Walt Disney World has been quietly reducing admission and hotel costs in response to growing customer dissatisfaction and a decline in park attendance. In May, Disney announced discounted three-day ticket packages that allow visitors to enjoy Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day, although tickets for Magic Kingdom must be purchased separately.
These reduced ticket prices, available until September 24, mark a significant drop from the previous high of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
Alongside ticket discounts, Disney is also making an effort to lower the overall cost for visitors by reducing prices for its budget hotel options. The cost for a night at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort can start at just $100, depending on the booking time. This can amount to discounts of up to 27% off regular rates, according to Bloomberg.
In addition, the parks have rolled out new dining packages that cut food costs by 20% to 30%. For $30 per child and $95 per adult, families can purchase all-day meal passes redeemable for various meals and snacks throughout the parks. Reports indicate that Disney is also increasing the availability of quick meal options, offering more affordable kids’ meals, and introducing more flexible dining policies.
Experts attribute rising food prices inside the parks as a significant factor in the decrease in customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, revealed that customer satisfaction ratings have dropped from 90% to 60% as Disney changed from a la carte dining options to fixed-price meals at several popular restaurants.
While Testa commends Disney’s recent cost-cutting measures, he warns that they may not genuinely reflect a commitment to affordability or guest satisfaction. He noted, “Disney has long been willing to sacrifice a certain number of positive ratings for a certain amount of revenue.”