Walt Disney World is taking steps to address recent customer dissatisfaction and declining attendance by introducing discounts on admission and hotel stays. Since May, the resort has been offering discounted three-day ticket packages for $89 per day, allowing entry to Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom, although Magic Kingdom tickets are sold separately. This represents a significant reduction from the previous peak price of $254 for a Park Hopper pass.
Additionally, Disney is making efforts to lower overall trip costs by reducing rates for its budget hotel options. Depending on booking dates, stays at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort can be as low as $100 per night, reflecting discounts of up to 27% based on a Bloomberg analysis.
This summer, Disney parks have also launched new dining packages that aim to decrease food costs by 20% to 30%. Families can now purchase all-day meal passes for $30 for children and $95 for adults, redeemable for various meals and snacks within the parks. To further enhance visitor experience, Disney is introducing more quick meal options, affordable children’s meals, and flexible restaurant policies.
Industry experts link the increasing food costs within the parks to a decline in customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted a drop in satisfaction ratings from 90% to 60% as Disney shifted from a la carte dining to fixed-price meals at many popular dining venues. While Testa acknowledges the merits of Disney’s cost-cutting measures, he warns that this move may not necessarily indicate a genuine commitment to improving affordability and guest satisfaction.