In response to increasing customer dissatisfaction and a drop in park attendance, Walt Disney World has been quietly offering discounts on admission and hotel rates over recent months.
Starting in May, Disney introduced discounted three-day ticket packages, allowing visitors to access Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day. However, tickets for Magic Kingdom must still be purchased separately.
These reduced ticket prices, valid until September 24, mark a significant decrease from the previous high of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
Additionally, Disney is working to lower the overall cost of trips to its Florida resort by slashing prices on its budget hotel options. Prices for a night at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort can drop to as low as $100, depending on booking dates. Such discounts can reach up to 27% off regular rates, according to a Bloomberg analysis.
This summer, the parks have also rolled out new dining packages that cut food costs by 20% to 30%. Families can purchase all-day meal passes for $30 per child and $95 per adult, redeemable for various meals and snacks throughout the parks. Additionally, Disney World is expanding quick meal options, introducing more affordable food for children, and implementing more flexible restaurant policies.
Experts highlight the rising costs of dining in the parks as a key factor contributing to declining customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted that satisfaction ratings fell from 90% to 60% as Disney shifted from a la carte dining to fixed-price meals at many popular restaurants.
While Testa acknowledged the value of Disney’s cost-cutting initiatives, he cautioned that this trend may not symbolize a genuine commitment to affordability or improving guest experiences.
“Disney has long been willing to sacrifice a certain number of positive ratings for a certain amount of revenue,” Testa remarked.