Walt Disney World is responding to growing customer dissatisfaction and a drop in park attendance by implementing various discounts on admission fees and hotel stays in recent months.
Starting in May, Disney introduced reduced three-day ticket packages, allowing guests to visit Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day. However, tickets for Magic Kingdom remain priced separately. This pricing strategy marks a significant decrease from the peak cost of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass, and these lower ticket prices will be available until September 24.
In an effort to make visiting the resort more affordable, Disney is also slashing prices for its budget hotel accommodations. Rates for stays at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort can drop to as low as $100 per night, depending on booking dates. This reduction reflects discounts of up to 27% compared to standard rates, according to Bloomberg’s analysis.
Additionally, Disney has rolled out new dining packages this summer, which aim to lower food costs by 20% to 30%. Families can purchase meal passes for $30 per child and $95 per adult, redeemable for various meals and snacks throughout the parks. The resort is also offering more quick meal options, affordable children’s food, and flexible dining policies.
Experts attribute part of the decline in customer satisfaction to rising food prices within the parks. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted that customer satisfaction fell from 90% to 60% as Disney shifted from a la carte dining to fixed-price meal options at many favorite restaurants. While Testa commended Disney’s cost-cutting measures, he cautioned that these actions may not genuinely indicate a commitment to guest satisfaction or affordability, suggesting the company has historically prioritized revenue over positive guest experiences.