Amid growing customer dissatisfaction and a notable drop in attendance, Walt Disney World has implemented various discounts on admission and hotel rates in recent months.
Beginning in May, Disney introduced reduced three-day ticket packages allowing guests to visit popular parks—Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom—for just $89 per day, though visitors must still buy separate tickets for Magic Kingdom. This price represents a significant reduction from the previous peak of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass. The discounted tickets will be available until September 24.
In an effort to make trips to the iconic resort more affordable, Disney is also slashing rates for its budget hotel options. For instance, a night at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, or Sports Resort can drop to as low as $100 based on available bookings, which amounts to a potential 27% discount from regular prices.
Additionally, the parks have rolled out new dining packages this summer that offer savings of 20% to 30% on food. These packages allow families to buy all-day meal passes for $30 per child and $95 per adult, which can be used for select meals and snacks throughout the parks. Furthermore, the introduction of more quick-service dining options and kid-friendly meals aims to provide guests with greater value.
Experts attribute the decline in customer satisfaction to rising costs, particularly concerning dining inside the parks. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted a steep drop in customer satisfaction ratings, which fell from 90% to 60% as Disney shifted from a la carte dining to fixed price meals in many popular restaurants. While Testa commends Disney’s recent cost-reduction strategies, he warns that these moves may not indicate a deeper commitment to affordability or enhancing guest experience.
The strategic discounts signal Disney’s responsiveness to customer feedback and market trends, which could pave the way for a revitalization of its guest satisfaction levels and park attendance going forward. By prioritizing affordability and guest needs, Disney may bolster its appeal to families and encourage return visits, making the magic of Disney accessible to a broader audience.