Walt Disney World has been quietly reducing the cost of admission and hotel stays in response to increasing customer dissatisfaction and a decline in park attendance. Since May, the company has introduced discounted three-day ticket packages for $89 per day, allowing access to Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom, although tickets for Magic Kingdom are sold separately.
These reduced ticket prices, available until September 24, mark a significant drop from the previous high of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass. In addition, Disney is lowering the prices of its basic hotel accommodations. Guests can find rates as low as $100 per night at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort, depending on booking dates, with discounts reaching up to 27% off regular prices.
Moreover, this summer has seen the introduction of new dining packages that cut food costs by 20% to 30%. Families can opt for all-day meal passes priced at $30 for children and $95 for adults, valid for various meals and snacks throughout the parks. Disney has also added more quick-service meal options and introduced cheaper food for kids to enhance flexibility in restaurant policies.
Experts point to the increased cost of dining in the parks as a key contributor to declining customer satisfaction rates. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted a drop in customer satisfaction from 90% to 60% as Disney shifted from a la carte dining to fixed price meals at popular restaurants. While Testa commended Disney’s efforts to reduce costs, he warned that these moves may not necessarily indicate a genuine commitment to guest satisfaction or affordability, suggesting that the company has historically prioritized revenue over positive customer experiences.