Walt Disney World is responding to a rise in customer dissatisfaction and a drop in park attendance by implementing discounts on admission and hotel stays in recent months.
In May, Disney launched a promotion offering three-day ticket packages for guests to visit Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day. However, tickets for Magic Kingdom remain sold separately.
These reduced ticket prices, valid through September 24, represent a significant drop from the previous high of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
In addition to lowering ticket prices, Disney is also aiming to make trips more affordable by offering discounts on its budget hotel accommodations. A night at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort can be as low as $100, depending on the booking date. These reductions can amount to a 27% discount off regular rates, according to Bloomberg.
Furthermore, the parks have introduced new dining packages, which aim to decrease the cost of dining by 20% to 30%. Families can purchase all-day meal passes for $30 per child and $95 per adult, redeemable for select meals and snacks throughout the parks. Reports indicate that Disney World is also providing more quick meal options, lowering kid’s food prices, and adopting more flexible restaurant policies.
Experts have noted that the rising costs of dining within the parks are among several factors contributing to a decline in customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, which surveys thousands of Disney customers each year, reported a decline in customer satisfaction ratings from 90% to 60% as Disney transitioned from a la carte dining to fixed-price meals at many popular restaurants.
While Testa commended Disney’s cost-cutting measures, he warned that this trend might not indicate a genuine commitment to affordability or guest satisfaction. He noted that Disney has historically prioritized revenue over achieving favorable customer ratings.