Walt Disney World has been quietly implementing discounts on admission and hotel stays in response to growing customer dissatisfaction and a decline in park attendance.
Starting in May, Disney began offering discounted three-day ticket packages for visitors to Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom at a rate of $89 per day. However, tickets for the Magic Kingdom must still be purchased separately. This price reduction marks a significant drop from the peak price of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
Additionally, Disney is working to lower overall trip costs by reducing rates for its most affordable hotel options. Guests can now book a night at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort for as little as $100, depending on the timing of their reservations. According to a Bloomberg analysis, these price cuts can reach up to 27% off regular rates.
This summer, the parks have also introduced new dining packages that reduce food costs by 20% to 30%. Families can purchase all-day meal passes priced at $30 for children and $95 for adults, which can be used at various dining locations throughout the parks. Furthermore, Disney World is expanding quick meal options, offering more budget-friendly food for kids, and implementing more flexible restaurant policies.
Industry experts have pointed to rising dining costs within the parks as a critical factor in the drop in customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, reported a decline in customer satisfaction ratings from 90% to 60% as Disney transitioned from a la carte dining to fixed-price meals at many of its popular restaurants.
While Testa acknowledged Disney’s efforts to cut costs, he warned that these measures may not necessarily indicate a genuine commitment to improving affordability or enhancing guest experience. He noted that Disney has historically been willing to trade off positive customer ratings for increased revenue.