In response to increasing customer dissatisfaction and dwindling park attendance, Walt Disney World has been quietly lowering admission and hotel rates over recent months.
In May, Disney introduced discounted three-day ticket packages, allowing visitors to access Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day. Tickets for Magic Kingdom must still be purchased separately.
These reduced ticket prices, available until September 24, mark a significant drop from the previous high of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
Additionally, Disney is working to reduce overall trip costs by offering discounts on its budget hotel accommodations. Guests can stay at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort for as low as $100 a night, depending on booking dates. According to a Bloomberg analysis, these discounts can reach up to 27% off normal rates.
The parks have also launched new dining packages this summer, which can lower meal costs by 20% to 30%. Families can buy all-day meal passes for $30 per child and $95 per adult, valid for select meals and snacks throughout the parks. Disney World is also reportedly providing more quick meal options, cheaper food for children, and more flexible dining policies.
Experts point to the rising cost of food inside the parks as a key factor behind the decline in customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, shared that customer satisfaction ratings dropped from 90% to 60% when Disney transitioned from a la carte dining to fixed-price meals in many popular restaurants.
While Testa commended Disney’s cost-reduction efforts, he warned that these moves may not signify a genuine commitment to affordability or guest satisfaction.
“Disney has long been willing to sacrifice a certain number of positive ratings for a certain amount of revenue,” he stated.