Despite being known as “The Most Magical Place on Earth,” Walt Disney World’s annual passholders are expressing concern over higher prices. Across the past five years, Florida and non-Florida residents have paid 20-80% more at Disney World theme parks, but received fewer benefits than in previous years.
As summer heats up, the popular tourist destination will welcome thousands of visitors from near and far, including annual pass holders. From options such as the Disney Pixie Dust Pass valued at $469 per year to the Disney Incredi-Pass valued at $1,549 per year, annual pass holders are able to enjoy the parks with benefits such as 20% off select merchandise in stores, park-hopping and exclusive passholder events.
However, perks that were once included in annual passes are now an additional charge, sparking criticism from consumers.
“I pay it because I love the parks, but they have taken away a lot of things,” said Ashlee, from Orlando, who has been a pass holder since 2019 and is a Disney content creator with 18,000 followers on TikTok. “Photopass used to be included and now it’s an extra $125 per year.”
Disney World first introduced annual passes in September 1982, where it was known as “annual passports,” and the cost varied between $80 to $100. Between 2015 and 2020, Disney World offered different annual passholder tiers — Silver, Gold, Platinum and Platinum Plus, pricing ranging from $389-$829, respectively.
Prior to 2021, FastPasses were free for all visitors and select annual pass holders received free entry into both Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park.
After 2021, the FastPass+ system was replaced with Genie+ and individual Lightning Lanes for varying attractions, if purchased. Entry into the water parks also became an additional $99 and up with any annual pass purchased.
Florida resident pass holders are given the option to pay in full or enroll in a monthly payment plan once they pay a deposit of $205, a choice which avid Disney attendee Jaelene Grioli decided to do this year compared to the past three years she has been a Pirate Pass holder.
“I think the price is crazy because we don’t even get that many benefits, just some discounts on the merchandise and free parking,” said Grioli, a South Florida native. “I’ve heard Universal has way more [benefits], and better benefits, for their passholders.”
Out-of-state passholders like Colby Steadman from Alabama have also expressed disappointment in Disney World’s pricing, as additional costs including airfare, hotel and transportation are involved.
“I’ve noticed more closures and refurbishments around the parks lately, which can be disappointing when you’re traveling from far away and paying so much,” said Steadman, a Disney travel agent. “It sometimes feels like we’re getting fewer perks than we used to, even though the price keeps climbing.”
Steadman, an Incredi-Pass holder, hopes Disney brings back perks they once had to “make it feel more worth it,” especially since out-of-state pass holders are only given the option to purchase the $1,549 per year pass.
Amidst criticism, the Walt Disney World Company has spoken out about their pricing decisions, emphasizing their vast amount of “affordable” options to be able to experience a Disney vacation.
“The number-one thing we hear from the millions of guests who visit our parks each year is how much a Disney vacation means to them, and we intentionally offer a wide variety of ticket, hotel, and dining options to welcome as many families as possible,” Josh D’Amaro, chairman of Disney Experiences, said.
Disney World recently released its 2026 daily ticket pricing, which shows an increase in price for all theme parks — Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. As for right now, Disney World has not released any information regarding changes to annual passholder prices for the following year.
