Walt Disney World has been implementing price reductions for admission and hotel stays in response to growing customer dissatisfaction and a decline in park attendance.
In May, the company introduced discounted three-day ticket packages, enabling visitors to experience Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for as little as $89 per day, although tickets for Magic Kingdom are still sold separately. These reduced prices will be available until September 24 and mark a significant drop from the previous high of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
Additionally, Disney is working to lower costs associated with trips to its Florida resort by reducing prices for its budget hotel options. A night at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort may start at $100, depending on booking dates, representing discounts of up to 27% compared to standard rates, as analyzed by Bloomberg.
This summer, the parks have also launched new dining packages that reduce meal costs by 20% to 30%. Families can purchase all-day meal passes for $30 for children and $95 for adults, which can be used for various meals and snacks throughout the parks. Furthermore, Disney World is enhancing its quick meal offerings, providing cheaper food for children, and adopting more flexible restaurant policies.
Experts have noted that the rising costs of dining within the parks have contributed to declining customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, highlighted that satisfaction ratings have plummeted from 90% to 60% as Disney transitioned from a la carte dining to fixed-price meals in many popular restaurants.
While Testa commends Disney’s efforts to cut costs, he warns that this trend may not necessarily indicate a genuine commitment to affordability or improving guest experiences. He remarked that Disney has historically chosen to prioritize revenue over positive customer ratings.