Disney World's new annual passes go on sale today — everything you need to know
Editor's Note
If you've been eagerly waiting for Disney World's new annual passes to go on sale, today is a big day.
After putting a pause on selling annual passes throughout the pandemic, Disney recently announced the rollout of a revamped Walt Disney World annual passholder program — and they officially go on sale today, Sept. 8.
The new passholder program rollout coincides with its 50th-anniversary celebrations this year, which start Oct. 1. The program allows frequent Disney guests to save money on park tickets, parking, in-park purchases and more.
Here's everything we know about the new pass system.
There are four new pass options
Disney is rarely (if ever) a one-and-done kind of company, so it's no surprise that there are a variety of pass options. These passes are now on sale.
Disney Pixie Dust Pass: This pass is for Florida residents only and can only be used on off-peak weekdays. It comes with the ability to make up to three advance park reservations (more on that later), as well as the other perks listed below.
Cost: $399 plus tax (or $19 per month for 12 months, plus a $205 down payment).
Disney Pirate Pass: Another pass just for Florida residents, this one is more extensive — and expensive — and allows users to visit most weekdays and weekends (with the exception of peak days and holidays). Passholders can hold up to four park reservations at a time, plus the additional perks below.
Cost: $699 plus tax (or $45 per month for 12 months, plus a $205 down payment — for Florida residents only).
Disney Sorcerer Pass: Both Florida residents and Disney Vacation Club Members can take advantage of this pass, which can be used most days (with some exceptions during select holiday periods). The pass includes the ability to hold up to five park reservations at once, plus the other perks below.
Cost: $899 plus tax (or $63 per month for 12 months, plus a $205 down payment — for Florida residents only).
Disney Incredi-Pass: Anyone can purchase this option, which allows holders entry to the parks without blackout dates (yes, even on holidays) and the ability to hold five park pass reservations. Of course, the standard perks that come with all passes (listed below) are also included. It's the most expensive of the options but also the least restrictive.
Cost: $1,299 plus tax (or $99 per month for 12 months, plus a $205 down payment — for Florida residents only).
All passholder levels can visit multiple parks each day
Annual Passholders will be able to park hop to more than one theme park per day regardless of which pass they purchase.
You will need to make a theme park reservation via the Disney Park Pass reservation system for the first theme park you wish to visit. After you visit that first theme park, you can visit additional theme parks starting at 2 p.m.
All passes will have finance options for Florida residents
As mentioned above, Florida residents will have financing options regardless of which tier they purchase. They'll have to put down a $205 down payment and then pay a monthly rate (with 0% APR) for the duration of their one-year pass.
Related: Guide to visiting Walt Disney World
You still need a reservation to enter the parks
Under the current Disney Park Pass system, everyone who enters a Disney park must hold a reservation in addition to a valid pass.
For annual pass holders, you'll be able to not only make park reservations for a current stay but also hold a number of park reservations for the future. These are determined by your pass level (see above).
Starting Sept. 8, Disney World introduced an enhanced theme park reservation calendar that shows booked reservations, park availability and blackout dates for passholders.
Free parking is included with all passes
Here's a great pass perk: Every pass level includes free parking at every Disney World park. This perk alone could easily save you more than $100 during a multi-day trip to the parks.
Related: These are the best hotels at Disney World
There will still be merchandise and food discounts
We're not sure what the exact discounts will be, but Disney is promising this special perk to annual passholders — up to 20%. And yes, annual passholders will still receive limited edition magnets.
Expect some special perks during the 50th-anniversary celebration
Disney has yet to announce exactly what additional perks will be available, but passholders who plan to attend throughout the official celebration dates will be in for a few surprises. We expect a few specialty merchandise options to be available for passholders, and maybe some special access to celebration events.
Related: Everything to look forward to at Disney's 50th-anniversary celebration
Current passholders will get additional park reservations
Current passholders — Silver, Gold, Platinum and Platinum Plus — will all still be able to use their passes as normal until their renewal date. At that time, they'll be able to choose from one of the new plans.
However, all current passholders did gain access to additional park reservations starting Sept. 8. Silver got four days of reservations, and the top three tiers received five park holds.
Renewals for current pass holders will be discounted
Current pass holders can now purchase the new passes at a 15% discount.
Related: Is the Disney Visa worth it?
Disney World annual passes aren't valid at Disneyland
Unlike some of the top-tier annual pass options in the past, these new annual passes are only good for Walt Disney World and can't be used at Disneyland, which now has a new pass program of its own.
No more free PhotoPass
And you're going to have to cough up some dough for photos. If you currently have a Disney pass that includes unlimited PhotoPass, enjoy it. That will soon be a thing of the past.
No Disney pass plan will include the option for free, but you can add it to any plan for an additional $99 plus tax. Current passholders who renew will get a discount.
Additional reporting by Madison Blancaflor.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
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- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.