Walt Disney World is addressing growing customer dissatisfaction and a drop in park attendance by quietly reducing admission and hotel costs over recent months.
In May, the company began offering discounted three-day ticket packages, allowing visitors to explore Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for as low as $89 per day, although tickets for Magic Kingdom remain priced separately. These lower rates, available until September 24, mark a significant decline from the previously high daily Park Hopper pass price of $254.
Additionally, Disney is working to lessen overall trip expenses by lowering rates for its most affordable hotel options. Guests can now find rooms at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort starting at $100 per night, depending on their booking dates, reflecting discounts of up to 27% off regular prices.
The parks have also rolled out new dining packages this summer, which offer cost reductions for meals ranging from 20% to 30%. Families can purchase all-day meal passes for $30 per child and $95 per adult, redeemable for selected meals and snacks throughout the parks. Furthermore, Disney World is reportedly increasing quick meal options, providing more affordable food for children, and implementing flexible restaurant policies.
Experts in Disney-related insights point to rising meal costs within the parks as a factor contributing to declining customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted a significant drop in satisfaction ratings from 90% to 60% as Disney shifted from a la carte dining options to fixed price meals at many popular restaurants.
While Testa acknowledged the potential benefits of Disney’s cost-cutting measures, he warned that such actions may not truly indicate a commitment to affordability or guest satisfaction. He remarked that Disney has historically been willing to trade some positive feedback for increased revenue.