Walt Disney World has been quietly reducing admission and hotel prices in response to increasing customer dissatisfaction and a drop in park attendance over recent months.
Starting in May, Disney began offering discounted three-day ticket packages that allow entry to Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day, while tickets for Magic Kingdom must still be purchased separately. This pricing represents a significant decrease from the peak price of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
In addition, Disney is working to lower the overall cost of a visit to its Florida resort by providing discounts on its budget hotel options. A night at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort can be as low as $100, depending on booking dates, reflecting discounts of up to 27% from regular rates, according to a Bloomberg analysis.
Moreover, the parks have rolled out new dining packages this summer that reduce meal costs by 20% to 30%. Families can purchase all-day meal passes for $30 for children and $95 for adults, which are valid for various meals and snacks throughout the parks. Disney World is also reportedly expanding quick meal options, offering cheaper food for kids, and implementing more flexible restaurant policies.
Industry experts note that rising dining costs within the parks have been a significant factor contributing to declining customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, indicated that customer satisfaction ratings fell from 90% to 60% as Disney shifted from a la carte dining to fixed price meals at many popular restaurants. While Testa acknowledges Disney’s efforts to cut costs, he warns that these moves may not reflect a genuine commitment to affordability or enhancing guest experience, suggesting that Disney has historically prioritized revenue over customer ratings.