Walt Disney World has been quietly reducing admission and hotel costs in response to rising customer dissatisfaction and a drop in park attendance. Over the last few months, the company has introduced discounted three-day ticket packages, allowing guests to visit Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day, while separate tickets are still needed for Magic Kingdom.
These reduced ticket prices are in effect until September 24 and represent a significant decrease from the previous high of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass. Additionally, Disney is working to lower the overall cost of visiting the resort by offering discounts on its economy hotel options. Guests can find rates as low as $100 per night at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort, marking discounts of up to 27% from regular prices.
Moreover, this summer, Disney has presented new dining packages that cut meal costs by 20% to 30%. The all-day meal plan is available for $30 per child and $95 per adult, allowing families to redeem it for various meals and snacks throughout the parks. The company is also expanding quick meal choices, offering cheaper options for kids, and adopting more flexible dining policies.
Experts point to the rising costs associated with dining in the parks as a key factor contributing to declining customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted that satisfaction ratings fell from 90% to 60% as Disney shifted from a la carte dining to fixed-price meals at popular restaurants. While Testa commended Disney’s recent cost-cutting measures, he warned that these actions may not genuinely reflect a commitment to making visits more affordable or prioritizing guest satisfaction, suggesting that Disney has historically been willing to trade off favorable ratings for increased revenue.