The Walt Disney World Resort has maintained its pause on sales of new Annual Passes since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, but in its latest update, Guests finally know when sales will once again resume.
We previously reported that the prices of Walt Disney World Annual Passes were increased by the end of 2022, despite most passes still being unavailable to purchase. (The lone exception has been the Pixie Dust Pass, which includes blockout dates and is only available to Florida residents.)
RELATED: Will Disney Ever Bring Back This Annual Pass? Bob Iger Weighs In
Annual Passes have been challenging to come by at any Disney Park, although the process has been totally impossible at Disney World where they have not been on sale altogether for just over three years. At the Disneyland Resort, Magic Key Passes have gone on and off sale several times in recent months, with only the lowest tier with the most blockout dates currently available to purchase.
Guests who are regulars to Disneyland Paris have experienced similar issues to Walt Disney World locals and AP-hopefuls, as sales of Annual Passes were previously available but have recently also been paused as the company continues to expand limitations on purchases of the passes.
As of this morning, however, the Disney Parks Blog has confirmed that sales of new Annual Passes for the Walt Disney World Resort will resume beginning April 20, 2023. Along with general sales beginning on April 20, Disney announced that limited sales for Guests who are members of Disney Vacation Club will begin even earlier on April 13, 2023.
While we are THRILLED to see the full lineup of Walt Disney World Annual Passes return, it looks like availability of said passes will still not be where it was in the “before times.” Much like the recent issues with Magic Key Passes at Disneyland, Disney’s official announcement for the return of Walt Disney World passes notes:
Please know, as we look to provide a great experience for our Passholders, the quantity of passes will be limited and passes, or a pass type, may become unavailable for purchase at any time.
Unfortunately, this likely means that we will see an online queue in place for Guests to purchase the passes (similar to Magic Keys and certain special event tickets) and Guests who are unable to make it through the queue and secure a pass may be out of luck until sales open up again at a later date.
RELATED: Disney World’s Latest Offer Could Save You 30% Off Your Next Resort Stay!
If you are new to the Disney Annual Passholder family, you will want to note that theme park reservations operate differently as Passholders are able to enter the theme parks after 2:00 p.m. without a reservation, except for Saturdays and Sundays at the Magic Kingdom.
Along with relaxed theme park reservation rules, Disney World Annual Passholders can take advantage of discounts on dining, merchandise, Resort stays, backstage tours, and more, along with special perks like complimentary magnets and Passholder-exclusive merchandise and specialty beverages that are offered for various events throughout the year.
Just as before the pause, Walt Disney World Annual Passes will come in several available tiers, with the Disney Pixie Dust Pass (only for Florida residents) being the most inexpensive pass with the most blockout dates and the Disney Incredipass (available to all Guests) being the highest prices pass with no blockout dates. Prices for Annual Passes range from $399-1,399 plus tax, respectively, and information is already available on Disney’s official website.