Walt Disney World has been quietly reducing admission and hotel prices in response to growing customer dissatisfaction and falling park attendance.
In May, the company introduced discounted three-day ticket packages that allow visitors to experience Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day, while tickets for Magic Kingdom must still be purchased separately. These new ticket prices mark a significant decrease from the previous peak of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass. The discounts will be available until September 24.
Additionally, Disney is lowering the prices for its basic hotel accommodations. For example, a stay at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort might cost as little as $100, depending on the booking date. These reductions can offer up to a 27% discount compared to standard rates, according to a Bloomberg analysis.
This summer, the parks have also launched new dining packages that cut meal costs by 20% to 30%. Families can buy all-day meal passes for $30 per child and $95 per adult, applicable for various meals and snacks at the parks. Furthermore, Disney World is reportedly introducing more quick-service meal options, affordable children’s meals, and increased flexibility with restaurant policies.
Experts have highlighted the rising costs of dining within the parks as a key reason for the decline in customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, stated that customer satisfaction ratings have dropped from 90% to 60% as the company shifted from a la carte dining options to fixed-price meals at many popular restaurants.
While Testa acknowledges the positive aspects of Disney’s recent price reductions, he warns that these changes may not indicate a genuine commitment to making visits more affordable or improving guest satisfaction. He noted that Disney has historically prioritized revenue over maintaining high customer ratings.