Facing increasing customer dissatisfaction and declining attendance at its parks, Walt Disney World has been quietly reducing admission and hotel prices over the last few months.
In May, Disney introduced discounted three-day ticket packages that allow visitors to experience Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day, although tickets to Magic Kingdom must be purchased separately.
These reduced ticket prices, valid until September 24, mark a significant drop from the previous peak of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
In addition, Disney is working to lower the overall cost of trips to the Florida resort by slashing prices on its most affordable hotel options. A night at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort can cost as little as $100, depending on booking dates, reflecting discounts of up to 27% compared to regular rates, according to Bloomberg analysis.
This summer, the parks also launched new dining packages which reduce food 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 within the parks. Additionally, Disney is providing more quick meal options, lower-priced children’s food, and more flexible dining policies.
Experts believe that rising food prices within the parks have contributed significantly to the drop in customer satisfaction.
Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted a decrease in customer satisfaction ratings from 90% to 60% coinciding with Disney’s shift from a la carte dining to fixed price meals at many popular restaurants.
While Testa commended Disney’s cost-cutting measures, he warned that these changes may not indicate a genuine commitment to affordability or guest experience. He pointed out that “Disney has long been willing to sacrifice a certain number of positive ratings for a certain amount of revenue.”