest accommodations, with stays at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort starting as low as $100 depending on booking dates. These reductions can amount to as much as a 27% decrease from typical rates, as noted by Bloomberg.
Additionally, the parks are introducing new dining packages that can reduce food costs by 20% to 30%. Families may purchase all-day meal passes priced at $30 for children and $95 for adults, applicable for select meals and snacks throughout the parks. Disney World is also reportedly offering more quick meal options, more affordable children’s food, and adapted restaurant policies to enhance convenience.
Experts attribute the decline in customer satisfaction partly to the rising costs of dining within the parks. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, shared that customer satisfaction ratings plummeted from 90% to 60% after Disney shifted from an à la carte dining model to fixed-price meals at many popular restaurants.
While Testa acknowledged the positive impact of Disney’s cost-cutting measures, he warned that this trend may not genuinely reflect a commitment to enhancing affordability or improving guest experiences. He noted that Disney has historically been willing to compromise on customer ratings for the sake of revenue.