Walt Disney World has been quietly reducing admission and hotel prices over recent months in response to growing customer dissatisfaction and a drop in park attendance.
Starting in May, Disney began offering three-day ticket packages that allow guests to visit Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day, although entry to Magic Kingdom remains priced separately. This new pricing, available until September 24, marks a significant decrease from the previous high of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
In addition to ticket discounts, Disney is also lowering the cost of its budget hotel accommodations. Prices at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort can dip to approximately $100 a night, depending on the booking date, representing reductions of up to 27% from typical rates.
This summer, the parks are also introducing new dining packages that lower food costs by 20% to 30%. Families can opt for all-day meal passes at $30 for children and $95 for adults, which are usable for various meals and snacks within the parks. Moreover, Disney is adding more quick meal choices, affordable options for kids, and flexible restaurant policies to enhance guest experience.
Experts attribute the rising expenses associated with dining in the parks as a key factor in declining customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted a significant drop in customer satisfaction ratings from 90% to 60% as Disney shifted from a la carte dining to fixed-price meals at many popular restaurants. While Testa applauded these cost-cutting measures, he expressed concern that they may not indicate a genuine commitment to guest affordability or satisfaction, suggesting that Disney has historically balanced positive ratings with revenue generation.