Walt Disney World has been quietly offering discounted admission and hotel rates in response to growing customer dissatisfaction and a drop in park attendance. Over the past few months, the company introduced discounted three-day ticket packages for $89 per day, allowing access to Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom, with separate purchases required for Magic Kingdom.
These lower prices are a significant reduction, considering that a daily Park Hopper pass once peaked at $254. This promotion will be available until September 24. In addition to ticket discounts, Disney is lowering rates for its budget accommodations, with stays at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort available for as low as $100, translating to discounts of up to 27% on standard rates.
Furthermore, new dining packages have been rolled out this summer, offering meal plans that reduce costs by 20% to 30%. Families can purchase all-day meal passes for $30 per child and $95 per adult, which can be used for meals and snacks at various park locations. Disney is also enhancing its dining options by providing more quick meal choices, affordable kids’ meals, and flexible restaurant policies.
Experts highlight rising food costs within the parks as a factor contributing to declining customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted that customer satisfaction ratings dropped from 90% to 60% as Disney shifted from a la carte dining to fixed pricing at popular restaurants. While Testa acknowledged Disney’s cost-saving initiatives, he warned that these measures might not indicate a genuine commitment to affordability or customer satisfaction, suggesting that Disney has historically prioritized revenue over positive guest experiences.