Walt Disney World has been implementing discounts on admission and hotel rates in response to increasing customer dissatisfaction and decreasing park attendance. Over the past few months, the resort has introduced discounted three-day ticket packages allowing access to Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for as low as $89 per day, although tickets for the Magic Kingdom remain available separately.
These reduced prices, valid until September 24, signify a notable drop from the previous peak of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass. Additionally, Disney is aiming to lower overall trip expenses by cutting rates on its most economical hotel options. For example, a night at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort could start at $100, determined by the booking period. A Bloomberg analysis indicates that these reductions can amount to as much as a 27% savings compared to standard pricing.
Moreover, the parks have rolled out new dining packages this summer that lower meal costs by 20% to 30%. Families can purchase all-day meal passes priced at $30 for children and $95 for adults, redeemable for various meals and snacks within the parks. Disney World is reportedly also enhancing quick meal options, offering more affordable children’s meals, and adopting flexible restaurant policies.
Experts in the Disney realm point to the rising costs of in-park dining as a significant factor contributing to customer dissatisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, which conducts annual surveys of Disney customers, noted a drop in satisfaction ratings from 90% to 60% as Disney transitioned from a la carte dining options to fixed-price meals at many popular venues.
While Testa commended Disney’s efforts to reduce costs, he warned that these changes might not genuinely reflect a commitment to affordability or guest satisfaction. He emphasized, “Disney has long been willing to sacrifice a certain number of positive ratings for a certain amount of revenue.”