Walt Disney World has been quietly implementing discounts on admission and hotel stays in response to rising customer dissatisfaction and decreasing park attendance.
Since May, Disney has offered discounted three-day ticket packages, enabling visitors to experience Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for as low as $89 per day, though Magic Kingdom tickets must still be purchased separately. This price reduction follows a peak daily Park Hopper pass price of $254.
In addition to ticket discounts, Disney is aiming to make trips to the Florida resort more affordable by lowering the rates for its budget hotel accommodations. Depending on the booking date, a night at the All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort could be available for as little as $100, representing a discount of up to 27% from regular rates.
The parks have also introduced new dining packages this summer, which offer meals at a reduced cost of 20% to 30%. Families can purchase all-day meal passes for $30 per child and $95 per adult, redeemable for various meals and snacks throughout the parks. Reports indicate that Disney World is increasing quick meal options, offering cheaper food for kids, and adopting more flexible restaurant policies.
Experts attribute the rise in dissatisfaction partly to high food prices within the parks. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted a drop in customer satisfaction ratings from 90% to 60% when Disney transitioned from individual dining costs to fixed price meals at many popular restaurants.
While Testa commended Disney’s cost-cutting initiatives, he expressed concern that these actions may not signify a genuine commitment to affordability or improving guest satisfaction. He stated, “Disney has long been willing to sacrifice a certain number of positive ratings for a certain amount of revenue.”