Walt Disney World has been responding to increasing customer dissatisfaction and a drop in park attendance by implementing reduced prices for admission and hotel stays in recent months.
In May, the company launched discounted three-day ticket packages allowing entry to Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom at $89 per day. However, tickets for the Magic Kingdom remain separate. This promotional pricing, available until September 24, marks a significant reduction from the previous peak price of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
Additionally, Disney is working to lower the overall cost for visitors by offering reduced rates for its most economical hotel options. A night at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort could be booked for as low as $100, depending on the timing of reservations. This represents a potential discount of up to 27% compared to regular prices, according to an analysis by Bloomberg.
This summer, Disney has also rolled out new dining packages that lower meal costs by 20% to 30%. Families can purchase all-day meal passes at $30 for children and $95 for adults, valid for various meals and snacks throughout the parks. In addition, there are now more quick meal options available, more affordable children’s food, and more adaptable restaurant policies.
Experts in the Disney community have pointed to rising food costs at the parks as a contributing factor to declining customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted a drop in customer satisfaction ratings from 90% to 60% as Disney transitioned to fixed price meals at many popular dining venues.
While Testa commended Disney’s cost-reduction initiatives, he cautioned that these changes may not indicate a genuine commitment to making visits more affordable or enhancing guest satisfaction. He remarked that Disney has historically been prepared to trade off some positive ratings for increased revenue.