Walt Disney World has been quietly reducing admission and hotel prices in response to growing customer dissatisfaction and a drop in park attendance over recent months.
Beginning in May, Disney introduced discounted three-day ticket packages that allow guests to visit Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day. However, tickets to Magic Kingdom are still offered separately. These reduced ticket prices remain effective until September 24, marking a significant decrease from the peak daily Park Hopper pass price of $254.
Additionally, Disney is working to lower the overall cost of a trip to its Florida resort by slashing prices on its budget hotel options. For instance, a night at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort could be as low as $100, depending on the booking date. According to a Bloomberg analysis, these discounts can be as high as 27% off regular rates.
This summer, Disney has also introduced new dining packages that reduce meal costs within the parks by 20% to 30%. Families can opt for all-day meal passes priced at $30 per child and $95 per adult, which can be used for various meals and snacks throughout the parks. Reports indicate that Disney World is offering more quick meal options, lower-priced food for children, and more flexible dining policies.
Experts point to rising food prices inside the parks as a key factor contributing to decreased customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, which surveys thousands of Disney visitors annually, noted a 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 acknowledges the merits of Disney’s cost-reduction strategies, he warns that this trend may not genuinely reflect a commitment to affordability or guest satisfaction. He pointed out that Disney has historically been willing to sacrifice a certain level of positive feedback for financial gain.