If you’re in the know, then YOU KNOW that the Walt Disney World Annual Pass offers a long list of benefits.
From discounts on food and merchandise to exclusive access to events — not to mention the ability to visit the theme parks over and over again — the Passholder program makes sense financially for many (though not all) guests.
As a member of the Passholder club, here are ten reasons I’ll never give up my Annual Pass.
Dedicated Entrance
If you’re an Annual Passholder, you’ll understand the sense of relief you feel when you walk right up to the Passholder entrance at the Parks and find no line. This perk can save Passholders a ton of time and hassle.
Merch Exclusives & Discounts
Having the opportunity to purchase merchandise designed exclusively for Annual Passholders is a fun and often adorable perk. Merch includes everything from t-shirts to Christmas ornaments to pins, all of which show that you are a Passholder.
A favorite of ours each year is the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival merchandise exclusives. We also love the freebie magnets that have APs consistently lining up in droves to collect. Annual Passholders enjoy 10% off all non-discounted merch as well.
Access to Tables in Wonderland
One of our favorite things about holding AP status is the ability to purchase a Tables In Wonderland card. This program is only open to AP holders, Florida Residents, and Disney Vacation Club members.
Tables in Wonderland offers a whopping 20% off food and alcohol at over 100 participating Walt Disney World locations. Having dinner at the coveted California Grill? You get 20% off there, too!
Resort Discounts
Annual Passholders have exclusive access to resort accommodation discounts throughout the year that are only available to them. These discounts can be accessed via the My Disney Experience portal that is available just for AP holders.
These discounts vary throughout the year but could save you up to 35% off.
Access to FastPass+
Annual Passholders have FastPass+ access up to 30 days in advance for up to 7 days of selections. This allows you to plan ride reservations without the need to have a Disney resort hotel reservation (which, if you choose to book, offers a 60-day booking window).
Renewal Discount
As Annual Passholder pricing climbs, Disney has relieved some of that financial stress by offering renewal discounts. All Passholders can renew their Annual Pass up to 30 days after their Anniversary Date for the discounted price.
Complimentary Parking
Annual Passholders receive complimentary standard parking at all theme parks. Parking at Disney World theme parks now costs $25.00 per day, which can easily add up. This is a great value for those who live locally and drive to the parks or for visitors with a rental car.
Disney PhotoPass Downloads
No more selfies! Annual Passholders have unlimited use of the Disney PhotoPass program throughout their membership. This even includes downloads. With a cost of PhotoPass upward of almost $200, this is a significant bonus to AP status.
During certain times of the year, they even offer exclusive PhotoPass opportunities for Annual Passholders, including during the holidays around the theme parks and Disney Springs.
Tour, Event, and Entertainment Discounts
Big ticket savings can be found for Annual Passholders when it comes to tours, special events, and entertainments. Passholders can save on everything from Dessert Parties to VIP Tours like the Taste of Magic Kingdom Park.
Early Registration for runDisney events
This is a biggie. If you’re a runDisney fan, you know the agony of trying to register day of and sitting at the computer as you’re eagerly waiting your turn in technology abyss. Annual Passholders are offered a one week advance early registration for runDisney events.
There are even more benefits to be found when you become an Annual Passholder. For complete information on the Walt Disney World Annual Pass as well as all benefits, click here.
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While the dedicated entrance point at the parks is great in theory, I’ve only ever found it’s either used as a regular entrance when there are a lot of guests going in, no checks being made for passholders, or it’s superfluous at times when there aren’t many guests going in. I don’t know why Disney don’t police this entrance as they would a fastness line, because then it would be an actual perk.