Walt Disney World has been quietly reducing admission and hotel prices in response to increasing customer dissatisfaction and decreasing park attendance. Since May, the company has been offering a discounted three-day ticket package that allows guests to visit Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom for $89 per day, with separate pricing for Magic Kingdom tickets.
These new ticket rates are significantly lower than the peak cost of $254 for a daily Park Hopper pass. The discounts will remain available until September 24.
Additionally, Disney is trying to make trips to the Florida resort more affordable by cutting prices on its budget hotel options. Stays at Disney’s All-Star Movies, Music, and Sports Resort can be as low as $100 per night, depending on the booking date. This reflects as much as a 27% decrease from regular rates, according to Bloomberg.
The parks have also rolled out new dining packages this summer, which offer meals at a 20% to 30% discount. Families can purchase all-day meal plans for $30 per child and $95 per adult. These plans can be used for certain meals and snacks throughout the parks. Furthermore, Disney is providing more quick meal options, lower-priced food for children, and more flexible dining policies.
Experts believe rising food costs within the parks have contributed to the fall in customer satisfaction. Len Testa, president of TouringPlans.com, noted that customer satisfaction ratings dropped from 90% to 60% as Disney shifted from individual meal pricing to fixed price menus at many popular restaurants.
While Testa commended Disney’s efforts to lower prices, he warned that these moves might not genuinely indicate a long-term commitment to guest satisfaction or affordability. He stated that Disney has historically traded customer ratings for revenue.