Walt Disney World is responding to increasing customer dissatisfaction and falling park attendance by quietly reducing admission and hotel prices over recent months.
In May, Disney introduced discounted three-day ticket packages that allow guests to visit Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day, though tickets for Magic Kingdom still need to be purchased separately. These lower ticket prices will be available until September 24 and represent a significant drop from the previous peak price of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
In an effort to make trips to the Florida resort more affordable, Disney is also cutting the prices of its budget hotel options. Guests can find stays at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort for as low as $100 per night, depending on the booking timing. This move amounts to discounts of up to 27% off the regular rates, as reported by Bloomberg.
Additionally, Disney parks have rolled out new dining packages this summer that lower meal costs by 20% to 30%. Families can purchase all-day meal passes for $30 per child and $95 per adult, redeemable at select eateries throughout the parks. The company is also offering more quick meal options, more affordable food selections for children, and greater flexibility in restaurant policies.
Experts attribute the rising costs of dining in the parks as a key factor contributing to declining customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted a drop in customer satisfaction ratings from 90% to 60% as Disney transitioned from a la carte dining to fixed-price meals at many sought-after restaurants.
While Testa commended Disney’s new cost-saving measures, he warned that these trends may not necessarily indicate a genuine dedication to affordability or improving guest experiences. “Disney has long been willing to sacrifice a certain number of positive ratings for a certain amount of revenue,” he remarked.