Walt Disney World is responding to increasing customer discontent and falling park attendance by implementing ticket and hotel stay discounts. Over the past months, the company has reduced prices for admission and accommodations at its Florida resort.
Starting in May, Disney began offering discounted three-day ticket packages for guests to visit Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day. However, admission to Magic Kingdom still requires a separate ticket purchase. These reduced ticket prices, available through September 24, mark a significant drop from the previous peak price of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
In addition to lower ticket prices, Disney is also lessening the cost of its budget hotel options. Stays at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort can start as low as $100, based on the timing of the booking. This initiative can reflect discounts of up to 27% off regular rates, as reported by Bloomberg.
Furthermore, the parks have introduced new dining packages this summer that cut food costs by 20% to 30%. Families can buy all-day meal passes for $30 per child and $95 per adult, redeemable for various meals and snacks throughout the parks. Disney has also expanded quick meal options, provided cheaper food for children, and revised restaurant policies for greater flexibility.
Experts highlight rising food prices inside the parks as one of several contributors to diminishing customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted that customer satisfaction ratings dropped from 90% to 60% during Disney’s shift from à la carte dining to fixed-price options at popular restaurants.
While Testa commended Disney’s recent cost-reduction measures, he cautioned that these changes may not necessarily signify a genuine commitment to affordability or enhancing guest satisfaction. He remarked, “Disney has long been willing to sacrifice a certain number of positive ratings for a certain amount of revenue.”