Walt Disney World has responded to increasing customer dissatisfaction and a drop in park attendance by implementing a series of discounts on admission prices and hotel stays.
Since May, the park has offered discounted three-day ticket packages, allowing visitors to enjoy Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for just $89 per day, while tickets for Magic Kingdom are purchased separately. This represents a significant reduction from the previous high price of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass, with the discounts available until September 24.
In addition to ticket prices, Disney is also lowering accommodation costs at its budget hotels. Rates for stays at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort can start as low as $100, depending on booking dates. This price reduction includes discounts of up to 27% based on an analysis by Bloomberg.
Moreover, Disney has introduced new dining packages that aim to lower food costs by 20% to 30%. Families can purchase all-day meal passes at $30 for children and $95 for adults, which are applicable for various meals and snacks throughout the parks. The park is reportedly also increasing quick meal options, offering more affordable kids’ meals, and enhancing flexibility in dining policies.
Analysts point to the rising costs of dining in the parks as a key factor contributing to the decline in customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, indicated that customer satisfaction ratings have plummeted from 90% to 60%, coinciding with Disney’s shift from a la carte to fixed-price meals at many popular restaurants. While Testa acknowledged the potential benefits of Disney’s cost-cutting measures, he expressed concern that the moves might not genuinely reflect a commitment to making visits more affordable or enhancing guest satisfaction.