Amid rising customer dissatisfaction and a decline in park attendance, Walt Disney World has been quietly reducing admission and hotel prices in recent months.
In May, the company launched discounted three-day ticket packages allowing visitors to experience Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day, while tickets for Magic Kingdom must be purchased separately.
These discounted ticket prices, valid through September 24, mark a significant decrease from the previous high of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
Additionally, Disney is working to lower the total cost of trips to its Florida resort by offering discounted rates on its most affordable hotel accommodations. Stays at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort can drop as low as $100 per night, depending on booking dates. These price reductions could represent up to a 27% discount from standard rates, according to an analysis.
The parks have also rolled out new dining packages this summer, allowing customers to save between 20% to 30% on meals. Families can now purchase all-day meal passes for $30 per child and $95 per adult, which can be used for various meals and snacks throughout the parks. Furthermore, Disney World is reportedly introducing more quick meal options, affordable choices for kids, and more flexible restaurant policies.
Experts attribute the rising cost of dining within the parks as one key factor in the drop in customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted that customer satisfaction ratings fell from 90% to 60% as Disney shifted from an a la carte dining model to fixed-price meals at several popular restaurants.
While Testa commended Disney’s cost-cutting efforts, he cautioned that these actions might not signify a genuine commitment to affordability or improved guest satisfaction. He remarked that Disney has historically been willing to sacrifice positive customer ratings for increased revenue.