Disney recently announced that they would begin to sell Annual Passes again, but everything you knew about their Annual Pass system before has completely changed. The new system is divided into tiers and many things that were once included, will now be considered an “add-on” (meaning it will be an additional price). The new system will now include four passes: the Incredi-Pass, the Sorcerer Pass, the Pirate Pass and the Pixie Dust Pass. Here is a complete breakdown of all of the new passes and what is included and will now cost you extra.
The Incredi-Pass
Much like the old Platinum Plus Annual Pass, the Incredi-Pass is the most expensive option of all of the passes. This pass will cost you $1299 plus tax! If you are a Florida resident, you can pay $99 per month for 12 months with a down payment of $205. With this pass, there are no block out dates- which means you can go anytime you make a park reservation. This also means that you are able to park hop with your reservation. Incredi-Pass holders are able to make 5 park reservations at one time. This is the only Annual Pass that is available to guests who live out of state.
The Sorcerer Pass
The Sorcerer Pass is the next tier down from the Incredi-Pass. This pass will cost you $899 plus tax. Florida residents can pay $63 a month for 12 months with a down payment of $205. This pass has limited block out dates-which will be around select dates during the holidays. The block out dates are the Thanksgiving and the days surrounding it, and the last couple weeks of December. Sorcerer Pass holders are able to make 5 reservations at a time like Incredi-Pass holders. This Annual Pass tier is available to Florida residents and Disney Vacation Club members only.
The Pirate Pass
The Pirate Pass costs $699 plus tax. Florida residents can pay $45 a month for 12 months with a down payment of $205. Pirate Pass holders will be able to use their pass most days but will be subject to block out dates around peak and holiday periods. It seems that the block out dates for this pass are most weekends, any school breaks, and any time around the holidays. If you are someone who likes to avoid the busiest days of the year, this might be a good option for you. With this pass, you are able to make 4 reservations at a time. The Pirate Pass is available to Florida residents only.
The Pixie Dust Pass
The Pixie Dust Pass is the most affordable of all of the Annual Pass options. It will cost you $399 plus tax. Florida residents can pay $19 a month for 12 months with a down payment of $205. This tier of the Annual Passes has the most block out dates. With the Pixie Dust Pass, most weekdays are available to book a reservation only. If you don’t go to the parks very often and like to avoid days where the park is crowded, this is the best option. Also, with this pass, you are only able to make 3 park reservations at a time. The Pixie Dust Pass is available to Florida residents only.
Annual Pass Add-Ons
Annual Pass Holders are able to add on additional features for an extra cost. For an additional $99, you can add on the Water Park and Sports Option. For the duration of your annual pass, you will have valid admission to: Blizzard Beach Water Park, Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course, FootGolf at Disney’s Oak Trail, Disney’s Fantasia Gardens Mini Golf (includes one round prior to 4pm), Disney’s Winter Summerland Mini Golf (includes one round prior to 4pm) and the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Also for an additional $99, guests may add on Disney PhotoPass Downloads. For the duration of your Annual Pass, you will have unlimited digital downloads of pictures taken in the Disney parks and on select rides and attractions. This used to be included with Annual Passes but will be available for add on only with the new system.
The Pros of the New Annual Pass System
In addition to what I mentioned in the above paragraphs, there are some benefits that come with this new Annual Pass system. If you are a Florida resident, you have a nice selection of which passes to choose from. If you are staying at a Disney resort, you can make park reservations for the days you are staying at the resort in addition to the park reservations you are allotted with your Annual Pass. Annual Pass holders are still given up to a 20% discount on select food and beverages and merchandise. Annual Pass holders also receive discounts on spa treatments, after hours events in the parks, rounds of golf and much more. There are also special deals for resort stays throughout the year for pass holders. As always, standard parking at the Disney Parks is complimentary for Annual Pass holders. Pass holders also get invited to special park events and are able to ride new rides before the general public. There is also special merchandise that is only available for Annual Pass holders. For Florida residents, being able to make monthly payments for the Annual Pass is a very convenient perk. Disney has also announced “bonus reservations” where you can make additional reservations on select days and it won’t count as part of your reservation limit.
The Cons of the New Annual Pass System
Many Disney Parks fans were surprised to see the huge price increase for Annual Passes. With prices ranging from $399-1299, it is not cheap by any means. If you live out of state, you only have one option for an Annual Pass. Guests from out of state can only purchase the Incredi-Pass at $1299 plus tax. Many Disney Parks fans were also very disappointed with the fact that PhotoPass downloads will not be included with their Annual Passes anymore.
With Annual Passes being on pause during 2020 and most of 2021, it is nice to see that they have returned. Regardless of their price hike or what is or isn’t included anymore, fans are still rushing to buy them. Hopefully, this tier breakdown of the passes gives you a clearer picture of what you’re getting for your money. All in all, it is definitely worth having a pass if you like to visit the parks. Annual Passes are limited, so be sure to get yours today!
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