Walt Disney World is addressing growing customer dissatisfaction and a decrease in park attendance by implementing various discounts on admission tickets and hotel accommodations.
Starting in May, Disney offered discounted three-day ticket packages allowing access to Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day, although tickets for Magic Kingdom still require a separate purchase. These reduced prices, available until September 24, contrast significantly with the previous peak price of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
In an effort to make trips to the Florida resort more affordable, Disney is also lowering the cost of its budget hotel options. Guests can find stays at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort for as low as $100 a night, depending on the booking date, representing discounts of up to 27% compared to typical rates.
Additionally, the parks have launched new dining packages this summer, designed 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 for various meals and snacks throughout the parks. Disney is also enhancing quick dining options, providing more economical choices for children, and adopting more flexible restaurant policies.
Experts note that the rising expenses of dining within the parks have contributed to the decline in customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, mentioned that satisfaction ratings dropped from 90% to 60% as Disney transitioned from a la carte dining to fixed-price meals at many favored restaurants. While he acknowledges the benefits of Disney’s cost-cutting measures, he warns that these changes may not genuinely indicate a commitment to affordability or guest contentment, as Disney has historically prioritized revenue over customer ratings.