Walt Disney World has been quietly reducing admission and hotel prices in response to increasing customer dissatisfaction and a decrease in park attendance. Over the past few months, the company has introduced several discounts, including a three-day ticket package for $89 per day, allowing access to Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom, though admission to Magic Kingdom must be purchased separately.
These discounted rates, available until September 24, contrast sharply with the former price of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass. Additionally, Disney has lowered the prices of its budget hotels, with stays at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort starting as low as $100 depending on the booking date. These price reductions can represent discounts of up to 27% off regular rates.
This summer, Disney World also launched new dining packages that reduce 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. Furthermore, Disney is expanding quick meal options and offering cheaper children’s food along with more flexible restaurant policies.
Rising food costs in the parks have been linked to the decline in customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted that satisfaction ratings dropped from 90% to 60% as Disney switched from à la carte dining to fixed-price meals at popular dining locations. While he acknowledges the benefits of Disney’s cost-cutting measures, he warns that these actions may not genuinely signal a commitment to affordability or enhancing guest experience. Testa suggested that Disney might prioritize revenue over customer satisfaction, sacrificing positive ratings in the process.