Walt Disney World has been quietly implementing discounts on admission and hotel stays amid increasing customer dissatisfaction and dwindling park attendance over the last few months.
In May, Disney launched discounted three-day ticket packages priced at $89 per day, allowing access to Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom, though tickets for Magic Kingdom must be bought separately. This pricing marks a significant reduction from the peak price of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
Alongside the lower ticket prices, Disney is also working to make trips to the Florida resort more affordable by lowering rates for its budget hotel options. The cost for a night at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort can drop to as little as $100, depending on booking dates, reflecting discounts of up to 27% on standard rates.
Additionally, Disney parks have introduced new dining packages this summer, which offer a 20% to 30% reduction in food costs. Families can purchase all-day meal passes priced at $30 for children and $95 for adults, redeemable for various meals and snacks across the parks. There are also more quick-service meal options and more affordable food choices for kids, alongside flexible dining policies.
Industry experts cite rising food costs within the parks as a key factor contributing to declining customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted that customer satisfaction ratings have plummeted from 90% to 60% since Disney shifted from a la carte dining to fixed-price meals at many popular restaurants.
While Testa acknowledged the efficacy of Disney’s cost-reduction measures, he warned that these strategies may not genuinely signal a commitment to affordability or improving guest experience. He noted that Disney has historically been willing to compromise on customer satisfaction in pursuit of revenue.