In response to rising customer dissatisfaction and a decrease in park attendance, Walt Disney World has discreetly implemented discounts on admission and hotel rates in recent months.
Starting in May, Disney introduced a promotional offer for three-day ticket packages allowing access to Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom at a rate of $89 per day. However, tickets for Magic Kingdom must be purchased separately.
These reduced prices will remain in effect until September 24, marking a significant reduction from the previous peak of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass.
In addition to ticket price reductions, Disney is working to minimize overall trip expenses by lowering rates for its most affordable hotel accommodations. Prices for a night at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort could be as low as $100, contingent on the timing of the booking. These discounts can reach up to 27% off standard rates, according to a Bloomberg analysis.
This summer, Disney parks also rolled out new dining packages that offer up to a 30% discount on food costs, according to the same Bloomberg report. The dining plan, priced at $30 per child and $95 per adult, enables families to purchase all-day meal passes redeemable for various meals and snacks throughout the parks. Additionally, Disney is expanding quick service meal options, offering more affordable kids’ meals, and instituting more flexible restaurant policies.
Industry experts have pointed to higher dining costs as a major factor in declining customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted a drop in customer satisfaction ratings from 90% to 60% as Disney transitioned from a la carte dining to fixed-price meals at many popular restaurants.
While Testa acknowledged the positive impact of Disney’s cost-cutting measures, he warned that these strategies might not indicate a genuine commitment to affordability or enhancing guest satisfaction. He remarked that Disney has historically prioritized revenue over maintaining a certain level of positive customer feedback.