Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel, Bridgette! I can’t tell you how overjoyed I am to read your question. I had a similar situation arise last year and I crunched some numbers hard for you. The
benefits of an Annual Pass are to infinity and beyond!
If you were to buy an
8 day park hopper pass (allowing you to visit as many parks as you pleased, with multiple entries a day) as well as Memory Maker (now a $169 purchase in advance), you would end up paying just under $700 after tax. However, if you elected to purchase an Annual Pass for the year, it would be $829. This doesn’t look like savings on the surface, until you factor in the multiple benefits and discounts an Annual Passholder gleans, such as dining discounts, included
Memory Maker, merchandise savings, exclusive AP entrance line, including parking fees, no blackout dates, discounts on tours, movies, waterparks, sports, mini golf, and more. During my first four day trip of the year, my family saved over $150 on food and merchandise, so my pass had started paying for itself the moment I stepped into the parks, despite the slightly higher initial price point. I highly suggest you crunch your potential vacation numbers to include the discounts, it may be very worth your while to purchase and AP… just like I did. You’ll have to purchase and print your certificate to bring with you on your first day before you enter the parks, but then you’ll get your little yellow card (he goes with me everywhere!) to flash for perks and savings!
If I can answer any more of your ticket questions, please return to ask me anything you like. You’ve got a friend in me! ~ Lindsey P.