Is a Disney World Annual Pass Worth it?

With the ever rising cost of Disney World tickets, you might be wondering if an annual pass is right for you and your family.

And for some people an annual pass definitely makes financial sense. But which annual pass should you pick? What are the benefits of getting an annual pass? And at what point is it worth it to upgrade my tickets to a pass? Here I will discuss all of these things so you can decide if a pass is the right thing for you.

Available Pass Options

First let's go over the many pass options that are available:

Non-Florida Residents

If you live outside of the state of Florida you have one annual pass option:

• Disney Incredi-Pass

This pass includes the following perks:

• You can visit all 4 parks in a single day
• No blackout dates
• Parking included
• Up to 20% off on select dining and shops
• Hold up to 5 park reservations at any time
• Additional reservations can be held for the length of a Disney Resort stay

Cost

• $1299 + tax

Florida Residents

Florida Residents have several options for Disney World annual passes. Both unlimited passes (that include all parks and perks), and also less expensive passes that have black out dates and limited perks.

• Disney Pixie Dust Pass - $399 + tax
• You can visit all 4 parks in a single day
• You can visit most weekdays (check calendar for blackout dates)
• Parking included
• Up to 20% off on select dining and shops
• Hold up to 3 park reservations at any time
• Additional reservations can be held for the length of a Disney Resort stay
• Disney Pirate Pass - $699 + tax
• You can visit all 4 parks in a single day
• You can visit most days (check calendar for blackout dates)
• Parking included
• Up to 20% off on select dining and shops
• Hold up to 4 park reservations at any time
• Additional reservations can be held for the length of a Disney Resort stay
• Disney Sorcerer Pass - $899 + tax
• You can visit all 4 parks in a single day
• You can visit most days (check calendar for blackout dates)
• Parking included
• Up to 20% off on select dining and shops
• Hold up to 5 park reservations at any time
• Additional reservations can be held for the length of a Disney Resort stay
• Disney Incredi-Pass - $1299 + tax
• You can visit all 4 parks in a single day
• No blackout dates
• Parking included
• Up to 20% off on select dining and shops
• Hold up to 5 park reservations at any time
• Additional reservations can be held for the length of a Disney Resort stay

DVC Owners

If you are a Disney Vacation Club member, you have 2 pass options available to you:

• Disney Sorcerer Pass - $899 + tax
• You can visit all 4 parks in a single day
• You can visit most days (check calendar for blackout dates)
• Parking included
• Up to 20% off on select dining and shops
• Hold up to 5 park reservations at any time
• Additional reservations can be held for the length of a Disney Resort stay
• Disney Incredi-Pass - $1299 + tax
• You can visit all 4 parks in a single day
• No blackout dates
• Parking included
• Up to 20% off on select dining and shops
• Hold up to 5 park reservations at any time
• Additional reservations can be held for the length of a Disney Resort stay

Annual Pass Add Ons

Disney PhotoPass Downloads

For $99 you can add unlimited Photopass downloads to your annual pass account. This includes downloads from any ride photos and photopass photographers around the parks.

Water Park and Sports Option

For $99 you can add access to Disney World water parks, golf courses, and ESPN Zone to your account. Reservations and seasonal closures may apply.

Where Can you Buy an Annual Pass?

You can buy an annual pass a few different ways:

• Calling Disney at (407) 939-7679
• Purchasing online at Disney's website
• In person at Guest Relations or a Ticket Window

It is important to note that if you buy your pass online or over the phone you will receive a voucher that you will have to exchange for your pass. You can make this exchange at Guest Relations.

If you have an annual pass resort discount, you'll need to do this BEFORE you check in to your resort.

What are the Benefits of an Annual Pass?

There are several perks that are given to annual pass holders. Check the fine print on the pass that you chose, but generally speaking these are the benefits you can expect:

• Free parking at the parks: You will be able to park in regular parking at the parks whether you are staying onsite or offsite.
• Food and Merchandise Discounts: Annual Pass Holders can receive up to 20% off at select shops and restaurants for their entire party. The entire list of discounts can be found here.
• Discounts on Extras: You can get discounts on extra events at the parks like holiday parties, Park Tours, Spa services, and more.

What's the Bottom Line?

The bottom line is that even though annual pass prices jumped dramatically, you can still definitely get your money's worth in the right situation.

I would suggest checking for annual pass holder resort discounts (you can book them before you actually have your annual pass. Just make sure to get the pass BEFORE you check in to your resort). 

I would also look at restaurant discounts and see if any of the restaurants you were planning on visiting offer a discount.

I would consider any extras you had planned (parties, tours, etc) when considering if it's worth it.

I would consider how many trips (not necessarily how many total days) you are spending at the parks.

If a pass is a priority you wont regret the purchase. If you aren't sure you are going to be making more than one trip to the parks, it might be worth it to skip it.

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Still confused or need help?

I am happy to help! Contact me.

See you at the parks,
-Julie