Walt Disney World has been implementing discounts on ticket prices and hotel stays in response to increasing customer dissatisfaction and a downturn in park attendance.
Since May, Disney has been offering three-day ticket packages that allow visitors to enjoy Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day. However, access to Magic Kingdom still requires a separate ticket purchase. These discounts are set to last until September 24 and represent a notable drop from the previous peak price of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
In addition to reduced ticket prices, Disney is aiming to make trips to the resort more affordable by slashing the prices of its budget accommodations. Nightly rates at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort can be as low as $100, depending on booking dates. This initiative reflects discounts of up to 27% off regular prices, as analyzed by Bloomberg.
The parks have also rolled out new dining packages this summer that offer meal deals with discounts ranging from 20% to 30%. Families can purchase all-day meal passes for $30 per child and $95 per adult, which can be used for various meals and snacks throughout the parks. Additionally, Disney is providing more quick meal options, lower-priced food for children, and relaxed restaurant policies.
Experts note that rising dining costs have contributed to declining customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, revealed that customer satisfaction ratings fell from 90% to 60% as Disney shifted from a la carte dining to fixed-price meal offerings at popular eateries.
While Testa recognizes the company’s cost-saving measures, he cautions that these initiatives may not genuinely indicate a commitment to making experiences more affordable or improving guest satisfaction. He remarked that Disney has historically been willing to trade off positive customer feedback for revenue gains.