Facing increasing customer dissatisfaction and a decline in park attendance, Walt Disney World has been gradually reducing admission and hotel rates over recent months.
In May, Disney introduced discounted three-day ticket packages allowing visitors access to Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day. However, tickets to the Magic Kingdom still require separate purchase.
These lower ticket prices, which are available until September 24, represent a significant drop from the previous high of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
Alongside ticket discounts, Disney is also lowering the cost of its most affordable hotel accommodations. A night at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort could be as low as $100, depending on booking dates. This price reduction could reach up to 27% below standard rates, as reported by Bloomberg.
Additionally, the parks have rolled out new dining packages this summer aimed at reducing meal 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 in the parks. Disney World is also offering quicker meal options, more affordable children’s meals, and more flexible dining policies.
Experts attribute the rising food costs inside the parks as a significant factor in the decline of customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, which surveys thousands of Disney patrons annually, noted a drop in customer satisfaction ratings from 90% to 60% as Disney transitioned from a la carte dining to fixed-price meals at several popular restaurants.
While Testa acknowledged the effectiveness of Disney’s cost-cutting measures, he warned that these changes may not genuinely reflect a commitment to affordability or improving guest satisfaction. He pointed out that Disney has historically balanced positive guest ratings with its revenue targets.