Amid growing customer dissatisfaction and decreasing attendance, Walt Disney World has quietly implemented a series of discounts on admission and hotel rates in recent months.
Starting in May, Disney introduced specially priced three-day ticket packages that allow access to Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for just $89 per day. However, tickets for Magic Kingdom must be purchased separately.
These reduced ticket prices, available until September 24, represent a significant drop from the previous peak of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
In an effort to lower trip costs to the Florida resort, Disney is also discounting its most affordable hotel accommodations. A night at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort could be as low as $100, depending on booking timing. According to a Bloomberg analysis, these reductions can reach up to 27% off standard rates.
This summer, the parks have rolled out new dining packages that offer cost reductions of 20% to 30% for meals within the parks. Families can purchase all-day meal passes for $30 per child and $95 per adult, which are redeemable for various meals and snacks. Disney World is also reportedly increasing quick meal options, offering more affordable kids’ food, and providing more flexible dining policies.
Experts suggest that the rising costs associated with dining inside the parks are contributing factors to the decline in customer satisfaction. Len Testa, the president of TouringPlans.com, indicated that customer satisfaction ratings fell from 90% to 60% as Disney shifted from a la carte dining options to set price meals at many popular restaurants.
While Testa commended Disney’s cost-cutting measures, he warned that these actions may not signal a genuine commitment to enhancing affordability or guest satisfaction. He noted that Disney has historically been willing to sacrifice positive guest ratings for increased revenue.