Walt Disney World has been implementing discounts on admission prices and hotel stays in response to rising customer dissatisfaction and a drop in park attendance over recent months.
Starting in May, Disney introduced discounted three-day ticket packages, allowing visitors to enjoy Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for an average of $89 per day, although visits to Magic Kingdom require separate tickets.
These reduced ticket prices, valid until September 24, mark a significant decrease from the previous peak price of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
In addition to ticket discounts, Disney is working to lower the overall expenses for guests traveling to the Florida resort by offering reduced rates on its most affordable hotel options. Prices at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music and Sports Resort can start at $100 a night, depending on the booking time. These discounts can reach up to 27% less than regular rates, according to a Bloomberg analysis.
This summer, Disney parks also launched new dining packages, which cut food costs inside the parks by 20% to 30%. Families can buy all-day meal passes for $30 per child and $95 per adult, redeemable for various meals and snacks. Moreover, Disney World is providing more quick meal options, affordable food for children, and enhanced flexibility with restaurant policies.
Industry experts attribute the drop in customer satisfaction, which fell from 90% to 60% as Disney transitioned from a la carte dining to fixed meal prices at many sought-after restaurants, partly to the rising expenses of dining within the parks.
Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted that while he appreciates Disney’s cost-cutting measures, he warned that this trend may not genuinely signal a dedication to providing affordable options or improving guest satisfaction. He remarked that Disney has historically balanced revenue generation with the sacrifices made in customer experience ratings.