Hey there, Lee. Thanks for visiting us here at planDisney with your question. I've been a Walt Disney World Annual Passholder for years now and it was the best decision. I love the complimentary theme park parking, the use of the Memory Maker for the entire year and discounts on merchandise, food and resort stays aren't bad either!
Lee, since the reopening of Walt Disney World last summer, the sale of new
Annual Passes has been temporarily suspended. There's been no word, as of yet, when the program will resume for purchasing. I don't think it will be too much longer though. Right now, Guests with a current Annual Pass that is about to expire are being allowed to renew at this time. Also, Guests who choose a refund instead of the extension on their annual passes last summer when the parks were closed are also able to purchase new Annual Passes at this time. Because of those reasons, I don't think the program is going anywhere. When an announcement is made, we will be able to find out all of the details over on the
Disney Parks Blog.
Until you are able to purchase an annual pass, Lee, you have
two options for tickets. At this time, you can purchase a standard theme park ticket that allows entry into one Walt Disney World Theme Park per day or you can purchase a standard theme park ticket with the park hopper option where you have the ability to visit multiple Walt Disney World Theme Parks in one day. There really isn't a bad choice, it just depends on your touring style. Either way, once your tickets are purchased and linked to your MyDisneyExperience account, you will then have to make
park pass reservations to visit the parks. This is basically just a virtual placeholder in line at the park of your choice on the day you'd like to go. If you choose the tickets that include the park hopper option, know that looks a little bit different right now. Currently, to park hop, you need standard theme park admission with the park hopper option and a park pass reservation for the first theme park you'd like to visit each day. On the day of, you'll need to scan into the theme park with the park pass reservation. This sort of "activates" your park hopper feature. Park hopping hours now start at 2:00 p.m. and last until each park closes at night. You do not need to make additional park pass reservations throughout the day to park hop, just that first one each day.
Lee, I have my fingers crossed that you'll be able to join the Walt Disney World Annual Passholder family once again very soon. If you have any other questions, please do come back and
ask me. I'm happy to help!