Walt Disney World has been quietly reducing admission and hotel prices in response to increasing customer dissatisfaction and falling park attendance.
Starting in May, Disney introduced discounted three-day ticket packages priced at $89 per day for entry to Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom. However, tickets for Magic Kingdom must be bought separately. This represents a significant reduction from the previous high of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass, with the discounts available until September 24.
To further make trips to the Florida resort more affordable, Disney has also lowered prices for its budget hotel accommodations. Rates at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort could drop to as low as $100 a night, depending on booking dates, resulting in discounts of up to 27% compared to regular rates.
Additionally, the parks have introduced new dining packages this summer that offer discounts of 20% to 30% on meal costs. Families can purchase all-day meal passes for $30 per child and $95 per adult, applicable for various meals and snacks within the parks. The resort is also enhancing quick meal options, offering cheaper food for kids, and instituting more flexible restaurant policies.
Disney experts point to rising food costs inside the parks as a major factor undermining customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, reported a drop in customer satisfaction ratings from 90% to 60% as Disney shifted from a la carte to fixed price meal options at popular restaurants.
While Testa commended Disney’s cost-cutting measures, he warned that these changes might not signal a genuine dedication to affordability or guest satisfaction, noting Disney’s history of prioritizing revenue over positive customer feedback.