Walt Disney World has been quietly reducing admission prices and hotel costs in response to increasing customer discontent and a drop in park attendance.
Since May, Disney has been offering discounted three-day ticket bundles allowing access to Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day, while tickets for Magic Kingdom are sold separately. These reduced rates, which will be available until September 24, mark a significant decline from the previous high of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
Additionally, Disney is working to lower overall trip costs to the Florida resort by cutting prices on its budget hotel options. A stay at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort can be as low as $100, depending on booking timing, representing discounts of up to 27% compared to regular rates.
To further enhance affordability, the parks have launched new dining packages this summer, offering meal plans at 20% to 30% off standard food prices. Families can buy all-day meal passes costing $30 for children and $95 for adults, redeemable for various meals and snacks throughout the parks. Disney World is also providing more quick meal options, lower-priced children’s meals, and flexible dining policies.
Experts attribute customer dissatisfaction to rising food costs within the parks. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted a decline in customer satisfaction ratings from 90% to 60% as Disney shifted from a la carte dining to fixed-price meals at several popular restaurants. He commended Disney’s cost-reduction strategies but warned that these measures may not genuinely reflect a dedication to affordability or guest satisfaction. Testa highlighted that Disney has historically compromised customer ratings for revenue.