Walt Disney World is facing increasing customer dissatisfaction and declining attendance, prompting the company to implement discounts on admission and hotel stays over recent months.
Beginning in May, Disney rolled out discounted three-day ticket packages that allow visitors to enjoy Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day. However, access to Magic Kingdom requires a separate ticket purchase.
These reduced ticket prices, valid until September 24, mark a significant drop from the previous peak of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
In addition to ticket discounts, Disney aims to lower overall trip costs by reducing prices for its budget hotel options. For instance, a night at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music and Sports Resort could start as low as $100, based on booking dates. According to a Bloomberg analysis, this represents potential savings of up to 27% off regular rates.
Furthermore, the parks have introduced new dining packages this summer, offering 20% to 30% savings on food expenses. Families can now purchase all-day meal passes for $30 per child and $95 per adult, redeemable at select eateries throughout the parks. Disney World is also enhancing its offerings with more quick meal choices, lower-priced kids’ food, and more flexible dining policies.
Disney experts point to rising food costs in the parks as a major contributor to customer dissatisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted a drop in customer satisfaction from 90% to 60% as Disney transitioned from a la carte dining to fixed pricing at many popular restaurants.
While Testa appreciates Disney’s efforts to cut costs, he warns that these moves may not truly reflect a dedication to affordability or enhancing guest satisfaction. He stated that Disney has historically been willing to trade off a certain level of positive feedback for increased revenue.