In response to increasing customer dissatisfaction and a drop in park attendance, Walt Disney World has been quietly reducing admission and hotel prices over the last few months.
Beginning in May, Disney started offering discounted three-day ticket packages. Visitors can now access Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for as low as $89 per day, although tickets for Magic Kingdom must be purchased separately.
These lowered ticket prices, available until September 24, represent a significant reduction from the previously high daily Park Hopper pass price of $254.
Additionally, Disney is working to lower overall trip costs to the Florida resort by reducing rates for its most affordable hotel options. A night at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort can cost as little as $100, depending on booking dates. These reductions can amount to discounts of up to 27%, according to a Bloomberg analysis.
This summer, the parks have also introduced new dining packages that cut meal costs by 20% to 30%. Families can purchase all-day meal passes for $30 per child and $95 per adult, valid for specific meals and snacks throughout the parks. Furthermore, Disney World is reportedly providing more quick meal choices, affordable kids’ food options, and more flexible restaurant policies.
Experts point to the high cost of dining within the parks as a major factor leading to decreased customer satisfaction.
Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com— which surveys thousands of Disney visitors annually— noted a drop in customer satisfaction ratings from 90% to 60% as Disney shifted from a la carte dining to fixed-price meals at many of its popular restaurants.
While Testa appreciates Disney’s cost-cutting measures, he warns that these changes might not indicate a genuine commitment to affordability or guest satisfaction.
“Disney has long been willing to sacrifice a certain number of positive ratings for a certain amount of revenue,” he stated.