Walt Disney World has been quietly slashing admission and hotel prices in response to growing customer dissatisfaction and a drop in park attendance.
In May, the company introduced discounted three-day ticket packages that allow access to Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day, although tickets for Magic Kingdom must be purchased separately. These lower rates continue until September 24 and represent a significant reduction from the peak price of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
Additionally, Disney is working to lower the overall cost of visiting the resort complex by reducing prices on its budget hotel options. A stay at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort can start at as low as $100, depending on the timing of the reservation. These price cuts can mean discounts of up to 27% compared to regular rates, as reported by Bloomberg.
This summer, Disney has also rolled out new dining packages that cut meal costs by 20% to 30%. The meal plans offer all-day passes for $30 per child and $95 per adult, usable for various meals and snacks within the parks. The company is also expanding quick meal options, providing more affordable food for kids, and implementing flexible dining policies.
Experts attribute the rising costs of dining inside the parks to discontent among visitors. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted that customer satisfaction ratings have plummeted from 90% to 60% as Disney shifted from à la carte dining to fixed-price meals at popular restaurants.
While Testa commended Disney’s cost-reduction efforts, he warned that these changes might not genuinely reflect a commitment to making visits more affordable or enhancing guest satisfaction. He suggested that Disney has previously been willing to sacrifice positive customer ratings for increased revenue.