Walt Disney World is responding to growing customer dissatisfaction and a drop in park attendance by offering significant discounts on admission and hotel stays. Over recent months, the company has introduced reduced pricing for visitors, including discounted three-day ticket packages that allow guests to experience Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for as little as $89 per day. However, tickets for Magic Kingdom remain a separate purchase.
These new ticket prices, available until September 24, are notably lower than the previous high of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass. Additionally, Disney is aiming to lower travel costs by slashing rates for its most affordable hotels, with stays at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort available for as low as $100 a night, reflecting discounts of up to 27% from regular prices.
To further enhance visitor experience, Disney has rolled out new dining packages this summer that offer a 20% to 30% reduction in food costs within the parks. Families can now purchase all-day meal passes for $30 per child and $95 per adult, redeemable for various meals and snacks throughout the park. The company is also increasing quick meal options and affordable children’s food, while implementing more flexible restaurant policies.
Experts note that the rising cost of dining in the parks has contributed to decreased customer satisfaction. According to Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, customer satisfaction ratings have plummeted from 90% to 60% following Disney’s shift from a la carte dining to fixed price meals at many popular eateries.
While Testa acknowledges the effectiveness of Disney’s cost-cutting measures, he expresses caution regarding the implication that these changes signify a genuine commitment to affordability and guest contentment. He states that historically, Disney has been willing to compromise positive customer feedback in pursuit of increased revenue.