Walt Disney World has been quietly slashing admission and hotel prices in response to growing customer dissatisfaction and declining attendance over recent months.
In May, the company introduced discounted three-day ticket packages, allowing guests to visit Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day, although tickets for Magic Kingdom must be purchased separately. This pricing drastically reduces the previous high of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass, and the lower rates will remain available through September 24.
Additionally, Disney is working to make trips to the Florida resort more affordable by offering discounts on its cheapest hotel options. Stays at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort can start at $100 a night, depending on booking dates, which represents discounts of up to 27% compared to standard rates, according to a Bloomberg analysis.
This summer, the parks have also rolled out new dining packages that lower meal costs by 20% to 30%. Families can purchase all-day meal passes at $30 for children and $95 for adults, valid for various meals and snacks within the parks. Furthermore, Disney is reportedly increasing quick meal options, offering more affordable children’s food, and loosening restaurant policies to enhance flexibility.
Experts attribute the decline in customer satisfaction partly to rising dining costs within the parks. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, revealed that satisfaction ratings dropped from 90% to 60% as Disney shifted from a la carte dining to fixed-price meals at popular restaurants.
While Testa commends Disney’s cost-cutting measures, he warns that these actions may not signify a genuine commitment to affordability or customer contentment. He noted, “Disney has long been willing to sacrifice a certain number of positive ratings for a certain amount of revenue.”