Walt Disney World has been implementing price cuts on admission tickets and hotel stays over the past few months in response to growing customer dissatisfaction and a drop in park attendance.
Starting in May, Disney introduced discounted three-day ticket packages, allowing guests access to Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day. However, tickets for the Magic Kingdom must still be purchased separately.
These reduced prices, valid until September 24, represent a significant decrease from the previous high of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
In addition to ticket discounts, Disney is also decreasing the cost of its budget hotel options. Guests can book a night at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort for as low as $100, depending on booking dates. This can amount to a discount of up to 27% off regular rates, according to a Bloomberg analysis.
Moreover, the parks have rolled out new dining packages this summer that lower meal costs by 20% to 30%. Families can buy all-day meal passes priced at $30 for children and $95 for adults, which are valid for select meals and snacks throughout the parks. Disney World is reportedly also providing more quick meal options, affordable children’s food, and more flexible dining policies.
Experts suggest that the rising costs of dining in the parks have contributed to the decline in customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted that customer satisfaction ratings dropped from 90% to 60% as Disney transitioned from a pay-per-meal system to fixed-price dining at many popular restaurants.
While Testa commended Disney’s cost-cutting measures, he warned that these changes may not reflect a genuine dedication to affordability or enhancing guest experiences, indicating that Disney has historically prioritized revenue over customer satisfaction.