Walt Disney World has been quietly reducing admission and hotel prices in response to growing customer dissatisfaction and a drop in park attendance. Over the last few months, the company began offering discounted three-day ticket packages enabling visitors to access Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day, while tickets to Magic Kingdom must be bought separately.
These reduced ticket prices are valid until September 24 and mark a significant decline from the previous high of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass. Additionally, Disney is lowering hotel rates, with stays at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort starting as low as $100, depending on booking times. This can represent discounts of up to 27% off standard rates.
New dining packages have also been introduced this summer, aiming to cut dining costs by 20% to 30%. The meal plans offer all-day access for $30 per child and $95 per adult, applicable for various meals and snacks throughout the parks. Disney reportedly is providing more quick meal options, affordable children’s meals, and more flexible dining policies.
Industry experts note that the rising costs of food within the parks have contributed to a noticeable decline in customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, shared that customer satisfaction ratings among Disney visitors fell from 90% to 60% as the company shifted from a la carte dining options to fixed-price meals at several popular restaurants. While Testa acknowledges the significance of Disney’s cost-cutting efforts, he warns that this may not signify a genuine commitment to affordability or enhanced guest satisfaction, suggesting that Disney has historically prioritized revenue over positive guest experiences.