Walt Disney World has recently implemented a series of discounts on admission and hotel stays in response to growing customer dissatisfaction and declining attendance at its parks.
In May, Disney introduced a promotional three-day ticket package allowing visitors to access Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for just $89 per day, although tickets for Magic Kingdom remain sold separately. This represents a significant reduction from the peak price of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
In addition to ticket discounts, Disney is also lowering the costs for its budget hotel options. For example, a night at the All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort can drop to as low as $100, depending on the booking time. These discounts can reach up to 27% compared to normal rates, according to a Bloomberg analysis.
Moreover, new dining packages have been introduced this summer, which can lower meal costs by 20% to 30%. The meal plan allows families to purchase all-day meal passes priced at $30 for children and $95 for adults, usable at select dining locations in the parks. Disney has also expanded its quick meal offerings, provided more affordable kids’ meals, and enhanced restaurant flexibility.
Experts in the Disney community have highlighted the rising costs associated with dining in the parks as a key factor in the drop in customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted that satisfaction ratings have plummeted from 90% to 60% after the shift from a la carte dining to fixed price meals at many popular venues.
While Testa has acknowledged Disney’s recent price reductions, he expressed concern that these moves might not signal a genuine commitment to affordability or improving guest experiences. He remarked that Disney has historically balanced customer satisfaction ratings with revenue goals.