In response to rising customer dissatisfaction and falling attendance, Walt Disney World has been quietly implementing discounts on admission and hotel stays in recent months.
Beginning in May, Disney introduced discounted three-day ticket packages for guests wanting to visit Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom at a rate of $89 per day. However, tickets to Magic Kingdom must still be purchased separately. This price drop marks a significant reduction from the previous peak price of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
Additionally, Disney is working to lower overall trip costs by offering discounts on its budget hotel options. Depending on booking times, a night at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort can be as low as $100. These discounts represent up to a 27% reduction from normal rates, according to findings by Bloomberg.
This summer, the parks also rolled out new dining packages that reportedly cut dining expenses by 20% to 30%. Families can purchase all-day meal passes for $30 per child and $95 per adult, redeemable for certain meals and snacks around the parks. Furthermore, Disney World is providing more quick-service meal options, lower-priced children’s food, and greater flexibility in restaurant policies.
Experts point to rising food costs within the parks as a key factor contributing to declining customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, which surveys thousands of Disney customers each year, mentioned that satisfaction ratings dropped from 90% to 60% as the company switched from a la carte dining to fixed price meals at many popular restaurants.
While Testa acknowledged the value of Disney’s cost-cutting measures, he expressed concern that these strategies may not signify a genuine commitment to providing affordable experiences or improving guest satisfaction. He noted that Disney has historically balanced customer satisfaction ratings against revenue generation.