Walt Disney World has been quietly lowering admission and hotel rates in response to rising customer dissatisfaction and declining attendance at its parks.
In May, the resort began offering discounted three-day ticket packages that allow access to Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for as low as $89 per day, although tickets for Magic Kingdom must still be purchased separately. This new pricing marks a significant drop from the peak price of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
Additionally, Disney is working to lower overall trip expenses by offering discounts on its most affordable hotel options. A night at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort can be priced as low as $100, depending on booking time, representing discounts of up to 27% on regular rates, according to a Bloomberg report.
The parks have also rolled out new dining packages this summer that offer a 20% to 30% reduction in meal costs. Families can purchase all-day meal passes for $30 per child and $95 per adult, which are valid for selective meals and snacks throughout the parks. Reports indicate that Disney World is now providing more quick meal options, cheaper children’s food, and more adaptable restaurant policies.
Experts attribute the increased cost of in-park dining as one of the several factors contributing to the decline in customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted that customer satisfaction declined from 90% to 60% as Disney shifted from a la carte dining to fixed price meals in many popular restaurants.
While Testa commended Disney’s cost-saving measures, he warned that this trend may not genuinely indicate a commitment to affordability or enhancing guest satisfaction. He remarked that Disney has historically been willing to compromise positive ratings for the sake of revenue.