Do you want to go to Disney World countless times throughout the year, but also want to know the Disney World annual pass cost – before making the commitment? I get it. I researched it before I bought my Disney World annual pass. So, we’re going through all the costs today!
Unfortunately, beyond the glimmering castle and the joyous melodies of Main Street, USA, lies a world of tiers, benefits, flaws and price points that compose the Disney World Annual Pass cost landscape.
The price of Disney World magic is a nuanced tale, and we’re here to decipher its every chapter. 🌟✨
This post is all about every Disney World Annual Pass cost you should know about before purchasing your AP.
Disney World Annual Pass Cost
What is a Disney World Annual Pass?
A Disney World Annual Pass is essentially a special ticket that provides access to the parks at Walt Disney World for an entire year.
It offers a variety of benefits, allowing Annual Passholders to visit the theme parks multiple times within the designated period.
The Annual Pass is available in different tiers, each offering unique perks, features and discounts (which we will cover later in this post).
The Disney World Annual Pass is designed for individuals and families who plan to visit the parks multiple times throughout the year, offering a cost-effective way for frequent Disney enthusiasts to experience the magic repeatedly.
Keep in mind that details, offerings, and prices are subject to change, so it’s always advisable to check the official Disney website for the most up-to-date information – before making your purchase.
What are the Different Annual Pass Tiers and the Disney World Annual Pass Costs for Each Tier?
As of the end of 2023, Disney offers 4 different tiers of Annual Passes. These are:
- Disney Pixie Dust Pass
- Disney Pirate Pass
- Disney Sorcerer Pass
- Disney Incredi-Pass
Disney Pixie Dust Pass
Annual Pass Price: $439 + tax
Disney World Annual Pass Cost Per Month (if you are eligible for the Florida Resident Monthly Payment Program): $22 per month for 12 months (0% APR) after a $205 downpayment
Requirements to be Eligible for this AP: ONLY Florida Residents
Restrictions to Use: Reservation-based admission on the majority of weekdays. Blockout dates include peak times and holiday periods
Benefits:
- Standard theme park parking
- Discounts on dining, merchandise, hotels etc.
- You can make and hold up to 3 theme park reservations (at Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios or Animal Kingdom) at once – see availability here.
- If you stay at a Walt Disney Resort, you can make an extra theme park reservation for each day of your Resort stay.
Disney Pirate Pass
Price: $799 + tax
Disney World Annual Pass Cost Per Month (if you are eligible for the Florida Resident Monthly Payment Program): $54 per month for 12 months (0% APR) after a $205 downpayment
Requirements to be Eligible for this AP: ONLY Florida Residents
Restrictions to Use: Reservation-based admission for most days. Blockout dates include peak times and holiday periods
Benefits:
- Standard theme park parking
- Discounts on dining, merchandise, hotels etc.
- You can make and hold up to 4 theme park reservations (at Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios or Animal Kingdom) at once – see availability here.
- If you stay at a Disney Resort, you can make an extra theme park reservation for each day of your Resort stay.
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Disney Sorcerer Pass
Price: $999 + tax
Disney World Annual Pass Cost Per Month (if you are eligible for the Florida Resident Monthly Payment Program): $72 per month for 12 months (0% APR) after a $205 downpayment
Requirements to be Eligible for this AP: Blue Card Disney Vacation Club Members or Florida Residents ONLY
Restrictions to Use: Reservation-based admission for most days. Blockout dates apply on select days during some holiday periods.
Benefits:
- Standard theme park parking
- Discounts on dining, merchandise, hotels etc.
- You can make and hold up to 5 theme park reservations (at Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios or Animal Kingdom) at once – see availability here.
- If you stay at a Disney Resort, you can make an extra theme park reservation for each day of your Resort stay.
Disney Incredi-Pass
Price: $1,449 + tax
Disney World Annual Pass Cost Per Month (if you are eligible for the Florida Resident Monthly Payment Program): $112 per month for 12 months (0% APR) after a $205 downpayment
Requirements to be Eligible for this AP: All Guests
Restrictions to Use: Reservation-based admission with NO blockout dates
Benefits:
- Standard theme park parking
- Discounts on dining, merchandise, hotels etc.
- You can make and hold up to 5 theme park reservations (at Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios or Animal Kingdom) at once – see availability here.
- If you stay at a Disney Resort, you can make an extra theme park reservation for each day of your Resort stay.
What About the Infamous Disney World Annual Pass Cost Increase?
Like seemingly everything at the Disney parks, Disney loves to increase the prices on their already expensive Annual Passes.
The last time they increased the prices of Annual Passes was in October 2023.
Here are the price increases for each Annual Pass tier:
- Disney Pixie Dust Pass
Price Before October 2023 Increase: $399 + tax
Price After October 2023 Increase: $439 + tax
Increase of: $40
- Disney Pirate Pass:
Price Before October 2023 Increase: $749 + tax
Price After October 2023 Increase: $799 + tax
Increase of: $50
- Disney Sorcerer Pass:
Price Before October 2023 Increase: $969 + tax
Price After October 2023 Increase: $999 + tax
Increase of: $30
- Disney Incredi-Pass:
Price Before October 2023 Increase: $1,399 + tax
Price After October 2023 Increase: $1,449 + tax
Increase of: $50
What are Annual Pass Add-Ons?
Disney Annual Pass Add-Ons exist because Disney doesn’t think you’re paying enough for your Annual Pass already (I am half-joking).
Currently, there are two Annual Pass Add-Ons you can purchase IN ADDITION TO your Annual Pass:
- Water Park and Sports Option – $99 + tax
- Disney PhotoPass Downloads – $99 + tax
Water Park and Sports Option Add-On
As the name suggests, this add-on grants you unlimited access (without blockout dates) to Disney’s Water Parks – Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach (though there is usually only one water park open at a time).
In addition, you also have access to:
- Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course (greens fee only)
- FootGolf at Disney’s Oak Trail
- Disney’s Fantasia Gardens Minature Golf Course (one round before 4 PM)
- Disney’s Winter Summerland Minature Golf Course (one round before 4 PM)
- ESPN Wide World Sports Complex
If you go to the water parks at least a couple times, and play golf at least once during the year, this will probably be worth it. If not, it may be an unnecessary add-on.
As I’m not a golf person, and I don’t go to the Water Parks every time I visit, I’m not sure if I would buy this add-on again, but I am planning to go to the water parks a few times this year, so it was probably worth it.
Disney PhotoPass Downloads
This add-on allows you to receive unlimited digital PhotoPass photos (from rides to other photos you may have taken throughout the parks).
If having photos from Disney World is important to you, this is actually a decent deal, and one that many APs would probably benefit from.
What are the Hidden Disney World Annual Pass Costs?
The main “hidden Disney World Annual Pass cost” is that it often makes guests visit the parks more.
At the least, this means you’re may mean you’re paying for meals, snacks and drinks in the parks – if you’re a local.
At the most, it means you’re paying for hotels, transportation, an maybe merchandise, etc. if you don’t live nearby.
In my experience, since purchasing my Disney Incredi-Pass, I have taken and planned far more Disney trips. If I were still buying “regular” Disney World tickets for each of my trips, I would be taking fewer Disney trips.
In addition, if you are an international visitor (like me – from England), the cost of transport is quite high, so the costs associated with having a Disney World Annual Pass probably won’t be insignificant.
Okay, so Annual Passes are EXPENSIVE, but can they SAVE money?
Absolutely! This is the main reason people opt for an annual pass.
Firstly, if you visit the parks enough, you can save money on Disney World tickets.
RELATED POST: The Insane Prices of Disney World 1-Day Tickets
But, the discounts are often where you will see the majority of your savings.
This is especially true if you stay on-site, and book through Disney. Annual Passholders can often save up to 35% on hotels, which can lead to some pretty significant savings! Check out the Special Offers, Deals & Discounts page to see the current savings on hotels.
You can also save 10% at many table service restaurants and 20% at many shops – which can certainly add up throughout the year.
RELATED POST: 9 Reasons Why Disney World Table Service Dining Is Better Than Quick Service
Parking is another way that you can save money. Standard parking at Disney World for cars and motorcycles is currently $30 a day. So, you can see MAJOR savings by getting this included with your Annual Pass!
If you plan on attending …
You can expect to save $10 on your ticket – with your AP.
Can I get a discount if/when I renew my Annual Pass?
In order to entice you to keep returning, Disney World often offers a discount to guests who choose to renew their Annual Passes.
This is often around 15% (but is subject to change).
The unfortunate truth is that Disney likes to regularly increase the prices of their Annual Passes (as I previously mentioned), so the savings aren’t as good as they sound.
But hey, it’s better than nothing – especially if you were going to renew your Annual Pass anyway.
Ta Ta For Now
Disney World Annual Passes may be overly priced in some aspects, but they definitely have their fair share of pros – like most things Disney World has to offer.
So, if you decide to become an AP, here’s to unlocking the gates to a year of enchantment, where the true currency is the joy found within the magical realms of Walt Disney World. 💖
This post was all about every Disney World Annual Pass cost you should know about before purchasing your AP.
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