Walt Disney World has been quietly reducing admission and hotel prices in response to growing customer dissatisfaction and a decline in park attendance over the last few months.
In May, the company introduced discounted three-day ticket packages allowing visitors to explore Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day, although tickets for Magic Kingdom must be purchased separately. These reduced prices, available until September 24, represent a significant drop from the previous high of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
Additionally, Disney is lowering costs for its budget hotel options, with stays at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort possibly starting at $100 per night depending on the booking date. These reductions can lead to savings of up to 27%, according to a Bloomberg analysis.
The parks have also launched new dining packages this summer that cut meal expenses by 20% to 30%. Families can buy 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 is reportedly offering more quick meal selections, kid-friendly food at lower prices, and more flexible restaurant policies.
Experts attribute rising food prices within the parks to a decline in customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted a sharp drop in satisfaction ratings from 90% to 60% as Disney shifted from a la carte dining to fixed-price meals at popular restaurants. While Testa commended Disney’s cost-saving measures, he warned that these changes may not necessarily indicate a genuine commitment to affordability or improving guest experiences.