Walt Disney World has announced today that it will resume sales of Annual Passes on September 8th.
With this announcement Walt Disney World will be introducing four new Annual Passes, which Disney says will be “offering the flexibility and choice to meet guest needs, each designed based on Passholder feedback.”
Here are some highlights of the new Walt Disney World Annual Passes:
- Hold More Park Reservations: Depending on their pass type, Passholders may now hold up to five Disney Park Pass reservations at a time. “bonus reservations” will also be added to the calendar from time to time, so Passholders can make an additional park reservation without it counting against their applicable reservation hold limit. Plus, when Passholders stay at Disney Resort hotels or other select hotels, they will also be eligible to make theme park reservations for each day of their stay – in addition to the reservations you can hold based on your pass type.
- Customize Your Pass: Choose different add-on options based on your preferences – from the Water Park and Sports option to Disney PhotoPass downloads. These add-on options will be available for purchase with any of our four new passes.
- Access a New Integrated Calendar: Planning will be easier with enhancements to the reservation system, including a new integrated calendar that lets Passholders quickly see blockout dates for each pass type, view available days and make, modify or cancel a reservation all in one place.
- Enjoy Passholder Perks: Passes will continue to offer benefits including the Park Hopper option, standard theme park parking and discounts on merchandise and dining. And, there will be a few special surprises throughout the 50th anniversary celebration.
It is important to note as Walt Disney World continues to manage attendance, at any time, Annual Passes may be unavailable for purchase. Annual Passholders will also still be required to make park reservations for each day of their visit.
Here’s a visual comparison of the Annual Pass options:
Below are the respective blackout dates –
In an effort to make the reservation program more seamless, on September 8th, Walt Disney World Resort will introduce an enhanced theme park reservation calendar that shows booked reservations, park availability and blockout dates. All current reservations will be maintained with the ability to make and modify additional new reservations as part of the update.
All passes will include theme park parking, but none include any PhotoPass services.
“Water Park and Sports” and Disney PhotoPass Downloads add-ons will cost $99 each.
If you currently are a WDW Annual Passholder, you may continue to use your Annual Pass as you do currently, when it is time for you to renew, you will be able to renew into one of the new passes (at a discounted renewal rate). The amount of the renewal discount or any DVC discount has not been specifically addressed.
Disney also mentioned that beginning September 8th, Silver, Gold, Platinum and Platinum Plus Annual Passholders will also be able to hold more reservations at a time.
Disney also added –
With the Annual Passholder program’s new look and feel, we wanted to honor our past while looking forward to the future. Using a piece of the original Walt Disney World Resort logo as a foundation for bright colors and energetic design, the program’s new look puts Passholders right in the middle of the magic.
Coming soon, current, active Annual Passholders will be among the first to receive the brand-new Passholder magnet featuring our new look. It’s our way of saying “thank you” for being a Walt Disney World Annual Passholder. (Two magnets per household. Not responsible for any lost, stolen or damaged magnets).
Disney News Today 
