Walt Disney World has been quietly reducing admission and hotel prices in response to growing customer dissatisfaction and a drop in park attendance.
Since May, Disney has introduced discounted three-day ticket packages, allowing guests to visit Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day, although tickets for Magic Kingdom are sold separately. These reduced prices, available until September 24, reflect a significant decrease from the peak price of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
Additionally, the resort is working to lower overall trip costs by offering discounts on its budget hotel options. Rates at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort can dip to as low as $100 per night depending on booking dates, translating to discounts of up to 27%, according to a Bloomberg analysis.
This summer, Disney has also introduced new dining packages that aim to cut food costs by 20% to 30%. Families can purchase all-day meal passes for $30 per child and $95 per adult, which cover select meals and snacks at the parks. The resort has reportedly implemented more quick service options, cheaper children’s meals, and revised restaurant policies to enhance flexibility.
Experts point to rising food costs within the parks as a major contributor to declining customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted a significant drop in customer satisfaction ratings from 90% to 60% as Disney shifted from a la carte dining options to fixed-price meals at popular restaurants.
While Testa commends Disney’s cost-cutting measures, he warns that these strategies may not signal a genuine commitment to affordability or improved guest satisfaction. He remarked that Disney has historically balanced the trade-off between maintaining positive ratings and generating revenue.