Investing in a Disney World annual pass is the ultimate way to enjoy the parks all year round. Plus, with unlimited theme park access and extra perks like dining and merchandise discounts, an annual pass can also be an easy way to save on your vacations. But, are the benefits worth the cost? What are your options? And, how do you actually use it? We’re breaking it all down in our complete guide to Disney World annual passes!
Disney World Annual Pass Overview
Disney World annual passes were first introduced in 1982 as a way for frequent visitors to gain year-round admission to the parks for one flat cost. And, since then, a lot has changed about Disney World’s annual pass program. But, one thing remains…they’re extremely popular.
While there used to be one annual “passport” (as they were called), there are now multiple annual pass tiers with varying benefits, blockout dates, and price points. What annual pass you choose to purchase will depend a lot on where you live, how much you want to pay, and when you want to visit.
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Disney World annual passholder, you gain unlimited access to the parks (depending on the pass you select) and a variety of other benefits such as special discounts, free parking, early access to purchase event tickets, and more. These can make a big difference in your Disney budget if you’re visiting a lot!
Annual passes are a great option to consider if you plan to visit Disney World often over the course of one year. But, what pass is right for you? How much do they cost? Do you still need to make park pass reservations? And, are they really worth it? We’re breaking down everything you need to know about Disney World annual passes below!
Current Disney World Annual Pass Options
If you’re planning to vacation at Walt Disney World more than once over the next year, it might be worth considering purchasing an annual pass. Currently, there are four different Disney World annual pass options available for purchase online (or in-person at a ticketing window). Each pass has its own set of benefits and restrictions that you should consider carefully so you get the pass that’s right for you and your family. It’s also important to note that some of the passes are only available to Florida Residents or Disney Vacation Club members. Let’s go over all your options and what they come with:
Disney Incredi-Pass
Eligibility: All Guests
Disney World’s best annual pass, as it comes with the least amount of restrictions and NO blockout dates. However, being able to access the parks any day year-round does come at a cost…and it’s high. This is also the only Disney World annual pass available for out-of-state guests. Get if you purchase the Disney Incredi-Pass:
- Admission to one or more Walt Disney World Resort theme parks during the year with an advance reservation (reservations are limited and are subject to availability)
- No blockout dates apply
- Make and hold up to 5 theme park reservations at a time on a rolling basis
- Passholders staying at Disney Resort hotels or other select hotels are eligible to make theme park reservations for each day of their Resort stay(s), in addition to holding 5 theme park reservations at a time
- Standard theme park parking
- Discounts on dining, merchandise, and more
Disney Sorcerer Pass
Eligibility: Disney Vacation Club Members or Florida Residents only
Disney Sorcerer Pass is the next level down and is a great option for Disney Vacation Club members or Florida Residents who want to be able to visit the parks almost any day of the year. Pass does come with blockout dates, but these are only around Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years. So, you’ll avoid the busiest times of the year and still be able to visit during spring break, holiday weekends, and the summer.
Get if you purchase the Disney Sorcerer Pass:
- Admission to one or more Walt Disney World Resort theme parks on most days of the year with an advance theme park reservation (reservations are limited and subject to availability)
- Blockout dates apply, including select days during select holiday periods
- Make and hold up to 5 theme park reservations at a time on a rolling basis
- Passholders staying at Disney Resort hotels or other select hotels are eligible to make theme park reservations for each day of their Resort stay(s), in addition to holding 5 theme park reservations at a time
- Standard theme park parking
- Discounts on dining, merchandise, and more
Disney Pirate Pass
Eligibility: Florida Residents only
Available to Florida Residents, the Disney Pirate Pass is best for those who plan to go to the parks frequently throughout the year, but don’t mind not being able to go around holidays, spring break, or holiday weekends. The pass is more affordable than the Sorcerer Pass, however, more blockout dates do apply.
Perks you get if you purchase the Disney Pirate Pass:
- Admission to one or more Walt Disney World Resort theme parks on most days of the year with an advance park reservation (reservations are limited and subject to availability)
- Blockout dates apply, including during peak and holiday periods
- Make and hold up to 4 theme park reservations at a time on a rolling basis
- Passholders staying at Disney Resort hotels or other select hotels are eligible to make theme park reservations for each day of their Resort stay(s), in addition to holding 4 theme park reservations at a time
- Standard theme park parking
- Discounts on dining, merchandise, and more
Disney Pixie Dust Pass
Eligibility: Florida Residents only
Disney Pixie Dust Pass is the most restrictive annual pass currently available. It only provides you with access to the theme parks during the week (Monday-Friday). So, you won’t be able to get into the parks on any weekend or during pearl and holiday periods if you purchase this pass. However, if you aren’t tied to a traditional work schedule or live close by and can go on weekday evenings, this is a great option. It’s also the most affordable.
Perks you get if you purchase the Disney Pixie Dust Pass:
- Admission to one or more Walt Disney World Resort theme parks on most weekdays during the year with an advance park reservation (reservations are limited and subject to availability)
- Blockout dates apply, including during peak and holiday periods
- Make and hold up to 3 theme park reservations at a time on a rolling basis
- Passholders staying at Disney Resort hotels or other select hotels are eligible to make theme park reservations for each day of their Resort stay(s), in addition to holding 3 theme park reservations at a time
- Standard theme park parking
- Discounts on dining, merchandise, and more
How Much Does a Disney World Annual Pass Cost?
Disney World annual pass is pricey, but it can be a good investment for you and your family if you plan to visit the parks frequently. We recommend doing the math before you purchase to see how many days you would need to visit to justify the cost of your annual pass. Usually, you can expect the pass to “pay for itself” after 3-12 days in the parks.
How much each Disney World annual pass costs in 2025:
- Disney Incredi-Pass: $1,549 per person (plus tax)
- Disney Sorcerer Pass: $1,079 per person (plus tax)
- Disney Pirate Pass: $829 per person (plus tax)
- Disney Pixie Dust Pass: $469 per person (plus tax)
It’s important to note that the prices listed above are subject to change and do not include any discounts or promotions that may be available. Check the official Disney World website for the most up-to-date pricing information.
Note that you may be eligible for a renewal discount if you already have an Annual Pass and want to renew it. Renew your pass online, by phone, or in person at a Disney World ticket booth.
Disney World Annual Passholder Benefits
As a Disney World Annual Passholder, you are entitled to quite a few exclusive benefits and perks. These benefits can make a big difference in your Disney vacation (and budget!), so it’s important to know about them to be sure you take full advantage of them.
Here are all the benefits that every annual passholder has access to:
- Standard Theme Park Parking
- Park Hopping
- Discounts of up to 20% on select dining, merchandise, and other activities such as select tours, recreation options, and spa treatments
- A $10 discount on one MagicBand or MagicBand+ every year
- Access to V.I.Passholder Support at (407) WDW-PASS or (407) 939-7277 from 7AM – 11PM EST or online.
- The Passholder Buzz in the My Disney Experience app. With this you can stay up to date on exclusive perks and access videos and articles created specifically for annual passholders
- Exclusive merchandise including Passholder MagicBands and Passholder items at EPCOT’s seasonal festivals
- Free passholder magnets
- Dedicated annual passholder entrance at the theme parks
- Early access to purchase special event tickets, such as Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
- V.I.Passholder Days – held on select days, annual passholders get extra perks like a limited edition magnet, exclusive treats, access to an annual passholder lounge in EPCOT with complimentary snacks and water, shopDisney discounts, and increased dining discounts.
- Exclusive preview opportunities for new attractions and resorts
Of course, annual passholder benefits are subject to change. You can view a full list of current passholder benefits on Disney’s website.
What Are Blockout Dates?
It’s important to note that all annual passes come with some restrictions, including blockout dates. Blockout dates are specific days when passholders are not allowed to enter the parks. These dates vary depending on the type of pass you have. So, be sure to check the calendar before planning your trip.
- Disney Incredi-Pass: No blockout dates
- Disney Sorcerer Pass: January 1st-2nd, November 26th-29th, December 21st-31st
- Disney Pirate Pass: January 1st-3rd, January 18th-20th, February 16th-17th, March 15th-22nd, April 13th-24th, May 24th-26th, July 2nd-6th, August 30th-31st, September 1st, October 11th-13th, November 21st-29th, December 20th-31st
- Disney Pixie Dust Pass: All weekends and; January 1st-3rd, February 17th, March 17th-23rd, April 14th-27th, May 26th, July 2nd-6th, September 1st, October 13th, November 21st-30th, December 19th-31st
Note that blockout dates are subject to change, so be sure to check Disney’s website before you visit.
Park Pass Reservation Requirements
In 2020, Disney introduced a new Park Pass Reservation system. With this, anyone visiting the parks needed to first make a reservation online for the park that they planned to visit each day of their vacation. The park pass reservation system has remained for years as a way that Disney manages park capacity limits and crowds. And, while it’s no longer required for regular ticketed guests, Disney World annual passholders do need to make them…most of the time.
It can be confusing to keep track of all the rules and requirements. So, here’s what you need to know about park pass reservations for Disney World annual passes.
Do I need to make Park Pass reservations if I have an annual pass?
Yes, as an Annual Passholder, you are required to make a park pass reservation in advance for each day you plan to visit the theme parks. However, on select “good-to-go days,” park pass reservations are not required. These dates can be found on the theme park reservation calendar, the annual passholder admissions calendar, and in the My Disney Experience app.
Note that Disney World annual passes have a limit to how many park pass reservations can be held at once. These limits differ based on the pass that you purchase. So, be sure to check online before you book.
How Many Days Can I Make Park Pass Reservations For?
Each annual pass comes with a different number of park pass reservations that can be held at once. Once you use one reservation, you can go back into the My Disney Experience app or online to make a new one for another date. Here’s a breakdown of how many park pass reservations you can hold with each pass:
- Disney Incredi-Pass: up to 5 reservations at a time
- Disney Sorcerer Pass: up to 5 reservations at a time
- Disney Pirate Pass: up to 4 reservations at a time
- Disney Pixie Dust Pass: up to 3 reservations at a time
Additional park pass reservations can be made by annual passholders with a Disney Resort hotel reservation for the entire length of your stay. This is in addition to the number of reservations permitted with the pass (listed above), making it easier to plan an extended Disney World vacation.
Is a Disney World Annual Pass Worth It?
So, is the cost of a Disney World annual pass worth it for you and your family? Answer depends on a variety of factors, including how often you plan to visit the parks and which pass tier you choose.
First, let’s take a look at the different pass tiers and their prices. There are four tiers of annual passes: the Pixie Dust Pass, the Pirate Pass, the Sorcerer Pass, and the Incredi-Pass. Pixie Dust Pass is the cheapest option, but it’s only available to Florida residents. Pirate Pass and Sorcerer Pass are the mid-tier options, and the Incredi-Pass is the most expensive (and the only one available to non-DVC, out-of-state guests).
If you’re a frequent visitor to Disney World, an annual pass can save you money in the long run. For example, if you plan to visit the parks for more than 10 days in a year, the cost of an annual pass may be less than the cost of individual tickets.
To saving money on park admission, annual passholders also receive discounts on food, merchandise, and select Disney resort hotels. These discounts can add up over time, especially if you visit the parks often throughout the year.
However, if you only plan to visit Disney World once or twice a year, an annual pass may not be worth the investment. In this case, it may be more cost-effective to purchase individual tickets for each visit.
