Walt Disney World has been quietly adjusting its pricing strategies in response to growing customer dissatisfaction and falling park attendance. Over recent months, the resort has introduced discounts on admission prices and hotel stays.
Starting in May, Disney began promoting a three-day ticket package allowing guests to visit Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for an appealing rate of $89 per day, while the tickets for Magic Kingdom continue to be sold separately.
These reduced ticket prices, valid until September 24, showcase a significant drop from the peak price of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
In addition to lowering ticket prices, Disney is also working to lessen the overall cost of a visit by reducing rates at its budget-friendly hotel options. For instance, rates at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort can start at as low as $100 per night, based on booking dates. This constitutes up to a 27% discount from regular prices, according to an analysis by Bloomberg.
Furthermore, the parks are rolling out new dining packages this summer, aimed at lowering dining costs by 20% to 30%. Families can purchase all-day meal passes for $30 per child and $95 per adult, which can be used for various meals and snacks throughout the parks. Reports suggest that Disney World is also enhancing options for quick meals, offering more affordable food choices for kids, and implementing more flexible dining policies.
Experts attribute the increased food prices inside the parks as a key factor contributing to declining customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, indicated that customer satisfaction ratings have plummeted from 90% to 60% as Disney transitioned from a la carte dining to fixed-price menus at many popular restaurants.
While Testa acknowledged the positive steps Disney is taking to cut costs, he warned that these measures may not signify a genuine commitment to enhancing affordability or overall guest satisfaction. He pointed out that Disney has historically balanced guest experience against revenue generation.