Walt Disney World has been implementing admission and hotel stay discounts in response to growing customer dissatisfaction and a decline in park attendance.
Since May, Disney has been offering three-day ticket packages that allow visitors to enjoy Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day, although tickets for Magic Kingdom still need to be purchased separately. These lower ticket prices are available until September 24 and represent a significant reduction from the previous high of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
In addition, the resort is also working to make trips more affordable by reducing the prices of its most economical hotel options. Stays at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort can be as low as $100 a night, depending on booking dates. These discounts can reach up to 27% off regular rates, according to recent analysis.
This summer, the parks rolled out new dining packages aimed at lowering food costs by 20% to 30%. The all-day meal passes are priced at $30 for children and $95 for adults, redeemable for meals and snacks throughout the parks. Furthermore, Disney has increased the availability of quick meal options, introduced more affordable child food options, and adjusted restaurant policies to enhance flexibility.
Experts attribute the increasing food prices within the parks as a key factor contributing to the lower customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, mentioned that customer satisfaction ratings plummeted from 90% to 60% after Disney transitioned from a la carte dining to fixed price meals at many popular restaurants.
While Testa commended Disney’s cost-cutting measures, he expressed concern that these actions may not signify a genuine commitment to affordability or improving guest satisfaction, pointing out that the company has historically prioritized revenue over positive customer feedback.