Walt Disney World is responding to increasing customer dissatisfaction and falling park attendance by gradually reducing the prices of admission and hotel stays.
In May, Disney introduced discounted three-day ticket packages allowing access to Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day, although tickets to Magic Kingdom remain sold separately. This price reduction is significant compared to the previous high of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass, and the discounts will be available until September 24.
In addition, Disney is working to lower the total expenses for visitors by offering cheaper hotel options. Stays at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort can be priced as low as $100 per night, based on the timing of bookings. According to a Bloomberg analysis, these cuts can amount to a reduction of up to 27% off regular rates.
Moreover, the parks are launching new dining packages this summer that decrease food costs by 20% to 30%. Families can now buy all-day meal passes for $30 for children and $95 for adults, which can be used for various meals and snacks throughout the parks. Disney is also expanding quick meal options and providing more affordable children’s food along with flexible restaurant policies.
Experts suggest that the rising expenses of in-park dining are among the reasons for the drop in customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, which surveys Disney visitors, noted that satisfaction ratings fell from 90% to 60% as Disney shifted from a la carte dining to fixed-price meals at popular restaurants. While Testa acknowledged Disney’s efforts to cut costs, he warned that these changes might not genuinely indicate a commitment to affordability or enhancing guest satisfaction. He remarked that Disney has historically balanced positive ratings against revenue objectives.