In response to increasing customer dissatisfaction and a drop in park attendance, Walt Disney World has been quietly lowering admission and hotel prices over the past few months.
Starting in May, Disney rolled out discounted three-day ticket packages that allow access to Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day. However, tickets to the Magic Kingdom must still be purchased separately.
These new ticket prices, valid until September 24, mark a significant decrease from the previous peak of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
Additionally, Disney is working to lower the overall cost of visits to its Florida resort by offering discounts on its cheapest hotel accommodations. A stay at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort can start as low as $100, depending on the booking dates. These price reductions can provide up to a 27% discount compared to regular rates, as per a Bloomberg analysis.
This summer, the parks also introduced new dining packages that cut food costs by 20% to 30%. Families can purchase all-day meal passes for $30 per child and $95 per adult, which can be used for various meals and snacks throughout the parks. Disney World is reportedly adding more quick meal options, offering more affordable food for children, and implementing more flexible restaurant policies.
Industry experts link the rise in food prices within the parks to a decline in customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted that satisfaction ratings dropped from 90% to 60% as Disney transitioned from a la carte dining to set price meals in many popular restaurants.
While Testa commended Disney’s cost-cutting measures, he warned that such trends may not genuinely reflect an effort to enhance affordability or guest satisfaction. He stated, “Disney has long been willing to sacrifice a certain number of positive ratings for a certain amount of revenue.”