Walt Disney World has been implementing discounts on admission and hotel accommodations in response to growing customer dissatisfaction and a decline in park attendance. Over the past few months, the resort has been quietly adjusting prices to attract more visitors.
In May, Disney started offering discounted three-day ticket packages for $89 per day, granting access to Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom. However, tickets for Magic Kingdom must still be purchased separately. These new ticket prices mark a significant reduction from the previous peak of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass, and they will remain in effect until September 24.
Additionally, Disney is working to lower trip expenses by cutting prices on its budget hotels. Stays at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort could start at $100 per night, depending on booking timing. This represents discounts of up to 27%, as indicated by a Bloomberg analysis.
This summer, the parks have also introduced new dining packages that reduce meal costs by 20% to 30%. Families can now buy all-day meal passes for $30 per child and $95 per adult, valid for various meals and snacks throughout the parks. Moreover, Disney World is reportedly providing more quick meal options, affordable food for children, and more adaptable restaurant policies.
Experts in the Disney community have noted that the high cost of dining in the parks has contributed to a decline in customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, stated that customer satisfaction ratings fell from 90% to 60% as Disney shifted away from a la carte dining to fixed price meals at many popular restaurants. While he acknowledged the benefit of Disney’s cost-cutting measures, he cautioned that these actions might not signify a genuine dedication to affordability or guest satisfaction, suggesting that the company has historically been willing to compromise customer ratings for revenue.