Walt Disney World has been quietly implementing price reductions on admission and hotel stays in response to increasing customer dissatisfaction and a drop in park attendance.
In May, Disney introduced discounted three-day ticket packages, allowing visitors to experience Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day. However, tickets for Magic Kingdom remain available for separate purchase. This initiative reflects a significant drop from the peak price of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass, and these lower rates will continue until September 24.
In addition to ticket discounts, Disney is working to decrease the overall cost of visiting the Florida resort by offering lower rates on its budget hotel options. For example, a night at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort could start as low as $100, depending on booking dates, which can represent up to a 27% discount, according to Bloomberg.
Furthermore, the parks have rolled out new dining packages this summer, which aim to cut meal costs by 20% to 30%. The dining plan includes all-day meal passes priced at $30 for children and $95 for adults, redeemable at select locations throughout the parks. Additionally, Disney World is reported to be expanding quick meal options, offering more affordable food for children, and implementing more flexible dining policies.
Experts in the Disney community attribute the rising costs of dining as a factor contributing to a decline in customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, shared that customer satisfaction ratings fell from 90% to 60% during Disney’s shift from a la carte dining to fixed-price meals at numerous popular restaurants.
While Testa commended Disney’s cost-cutting measures, he also expressed that such strategies may not demonstrate a genuine dedication to affordability or guest contentment. He noted that Disney has historically opted for financial gain over maintaining high satisfaction ratings.