Walt Disney World has been quietly reducing admission and hotel prices in response to growing customer dissatisfaction and a decline in park attendance. Over the past few months, the company has implemented various discounts to attract visitors again.
In May, Disney introduced discounted three-day ticket packages, allowing entry to Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day. However, tickets to the Magic Kingdom are sold separately. This price reduction marks a significant drop from the previous high of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass, and these lower rates will be available until September 24.
Additionally, Disney has been slashing prices on its budget hotel accommodations. For instance, a stay at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort can cost as little as $100 per night with advanced booking, representing discounts of up to 27% compared to regular rates, as reported by Bloomberg.
The theme parks have also rolled out new dining packages this summer, offering meals at discounts of 20% to 30%. Families can buy all-day meal passes at prices of $30 for children and $95 for adults, redeemable for certain meals and snacks throughout the parks. Disney World reportedly is also providing more quick dining options, lower-priced children’s meals, and increased flexibility in restaurant reservations.
Experts believe that the growing cost of dining within the parks has contributed to the drop in customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted a significant decline in satisfaction ratings—from 90% to 60%—coinciding with Disney’s shift from a la carte dining to fixed-price meal options at many popular restaurants.
While Testa acknowledged the positive nature of Disney’s discounting efforts, he advised caution, suggesting that these measures may not necessarily indicate a genuine dedication to affordability or customer satisfaction. “Disney has long been willing to sacrifice a certain number of positive ratings for a certain amount of revenue,” he remarked.