Hey Heather!
Thank you so much for bringing us your question, and welcome back to planDisney! I'm thrilled to help you today. As an Annual Passholder, I consider myself an expert. Now, let's go through some of the benefits to see if it's worth it for you.
The biggest factor in deciding whether becoming an Annual Passholder is worth it is how many visits you plan to make. How often do you find yourself at Walt Disney World Resort? If the
cost of tickets for your planned visits is close to or exceeds the price of an
Annual Pass, then it’s absolutely worth it. I visit the parks every month, so for my family and me, it was a no-brainer.
The benefits of having an Annual Pass are substantial. Some of my favorites include discounts on merchandise and dining, especially since I'm a foodie and love all the latest gear, so that adds extra value for me. There are also fantastic savings on stays at Disney Resort hotels. Plus, staying on-site comes with its
own perks that really take your magical adventure to the next level, like
Early Theme Park Entry (which lets you enter the parks 30 minutes before they open to the general public) and
complimentary transportation, because nothing is more enchanting than convenience!
The
exclusive perks that come with being an Annual Passholder are so much fun. In the past, Walt Disney World has offered V.I.PASSHOLDER Summer Days, which included increased dining discounts, limited-edition magnet keepsakes, exclusive treats, and special merchandise. My personal favorite was the EPCOT Passholder Lounge in the Morocco pavilion. It featured an exclusive PhotoPass opportunity, complimentary water and mint tea, snacks, and, best of all, an air-conditioned room where you could sit and recharge. This is not guaranteed to return next year, but I wanted to give an example of an exclusive experience that an Annual Passholder can enjoy.
As an Annual Passholder, you also receive discounts on
Disney After Hours events and seasonal parties like
Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.
Heather, I know I've shared a lot of information, but I truly hope you feel prepared to make the decision that’s best for you. Personally, being an Annual Passholder has saved me money and allowed me to enjoy experiences I might not have considered otherwise. If you have any other questions, please come back and see me!
Your personal planning companion,
Michelle