Walt Disney World has been quietly lowering ticket and hotel prices over the past few months in response to growing customer dissatisfaction and a drop in park attendance.
Starting in May, Disney introduced discounted three-day ticket packages that allow visitors to experience Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day, while tickets for Magic Kingdom require separate purchase. This pricing represents a significant decline from the previous peak of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass. The discounted ticket prices will remain available until September 24.
In addition to ticket reductions, Disney has also lowered rates for its budget hotel accommodations. Stays at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort can be as low as $100 per night, depending on booking dates. These cuts can reflect discounts of up to 27% compared to normal rates.
This summer, the parks have rolled out new dining packages that offer a 20% to 30% reduction in meal costs. Families can purchase all-day meal passes for $30 per child and $95 per adult, usable at various locations throughout the parks. Additionally, Disney is providing more quick meal choices, affordable options for children, and increased flexibility in restaurant policies.
Experts indicate that rising food prices inside the parks have contributed to waning customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted a notable drop in satisfaction ratings from 90% to 60% as Disney shifted from a la carte dining to fixed-price meals at many popular restaurants.
While Testa commended Disney’s efforts to cut costs, he warned that these moves might not signify an earnest commitment to affordability or improving guest satisfaction. He noted that Disney has historically balanced customer ratings against revenue, sometimes prioritizing the latter.