Amid increasing customer dissatisfaction and a drop in park attendance, Walt Disney World has been gradually reducing admission and hotel prices over recent months.
In May, Disney introduced discounted three-day ticket bundles, allowing access to Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for just $89 per day. However, it is important to note that tickets for Magic Kingdom must still be purchased separately.
These reduced ticket prices, available until September 24, represent a significant decrease from the previously established $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
Additionally, Disney is working to lower the overall cost of trips to the Florida resort by cutting prices on its most affordable hotel options. Guests can find nights at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort for as low as $100, depending on booking dates. This price drop can amount to a discount of up to 27% from regular rates, according to Bloomberg.
To further enhance the value for customers, the parks have rolled out new dining packages this summer, reportedly reducing meal 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 throughout the parks. Disney World is also increasing quick meal options, offering more affordable food for children, and implementing more flexible restaurant policies.
Experts highlight the rising cost of dining within the parks as a contributing factor to the decline in customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted a sharp drop in satisfaction ratings from 90% to 60% as Disney shifted from a la carte dining options to fixed price meals at many of its popular restaurants.
While Testa appreciates Disney’s efforts to cut costs, he warns that these changes may not necessarily indicate a genuine commitment to affordability or enhancing guest satisfaction.
“Disney has long been willing to sacrifice a certain number of positive ratings for a certain amount of revenue,” he commented.