Annual Passes at Disney World haven’t been sold since the parks closed in March of 2020, except in very specific cases.
Walt Disney World Annual Passholder
Disney announced at the beginning of the month that Annual Passes WOULD return before the start of the 50th-anniversary celebration! Well, now it’s time to mark your calendars! Disney World Annual Passes will go on sale again on September 8th! And we have ALL the details.
Similar to the new Magic Key system in Disneyland, Disney World’s pass system is getting a revamp.
Disney World Annual Pass
The new system will offer 4 passes: the Disney Incredi-Pass, the Disney Sorcerer Pass, the Disney Pirate Pass, and the Disney Pixie Dust Pass. We’re going to walk you through ALL of the pricing and changes here as simply as we can!
Types of Annual Passes and Pricing
Incredi-Pass Pricing
The Disney Incredi-Pass is the most expensive of the bunch at $1,299 plus tax. Florida residents can pay $99 per month for 12 months after a down payment of $205. This pass option has NO blockout dates and you can hold up to 5 park reservations at one time.
Tree of Life
Sorcerer Pass Pricing
Next up is the Disney Sorcerer Pass! This one costs $899 plus tax. Florida residents can pay $63 per month for 12 months after a $205 down payment. The Sorcerer Pass has limited blockout dates, can hold 5 park reservations at a time, and is ONLY available to Florida Residents or Disney Vacation Club Members.
Magic Kingdom
Pirate Pass Pricing
The Disney Pirate Pass will cost you $699 plus tax, with the option to pay $45 per month for 12 months after a $205 down payment for Florida residents. This pass is available only to Florida residents, has blockout dates around peak times and holidays, and can hold 4 park reservations at a time!
Welcome to EPCOT!
Pixie Dust Pass Pricing
Lastly, the Disney Pixie Dust Pass will cost $399 plus tax. Florida residents can pay $19 per month for 12 months after a $205 down payment, and the pass is only available for Florida residents. Most weekdays will be available for guests with the Pixie Dust Pass, however, it has the most blockout dates. It can still hold 3 park reservations at once.
Slinky Dog Dash
Here’s a look at these passes and prices all broken down in one graphic.
©Disney
Reservation Details
As seen above, the number of park reservations that can be held will depend on the pass type. There will also be “bonus reservations” on the calendar available for Passholders from time time, and that reservation will NOT count as part of the limit.
Let’s Go!
When Passholders stay at Disney World resorts or other select hotels, they will be able to make park reservations for each day of their stay. This is in addition to the number of reservations the pass can hold.
©Disney
There will also be enhancements to the reservation system that includes an integrated calendar that lets Passholders see blockout dates for each type of pass, view available dates, and make, modify, or cancel the park reservations all in one spot.
Customization
Passholders will also be able to customize their pass by choosing to include things like Water Parks, Sports, or Disney PhotoPass. All add-on options will be available to purchase with any of the four new passes.
There is a Water Park and Sports upgrade option for $99 plus tax and PhotoPass upgrade for $99 plus tax. These can be added to any pass type.
©Disney
In terms of the Water Park and Sports option, Annual Passholders can pay $99 (plus tax) for the year to enjoy admission to Disney’s water parks, golf courses, and more. For the duration of the Annual Pass, the Water Park and Sports Option add-on will give the guest one admission to select Disney World experiences with no blockout dates, including Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park, FootGolf at Disney’s Oak Trail, and more.
©Disney
Note that there are certain restrictions, like miniature golf is only valid for one round and you can only get one miniature golf visit per guest per day. Be sure to check all of the rules and restrictions when purchasing this add-on.
When it comes to the PhotoPass add-on, for $99 (plus tax) for the year, Annual Passholders will be able to download select attraction photos and videos, Disney PhotoPass photos and videos captured from the first valid date of the pass until the pass expires, and get other benefits.
©Disney
Again, note that there are special terms that apply to the PhotoPass add-on, so be sure to check those before purchasing.
Passes will continue to offer perks and benefits including the park hopping option, standard theme park parking, and discounts on merchandise and dining. Disney also mentioned that there would be a few special surprises throughout the 50th anniversary celebration!
How This Impacts Current Annual Passes
If you are currently in your renewal period, you can choose to renew into one of the current Annual Pass options until September 7, 2021. But if you don’t renew before September 8th, your only option will be to renew into the new pass system.
Galaxy’s Edge in Disney’s Hollywood Studios
If you have an ACTIVE Annual Pass right now that isn’t set to expire before September 8th, you will keep your current pass and all of its benefits until it expires. So, for example, if you have a Platinum Pass that doesn’t expire until March of 2022, nothing will change for you until March. When you get into your renewal period, you will then have to renew into one of the new Annual Pass options.
Annual Pass
If you have an Annual Pass that is NOT activated, like you have a certificate for a pass, this is different. To keep this pass, you need to visit the parks and activate it by September 7th. If you do that, you will keep your pass for the next year.
©Disney
If you do NOT activate your pass by the 7th, your pass will be converted into the new Annual Pass system on September 8th. You will be given a pass that is comparable to the one you already have a certificate for, meaning you will NOT lose any of the perks included in that pass. So, if you have an unactivated pass that includes PhotoPass and the Waterparks and Sports option, you will not lose those perks. They will remain on your pass for free. Your park reservations will also not be changed or deleted.
If You Want to Upgrade Your Ticket
Have you already purchased a theme park ticket? Well, good news! Disney has shared that eligible tickets can be upgraded to select pass types. This can be done through My Disney Experience, at a theme park ticket window, or at the Disney Ticket Center at Disney Springs. You can also call Disney at 407-W-DISNEY (407-934-7639).
Main Street, U..SA.
Where to Purchase Annual Passes
Passes will be available for purchase on the Disney website or on the My Disney Experience app. You can also call 407-W-DISNEY (407-934-7639), but you may experience long wait times. You can also purchase an Annual Pass at a theme park ticket window or at the Disney Ticket Center in Disney Springs.
©Disney
But NOTE!! To help with attendance numbers, Disney will be limiting the number of Annual Passes on sale. This means the new Annual Passes CAN sell out. So, if you’re planning to purchase a pass on September 8th, be sure to set your alarms so you have a better chance of snagging one! We’ll remind you when Annual Passes go on sale, so stay tuned for the latest Disney news.
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E=McSquared, I think you’re wrong — which is a good thing in this case. It’s explained in the fine print at the bottom of the Pass page that mini golf is good for “one miniature golf visit per Guest per day”. We believe this is also the case for the water parks. So one Guest can gain entry in a day — meaning the Add-On doesn’t cover everyone in your party, just the person whose Annual Pass has the Add-On. Does that make sense? Now, to muddy the waters, Disney didn’t specifically come out and say this with regard to water parks, so if you want to be 100% sure, you would want to confirm with Disney directly. I hope this helps (and that you’re right about everything else today to offset being wrong this once).
Paul, we did get confirmation from Disney that if you don’t activate before 9/8, a renewal — even if it’s done before 9/8 — will be converted to a comparable Pass under the new structure.
I have a question regarding Florida residents and annual passes/payment plans. I read on one of your posts (more recent I think) that something has to be done in person–do we have to make the initial purchase of the passes in person? The actual instalments? What has to be done in person? This will take some planning since we are 3 hours away…
Ken, our understanding from Disney yesterday is that FL residents need to renew or purchase new Annual Passes in person only (with a valid ID).
Sarah, click “Read More” under each Pass option on this page to see a link to each new Pass’ blockout calendars.
Elizabeth, our expectation is that it means one Guest can go to a water park on the Add-On per day. So the recreation Add-On would not cover a whole family, for example. You would want to confirm this with Disney because their language is cloudy.
John, the Incredi-Pass is good for anyone. The others requires Passholders to be FL residents or DVC Members.
Howard, we expect Passes will be good from activation, not purchase.
Tina, that’s a million dollar question. I don’t believe Disney has released an exact time. Typically I think online offerings start at 6AM, phone lines at 7AM. But it’s not impossible that they might start online even earlier than that.
Smeyers, as long as you have a Resort reservation, you can book your Disney Park Passes for length-of-stay.
Adrian, as long as you activated your Pass before September 8, you’ll be locked into the current Pass. Since you mentioned the My Disney Experience shows your expiration as next July, I assume you have activated it. If that’s the case, you should be keeping that Pass with its perks/inclusions until your next renewal (July 2022). On September 8, current Passes will see an increase in the number of Disney Park Passes they can hold:
Disney Platinum Plus Pass: Up to 5 Park Pass reservations
Disney Platinum Pass: Up to 5 Park Pass reservations
Disney Gold Pass: Up to 5 Park Pass reservations
Disney Silver Pass: Up to 4 Park Pass reservations
Disney Theme Park Select Pass: Up to 3 Park Pass reservations
Disney Weekday Select Pass: Up to 3 Park Pass reservations
Disney EPCOT After 4 Pass: Up to 3 Park Pass reservations
what about the premium pass that allows passholders to go to both Disneyland AND Disneyworld? Any words on that option?
April, that’s a great question. You will need to show valid FL ID (maybe bring a utility bill, too, just to cover all the bases) for the monthly payment plan, as per what we were told by Disney yesterday. To me that means that in order to purchase it and lock in that payment plan, you’ll need to do it in person. You might want to confirm with Disney just to be sure you need to make that drive to solidify a Pass as a resident.
Donald, that’s a great question. I will share your request for an analysis piece with the team; I suspect they already have something in the works on that. It’s definitely going to be a tough and personal decision for folks. I know my sister, a FL resident, is also crunching numbers to see what will work for her family. Good luck with your decision!
Donald, thanks for your patience. I just hadn’t gotten to that comment yet, so it was awaiting approval. (Now please give me back my shovel and bucket.)
MouseEarsGurl, you know I wondered about that yesterday as well. As far as I know, Disney has not released information on an option that would include both the Annual Pass at Disney World and the new Magic Key program at Disneyland. We’ll update if something comes to light.
Josh, to my knowledge Disney has not released info on a DVC Direct discount; I think you’ll want to check with DVC Member services to be sure one way or the other.
Christina, at this point, I don’t see info online about a water parks Annual Pass option. That doesn’t mean one won’t be revealed, but it’s not out there yet. You might want to reach out to Disney to see if it is something that will be coming or if it’s gone for good.
Vicki+Pierce, no word from Disney on why two of the Passes are exclusive to Floridians. The Incredi-Pass is good for everyone (and offers FL residents a 12-month pay structure), and the Sorcerer Pass includes DVC Members (again with the 12-month payment structure for FL residents).
Gail, I expect you will keep your current inclusions with your current Pass until you’re required to renew into a new one (post-September 8).
Crystal, all Passes include the option to Park Hop (still after 2PM and subject to capacity, of course, until those policies change). DVC can buy the Incredi-Pass. I don’t think Disney has said whether or not DVC Members can get a discount on their APs or not. Try reaching out to Member Services to see what they say.
Pam, it should be active from the date of activation (Halloween time, as you said) not from purchase (September 8).
Natalie, as long as you activate your renewed Pass by September 7, you can keep your current Pass. If you can’t activate until after 9/8, you’ll be activated into one of the new Passes, whichever Disney feels is equivalent to your current Pass.
Susan, if you click “Read More” under each Pass description, you should see links for the calendars.
Hi, Kari. All comments require moderation, so I’m getting to it this morning!
Please explain to me what the park reservations are for? I am just not sure what they are and I feel like I am the only one who doesn’t
Lisa, I think you’ll want to talk to Disney about this when you call. Current ticketholders need to call Disney (or go in person) to upgrade to an Annual Pass, so that’ll give you a chance to double check (triple check!) that you won’t lose your Disney Park Pass reservations.
Stephen, you are correct. If you’re in your current Pass period, you can keep your Pass until your renewal. If the renewal is September 8 or later, you’ll renew into a new Pass. Does that help?
Eric, makes sense to me!
Dennis, I might be wrong about this, but it seems to me like you might be able to renew into the Pixie Dust Pass ($19 per month), which is for FL residents and includes only weekdays (with blockouts) or the Pirate Pass ($45 per month). Maybe try calling Disney again.
Dorothy, you’re reading it correctly. Only the Incredi-Pass is available for folks outside of FL (and non-DVC owners, as you mentioned).
Melissa, our understanding is one visit per day.
Jennifer, anyone can purchase the Incredi-Pass at Walt Disney World, but you’re correct that two are exclusive to FL residents, and a third is only for FL residents and DVC Members.
I don’t think I saw an answer to this question…We have a Gold Pass that we weren’t able to access last year but planned on activating on a trip later in the fall. When we bought it Photo Pass was included. Do you know if it will be when we activate it?
Danielle, if you aren’t able to activate by September 7, you will be required to activate into a new Pass type. Disney is saying guests in this situation will be renewed/activated into an equivalent Pass.
Hey DFB
I am in the UK , a DVC member and have a Gold Pass that was bought but hasn’t yet been activated (no point with the border closed) it includes the Photopass in its current form as a Gold Pass.
Are you saying that if I don’t activate it before the 8th September it will turn into a Sorcerer Pass at the point I do activate it after the 8th September which means I will lose the Photopass which is included in its current Gold status?
Thanks from a gutted exiled Disney lover who can’t wait for borders to be opened and my exile to end lol 😊
Kim, there will be renewal discounts. The Pixie Dust Pass is $339, Pirate $594, Sorcerer $764, and Incredi-Pass $1104. We think the discrepancy in pricing is due to tax. The prices Disney published do not include tax, but the 12-month rates appear to include it in that monthly price.
Sam, I think that’s correct. You may want to reach out to Disney (if the time difference isn’t too much of an obstacle) to confirm.
Lisa, if you will be activating your Pass after September 7, you will likely be renewed into a new Pass. And because none of them include PhotoPass, I would expect you will lose that inclusion. You may want to give Disney a call to confirm this.
JSav, if your current Pass has been activated already or will be activated by September 7, our understanding is that you will keep your current Pass and its inclusions. To my knowledge, Disney has not said why the offer monthly payment options only to FL residents, but it’s a program that’s been in place for a while.
Kari, if you are staying at a Disney Resort (or one of the other hotels that are included, like Shades of Green, Swan/Dolphin, and the Disney Springs Area Resorts), you’ll be able to book Disney Park Passes for your length of stay. If you’re off-site, you can start booking new Disney Park Pass reservations one day at a time as you’re using them. So after you scan in for day one, try to make day six right away — and so on. I hope this helps.
Cora, for Annual Passes that have not been activated by September 7, Disney is saying you’ll be activated into an equivalent new Pass.
Angela, that’s correct.
Mike, I’m having editors revisit the language to be sure we’re as clear as possible. If you have activated your Pass already (sounds like you have since you have an expiration of next August), you should remain in your current Pass until that renewal next year. At that point, you will be shifted into a new Pass.
Doug, that is our understanding — you’ll still be active from activation, not purchase.
Staci, the Incredi-Pass is for everyone.
Suzie, if you’re already activated (sounds like you have been since March 2021), you can stay in your current Pass until you renew next March. At that time you’ll need to shift into a new Pass.
Rich, if you have activated the Pass, you will stay in your current Pass. If you have not activated the Pass by September 7, Disney will convert you into an equivalent new Pass. You’ll want to reach out to Disney regarding the payments, just so you won’t have any surprises.
J.R., theme park parking is included for all Passes.
Jennifer, as long as your Passes are activated (sounds like yours are), you will stay in your current Pass until your renewal next year. At that time you’ll be shifted into an equivalent new Pass if you decide to renew again.