Disney World Annual Pass (& how it can save you money)

When you hear people mention buying a Disney World Annual Pass, you might think "I'm not going more than once this year - why would I need that?"

And it's true that financially it makes sense for anybody going more than 10 days or for people planning more than 1 trip in a 12 month period, but it also often makes sense for people going for shorter stays.

Here's why...

The discounts and perks that come with having an Annual Pass often make it worth the upgrade, especially when you consider that only 1 person in your family needs to have one to take advantage of the discounts.

Let's look at the numbers...

Update for 2020: information for Annual Passholders impacted by recent events

Depending on your type of Annual Pass and whether or not you've paid in full, there are different policies being put into place.

Keep in mind that the situation is fluid, and will likely remain so for some time. Be sure you check Disney's Official Annual Pass website for the latest news.

Disney is aware that the new park reservation system will change the value Annual Passes provide. In light of those changes they are offering the following:

Annual Passholders that have paid in full

Your pass will be extended for the number of days the parks remain closed. You do not have to do anything to be eligible for this extension and your new expiration date will be updated automatically. At this time, many Annual Passes have already had their dates extended.

In addition, you will receive a one month extension to your pass. This additional month will automatically be processed and visible in your My Disney Experience account in October 2020.

Alternatively, and in lieu of the one month extension, Passholders who have paid in full may choose to cancel their annual pass and receive a partial refund. To request this alternative option, you can contact V.I.PASSHOLDER Support at (407) 939-7277.

Annual Passholder on monthly payment plan

Beginning April 5, 2020, all monthly payments have been automatically stopped and will remain that way until the parks re-open. Payments made between March 14 and April 4, 2020 will be refunded. Payments will automatically resume on regularly scheduled dates beginning on July 11, 2020.

In addition, you will receive a one month extension to your pass. This additional month will automatically be processed and visible in your My Disney Experience account in October 2020.

Alternatively, instead of the additional month extension, Passholders on the monthly payment plan may choose to cancel their annual pass and waive their monthly payments due after August 11, 2020. Any payments made between July 11, 2020 and August 11, 2020 will be retroactively refunded for those that select this option and all future payments would be stopped.

Passes on the monthly payment plans will not be extended and will expire on originally scheduled dates.

However, if you prefer you can opt to postpone your payments (instead of waiving them entirely). Postponing would then extend your pass and your regularly scheduled payments an equivalent number of days past your original expiration date. 

Additional information regarding the above options will be sent to Annual Passholders in July.

Important dates for Annual Passholders to know:

How does the new Park Pass system work with Annual Passes?

For the foreseeable future, all guests (including Annual Passholders) will be required to make park reservations.

The system for doing that is called Disney Park Pass, and is only available via a web browser (not the My Disney Experience app).

How many days can I make reservations for?

Annual Passholders with a Disney Resort hotel reservation can make theme park reservations for the entire length of their stay.

Eligible Passholders without a hotel reservation can make up to 3 theme park reservations at a time.

Will there be Annual Pass previews when the parks reopen?

Yep! There will, but only for 2 parks (Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom).

Annual Passholders eligible for the previews will receive more information via an email.

Reservations will be required, and we expect them to go fast.

What exactly is a Walt Disney World Annual Pass?

Annual Pass is the general term for Disney World tickets that last for 366 days versus those that last for a certain number of gate entrances or entitlements.

There are actually several different types of Annual Passes available, and they all have slightly different perks, benefits, and prices.

What does a Disney World Annual Pass cost?

There's no getting around it: an Annual Pass isn't cheap.

If you live in Florida or if you are a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) member, you are eligible for some discounts.

Aside from upgrading a discounted ticket, you really can't save a lot of money purchasing an Annual Pass, but many people find that the additional perks and benefits associated with their Annual Pass offset the cost.

Here are the levels, prices, and benefits for each type of Annual Pass.

Note: all prices DO include tax and have been rounded to the nearest dollar.

Click to view the chart at a larger size.

Platinum Plus Annual Pass

Pass highlights:

• Admission to all 4 Disney parks
• Admission to Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon, ESPN Wild World of Sports, and Disney's Oak Trail Golf Course
• No blockout dates

Non-Florida resident (new): $1375
Non-Florida resident (renewal): $1172
Florida Resident and DVC (new): $1064
Florida Resident and DVC (renewal): $904

Platinum Pass

Pass highlights:

• Admission to all 4 parks
• No blockout dates

Non-Florida resident (new): $1273
Non-Florida resident (renewal): $1082
Florida Resident and DVC (new): $957
Florida Resident and DVC (renewal): $814

Gold Pass

Pass highlights:

• Only available to Florida residents and DVC members
• Admission to all 4 parks
• Blockout dates apply

Florida Resident and DVC (new): $766
Florida Resident and DVC (renewal): $651

Silver Pass

Pass highlights:

• Only available to Florida residents
• Admission to all 4 parks
• Blockout dates apply

Florida Resident (new): $574
Florida Resident (renewal): $488

Theme Park Select

Pass highlights:

• Only available to Florida residents
• Admission to all 4 parks
• Blockout dates apply and not all parks may available for entry (depends on the date)

Florida Resident (new): $468
Florida Resident (renewal): $424

Weekday Select

Pass highlights:

• Only available to Florida residents
• Admission to all 4 parks
• Blockout dates apply (weekday entrances only)

Florida Resident (new only): $393

Epcot After 4

Pass highlights:

• Only available to Florida residents
• Admission to Epcot only
• Entrance has to be 4 p.m. or later

Florida Resident (new): $340
Florida Resident (renewal): $289

How do you purchase an Annual Pass?

Like with any ticket, it is recommended that you purchase your Disney World Annual Pass at least 30 days in advance (if you are staying offsite) or 60 days in advance (if you are staying on-property) so that you can book your FastPass+ reservations.

There are several ways you can purchase it:

• in person at any Guest Relations or ticket location at Walt Disney World (note: you receive an activated Annual Pass instead of a voucher if purchased this way)
• online through the Disney website (voucher)
• by calling Disney at (407) 939-7679 (voucher)

What is an Annual Pass voucher & where do I exchange it?

If you purchase your Annual Pass via any method other than in-person on Disney property, you will receive a voucher that you must redeem once you arrive.

You can link your voucher to your My Disney Experience account (the same way you can a ticket) so that you can make FastPass+ reservations.

While it can be a hassle to redeem the voucher when you arrive, your ticket start date doesn't begin until you physically hand over the voucher and pick up your pass.

You can exchange your voucher at any Guest Relations or ticket location at the Walt Disney World Resort.

This includes the Guest Relations windows at Disney Springs.

Note: don't forget to take your photo ID with you when you redeem your voucher or purchase your Annual Pass.

You can not, however, exchange your voucher at your resort.

This is important to note because if you book using an Annual Pass resort discount you may be asked to present your Annual Pass at check in, which means you'll need to exchange your voucher before you can do that.

Note: there are reports of Cast Members not asking to see the Annual Pass at check-in but Disney does state that you must present it so it is better to be prepared.

What about upgrading?

Upgrading a current Magic Your Way ticket is another option for getting an Annual Pass.

When you upgrade a ticket, you receive credit for the full original purchase price, even if you've used part of the ticket.

This means even if you don't decide until halfway through your trip that you want to upgrade, you can still do that and not lose any of the value of what you already spent on your original ticket.

There are some quirks to be aware of, though:

• If your original ticket is a Park Hopper Plus (formerly known as a "Magic Your Way with Park Hopper Plus - that's the ticket that lets you park hop plus gives you entry into the Disney Water Parks) and if you have used any of the entries into the water parks (either Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon) you can then ONLY upgrade your ticket to a Platinum Plus Annual Pass. If you haven't used any of the entitlements for the water parks, you can upgrade to either the cheaper Platinum or the more expensive Platinum Plus.
• When you upgrade, the start date for your Annual Pass will be the first day you used your original ticket and NOT the day you upgraded.

What are the perks and benefits to Disney World Annual Passes?

Free on-site parking at the parks

Guests staying on-site also get free parking at the parks, but this allows Annual Passholders to park for free even if they're staying off-site.

Savings: $25/day

V.I.PASSHOLDER Support

Disney World Annual Passholders have access to dedicated support services. Annual Passholders can get help by calling (407) WDW-PASS, sending an email through the Annual Passholder Help Form, or by visiting the passholder benefit site.

Free PhotoPass Downloads

Annual Passholders receive downloads of their Disney PhotoPass photos and videos at no extra charge which means you don't need to purchase Memory Maker (note: some Florida Resident annual passes do not include this benefit).

This includes photos and videos of anyone that is linked as Friends and Family with the passholder in the My Disney Experience app.

Savings: $169-199/trip

Disney Resort Hotel discounts

Usually, about 2-4 months in advance, AP resort discounts are announced for up to 30% off on resort rooms.

You can always find the current AP resort discounts as well as information on what discounts were offered in the past on our guide to Disney World discounts.

Tip: if you hear of a new AP resort discount that you want to take advantage of, go ahead and book your reservation even if you don't have an Annual Pass. As long as you have one at check-in, you can use the discount.

Food discounts

If you have a Disney World Annual Pass you can join the Tables in Wonderland program for $150 which gives 20% off on food and beverages (including alcohol) at many WDW dining locations, plus valet parking (which normally costs $33/day) is included.

The best part? Only 1 membership is needed for each group.

The Disney-owned restaurants onsite also frequently offer an Annual Pass discount on dining that ranges from 10-20% off.

The restaurant list (as well as the meals offering discounts) can change, so be sure to double check when dining whether or not a discount is offered. It never hurts to ask!

Merchandise discounts

The standard discount for Annual Passholders is up to 20% off select Disney merchandise.

Other discounts

Annual Passholders also have access to discounts on everything from movies at the AMC in Disney Springs to a round of golf to spa treatments, to special events like parties at Magic Kingdom.

These are just a few examples of the discounts that have been offered in the past so be sure to review your Annual Passholders benefit information to see what is currently being offered during your trip:

• Sports & Recreation - discounts on things like golf, motorized boat rentals, bowling at Splitsville, bike rentals and miniature golf
• Tours - 15% off tours is the normal discount. Some of the tours discounted are: Disney's Family Magic Tour (Magic Kingdom), Keys to the Kingdom (Magic Kingdom), Backstage Magic (Epcot), Wild Africa Trek (Animal Kingdom) plus many others.
• Discounted party tickets - Passholders are often eligible for discounts on tickets for select nights of Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
• Spa treatments - several of the spas at the resorts offer 15% off their services to Annual Passholders

So when does it make sense to buy an Annual Pass?

By the time you do the math, it might make sense for you to upgrade 1 ticket in your group to one of the Disney World annual passes (especially if you plan to use the hotel discount - the price to upgrade can pay for itself in just a couple of nights at a Deluxe hotel).

But if you are going by ticket prices alone - and not taking into account any of the other discounts - you can see that the most recent updates doesn't make getting an Annual Pass as good of a deal as it has in the past, especially for onsite guests.

Note: The dollar amounts below include tax and assume a mid-price travel season. Prices for different dates will vary.

 

But if you plan to access any of the other discounts (especially resort discounts), your savings might outweigh the cost of the Annual Pass.

Lots of people focus on the Free Dining promotion, but it's important to keep all options open when booking your trip.

So the next time you hear about a new AP discount code that's been released, pay attention. It might work out to be your best option.

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Thinking about checking out Disney World annual passes to save money? Tell us about it in the comments.