Disney has quietly introduced discounted admissions and cut hotel prices at some parks in an attempt to lure back customers who have complained about skyrocketing costs.
In May, Disney World began offering cheaper prices for a one-day, all-park ticket, which had peaked at $254.
Through September 24, Disney fans can purchase three-day tickets to the resort in Orlando, Florida, for $89 per day. Bloomberg reported.
The caveat is that visitors can only access specific areas and Magic Kingdom theme park tickets must be purchased separately.
This comes after customers complained that the parks have gone from being “the happiest place on earth” to a source of rising costs and customer service frustrations.
Disney has quietly introduced discounted admissions and reduced hotel prices at some parks in an attempt to lure back customers who have complained about skyrocketing costs.
“I think Disney has lost our family forever,” Lindsey Robertson, a mother of two in Dallas, told Bloomberg.
“We have had consecutive negative experiences with the staff, the waiting lines are out of control and the cost has become insurmountable.”
The cost of a high-end trip to Florida parks has now skyrocketed to around $40,000 for a family of four, the outlet reported.
Meanwhile, the number of four- or five-star reviews on Yelp fell from nearly 52 percent in 2019 to 33 percent in 2022.
In 2023, more than 40 percent of reviewers gave theme parks only one or two stars.
As complaints mount, Disney is also offering cheaper nightly rates at some of its budget resorts, such as All-Star Movies, Music and Sports Resorts, starting at around $100.
In mid-January, rooms at Google Hotels were selling for $125, a 27 percent discount from the standard price, according to Bloomberg.
However, these reduced prices are offered only on the less crowded days of the year, usually in January and February, with prices ranging from $200 to $300 per night on other days.
However, more affordable accommodations are coming soon with the expansion of Disney’s timeshare division, Disney Vacation Club, with two new properties planned for late 2024.
Disgruntled customers have complained that the parks have gone from being “the happiest place on earth” to a source of rising costs and frustrations from poor customer service.
Through Sept. 24, Disney fans can purchase access for $89 per day with three-day resort tickets in Orlando, but must purchase tickets for Magic Kingdom park (pictured) separately.
Disney has also been receptive to complaints about the high costs of restaurants and food stands at its theme parks.
This summer, meal plans were reintroduced, reducing the average family’s food costs by 20 to 30 percent.
Guests can purchase a set number of dining credits for about $30 per child and $95 per adult per day. The credits can be redeemed for meals or snacks at fast-food restaurants and even character dining experiences.
It has also launched more affordable fast food options and less expensive meals for children.
Len Testa, co-author of “The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World” and president of TouringPlans.com, a company that collects park data and surveys hundreds of thousands of Disney visitors annually, says he’s seen little movement in customer satisfaction as a result of the changes.
But he remains skeptical that Disney is doing enough to make the parks affordable for families.
“Disney has long been willing to sacrifice a certain amount of positive ratings for a certain amount of revenue,” he told Bloomberg, pointing to the persistence of prix fixe menus as a prime example.