Walt Disney World is responding to growing customer dissatisfaction and declining park attendance by quietly reducing admission and hotel prices over the past few months.
In May, the company began offering discounted three-day ticket packages that allow guests to visit Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day. However, tickets for Magic Kingdom still need to be bought separately.
These reduced ticket prices, available until September 24, mark a significant drop from the previous high of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
Additionally, Disney is working to lower the overall cost of trips to the resort by offering discounts on its budget hotel options. Guests can find rates as low as $100 a night at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort, representing discounts of up to 27% off standard prices, as noted in a Bloomberg analysis.
This summer, the parks have also rolled out new dining packages that provide a discount on food expenses, with savings ranging from 20% to 30%. Families can purchase all-day meal passes for $30 per child and $95 per adult, redeemable for various meals and snacks throughout the parks. Reports indicate that Disney World is also increasing quick meal options, offering more affordable food for children, and implementing more flexible dining policies.
Experts attribute rising food prices within the parks as a key factor driving customer dissatisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted a significant drop in customer satisfaction ratings, from 90% to 60%, coinciding with Disney’s shift from à la carte dining to fixed-price meals at popular restaurants.
Testa acknowledged Disney’s cost-cutting measures but warned that these changes might not signify a genuine commitment to affordability or improving guest satisfaction. He remarked that Disney has historically been willing to trade off some positive ratings for increased revenue.