The PROBLEM You Might Have Buying a Disney World Annual Pass — And How To Solve It

Update: Annual Pass sales are now available for Disney World. While the process was complicated at first, it has become significantly easier. As of April 25th, all pass types are still available for purchase but note that pass availability can be limited so you’ll want to grab your pass sooner rather than later.

If you’ve ever purchased concert tickets online or anxiously awaited a new merchandise drop, you know the anxiety-inducing feeling that comes from counting down the minutes until the moment it’s your turn (looking at you, Taylor Swift!). Now that Disney is selling Annual Passes once again, many are gearing up (mentally and financially) to buy a pass.

We have TONS of helpful information about the process of buying an Annual Pass and deciding if it’s the right move for you, but today we’re here to discuss a dilemma our readers have expressed about the process of buying a pass.

In anticipation of April 20th, a.k.a. the first day that Annual Passes go on sale to the general public, some of our readers have shared a concern about the logistics of purchasing a new Annual Pass. Let’s break it down.

The Problem

So, here’s the problem. Some people purchased park tickets and planned a trip to Disney World BEFORE Disney announced that Annual Passes are now available for purchase. If guests have already purchased Disney World park tickets, can they apply the cost of those park tickets towards their Annual Pass purchase? 

In other words, will Disney deduct the cost of previously purchased park tickets from the cost of a new Annual Pass? Well, after speaking with multiple Cast Members, we determined that ONLY real, live Cast Members have the ability to make that kind of modification to the total cost of an Annual Pass.

Basically, the only way to guarantee your park tickets will be deducted from the cost of your Annual Pass is to make your purchase over the phone with a Cast Member.

Here’s the problem, though. Disney’s phone lines open at 7AM EST, but Annual Passes go on sale an hour earlier at 6AM EST. In the event that Annual Passes sell out in less than an hour, customers may lose out on their Annual Passes by waiting until 7AM to speak to a Cast Member. It’s a tricky situation!

The Solution

So, the way we see it, there are three options:

1. Follow the advice of Cast Members and wait until 7AM to buy your pass over the phone so that the agent can adjust the cost accordingly.
2. Buy the Annual Passes right at 6AM online, then call Disney afterward or go to Guest Services to try and get a partial refund after the fact.
3. Purchase the Annual Passes and WAIT to activate the passes until after the park tickets are used.

Of course, each option has its pros and cons. If customers decide to wait until 7AM, Annual Passes could be sold out by then (note that Disney stated there are limited quantities of Annual Passes).

On the other hand, the Cast Members we spoke with could not guarantee a  partial refund if guests go ahead and buy an Annual Pass at 6AM.

Now, back to option three. Say you planned to visit Disney World in June 2023, but also purchased an Annual Pass on April 20th, 2023. You could use your June park tickets, have tons of fun in Disney World, then activate your Annual Pass when you get home. This way, you’re getting the most out of your pass.

Keep in mind that Annual Passholders have one year to activate their passes.

As you can see, there are a couple of ways to handle this issue. Our biggest advice is to talk to a Cast Member and explain your situation. We will be sure to update this post if we learn any new information about the process of buying an Annual Pass. In the meantime, we’re always on the lookout for the latest Disney news, so stay tuned for more!

Do you plan to purchase an Annual Pass? Let us know in the comments!

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