Walt Disney World has been quietly reducing admission and hotel prices in response to growing customer dissatisfaction and a drop in park attendance. In May, Disney introduced discounted three-day ticket bundles, allowing access to Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for as low as $89 per day. However, tickets to Magic Kingdom must still be purchased separately.
This pricing strategy will remain in effect until September 24, marking a significant decrease from the peak price of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass. To further entice visitors, Disney is also slashing rates for its budget hotel options. Stays at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort can start at $100 a night, reflecting discounts of up to 27% based on typical rates.
Additionally, Disney has rolled out new dining packages this summer, offering savings of 20% to 30% on meals within the parks. Families can purchase all-day meal passes for $30 per child and $95 per adult, redeemable for various meals and snacks. The company is also focusing on providing more quick meal options and cheaper kids’ food, along with flexible dining policies.
Industry experts point to rising food costs as a key factor in declining customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted a significant drop in satisfaction ratings from 90% to 60% after Disney transitioned from a la carte dining to fixed price meals at many popular venues.
While Testa acknowledged the value of Disney’s cost-saving measures, he warned that these actions may not necessarily indicate a genuine commitment to affordability or enhancing guest experiences. He remarked that Disney has often balanced customer ratings against revenue generation.