Walt Disney World has been quietly reducing admission and hotel prices in response to growing customer dissatisfaction and a drop in park attendance over recent months.
Beginning in May, Disney introduced discounted three-day ticket packages priced at $89 per day, which allow visitors to enjoy Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom, although tickets for Magic Kingdom must still be purchased separately. These reduced ticket prices will be effective through September 24, marking a significant reduction from the previous peak price of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
Additionally, Disney aims to lower overall trip costs by offering discounts on its budget hotel accommodations. A night at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort could be available for as little as $100, depending on booking dates, representing discounts of up to 27% based on a Bloomberg analysis.
Moreover, the parks have unveiled new dining packages this summer, which cut meal costs by 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. Disney World is reportedly also enhancing quick meal options, providing more affordable food for children, and implementing flexible restaurant policies.
Industry experts attribute the rising costs of dining within the parks to a notable decline in customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, which surveys thousands of Disney patrons each year, noted that satisfaction ratings have plummeted from 90% to 60% as Disney shifted from a la carte dining to set-price meals at many popular restaurants.
While Testa commended Disney’s cost-cutting measures, he warned that this trend may not genuinely demonstrate a commitment to affordability or enhancing guest satisfaction. He highlighted that Disney has historically been willing to trade off positive guest ratings for increased revenue.