Walt Disney World has been implementing admission and hotel discounts in response to growing customer dissatisfaction and a decrease in park attendance over recent months.
Starting in May, Disney began offering discounted three-day ticket packages allowing visitors to experience Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day. However, tickets for Magic Kingdom must be purchased separately. These reduced prices, available until September 24, mark a significant drop from the previous high of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
Additionally, Disney aims to lower overall trip costs by providing discounts on its most affordable hotel accommodations. Stays at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort can be priced as low as $100, depending on booking dates. These reductions represent discounts of up to 27% compared to standard rates, according to Bloomberg.
This summer, the parks also rolled out new dining packages that lower the expense of meals by 20% to 30%. Families can buy all-day meal passes for $30 per child and $95 per adult, valid for various meals and snacks in the parks. Disney is reportedly introducing more quick meal choices, more economical food options for children, and more flexible restaurant policies.
Experts attribute the rise in food prices within the parks as a key factor in declining customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, which surveys Disney customers annually, indicated that satisfaction ratings fell from 90% to 60% as Disney shifted from a la carte dining to fixed-price meals at several popular restaurants.
While Testa commends Disney for its cost-cutting measures, he warns that these actions may not genuinely reflect a dedication to providing affordable experiences or enhancing guest satisfaction. He noted that Disney has historically balanced positive ratings against revenue generation.