Walt Disney World has been quietly reducing admission and hotel prices amid growing customer dissatisfaction and falling park attendance over recent months.
Starting in May, Disney introduced discounted three-day ticket packages that allow visitors to tour Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day. However, tickets for Magic Kingdom must still be purchased separately. These discounted rates, valid until September 24, significantly lower the price from the previous peak of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
Additionally, Disney is making efforts to lessen the overall cost of a trip to its Florida resort by offering reduced prices on its budget hotel options. A night at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music and Sports Resort can start at $100, depending on booking dates, representing up to a 27% discount from typical prices, according to a Bloomberg analysis.
This summer, the parks have also launched new dining packages designed to cut food expenses by 20% to 30%. Families can buy all-day meal passes for $30 per child and $95 per adult, redeemable for various meals and snacks within the parks. Additionally, Disney is providing more quick meal choices, affordable kids’ food, and more adaptable restaurant policies.
Experts point to rising food prices within the parks as a key factor behind declining customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, shared that satisfaction ratings dropped from 90% to 60% as Disney shifted from a la carte dining to fixed-price meals at several popular venues. He acknowledged the merit of Disney’s cost-cutting measures but warned that these actions may not genuinely reflect a commitment to lowering costs or improving guest satisfaction. Testa noted that Disney has previously chosen to prioritize revenue over maintaining a positive customer experience.