Walt Disney World has been implementing undisclosed discounts on admission and accommodation prices in response to rising customer dissatisfaction and decreasing park attendance.
Starting in May, Disney introduced discounted three-day ticket packages for $89 per day, allowing access to Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom, although tickets to the Magic Kingdom are sold separately. These reduced prices will remain available until September 24, marking a significant drop from the previous peak daily Park Hopper pass price of $254.
Additionally, Disney is lowering the overall cost of visits by offering discounts on its budget hotel options. Stays at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort can be secured for as low as $100 per night, depending on booking dates, reflecting discounts of up to 27% from normal rates.
This summer, the parks have also launched new dining packages that can cut dining costs by 20% to 30%. Families can opt for all-day meal passes priced at $30 for children and $95 for adults, usable for various meals and snacks across the parks. Furthermore, Disney World is enhancing its offerings with quicker meal choices, affordable options for children, and more adaptable restaurant policies.
Experts attribute the downturn in customer satisfaction to rising food prices within the parks. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted that satisfaction ratings plummeted from 90% to 60% as Disney shifted from à la carte dining to fixed-price meals at many popular venues. While Testa acknowledges the value of Disney’s cost-reduction efforts, he warns that this may not signify an earnest commitment to affordability or guest contentment, suggesting that Disney has often prioritized revenue over customer satisfaction.