Walt Disney World has been quietly lowering admission and hotel prices in response to growing customer dissatisfaction and a drop in park attendance over the past few months.
In May, Disney introduced discounted three-day ticket packages allowing guests to visit Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day. However, tickets to Magic Kingdom need to be purchased separately. These reduced prices, valid until September 24, represent a significant decline from the previous high of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
Additionally, Disney is working to lower the overall cost of visiting its Florida resort by offering discounts on its most affordable hotel rooms. A night at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort may start at $100, depending on booking dates, marking discounts of up to 27% off standard rates according to a Bloomberg analysis.
The parks have also launched new dining packages this summer, cutting food costs by 20% to 30%. Families can now purchase all-day meal passes priced at $30 per child and $95 per adult, valid for a selection of meals and snacks throughout the parks. Disney is also reportedly offering more quick-service meals, affordable children’s food options, and flexible restaurant policies.
Experts note that rising food prices within the parks have been a significant factor contributing to declining customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, stated that customer satisfaction ratings fell from 90% to 60% simultaneously with Disney’s shift from a la carte dining to fixed-price meals at many popular venues.
While Testa commended Disney’s new cost-cutting measures, he warned that these changes may not signify a genuine commitment to affordability or guest satisfaction, suggesting that the company has historically been willing to trade positive guest ratings for increased revenue.