Amid rising customer dissatisfaction and decreasing attendance at its parks, Walt Disney World has been discreetly lowering admission and hotel costs in recent months.
In May, Disney introduced discounted three-day ticket packages allowing guests to visit Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day, although separate tickets for Magic Kingdom are still required. This fare considerably undercuts the previous all-time high of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
Furthermore, to make trips to the Florida resort more affordable, Disney is reducing rates for its budget hotel options. Stays at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort can start at just $100 a night, depending on booking dates. These reductions amount to discounts of up to 27% from regular prices, as noted in a Bloomberg analysis.
The parks are also rolling out new dining packages this summer that cut meal prices 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. Additionally, Disney World has been providing more quick meal options, lower-priced food for kids, and more adaptable restaurant policies.
Experts attribute the rising food costs within the parks as a key factor in the dip in customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, stated that customer satisfaction ratings fell from 90% to 60% as Disney transitioned from a la carte dining to fixed-price meals at many of its popular eateries.
While Testa commended Disney’s efforts to cut costs, he cautioned that these measures might not genuinely reflect a commitment to affordability or guest satisfaction. He pointed out that Disney has historically been willing to compromise on customer satisfaction for financial gain.