Walt Disney World has been quietly reducing the cost of admission and hotel stays in response to growing customer dissatisfaction and declining park attendance. This initiative began in May, when Disney introduced discounted three-day ticket packages that allow visitors to experience Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day. However, tickets for Magic Kingdom are still sold separately.
These reduced ticket prices, valid until September 24, represent a significant drop from the peak price of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass. Alongside ticket discounts, Disney is also lowering the rates for its budget hotel options. For instance, a night at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort could be as low as $100, reflecting discounts of up to 27% from standard rates.
Additionally, new dining packages have been launched this summer, providing discounts of 20% to 30% on meals within the parks. Families can purchase all-day meal passes for $30 per child and $95 per adult, usable at various locations throughout the parks. Disney has also introduced more quick-service meal options and has revised its restaurant policies to offer cheaper food for kids.
Experts attribute the decrease in customer satisfaction, which has fallen from 90% to 60%, partly to rising food costs within the parks. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted this decline correlates with Disney’s shift from a la carte dining to fixed-price meals at popular restaurants. While Testa acknowledged the potential benefits of Disney’s cost-cutting measures, he warned that they may not signify a genuine dedication to guest enjoyment or financial accessibility, asserting that Disney has historically prioritized revenue over customer ratings.