Walt Disney World has been quietly implementing price reductions on admission and hotel stays in response to growing customer dissatisfaction and declining park attendance.
In May, the company started offering discounted three-day ticket packages that allow guests to visit Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for just $89 per day, while tickets to the Magic Kingdom must still be purchased separately. This new ticket pricing, valid until September 24, marks a significant drop from the previous high of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
In addition to lower ticket prices, Disney is also trying to make trips to the Florida resort more affordable by offering discounts on its budget hotel options. Rates for a night at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort can be as low as $100, depending on the booking period, which is up to a 27% discount compared to normal prices, according to an analysis by Bloomberg.
Furthermore, the parks introduced new dining packages this summer that cut food costs by 20% to 30%. These meal plans allow families to purchase all-day meal passes at $30 per child and $95 per adult, redeemable for various meals and snacks throughout the parks. Disney World is also focusing on providing more quick meal options and kinder pricing for kids, along with flexible dining policies.
Experts note that rising food prices within the parks have been a contributing factor to decreasing customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, reported that customer satisfaction ratings plummeted from 90% to 60% as Disney transitioned from a la carte dining to fixed price meals at many popular venues.
While Testa acknowledges the positive nature of Disney’s cost-cutting measures, he also warns that this trend does not necessarily indicate a genuine commitment to affordability or enhancing guest satisfaction. He stated that Disney has historically been willing to trade some positive guest experiences for revenue.