Walt Disney World has been quietly implementing discounts on admission and hotel stays in response to growing customer dissatisfaction and decreasing park attendance.
In May, the company started offering discounted three-day ticket packages, allowing guests to visit Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for an average of $89 per day, although tickets for Magic Kingdom must be purchased separately. These new prices reflect a significant reduction from the previous peak of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
Additionally, Disney is working to lower overall trip costs by reducing rates for its budget hotel options. Guests can now find rooms at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort for as low as $100, depending on when they book, representing discounts of up to 27% based on normal rates, according to a Bloomberg analysis.
This summer, Disney has also rolled out new dining packages intended to decrease meal expenses by 20% to 30%. Families can purchase all-day meal passes at $30 for children and $95 for adults, valid for various meals and snacks within the parks. More quick meal options and affordable children’s food have also been introduced, along with more flexible dining policies.
Experts attribute the rise in food costs as a key factor in the decline of customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted that satisfaction ratings plummeted from 90% to 60% as Disney transitioned from à la carte dining to fixed-price meals at popular restaurants.
While Testa acknowledges Disney’s efforts to cut costs, he warns that these measures may not necessarily indicate a genuine commitment to guest satisfaction or affordability. He pointed out that the company has historically been willing to compromise on positive customer feedback to generate revenue.