Walt Disney World has been offering discounts on admission tickets and hotel stays recently in response to growing customer dissatisfaction and falling attendance at its parks.
Starting in May, Disney introduced discounted three-day ticket packages for $89 per day, granting access to Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom, although tickets for Magic Kingdom must still be bought separately. This reduced price is a significant drop from the previous peak of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass. The discounts will be available until September 24.
In addition to admission discounts, Disney is lowering the rates for its budget-friendly hotel rooms. Prices at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort can drop to as low as $100 per night, depending on the booking date, reflecting a potential 27% reduction from regular rates, according to an analysis by Bloomberg.
The parks have also rolled out new dining packages that offer meals at a 20% to 30% discount. Families can purchase all-day meal passes at $30 per child and $95 per adult, which can be used for various meals and snacks throughout the parks. Furthermore, Disney is adding more quick meal options, introducing cheaper food items for kids, and enhancing restaurant flexibility.
Experts attribute the decline in customer satisfaction to rising food prices within the parks. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted a drop in satisfaction ratings from 90% to 60% as Disney transitioned from a la carte dining options to fixed prices at popular restaurants.
While Testa acknowledges Disney’s new cost-cutting efforts, he warns that these moves may not necessarily indicate a genuine commitment to affordability or enhanced guest satisfaction. He pointed out that Disney has historically prioritized revenue over maintaining high customer ratings.