Walt Disney World is responding to increasing customer dissatisfaction and declining attendance at its parks by implementing a series of discounts on admission and hotel accommodations in recent months.
Starting in May, Disney introduced discounted three-day ticket packages, allowing guests to visit Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day, while tickets for Magic Kingdom must be bought separately. This pricing represents a significant reduction from the peak daily cost of $254 for a Park Hopper pass.
These lower ticket prices will be available until September 24, while Disney is also aiming to make trips to the Florida resort more affordable by lowering rates for its budget hotel options. Rates at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort can drop to as low as $100 a night, based on booking dates, resulting in discounts of up to 27% when compared to standard prices.
In addition to the ticket and hotel discounts, the parks have rolled out new dining packages this summer, offering meal costs reduced by 20% to 30%. This dining plan allows families to buy all-day meal passes priced at $30 for children and $95 for adults, which can be used for various meals and snacks throughout the parks. Disney is also expanding quick meal options, offering more affordable food for kids, and implementing more flexible restaurant policies.
Experts attribute the rising food costs within the parks as a significant factor contributing to the drop in customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted a decline in satisfaction ratings from 90% to 60% coinciding with Disney’s shift from a la carte dining to fixed-price meals at many popular restaurants.
While Testa commended Disney’s cost-cutting measures, he warned that these discounts might not signify a genuine commitment to enhancing affordability or guest satisfaction, stating, “Disney has long been willing to sacrifice a certain number of positive ratings for a certain amount of revenue.”