Walt Disney World is responding to increasing customer dissatisfaction and a drop in park attendance by implementing discounts on admission and hotel stays over recent months.
In May, the company introduced discounted three-day ticket packages, allowing access to Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day, though tickets for Magic Kingdom must still be bought separately. These prices represent a significant reduction from the previous maximum of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass, with the lower rates available until September 24.
Additionally, Disney is working to make visiting the Florida resort more affordable by reducing rates for its budget hotel options. Stays at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort could start at $100 a night, depending on booking dates, offering discounts of up to 27% compared to standard rates.
Moreover, new dining packages introduced this summer aim to lessen food 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 certain meals and snacks in the parks. Disney is also expanding quicker meal options, introducing more budget-friendly food for children, and adjusting restaurant policies for increased flexibility.
Experts attribute the decline in customer satisfaction, which has dropped from 90% to 60%, partly to rising meal prices within the parks, as noted by Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com. He indicated that customer ratings fell as Disney shifted from a la carte dining to fixed-price meals at many popular locations.
While Testa acknowledged the positive aspects of Disney’s cost-reduction strategies, he expressed concern that these moves may not denote a genuine commitment to affordability or enhancing guest satisfaction, highlighting the company’s historical tendency to prioritize revenue over positive customer reviews.