Walt Disney World has been quietly lowering admission and hotel prices in response to growing customer dissatisfaction and decreasing park attendance over recent months.
In May, the company introduced discounted three-day ticket packages that allow entry to Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for just $89 per day, although Magic Kingdom tickets are still sold separately. These reduced ticket prices, valid until September 24, are a significant drop from the previous high of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
Disney is also making efforts to lessen the overall expenses of visiting its Florida resort by reducing rates for its most economical hotel options. For instance, nights at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort could be available for as low as $100, contingent on the booking date. These cuts can offer discounts of up to 27% compared to regular prices, according to a Bloomberg analysis.
Additionally, the parks have introduced new dining packages this summer, cutting meal costs by 20% to 30%. Families can purchase all-day meal passes for $30 per child and $95 per adult, redeemable for various meals and snacks throughout the parks. Disney World is also providing more quick meal choices, lower-priced kid’s food, and more flexible dining policies.
Industry experts point to the rising costs of eating within the parks as a key factor behind dwindling customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted a significant drop in customer satisfaction ratings from 90% to 60% coinciding with Disney’s shift from à la carte dining to fixed-price meals at many popular restaurants.
While Testa acknowledged the positive aspects of Disney’s cost-saving strategies, he also warned that these moves may not signify a genuine commitment to affordability or improving guest satisfaction. He stated, “Disney has long been willing to sacrifice a certain number of positive ratings for a certain amount of revenue.”