Amid rising customer dissatisfaction and a drop in park attendance, Walt Disney World has been quietly reducing the prices of admission and hotel stays over recent months.
In May, Disney introduced 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 still be purchased separately.
These reduced ticket prices, which will be available until September 24, represent a significant decrease from the previous peak price of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
Simultaneously, Disney aims to lower the overall expenses for trips to the Florida resort by reducing rates for its budget-friendly accommodations. For example, a stay at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort can start as low as $100 depending on the booking period. These price reductions can reach as much as 27% below standard rates.
Additionally, the parks have launched new dining packages this summer that decrease meal costs by 20% to 30%. Families can purchase all-day meal passes for $30 per child and $95 per adult, redeemable for various meals and snacks throughout the parks. Reports indicate that Disney World is also offering more quick-service meal options, affordable children’s food, and improved flexibility in dining policies.
Experts believe the escalating costs of dining in the parks have contributed to the decline in customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, stated that satisfaction ratings dropped from 90% to 60% as Disney transitioned from a la carte dining to fixed-price meals at many popular locations.
While Testa commended Disney’s cost-reduction measures, he warned that this approach may not signify a genuine commitment to addressing affordability or enhancing guest satisfaction. He noted that Disney has historically balanced positive customer ratings against revenue goals.