Walt Disney World has been implementing significant discounts on admission and hotel stays in response to increasing customer dissatisfaction and a drop in park attendance. Over the last few months, the resort has quietly reduced ticket prices and hotel rates to attract visitors back.
Starting in May, Disney began offering three-day ticket packages for $89 per day, allowing access to Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom, while tickets for Magic Kingdom remain priced separately. These discounts are notably lower than the peak price of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass and will be available until September 24.
In an effort to further decrease overall trip costs, Disney has also slashed prices on its most affordable hotel options. For example, rates at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music and Sports Resort may fall as low as $100 per night, representing a reduction of up to 27% from typical prices.
Additionally, new dining packages introduced this summer aim to lower meal costs by 20% to 30%. Families can purchase all-day meal passes for $30 per child and $95 per adult, which can be used at various eateries within the parks. The resort is reportedly offering more quick meal options and flexible restaurant policies as part of these efforts.
Experts attribute some of the decline in customer satisfaction to the rising costs associated with dining in the parks. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, pointed out that customer satisfaction ratings dropped from 90% to 60% as Disney shifted from a la carte meal pricing to fixed-price options at several popular restaurants.
While Testa acknowledged Disney’s recent cost-cutting measures, he warned that such actions may not necessarily indicate a genuine commitment to guest satisfaction or affordability. He noted that Disney has historically been willing to compromise on customer experience in pursuit of revenue.