Walt Disney World has begun to implement price reductions on admission and hotel stays in response to increasing customer dissatisfaction and falling park attendance.
Since May, Disney has been promoting discount three-day ticket packages, allowing guests to visit Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day. However, tickets for Magic Kingdom still need to be purchased separately. This pricing marks a significant reduction from the previous high of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass. These lower rates will be available until September 24.
In addition to ticket discounts, Disney is also lowering the prices of its budget hotel accommodations. Overnight stays at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort can start as low as $100, depending on the booking date, representing a discount of up to 27% from standard rates, according to an analysis by Bloomberg.
The parks have also launched new dining packages this summer, which offer meal cost reductions of 20% to 30%. Families can purchase all-day meal passes for $30 per child and $95 per adult, redeemable for various meals and snacks throughout the parks. Moreover, Disney World is reportedly increasing quick meal options, offering cheaper food for children, and introducing more flexible restaurant policies.
Experts indicate that the rising cost of dining within the parks is one reason for the decline in customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted that customer satisfaction ratings dropped from 90% to 60% as Disney shifted from an a la carte dining model to fixed-price meals at several popular restaurants.
While Testa acknowledged the potential benefits of Disney’s cost-cutting measures, he expressed concern that these actions may not signify a genuine commitment to affordability or improving guest satisfaction. He stated, “Disney has long been willing to sacrifice a certain number of positive ratings for a certain amount of revenue.”