This solutions steadily requested questions on Annual Passes at Walt Disney World, with data & tips on new gross sales of the Incredi-Pass, Sorcerer, Pirate, and Pixie Dust APs, advantages of being a passholder, and what you must know earlier than you try and buy an AP.
In case you missed it, the corporate introduced that Walt Disney World will resume new Annual Pass gross sales beginning April 20, 2023. Unsurprisingly, there have been a lot of questions and considerations, as Walt Disney World hasn’t bought APs in over a 12 months and previous precedent with Magic Key gross sales at Disneyland suggests it is likely to be a worrying and time-consuming course of.
Understandably, diehard Walt Disney World followers who’ve been ready a 12 months or so to buy Annual Passes don’t wish to “screw up” something and danger being shut out after (probably) ready a number of hours in a digital queue. Accordingly, we’ve combed by the announcement put up to seek out the most typical questions, and are going to reply them right here on this work-in-progress FAQ to the Annual Pass program at Walt Disney World…
What are the Annual Pass tiers?
Disney Pixie Dust Pass – This is the bottom tier go for Florida residents prices $399 plus tax–or $19 per 30 days with 12 month-to-month funds after $205 down fee on the Florida Resident Monthly Payment Program.
Disney Pirate Pass – This is the subsequent tier up for Florida residents solely, costing $749 plus tax–or $50 per 30 days with 12 month-to-month funds and 0% APR after $205 down fee with the Florida Resident Monthly Payment Program
Disney Sorcerer Pass – The subsequent tier up is for Florida residents or eligible Disney Vacation Club members, costing $969 plus tax–or $69 per 30 days with 12 month-to-month funds after $205 down fee on the Florida Resident Monthly Payment Program.
Disney Incredi-Pass – This is the highest tier with no blockout dates, and is the one tier of AP obtainable for anybody to buy, together with non-Floridians and non-DVC members. It prices $1,399 plus tax–or $108 per 30 days with 12 month-to-month funds after $205 down fee on the Florida Resident Monthly Payment Program.
Here’s a comparability chart:
What are the blockout dates for every AP?
Unsurprisingly, the inexpensive the AP, the extra blockout dates it has, and vice-versa. The Pixie Dust Pass is most notable amongst these, because it’s blocked out all weekends and holidays; don’t plan on utilizing it any day that native children are out of faculty.
Beyond that, uou ought to undoubtedly seek the advice of the official Walt Disney World AP blockout calendar earlier than making your buy, as the preferred dates to go to are all excluded from even being eligible to make reservations for the decrease tiers of APs. Be certain to toggle the go kind to see excluded dates for every.
Are reservations nonetheless required?
Yes and no.
Walt Disney World Annual Passholders at the moment are in a position to go to the theme parks after 2 pm while not having a Disney Park Pass reservation, besides on Saturdays and Sundays at Magic Kingdom. All Annual Pass blockout dates will proceed to use.
Visiting any park earlier than 2 pm will proceed to require a Disney Park Pass reservation. Same with Saturdays and Sundays at Magic Kingdom–Annual Passholders can nonetheless go to Magic Kingdom on weekends after 2 pm when you have a park reservation or have entered a distinct park.
However, as mentioned at size in When Will Disney Park Pass Reservations End?, we don’t count on reservations to be absolutely retired for Annual Passholders or Cast Members anytime quickly. By distinction, we count on them passed by 2024 for normal ticket holders.
Retaining reservations for APs and CMs offers Disney management over the attendance combine, and permits the corporate to prioritize vacationers who spend extra per go to on common. Although Disney needs Annual Passholders and Cast Members to go to–and spend cash–when there’s extra capability, the circumstances are totally different when the parks are busier.
It thus is smart that Walt Disney World would wish to prioritize resort company and different vacationers and never fill the parks with Annual Passholders on the expense of extra profitable vacationers throughout busier dates. Hence the compromise of no reservations after 2 pm most days for APs. That’s additionally why we don’t count on park reservations to be retired for Annual Passes in 2023. (Perhaps a super-expensive ‘no-reservations’ AP might be launched, however even that’s uncertain.)
How many Disney Park Pass theme park reservations can every AP tier maintain at a time?
There at the moment are three kinds of reservations that passholders can use concurrently: 1) Park Reservations, 2) Select Hotel Length of Stay Park Reservations, and three) Bonus Reservations. Here’s how every work in observe:
1) Park Reservation – Each Walt Disney World Annual Pass offers a distinct variety of Disney Park Pass reservations:
- Disney Incredi-Pass: Up to five reservations held at a time
- Disney Sorcerer Pass: Up to five reservations held at a time
- Disney Pirate Pass: Up to 4 reservations held at a time
- Disney Pixie Dust Pass: Up to three reservations held at a time
2) Select Hotels Length of Stay Park Reservations – Annual Passholders staying at official Walt Disney World resorts or different choose inns are eligible to make theme park reservations for every day of their keep, along with holding at the very least 3 days of theme park reservations at a time on a rolling foundation
3) Bonus Reservation – During slower seasons when Walt Disney World needs to spice up attendance, bonus reservations are added. This permits Annual Passholders to make additional reservations on choose days at choose theme parks that do NOT rely towards their reservation holdings. Think of “bonus reservations” as the corporate’s means of nudging APs to go to parks with decrease attendance ranges. Sort of like a “Surprise FastPass” for Carousel of Progress, for those who bear in mind these.
When can DVC members buy a brand new Annual Pass?
Now!
Walt Disney opened new gross sales of the Sorcerer Pass to DVC house owners starting on April 13.
When can everybody else buy new Annual Passes?
Florida residents, most people, or DVC members wanting to buy an Incredi-Pass might be in a position to take action starting on April 20, 2023.
What time will APs go on sale on April 20?
Walt Disney World simply launched this official replace: “The Disney Incredi-Pass, Disney Sorcerer Pass and Disney Pirate Pass will resume new sales and can be purchased online no earlier than 6:00 AM Eastern Time on April 20, 2023.”
Will the digital queue and shopping for course of be just like Magic Keys at Disneyland?
No one is aware of.
For those that haven’t adopted the saga of Magic Key APs at Disneyland, when these gross sales have resumed, there have been digital queues of 6+ hours lengthy on a number of events. When APs returned for the primary time after a protracted absence, some folks reported ready so long as 12 hours within the digital queue.
Given that and the truth that Walt Disney World AP gross sales have been paused longer, it stands to cause that the wait time for WDW Annual Passes might be related, proper? Eh, presumably.
It’s unimaginable to say what is going to occur, however our expectation is that there might be a digital queue, but it surely won’t be practically so long as at Disneyland. For one factor, there’s a bigger native inhabitants in Los Angeles and Orange County. Californians are the core demo at Disneyland, whereas vacationers are nonetheless the bread and butter at Walt Disney World. With that mentioned, the populations of Osceola and Orange County have exploded in the previous few years, however APs have been obtainable in some capability for Floridians throughout that point.
For one other factor, Walt Disney World has by no means had fairly the identical subject with digital queues as Disneyland. Even in relation to related high-demand merchandise and ticket choices, the method has persistently been smoother at Walt Disney World in the previous few years. This consists of when APs first returned again in 2021. I can’t clarify the why or how of this, however it seems that the 2 coasts use totally different techniques or parameters for his or her digital queues.
Accordingly, our expectation is that after the system is steady and dealing, there’s a digital queue of an hour or so throughout the peak of the morning rush on April 20, but it surely’s faster than that by the top of the day. (Now watch, the wait time will really find yourself being 13 hours on April 20!)
Will there be Disney IT points on April 20?
Notice how we hedged the above prediction with “once the system is stable and working”? Well, that’s as a result of our guess is that there are technical difficulties very first thing within the morning on April 20. It wouldn’t be a ‘WDW Drop Day’ with out them!
Again, I don’t know why, however Disney IT issues are the one fixed of days like this. Even on days when issues finally operate easily, there are sometimes points very first thing within the morning. It’s as if Walt Disney World at all times underestimates demand, even for its hottest choices. The higher query shouldn’t be “if” IT points will happen, however which character(s) might be most prominently featured on the error messages. My cash’s on the Seven Dwarfs. Any takers for Stitch? Lady and the Tramp? Donald Duck? Olaf? Big Thunder Goat???
How lengthy will Walt Disney World depart new Annual Passes obtainable for buy?
Yet one other unknown.
We would strongly suggest anybody who’s on the fence about buying an Annual Pass to make the choice between now and April 20, 2023. Given how lengthy gross sales have been paused and the quantity of pent-up demand for APs amongst locals, it’s best to completely be a part of the digital queue ASAP on day certainly one of gross sales resuming when you have been denied up to now.
To that time and for reference, AP gross sales at Disneyland resumed previous to final Thanksgiving and passes bought out in beneath 2 days. Some followers had been shut out once more as a result of they couldn’t get by the digital queue or opted to attend till it died down. A miscalculation that disadvantaged them of visits throughout the very best time of 12 months at Disneyland.
Disneyland once more resumed Magic Key AP gross sales this January, and it took over per week for some Magic Keys to start out promoting out once more. Disneyland but once more resumed AP gross sales this month (April 2023), and numerous passes bought out in just a few hours to some days.
If I didn’t have already got a Walt Disney World Annual Pass, I’d be up at 5:30 am Eastern, with the expectation that they may go on sale early and the hope that doing so would beat the morning rush. If I had to enter an workplace job or was in any other case busy, I’d in all probability wait till my lunch break, working on the belief that issues might be going smoother and sooner by then.
I’d strive not to attend till April 21 if I had the selection, however I wouldn’t be too fearful that every one passes would promote out in beneath a day. I simply assume the higher wager is erring on the facet of warning and never playing.
Will my bought Annual Pass be instantly activated?
No. The 365-day use window of the Annual Pass doesn’t start till the primary time you really enter one of many theme parks. The clock begins ticking from the tapstile, not the transaction.
However, the Annual Pass is added to your My Disney Experience account so that you’re eligible to make Park Pass reservations and use it for no matter different functions. It’s technically an AP voucher till activation.
Should I wait to purchase an AP if I’m not visiting Walt Disney World till later this 12 months or in early 2024?
No. Well, really, let me take a step again. That’s your resolution. If there’s the chance that you just received’t go to or find yourself needing an AP, then tying up some huge cash in an Annual Pass is probably not the savviest transfer within the historical past of private funds.
With that mentioned, the explanation that’s a tough no is due to the dialogue above. Even in the event that they don’t promote out on April 21 or inside the subsequent few weeks, it’s nearly a foregone conclusion that new go gross sales might be paused once more in 2023. There are additionally the inevitable value will increase, which is able to possible happen in Fall 2023. Buying now guards towards all of that.
This is exactly why our Ticket Tips for Walt Disney World has been recommending folks buy admission ASAP to lock-in present costs and guard towards will increase. Same precept applies right here, too.
How lengthy do I’ve to activate my new AP?
Walt Disney World Annual Pass vouchers have to be activated inside one year of their buy. If a voucher shouldn’t be activated inside that timeframe, its unique greenback worth might be utilized towards a future Magic Your Way or Annual Pass buy.
What if I have already got an previous AP voucher for the ‘precious metals’ passes?
You would possibly discover that the above coverage differs from up to now, when folks have been in a position to purchase a voucher for a legacy AP and use it years later for a more recent model of a like go. It’s nonetheless potential for holders of these previous vouchers to obtain the Incredi-Pass, but it surely’s way more YMMV from what we perceive.
It requires getting a Cast Member or their supervisor who is aware of how you can convert the previous voucher, and makes use of their discretion to make it occur. (This is not our firsthand information, however slightly, what we’ve heard secondhand. Again, it’s very YMMV.) Good luck!
Can anybody pay for the Annual Pass in month-to-month installments?
Not except they’re additionally Florida residents (and earlier than you ask, DVC possession doesn’t rely). Only Floridians have the choice for month-to-month funds by way of the Florida Resident Monthly Payment Program.
Are there Disney Vacation Club reductions?
No. Previously, the top-level Platinum Pass provided a $200 low cost for Disney Vacation Club members. This quantities to an efficient value enhance of over 50% for DVC members on the Incredi-Pass.
However, with the ability to buy the Sorcerer Pass with out being a Florida resident is successfully a reduction, I assume. That AP is over $400 cheaper, and the one blockouts are lower than 20 days round Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. It’s probably the most logical AP to get for the overwhelming majority of DVC members.
Of course, this might at all times change relying upon gross sales numbers and attendance. Just a few years in the past, Walt Disney World provided some really aggressive offers to DVC members throughout a gradual interval.
Which Annual Passes can DVC members buy?
Incredi-Pass and Sorcerer Pass (with some exclusions–see subsequent query).
Are solely “blue card” DVC members eligible to buy the Sorcerer Pass?
Yes. For these unfamiliar with the time period, “blue card” DVC members are those that have a blue membership card. This is obtained both by buying Disney Vacation Club immediately from Disney, or shopping for resale beneath the previous guidelines (earlier than 4/4/16) and being grandfathered in.
Which APs can Florida residents buy?
Any of them.
Which Annual Passes can out of state guests purchase?
Only the highest tier Incredi-Pass.
This shouldn’t be new. Out of state, non-DVC, company might beforehand solely buy the Platinum Passes.
Can common tickets be upgraded to Annual Passes?
Yes. Normal single or multi-day tickets might be upgraded to an Annual Pass up by the final day that admission is used. Normal Ticket Bridging to Annual Pass Rules for Walt Disney World ought to apply, however that’s one other factor that has grow to be very YMMV over the previous few years (and we personally lack firsthand expertise with not too long ago).
How do I improve common tickets?
It relies upon. Walt Disney World will provide upgrades on most eligible tickets within the My Disney Experience app and/or DisneyWorld.com. However, that undoubtedly won’t work for all tickets, wherein case you’ll must go to Walt Disney World Guest Relations. The most suitable choice for this, in our expertise, is at Disney Springs. (But it’s in all probability not value making a particular journey except you’ve different one other goal on the market–just like the vital enterprise of cookie and/or ice cream acquisition!)
Can I apply the worth of a number of tickets in the direction of the price of one Annual Pass?
No. Only one common ticket could also be utilized to every Annual Pass improve.
How will upgrades of current APs work?
According to Walt Disney World, current Annual Passholders could have the choice to improve their current Annual Pass into any obtainable go kind exterior of their renewal window on the DisneyWorld.com web site or by way of the My Disney Experience app. The distinction in value have to be paid in full on the time of the improve and the brand new go could have the identical expiration date as the unique go.
The massive query is whether or not the value might be prorated, and the reply is in all probability not. In the previous, Walt Disney World has not prorated AP upgrades; whether or not you had 364 days or a single day remaining, the improve value was the value distinction between the 2 passes. It’s potential that Disney will make an exception to that given the distinctive circumstances right here, however don’t rely on it.
Will upgrades upon renewal be provided sooner or later even when APs are bought out?
Most possible. This has really been the “long play” for a lot of locals over the course of the final couple years. They’ve began by buying the Pixie Pass, after which upgrading it to one of many larger tiers a 12 months later upon renewal. It appeared like a foolish factor to do again in late 2021 when passes first bought out, however lots of these locals obtained the final giggle.
What about Annual Pass renewals?
Nothing about that course of ought to change with the resumption of recent Annual Pass gross sales.
Currently, Walt Disney World APs can renew beginning 60 days earlier than expiration, as much as 30 days after expiration. Regardless of when renewal happens, the brand new 365-day utilization interval begins instantly after the AP’s expiration date. Renewal reductions are 15% off.
So for out-of-state Annual Passholders, the query turns into whether or not you’ll be utilizing the go within the month or so after renewal. If so, you’ll undoubtedly wish to renew. If not, you’ll wish to weigh the danger of passes promoting out once more.
Does everybody in a household must buy the PhotographPass add-on if one particular person does?
Nope.
In truth, we’d suggest solely one particular person buys it for those who at all times or often go to collectively. Otherwise, it’s paying additional for what quantities to a redundant profit.
Is there a yearly Genie+ add-on for Annual Passholders?
No, and it’s extremely unlikely that one might be provided anytime quickly. Maybe in 2024 if there’s a serious recession. Maybe.
What’s the possible impression to April or May 2023 crowds at Walt Disney World?
Our expectation is that the primary and second weekend after the new-look APs go on sale, the parks will see a spike in crowd ranges as a consequence of pent-up demand amongst locals. It’s additionally possible weeknights after 5 pm will see a slight uptick.
Overall attendance ranges all through the month ought to nonetheless be low as in comparison with mid-March by mid-April, simply in all probability not as shockingly uncrowded as Walt Disney World is true now.
Why is that this all so convoluted and sophisticated–is a FAQ actually going to be crucial for each change Walt Disney World makes going ahead?
It would appear so.
Everyone is aware of that “vacations” are supposed to be as stress-inducing and sophisticated as potential, requiring a cryptex and superior diploma in codebreaking. Just wait till Magic Kingdom provides a troll toll to its bridges and doesn’t allow you to go till you reply the riddle (customary per-riddle price, taxes, and different charges apply).
Why did Disney retire the intuitive Silver/Gold/Platinum AP naming conference?
Extensive market analysis exhibits that the youngsters lately with their Bitcoins, mobile telephones, and social medias don’t admire the standard issues in life, like accumulating treasured metals or watching Olympic medal ceremonies.
Whereas everybody on the TikTookay is aware of that fairies < piracy < sorcery. Everyone.
Are Walt Disney World Annual Passes overpriced?
“After seeing what Taylor Swift tickets are going for in Tampa tonight, I now think Annual Passes are fairly priced. Demand is there for premium experiences, and Disney is still the best in my opinion.” ~Bruce from the feedback
I feel Bruce would possibly’ve been half-joking, however he’s proper. Whether or not it’s Taylor Swift tickets, monkey jpegs, or Walt Disney World Annual Passes, the worth of each good in a market financial system relies on a value discovery course of. Consistently and overwhelmingly, Disney has been “discovering” that customers are keen to pay more and more larger costs for his or her merchandise. Stated in one other means, Annual Passes wouldn’t have bought out so quick and remained unavailable for a year-plus afterwards as a consequence of excessive demand if admission to Walt Disney World had been overpriced.
With that mentioned, I’ve to confess that for those who instructed me ~6 years in the past that my AP would value $1,400 in 2023, I wouldn’t have believed you. Around that point, there was a DVC deal on Platinum Plus APs for $595. There had been additionally distinctive reductions for eating places and merchandise as a result of attendance was gradual at Walt Disney World (think about that!). When costs elevated sharply within the years following that, it was stunning. I saved considering that “something’s gotta give–this is overpriced!” That was just a few years in the past, and I used to be clearly fallacious.
As I’ve written elsewhere, I’ve misplaced the capability for shock in relation to Walt Disney World will increase or pricing. At this level, attendance continues to be robust, pent-up demand shouldn’t be but absolutely exhausted, the parks have a loyal and passionate fanbase, and a number of high-profile additions are driving vacationers to go to. Why wouldn’t the corporate hold elevating costs?
Generally talking, I don’t assume it makes any sense to speak pricing when enterprise is booming to the extent that it’s proper now. Yes, it sucks that costs have elevated a lot within the final a number of years. Yes, it’s regarding the way in which that Disney has priced out so many center class households. Yes, the long-term reputational hit ensuing from present value methods may be very worrying. But complaining about all of that received’t change the elemental realities of demand. (And truthfully, Annual Passholders are the least-sympathetic demo in relation to costs. Annual Passes are primarily a luxurious good. Do you’re feeling badly for individuals who complain about the price of Birkins growing?)
Planning a Walt Disney World journey? Learn about inns on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews web page. For the place to eat, learn our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews. To get monetary savings on tickets or decide which kind to purchase, learn our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets put up. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips put up takes a singular take a look at intelligent objects to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will assist. For complete recommendation, the very best place to start out is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for the whole lot you must know!
YOUR THOUGHTS
Have any questions we didn’t reply with the above FAQ? Still confused by something to do with the brand new Annual Pass gross sales at Walt Disney World? Do you agree or disagree with our assessments? Other ideas or considerations? Any questions we can assist you reply? Hearing your suggestions–even if you disagree with us–is each attention-grabbing to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!