Walt Disney World has been implementing a series of discounts on admission and hotel accommodations in response to growing customer dissatisfaction and declining attendance at its parks.
Starting in May, Disney began to offer three-day ticket packages that allow visitors to enjoy Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for just $89 per day. However, tickets for Magic Kingdom are sold separately. These reduced ticket prices, available until September 24, represent a significant drop from the peak price of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
In addition to lowering ticket prices, Disney is also offering discounts on its most affordable hotel options. A night’s stay at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort can cost as low as $100, depending on the booking date. This price reduction could mean discounts of up to 27% off standard rates.
Furthermore, new dining packages introduced this summer aim to make eating at Disney more affordable, offering discounts of 20% to 30% on meal prices. Families can purchase all-day meal plans for $30 per child and $95 per adult, which can be used at various eateries throughout the parks. Disney is also increasing the availability of quick meal options and providing cheaper food for children, along with more flexible dining policies.
Industry experts have pointed to the rising costs of dining within the parks as a key factor in decreasing customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted a decline in customer satisfaction ratings from 90% to 60% following Disney’s shift from a la carte dining to fixed-price meals in many popular restaurants.
While Testa commended Disney’s recent cost-saving measures, he expressed caution that this trend may not indicate a genuine commitment to making experiences more affordable for guests. He remarked that Disney has historically been willing to forgo some positive customer feedback in favor of revenue.