Walt Disney World has been adjusting its pricing strategy in response to growing customer dissatisfaction and a decrease in park attendance. Over the past few months, the company has been quietly implementing discounts on admission fees and hotel stays.
As part of these efforts, Disney introduced discounted three-day ticket packages in May, allowing visitors to explore Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for just $89 per day. However, tickets to the Magic Kingdom remain priced separately.
These lower ticket prices, available until September 24, significantly reduce costs from the previous high of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
Additionally, Disney is working to lower the overall cost of trips to the Orlando resort by offering discounts on its budget hotel accommodations. For instance, a night at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort could be as low as $100, depending on the booking date. These price reductions can yield discounts of up to 27% from typical rates, as reported by Bloomberg.
The parks have also rolled out new dining packages this summer, aimed at reducing dining costs by 20% to 30%. Families can now purchase all-day meal passes for $30 for children and $95 for adults, which can be used for various meals and snacks within the parks. Furthermore, Disney is providing more quick meal options, affordable food for kids, and adaptable restaurant policies.
Experts note that the rising costs of dining within the parks have contributed to decreased customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, indicated that satisfaction ratings dropped from 90% to 60% as Disney shifted from a la carte dining to fixed-price meals at many popular restaurants.
While Testa acknowledges Disney’s recent cost-cutting measures, he warns that this approach may not necessarily indicate a genuine commitment to affordability or guest satisfaction. He points out that Disney has historically been willing to trade off some positive guest experiences for increased revenue.