Universal Offers Pass Member Previews – What About Disneyland?

in Disneyland Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood

disneyland park gates closed

Credit: ITM

As Universal Studios Hollywood plans its reopening on April 16, both seasonal Pass and Annual Pass Members are over the moon that they are able to preview the park before it opens! But what about Disneyland and the many Disneyland Annual Passholders (now known as Legacy Passholders)?

Universal Studios Hollywood Virtual Tour
Credit: Universal

Universal Hollywood Pass Member Preview

Starting April 15, 2021, Pass Members will have their own red carpet day, as a special preview before the Universal Hollywood Park officially opens to the public. Guests of the park must reserve a spot as capacity will be limited.

It is good to note that Universal did not cancel the Pass Member program despite the ongoing pandemic and closure of their park in Hollywood and as part of the “Bonus Day” that Universal is offering, Guests will also be invited on select days from April 15 to May 16. Furthermore, Pass members must be required to make an advanced reservation.

Related:  Universal Hollywood Pass Members Get Exclusive Park Preview!

Universal Globe
Credit: Bailee A. Inside the Magic

On the official Universal Hollywood Website, they state some important details including,

Blackout dates specific to your Pass will not apply with a reservation, however, be aware that reservation capacity will be limited and subject to availability, and will vary by date.

While we are in this reopening “Bonus Days” period, the time will not count against the term of your Pass. At the conclusion of this period, the expiration date of your Pass will be extended by the number of days we have been closed including this additional “Bonus Days” period. (The method of how your time will be extended may vary depending on whether or not you purchased your Pass using FlexPay.**)

You may resume regular use of your Pass in accordance with its terms beginning on Monday, May 17, 2021. You will receive a new printed pass upon entry to the Park at the time of your first visit on or after May 17, 2021, which will include your new Pass expiration date.

When the reservations for the passholder preview went live, Universal Pass Members spent hours trying to obtain a ticket.

Please keep in mind that as a result of current health & safety guidelines, not all rides, shows, and attractions will be offered when the park reopens on April 16.

Universal studios Hollywood
Credit: Bailee A. Inside the Magic

Disneyland Legacy Passholders

As we have extensively mentioned before, Disney announced that the Annual Pass program at Disneyland was ending, and those who were Passholdrs are now Legacy Passholders. Those who are now are Legacy Passholders can still use their Annual Passport discount on food and merchandise throughout Disneyland Resort. This discount will be available until Disneyland Resort introduces new membership offerings at a later date.

The downside to this is that Legacy Passholders no longer have access to the parks with their passes. Disney announced that Disneyland Resort plans to allow Legacy Passholders to use their former Annual Pass discount while they visit the Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park, just as they have been able to use it at Downtown Disney and A Touch of Disney.

Related: Disneyland Sends Discount Info to Legacy Passholders

disneyland tickets
Credit: ITM

While Disneyland has officially set a date and released park hours for the reopening on their official website, Disney remains quiet about whether they will also plan a “preview date” for Legacy Passholders or allow former APs to have priority getting tickets before the public. At this time, Disney has not indicated that any Legacy Passholders will get a special preview to the theme parks. So far, Legacy Passholders will have to purchase Disneyland Resort theme park tickets just like everyone else.

This has caused a major buzz in social media, as many Disney Passholders are patiently waiting for some word on whether they will get to preview the parks and use their Legacy Passholder discounts in both Disneyland and California Adventure, before all other California residents can on April 30. There are many Legacy Passholders who are still holding out hope for good news from Disney.

Donald Duck Disneyland
Credit: Disney

Fans React

Travel blogger @thecalibae on Instagram shared his perspective on the Universal vs. Disneyland Annual Pass debate. Given his post, it appears that he is one fan who believes it will be a while before we get a new Annual Pass program at Disneyland Resort.

@unistudios provided bonus days for Annual Passholders before Universal starts charging the annual pass and starts being normal again. @disneyland provided a button and a magnet and discounts with a nice sunset ? meaning AP program is over until further notice. Pretty crazy how the year has started one with love and one with sunset. ?????
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#disneyland #universalstudioshollywood

 

So, the question remains since there are many more Annual Passholders at Disneyland than there are Pass Members at Universal, the demand for a Legacy Passholder preview is extremely high.

Many hope that Disney will give Legacy Passholders discounts on tickets — or that they will release new membership offerings soon — and spread more Disney magic to Passholders again. However, at this time, with no indication of an AP preview or other Legacy Passholder ticket benefits for the Disneyland Resort theme parks, we’ll have to wait and see if anything changes.

What perks do you want to come back now that you’re a Legacy Passholder? Let us know in the comments below!

Are you planning a Disney or Universal trip soon! Our friends can help! Click the link for more information! 

in Disneyland Resort, Universal Studios Hollywood

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