Walt Disney World has been quietly implementing discounts on admission and hotel stays in response to growing customer dissatisfaction and declining attendance over recent months.
In May, the resort introduced discounted three-day ticket packages that allow guests to visit Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day, although tickets to Magic Kingdom still need to be bought separately. These reduced prices, effective until September 24, represent a significant drop from the previous peak of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
Additionally, Disney is working to lower the overall cost of vacations to the Florida resort by offering discounts on its least expensive hotel options. Rates at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort can start at just $100 per night, contingent on the booking date. These discounts can be as high as 27%, as noted in a Bloomberg analysis.
The parks have also launched new dining packages this summer, offering reductions of 20% to 30% on food costs, according to the same report. Families can purchase all-day meal passes, priced at $30 for children and $95 for adults, which can be used for various meals and snacks throughout the parks. The resort has also expanded quick meal options, reduced prices for children’s meals, and adopted more flexible dining policies.
Experts highlight that rising food costs within the parks have contributed to declining customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, indicated that customer satisfaction ratings have dropped from 90% to 60% as Disney transitioned from a la carte dining to fixed-price meals at popular restaurants.
While Testa acknowledged Disney’s efforts to cut costs, he warned that these measures may not indicate a genuine commitment to affordability or enhancing guest satisfaction. He noted, “Disney has long been willing to sacrifice a certain number of positive ratings for a certain amount of revenue.”