Walt Disney World has been quietly introducing discounts on admission and hotel stays in response to growing customer dissatisfaction and falling park attendance. In May, the company launched a promotion offering three-day ticket packages for $89 per day, allowing access to Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom, although tickets for Magic Kingdom must be purchased separately.
These lower ticket prices are a significant drop from the previous high of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass and will be available until September 24. Additionally, Disney is working to lower travel expenses by reducing the rates for its budget hotel options. For instance, stays at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort could start at $100 per night, reflecting discounts of up to 27% based on typical rates.
The parks have also introduced new dining packages aimed at cutting costs for guests this summer, offering meal passes at $30 per child and $95 per adult, which can be used for various meals and snacks throughout the parks. Reports suggest Disney is now providing more quick service meal options, affordable food for children, and greater flexibility in restaurant policies.
Experts attribute the increased costs of dining within the parks as one of the key factors affecting customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted that satisfaction ratings have fallen from 90% to 60% as Disney transitioned from a la carte dining to fixed-price meals at many popular eateries. While Testa has commended Disney’s cost-saving initiatives, he cautioned that these measures may not signify a genuine commitment to affordability or improving guest satisfaction, suggesting that the company has historically balanced guest ratings against revenue generation.