Walt Disney World is responding to growing customer dissatisfaction and falling park attendance by implementing discounts on admission and hotel rates in recent months.
Starting in May, Disney introduced discounted three-day ticket packages, offering access to Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day, while separate tickets are still required for Magic Kingdom. These lower ticket prices, valid until September 24, mark a significant drop from the previous high of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
In addition to ticket discounts, Disney is also reducing the cost of its least expensive hotel accommodations. Guests can book a night at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort for as low as $100, reflecting discounts of up to 27% off regular rates, as per a Bloomberg analysis.
Furthermore, the parks are rolling out new dining packages that decrease meal costs by 20% to 30%. Families can purchase all-day meal passes for $30 for children and $95 for adults, redeemable for select meals and snacks within the parks. Disney is also reportedly increasing the availability of quick meal options and offering cheaper food for kids, along with more flexible restaurant policies.
Industry experts attribute the drop in customer satisfaction partially to the rising costs of dining within the parks. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted that customer satisfaction ratings fell from 90% to 60% following Disney’s shift from a la carte dining to fixed-price meals at popular restaurants.
While Testa commended Disney’s cost-cutting measures, he warned that these actions might not signify a genuine commitment to affordability or guest satisfaction, observing that the company has historically prioritized revenue over customer ratings.