Hello, Ann. Thanks for stopping by planDisney with your question.
Ann, I've been a
Walt Disney World Annual Passholder for several years now and I can tell you that it is worth the initial cost. The perks like complimentary theme park parking, Memory Maker for the full year and discounts on merchandise, food and select resort stays really are great. If you've been looking around the Walt Disney World website trying to find information on buying a Walt Disney World Annual Pass, you might have had a hard time finding that information. That's because the sale of new Annual Passes has been temporarily suspended since the reopening of Walt Disney World last year. There has been no announcement made as to when this may resume. However, I've been keeping an eye on the Disney Parks Blog because when that announcement comes we will be able to see all of the details surrounding it over there. I don't think the Annual Pass program is going anywhere, however. At this time Guests with current Annual Passes that are about to expire are able to renew at this time. Also, Guests who took the credit for their Annual Pass during the shut down last year are being able to repurchase an Annual Pass on a case-by-case basis. So because of that, I think we will see the sale of new Annual Passes return soon.
Until then, you have two options for
Walt Disney World Theme Park tickets. You can purchase a standard theme park ticket that allows you entry into one Walt Disney World Theme Park per day or you can purchase a standard theme park ticket with the park hopper option with allows you to enter multiple Walt Disney World Theme Parks in one day. Both options are great, it really just depends on your park touring style. With either ticket option, keep in mind, that you do now have to make park pass reservations after you've purchased tickets. This is like a virtual placeholder in line for the theme park you'd like to visit. Park hopping also looks a little bit different than it did before. To park hop, you must have a park pass reservation for an initial theme park each day. Before park hopping, you must scan in to the theme park with the park pass reservation. Park hopping hours now start at 2:00 p.m. each day and last until each park closes in the evenings. It is not required to make additional park pass reservations after your initial one each day to park hop.
Whichever ticket option you choose, I know you are going to have a great time visiting Walt Disney World. I have my fingers crossed for you that you'll be able to join the Annual Passholder family soon. If you have any other questions before your trip, please feel free to come back and
ask me. I'm happy to help!