Walt Disney World has been quietly slashing admission and hotel prices in response to increasing customer dissatisfaction and a drop in park attendance over recent months.
Starting in May, Disney introduced discounted three-day ticket packages that provide access to Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom at a rate of $89 per day. However, visitors will need to purchase tickets to Magic Kingdom separately.
These reduced prices, valid until September 24, represent a significant reduction from the previous high of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
In addition to ticket discounts, Disney is also working to lower the overall cost of a trip to its Florida resort. Stays at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort can start as low as $100 night, depending on the booking timing. These reductions offer as much as a 27% discount off standard rates, according to Bloomberg analysis.
Furthermore, new dining packages have been introduced this summer, which cut dining costs by 20% to 30%. Families can purchase all-day meal passes priced at $30 for children and $95 for adults to be used for various meals and snacks in the parks. Disney World is also providing more quick meal choices, affordable options for kids, and flexible dining policies to enhance convenience.
Experts attribute the rise in food costs inside the parks as a key factor contributing to the decline in customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, which surveys thousands of Disney guests annually, noted that satisfaction ratings have plummeted from 90% to 60% as Disney shifted from a la carte dining to fixed-price meals at popular restaurants.
While Testa commended Disney’s cost-cutting measures, he warned that these changes may not truly reflect a commitment to affordability or enhancing guest experiences. He pointed out that the company has historically balanced positive customer ratings with revenue generation.