Amid growing customer dissatisfaction and a drop in park attendance, Walt Disney World has been quietly reducing admission and hotel prices over recent months.
Starting in May, Disney introduced discounted three-day ticket packages allowing guests to visit Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day, while tickets for Magic Kingdom need to be purchased separately. This reduction brings the price down significantly from the peak of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass, with the discounts available until September 24.
Additionally, Disney is lowering the expenses associated with accommodations, offering stays at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort starting at around $100, a reduction of up to 27% compared to regular rates, as per a Bloomberg analysis.
The parks have also rolled out new dining packages this summer, allowing families to save 20% to 30% on meals. The dining plan permits all-day meal purchases for $30 per child and $95 per adult, which can be used for various meals and snacks throughout the parks. Moreover, Disney is providing more quick dining options, affordable kids’ meals, and more adaptable restaurant policies.
Experts attribute rising food prices in the parks as a factor contributing to lower customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted that customer satisfaction ratings decreased from 90% to 60% as Disney shifted from a la carte dining to fixed price meals at many popular restaurants. While Testa commended Disney’s cost-cutting moves, he warned that these changes might not indicate a genuine commitment to affordability or guest satisfaction, stating that Disney has historically prioritized revenue over maintaining positive customer ratings.