Wondering if becoming a Disney World Annual Passholder is the right fit for you? The general rule of thumb is that an Annual Pass financially makes sense for anybody going for more than 10 days or for people planning more than 1 trip in a 12 month period. It also may make sense just for the discounts if you are taking a shorter trip. Remember only one person in your group needs an Annual Passholder to receive the discounts below. If you think you might fall into this bucket let’s take a closer look at why you should be a Disney World Annual Passholder.
The Perks of being a Walt Disney World Annual Passholder
You will go to the Parks more!
One of the great things I found about be an Annual Passholder is I am at Disney a lot more. Of course, it really helps out these days that I live right next to the vacation kingdom, but I will say that even prior to moving to Orlando I was an annual Passholder and I still managed to pull off two to three trips a year. Your Annual pass pays off sometimes after your first trip. The annual pass eliminates a big expense, park tickets and parking, so this makes a second trip again in the same year following the pass purchase much less expensive.
Merchandise Discounts
Your discount percentage has changed over the years. Currently, Disney World Annual Passholders get a 20% discount off of merchandise. This is both good and dangerous. In some ways, it enables me to buy more because the discount brings the price down a significant amount.
You should also note that there are exclusions to the merchandise discount. Mostly those are non-Disney stores like Alex and Ani and the Lego Store. Disney has a complete list of the discounts here.
Food Discounts
This discount has been changing a lot over the last couple of years. For a full list of the current restaurants that accept an Annual Passholder discount go here. Additionally, as an Annual Passholder, you can opt to buy for $150 a year, Tables in Wonderland. This program gives you 20% off on food, beverages, and alcohol at most Disney World sit down restaurants.
Tour Discounts
Tours are a great way to see the behind the scenes of Disney World. As an Annual Passholder you will receive 15% off most tours.
Mickey Monitor
Getting the Mickey Monitor in the mail is a teaser of Disney World in your mailbox. This gem holders insider information on what is coming to the resorts in the future as well as current discount offerings.
Free Parking
It is currently $20.00 per car for parking! This savings adds up real fast. The free parking alone is worth getting an annual pass. I can’t imagine how much in parking I would be paying without it. Of course, if you are traveling from far away without a car this one isn’t as big of a deal.
Hotel Discounts
We find that about 2-4 months in advance Disney will open up Annual Passholder resort discounts. The savings can be up to 30% off on resort rooms, the more expensive the better the discount we find. This discount can rack up some big savings to pay for the annual pass.
Special Entrance Line at the Parks
There is a separate line for Passholders to enter the park, which can make entry, especially in the morning much quicker. Just look for the Mickey Passholder sign and enter the park there. The other great thing about this line is Passholders know how to use their tickets so it goes quickly.
Other Annual Passholder Savings
If you are interested in enjoying the spa during your trip you will get a discount. The spas at the Disney World Resorts offer 15% off their services.
Plus you get a discount on two of my favorite events. Passholders get to enjoy a small discount on Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
I recommend asking everywhere you go if they have a Disney Annual Passholder discount. Things like Disney golf, bowling at Splitsville, Disney water parks, bike rentals and miniature golf all have special discounts.
Freebies and Exclusives
While this isn’t a guarantee, Passholders historically have been receiving exclusive gifts at Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival, Festival of the Arts, as well as the Flower and Garden Festival. This year we received a custom piece of artwork, buttons, and magnets. As well, we got an exclusive sneak peek into Pandora the World of Avatar before it even opened in 2017. This is an amazing experience to enjoy something brand new at Disney World without the crowds.
Different Walt Disney World Annual Passholder Options
There’s no getting around it an Annual Pass for Disney World isn’t cheap. Discounts are available on Annual Passes if you live in Florida or if you are a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) member. You can also upgrade from a discounted ticket. Many people find that the additional perks and benefits associated with their Annual Pass offset the cost. Also, once you buy an annual pass, you will be offered a discount at renewal time to continue your annual pass.
Disney Annual Pass Tiers
- Platinum Annual Pass. This tier allows admission to all 4 parks plus park hopping. Free parking, free PhotoPass Downloads, and one free MagicBand is included.
- Platinum Plus Annual Pass. This pass offers all of the benefits of the basic Platinum Pass, along with admissions to the two Disney World waterparks and Oak Trail Golf Course.
- Gold Pass. This option is available to DVC Members and Florida residents. It includes admission to all 4 parks, park hopping, parking and the PhotoPass downloads. There are blackout dates associated with this pass during popular visitation times and holidays (mainly Christmas and Easter).
- Silver Pass. This is available to Florida Residents only and includes admission to all 4 parks, park hopping, and parking. This option has more extensive blackout dates than the Gold Pass, including most of the summer.
- Disney Weekday Select Pass. This option is for Florida residents only and only can be used Monday-Friday. This pass includes the entry into all 4 parks, park hopping and parking. There are blackout dates associated with this pass.
- The Epcot After 4. This is another option only for Florida Residents who are interested in coming to. Epcot for dinner. It is only for admission to Epcot, only 4:00pm or later, and includes parking.
I have been visiting the parks annually since my parents first brought me at just a year old. Recently I was able to fulfill my life long dream of being a Florida local and moved from the wintery Northeast to the sunshine and fun of central Florida. Now I am hoping to share my Disney knowledge with you so you can have the best vacation possible!
