Walt Disney World has been quietly reducing admission and hotel prices in response to growing customer dissatisfaction and falling park attendance. Since May, Disney has been offering discounted three-day ticket packages allowing entry to Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day, although tickets for Magic Kingdom are priced separately.
These new ticket prices are significantly lower than the previous all-time high of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass and will be available until September 24.
In addition to ticket discounts, Disney is also lowering the cost of its budget hotel accommodations. Guests can book a night at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort for as little as $100, reflecting potential savings of up to 27% according to a Bloomberg analysis.
Moreover, new dining packages have been introduced this summer, which cut food costs by 20% to 30%. Families can now purchase all-day meal passes for $30 per child and $95 per adult, redeemable for various meals and snacks throughout the parks. The resort is also increasing quick meal options, offering more affordable children’s food, and relaxing restaurant policies.
Industry experts pinpoint the rising food costs inside the parks as a key reason for the dip in customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted a dramatic drop in satisfaction ratings from 90% to 60% as Disney shifted from a la carte dining to fixed price meals at many popular restaurants.
While Testa commended Disney’s recent cost-cutting measures, he warned that these actions might not necessarily signal a genuine commitment to guest satisfaction or affordability, suggesting that Disney has historically prioritized revenue over positive ratings.