Walt Disney World has been quietly lowering admission and hotel prices over the past few months in response to increasing customer dissatisfaction and a drop in park attendance.
In May, Disney introduced discounted three-day ticket packages for $89 per day, which grant access to Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom, while tickets to Magic Kingdom remain available for separate purchase. This pricing marks a significant reduction from the previous high of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass, with these lower rates available until September 24.
Additionally, Disney aims to cut overall trip costs by offering discounts on its budget hotel accommodations. A night at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort can start at just $100 based on booking dates, reflecting discounts of up to 27% on regular prices, according to a Bloomberg report.
This summer, the parks have also rolled out new dining packages, providing meal plans that reduce dining costs by 20% to 30%. Families can buy all-day meal passes at rates of $30 for children and $95 for adults, redeemable for various meals and snacks within the parks. In a bid to enhance affordability, Disney World is also introducing more quick meal options and cheaper food for children, along with more flexible dining policies.
Experts attribute the decline in customer satisfaction to the rising costs associated with on-site dining. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted a drop in satisfaction ratings from 90% to 60% alongside Disney’s transition from a la carte dining to fixed-price meals in prominent restaurants. While he acknowledges the effectiveness of Disney’s cost-cutting strategies, he warns that these moves may not necessarily demonstrate a genuine commitment to guest satisfaction or affordability, suggesting that Disney has historically been willing to trade off positive ratings for revenue.