Facing rising customer dissatisfaction and a drop in park attendance, Walt Disney World has been quietly reducing admission and hotel prices over recent months.
Disney launched discounted three-day ticket packages in May, allowing visitors to experience Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day, although tickets for Magic Kingdom must be purchased separately. These lower prices, available until September 24, represent a significant decrease from the peak price of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
To further alleviate travel expenses to its Florida resort, Disney is also slashing prices on its budget hotel options. For instance, a stay at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort can be as low as $100, depending on the booking date, providing discounts of up to 27% off standard rates, as analyzed by Bloomberg.
Additionally, the parks have introduced new dining packages offering reductions of 20% to 30% on meal costs. Families can purchase all-day meal passes for $30 per child and $95 per adult, which can be used for various meals and snacks across the parks. Disney has reportedly expanded quick meal options, offered lower-priced children’s meals, and introduced more flexible dining policies.
Experts attribute the rising costs of food within the parks as a significant factor behind the decreased customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted a decline in customer satisfaction ratings from 90% to 60%, coinciding with Disney’s shift from a la carte dining options to fixed-price meals at popular restaurants.
While Testa acknowledged Disney’s efforts in cutting costs, he warned that these decisions may not indicate a genuine commitment to affordability or enhancing guest satisfaction. He indicated that the company has historically been willing to accept a drop in positive ratings in exchange for increased revenue.