Walt Disney World has been discreetly reducing the prices of admission and hotel stays amidst increasing customer dissatisfaction and declining attendance at its parks.
Starting in May, Disney rolled out discounted three-day ticket packages, allowing visitors access to Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day, although tickets for the Magic Kingdom are sold separately. This promotion, which will continue until September 24, marks a significant drop from the previous peak of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
In addition to lowering ticket prices, Disney aims to make trips to the Florida resort more affordable by offering discounts on its cheapest hotel options. Prices for a night at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort can be as low as $100 depending on the booking date, representing a potential saving of up to 27% compared to regular rates.
The parks are also introducing new dining packages this summer, which promise a reduction in food costs by 20% to 30%. Families can purchase all-day meal passes for $30 per child and $95 per adult, which can be used for various meals and snacks throughout the parks. Moreover, Disney is reportedly providing more quick meal options, budget-friendly food for kids, and flexible dining policies.
Experts attribute the rise in food costs within the parks to declining customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, indicated that customer approval ratings have plummeted from 90% to 60% following Disney’s transition from a la carte dining to fixed-price meals at many of its most popular restaurants.
While Testa commended Disney’s cost-saving measures, he warned that these actions may not signify a genuine commitment to affordability or enhanced guest satisfaction. He noted that Disney has historically been willing to trade positive customer feedback for increased revenue.