In response to growing customer dissatisfaction and a downturn in park attendance, Walt Disney World has been quietly reducing admission and hotel prices over recent months.
Starting in May, Disney introduced discounted three-day ticket packages allowing visitors to experience Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for just $89 per day, while tickets to Magic Kingdom remain separately priced. These discounts are available until September 24 and represent a significant drop from the peak price of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
Additionally, Disney is lowering the cost of its budget hotel options. Stays at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort can be booked for as little as $100 per night, depending on the timing of the reservation. These reductions can amount to a 27% discount compared to regular rates.
This summer, the parks have also launched new dining packages that offer a 20% to 30% reduction in meal costs. Families can purchase all-day meal passes for $30 per child and $95 per adult, redeemable for certain meals and snacks within the parks. Disney is reportedly increasing quick meal options, offering more affordable children’s food, and implementing more flexible restaurant policies.
Experts attribute the decline in customer satisfaction partly to the rising costs associated with dining inside the parks. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, highlighted a significant drop in customer satisfaction ratings from 90% to 60% as Disney shifted from a la carte dining to fixed pricing at many popular restaurants.
While Testa acknowledges the value of Disney’s cost-cutting measures, he warns that these moves may not equate to a genuine commitment to affordability or improving guest satisfaction. He noted that Disney has historically been willing to compromise positive ratings for increased revenue.