Walt Disney World has been quietly reducing admission and hotel costs recently as it faces growing customer dissatisfaction and a decline in park attendance.
Starting in May, Disney introduced discounted three-day ticket packages, allowing visitors to access Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day. However, tickets for Magic Kingdom must still be purchased separately. This discount, available until September 24, marks a significant drop from the previous high of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
Additionally, Disney is working to lower the expenses associated with visiting the resort by providing discounts on its budget-friendly hotel options. Overnight stays at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort could start as low as $100, depending on the booking date, representing up to a 27% reduction from regular rates.
This summer, Disney parks have also rolled out new dining packages that offer discounts of 20% to 30% on meals. Families can buy all-day meal passes priced at $30 for children and $95 for adults, redeemable for various meals and snacks across the parks. The company is reportedly expanding quick meal options and offering more affordable kid-friendly food, along with increased flexibility in restaurant policies.
Experts attribute the rising costs of dining inside the parks to customer dissatisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted that customer satisfaction ratings have dropped from 90% to 60% as Disney switched from a la carte dining to fixed-price options at many popular venues.
While Testa acknowledged the positive aspects of Disney’s cost-cutting measures, he warned that this trend may not genuinely indicate a commitment to affordability or guest satisfaction. He remarked that Disney has historically balanced positive customer ratings with revenue considerations.