Walt Disney World is currently responding to growing customer dissatisfaction and decreasing attendance by implementing significant discounts on admission and hotel stays.
Since May, Disney has been offering discounted three-day ticket packages for guests to visit Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom at a rate of $89 per day. However, separate tickets are still required for entry to Magic Kingdom.
These discounted ticket prices, which are available until September 24, represent a considerable reduction from the peak price of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
In addition to ticket discounts, Disney is also lowering the costs for its most affordable hotel accommodations. Rates at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort may be as low as $100 per night, depending on the timing of the booking. These reductions can provide discounts of up to 27% from regular rates, based on an analysis from Bloomberg.
This summer, the parks have introduced new dining packages that also help reduce dining expenses by 20% to 30%. The meal plans allow families to purchase all-day meal passes for $30 per child and $95 per adult, which can be used for various meals and snacks throughout the parks. Additionally, Disney World is reportedly expanding quick meal options, offering cheaper food for children, and relaxing restaurant policies.
Experts have pointed to the increasing food costs inside the parks as a significant factor contributing to the drop in customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, shared that satisfaction ratings have plummeted from 90% to 60% since Disney shifted from a la carte dining to fixed-price meals at many popular restaurants.
While Testa commended Disney’s cost-cutting measures, he warned that these efforts might not genuinely reflect a commitment to affordability or improving guest satisfaction. He noted, “Disney has long been willing to sacrifice a certain number of positive ratings for a certain amount of revenue.”