Walt Disney World is facing challenges with customer dissatisfaction and decreasing park attendance, prompting the company to implement discounts on admission and hotel stays in recent months.
In May, Disney introduced discounted three-day ticket packages allowing guests to visit Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day, although Magic Kingdom tickets must be acquired separately. These new prices reflect a significant reduction from the peak cost of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass. The discounted admission rates will be available through September 24.
Additionally, Disney is making efforts to lower the overall expenses for families planning a trip to the Florida resort by reducing the prices of its budget hotel accommodations. Guests may book a night at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort for as little as $100, contingent on their booking dates. These rate cuts can represent savings of up to 27% compared to typical prices.
The parks have also rolled out new dining packages this summer, which can reduce food costs by 20% to 30%. These meal plans allow families to purchase all-day meal passes for $30 per child and $95 per adult, redeemable for various meals and snacks throughout the parks. Furthermore, Disney World is reportedly enhancing quick meal options, providing cheaper food for children, and allowing for more flexible restaurant policies.
Experts highlight the rising costs of dining within the parks as a significant factor contributing to lowered customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, indicated that satisfaction among Disney customers fell from 90% to 60% as the company shifted from a la carte dining to fixed-price meals in popular restaurants. While Testa acknowledged the positive impact of Disney’s cost-cutting measures, he warned that these discounts might not necessarily indicate a genuine commitment to guests’ affordability and satisfaction, stating that Disney has historically balanced customer ratings against revenue goals.