Walt Disney World has been quietly reducing admission and hotel prices in response to growing customer dissatisfaction and a decline in park attendance over the past few months.
In May, the resort introduced discounted three-day ticket packages, allowing visitors to explore Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for as low as $89 per day, although Magic Kingdom tickets must still be purchased separately. This pricing marks a significant decrease from the previous high of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass, with the discounts available until September 24.
Furthermore, Disney aims to make trips more affordable by slashing prices on its budget hotel options. Rates at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort can start at around $100 per night, depending on the booking period, with discounts reaching up to 27% off the standard rates.
Additionally, new dining packages have been implemented this summer, reducing meal costs in the parks by 20% to 30%. Families can purchase all-day meal passes for $30 per child and $95 per adult, usable at selected dining locations throughout the parks. Disney has also introduced more quick meal options, lowered prices on children’s food, and relaxed restaurant policies.
Experts observing Disney attribute part of the customer dissatisfaction to rising meal costs within the parks. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted a drop in satisfaction ratings from 90% to 60% coinciding with the shift from à la carte dining to fixed-price meals in many of Disney’s top restaurants.
While Testa praised Disney’s cost-reduction efforts, he warned that these moves might not represent a genuine dedication to making experiences more affordable or improving guest satisfaction. He remarked that the company has a history of prioritizing revenue over maintaining high customer rating standards.