Amid growing customer dissatisfaction and decreasing park attendance, Walt Disney World has started to offer discounts on admission and hotel stays over recent months.
In May, the company began selling discounted three-day ticket packages that grant access to Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day, while tickets for Magic Kingdom must be bought separately. These reduced prices, which are available until September 24, mark a significant drop from the previous high of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
Additionally, Disney is working to lower the overall expenses for visitors to its Florida resort by reducing the rates for its budget hotel options. A night at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort can start at $100, contingent on the booking date. These discounts can reach up to 27% compared to standard pricing.
This summer, the parks have also launched new dining packages that decrease meal costs by 20% to 30%. Families can purchase all-day meal passes for $30 per child and $95 per adult, which can be used for select meals and snacks throughout the parks. Disney World is reportedly providing more quick meal options, affordable kid-friendly food, and greater flexibility in restaurant policies.
Experts attribute the rising food costs within the parks as a key factor in eroding customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted that satisfaction ratings dropped from 90% to 60% as Disney transitioned from a la carte dining options to fixed-price meals at many popular restaurants. While Testa applauded Disney’s cost-cutting measures, he warned that these strategies may not necessarily indicate a genuine commitment to affordability or improving guest satisfaction.