Walt Disney World has been quietly implementing discounts on admission and hotel stays amid increasing customer dissatisfaction and declining park attendance.
In May, the company introduced discounted three-day ticket packages, allowing guests to visit Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day. However, tickets for Magic Kingdom still require a separate purchase. These lower prices, offered until September 24, mark a significant drop from the previous peak price of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
Additionally, Disney is making efforts to lower overall trip costs to the Florida resort by reducing the prices of its budget hotel options. Rates for stays at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort could go as low as $100 per night, depending on the booking date, reflecting discounts of up to 27% according to a Bloomberg analysis.
The parks have launched new dining packages this summer to address rising food costs, offering meals at a discount of 20% to 30%. Families can purchase all-day meal passes for $30 per child and $95 per adult, which are valid for various meals and snacks around the parks. Recent changes also include more quick meal options, affordable food for children, and updated restaurant policies.
According to experts, the higher costs of dining in the parks are contributing factors to decreased customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, reported that customer satisfaction ratings fell from 90% to 60% as Disney shifted from à la carte dining to fixed-price meals at many popular venues.
While Testa commended Disney’s cost-cutting measures, he expressed concern that these changes may not indicate a genuine commitment to guest affordability or satisfaction, highlighting that Disney has historically prioritized revenue over customer satisfaction ratings.