Walt Disney World has been quietly offering discounts on admission and hotel stays amid rising customer dissatisfaction and declining park attendance.
In May, Disney initiated discounted three-day ticket packages, allowing visitors to experience Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day, while Magic Kingdom tickets remain priced separately. This reduced rate, available until September 24, marks a significant drop from the previous high of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
In addition, Disney is working to lower the overall cost of trips to the Florida resort by offering discounts on its budget hotel options. Guests can now find rates as low as $100 per night at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort, depending on booking dates. These discounts can reach up to 27% off regular prices, as reported by Bloomberg.
This summer, the parks have also launched new dining packages that slash meal costs by 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. Additionally, Disney is reportedly increasing quick meal options, offering more affordable food for children, and implementing more flexible restaurant policies.
Experts attribute the drop in customer satisfaction to rising food costs within the parks. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted a decline in customer satisfaction ratings from 90% to 60% as Disney transitioned from a la carte dining to fixed-price meals at several popular restaurants.
While Testa commended Disney’s cost-cutting measures, he warned that these changes may not signify a genuine commitment to affordability or guest satisfaction. “Disney has long been willing to sacrifice a certain number of positive ratings for a certain amount of revenue,” he explained.