Disney’s Big Discount Shakeup: Will It Win Back Guests?

Walt Disney World has been implementing various discounts on admission and hotel stays over the past few months to address growing customer dissatisfaction and a decline in park attendance. Since May, the park began offering discounted three-day ticket packages allowing customers to visit Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day, while tickets for Magic Kingdom are still sold separately.

These reduced ticket prices, available until September 24, mark a significant drop from the previous high of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass. In addition to ticket discounts, Disney is also lowering the cost of its budget hotel accommodations. Guests at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort may find rates as low as $100 per night based on their booking dates. These discounts can reach up to 27% off standard rates, according to analysis by Bloomberg.

Moreover, the parks have initiated new dining packages this summer that decrease meal costs by 20% to 30%. Families can now purchase all-day meal passes for $30 per child and $95 per adult, redeemable for select meals and snacks throughout the parks. The company is also introducing more quick meal options, affordable child meals, and flexible dining policies.

Industry experts attribute the decline in customer satisfaction to rising food costs within the parks. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted a drop in customer satisfaction ratings from 90% to 60%, which coincided with Disney’s shift from a la carte dining to fixed-price meals at several popular restaurants. While Testa commended Disney’s cost-cutting initiatives, he expressed concerns that such moves may not signal a genuine commitment to improving affordability or guest satisfaction, indicating that the company has previously prioritized revenue over positive guest experiences.

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