Walt Disney World has recently implemented a series of price reductions on admission and hotel stays in response to increasing customer dissatisfaction and declining park attendance.
Beginning in May, the park introduced discounted three-day ticket packages, allowing guests to visit Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day. However, tickets for Magic Kingdom still need to be purchased separately. This marks a significant drop from the previous record high of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass and these lower prices are available until September 24.
In an effort to further reduce expenses for visitors, Disney has also decreased rates for its budget hotel options. Depending on booking dates, a night at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort can be as low as $100, reflecting discounts of up to 27% compared to standard pricing, according to a Bloomberg analysis.
The parks have also rolled out new dining packages this summer, aimed at lowering food costs by 20% to 30%. Families can purchase all-day meal passes for $30 per child and $95 per adult, redeemable for various meals and snacks throughout the parks. Reports indicate that Disney is also offering more quick-service meal options and cheaper children’s food, alongside more adaptable restaurant policies.
Industry experts indicate that rising food costs within the parks have contributed to declining guest satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted a drop in customer satisfaction ratings from 90% to 60% as Disney transitioned from a la carte dining to fixed-price meals at popular venues.
While Testa acknowledged the potential benefits of Disney’s new cost-cutting measures, he cautioned that these adjustments may not reflect a genuine commitment to affordability or improved customer experience. He highlighted Disney’s historical willingness to prioritize revenue over maintaining high customer ratings.