I had a platinum plus pass, 4 parks + water parks+ photos + golf for $75 a month. To get something similar now will cost $99 a month and WILL NOT INCLUDE water parks OR photos. This is infuriating!!!
I mean… the option to add Photopass A la Carte is great! It’s not like children are using the download Privileges anyway and now any pass can add water parks? Go twice and that portion paid for itself! Sounds like a no brainer to me.
Very disappointed and losing the photo passportand also I live right over the border of Georgia and now you are making me have no choice on which annual pass I would have to buy. I don’t think that is right.
I have been waiting since the beginning of this pandemic to buy these passes for me and my boyfriend but now all the other parks just sound so much better. I’m so sad..
I had the pass the platinum pass before it became the new pass, which was affordable. Of the years they increased the cost and took benefits. Now they are Ala carting the benefits. I am out.
You are right , Disney is nothing but greed now ,They make it impossible for average families to even go once . I live out of state and have been going every year for 23 years , I stayed at Disney moderate resorts . But now they have taken away all perks the bus from airport , now I would have to pay parking for 2 weeks , do not get extra hrs after park closing .No THANKS I WILL NO LONGER GO
Your right he is making the most magical place in the world the most terrible . I am actually starting to hate Disney and anything associated with it including the park merchandise , movies you name it.
Unless you don’t live in California! That’s a bit selfish. We lived in CA for years with DLR annual pass, but now live in TN. The only WDW pass option for non-residents is more expensive than it will be for us to get a Magic Key and fly back to CA several times!
Exactly! Out of state passholders almost certainly spend more per visit and stay at Disneu resorts more often than Florida resident passholders. You would think WDW would want to encourage out of state passholders, but apparently not.
I would say the opposite. Florida passholders are the long term stability for Disney and should be treated accordingly. We go to the parks more, spend more money, and buy more merchandise on a regular basis. If your from out of state how often will you visit the Disney parks in Orlando??? When Schools are back and the parks start to loose the summer crowds, we Floridians step up and keep the Magic alive plus keep the Disney coffers filled in the down months. Disney needs to recognize this and give us the incentive as State residents to attend.
Guarantee that you DONT spend more money at the parks. You go more, many of you bring your own food and don’t spend on merch etc. They keep those passes to appease politicians. FL residents are one of the worst things to hit Disney. Out of staters subsidize you and have for years.
Nope, you’re incorrect. I never bring my own food or beverages, neither does anyone else I go with. We always buy anything we eat and drink at the park.
The fact is I don’t personally know anyone who brings their own food to the parks although I’ve seen it happen.
Out of staters subsidize nothing for residents in terms of WDW but if you’re that upset by it you have two options, either move to FL or stop going to WDW.
We go 8-10 times a year, buy all our food, pay for preferred parking, buy a rather overpriced treat on the way out, and always buy at least one new pin for our collection. I think we spend just as much as a one or two-time out of towner easy… and as someone said, we keep the park going in the slow periods…
I live out of state but my family of 4 come down every year for a week when school is out of session , the last trip before the pandemic cost over $15,000 . But why are we arguing over who spends more we are all getting the shaft . None of us get free fast passes anymore , we all have to pay an outrageous amount to park . I can understand food prices going up , but parking and fast pass cost them nothing so charging for them just greed .
Exactly. As someone who has to drive 8 hours to get there, I need a hotel room, probably for a few days, and I will be spending more money on food as i can’t eat at home for breakfast before driving to WDW for the day then returning home for dinner, as many local residents do. Think of it this way; a family spends money on a one week/once a year trip. But if passes are just a bit more, they will buy that pass and not only make 2-3 trips (to get their “money’s worth), but Disney makes more money off of those extra trips that weren’t part of the original plan. I’m just glad we have access to the Saluting our Heroes tickets, because there’s no way our family could afford $1300 each. I’ve always wanted an AP to get the parking discounts and all, but I can’t justify $1300 for even one person. That’s why we have Universal passes. All tiers available to all residents regardless of state, with Florida rates or out of state rates. So we have access to what we can afford and what we can use. I would like Disney to do something similar, all tiers avaiable to everyone, because i guarantee an out of state guest will spend more in a day than a local resident.
Maybe out of state people will spend more in a single day (or for the few days that they’re at WDW) than a resident would but a resident goes more often so the total they spend for the year is greater, sometimes far greater, than what the out of state guest spends in that same year.
You are right , Disney is nothing but greed now ,They make it impossible for average families to even go once . I live out of state and have been going every year for 23 years , I stayed at Disney moderate resorts . But now they have taken away all perks the bus from airport , now I would have to pay parking for 2 weeks , do not get extra hrs after park closing .No THANKS I WILL NO LONGER GO
Why would Disney do that if you are already willing to spend the money? Let us see how many of these complainers will actually follow through with voting no with their wallets.
Because they are greedy , I guess they want the park to only have people with a lot of money , case in point you only get after magic hrs after park closing if you stay at the luxury resorts now , you have to pay for fast passes now . I live out of state but use to buy annual pass holder for my family we have been coming down for 2 weeks every year for the past 23 years . It is bad enough they did away with transportation from airport but now I have to pay for a rental car and parking too . I WILL VOTE NO WITH MY WALLET BET I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE !
This is exactly what disney wants. They are trying to price out the poor. To make it a “luxury experience” for the rich only. They want to thin out the lines by restricting access to poor people.
Walt Disney is rolling over in his grave right now.
Two different marketing strategies. For Florida residents the aim is to get them into the parks as many times in a year as possible, knowing they will spend on food, souvenirs, the new lightning lanes, etc. Florida residents have a lot of options for their money: different parks, beaches, other attractions. WDW wants as much of this as possible.
Yes, I called yesterday. I have one day left of their promotion they have for Florida residence. The passes included parking. And the premier pass is only $25. And if you have a ticket left don’t use it. You can use that to rol over in the pricing for your annual pass.
Paying more money for our passes, no longer includes photo pass & have to make a reservation. I’m supposed to be excited that I can make more reservations instead of just being spontaneous & go whenever I want. Whoohoo, thanks for making it so much better (sarcasm).
Again- people pay for this stuff, as long as there are stupid people who just keep “shelling” out the money, Disney will continue to raise prices on Anything and Everything. And even though i still visit the parks, my stays and what i spend there are slowly being decreased to a minimal.
No, to plan 5 days to go, unless you stay at one of the Disney resorts. So say you want to make it a 7 day trip you can only reserve 5 days. If you stay at a Disney resort then you can reserve all 7 days.
I was able to take my children one time when they were little. As a single mom it was the hardest thing I had ever done. The expense was incredible but I was determined. As they got older and the job got a little easier we were able to make it about every other year. My children are adults now and we would continue to go but it is farther out of reach now than it was when they were little. I feel so sorry for those mom’s that want to and no longer can afford. It is now only for the rich or for those willing to risk their financial future. There was absolutely no reason to charge parking at the hotels but we let that happen. They charge for every minute thing and now they want to charge to ride rides that you paid admission to ride!? Come on now! How much profit are we going to put in these big wigs pockets before the madness stops? It breaks my heart that my grandchildren will never get to experience the magic because nothing about it is magic anymore. It is a money making machine. Walt wanted it to be for all families but the current regime has failed him and his dream
I wish people would stop romanticizing Walt (“WWWD”). Of course, it’s a money-making machine! There would no longer be a WDW if they weren’t. People who have excess cash are going to always have those nice little bells & whistles. It’s just the way it is! I’d like to go on a cruise around the world but it’s never going to happen because it’s beyond my means. Disney is not the only one either. I’ve been also researching hotel rates in other places and the prices are very high right now. Of course, everyone would like to see the prices lower but that isn’t the reality. Disney has done a lot with the parks so I really can’t complain about prices going up too much. I was certainly expecting the AP prices to go up so I’m not really shocked. The money has to come from tickets, merch, etc. I’m not wealthy by any means and I always budget a trip and make my decisions on meals and events accordingly. I don’t need to go to WDW every and unless I’m making at least 3 trips in a year, I wouldn’t need an AP and I can usually purchase my tickets for less on UCT.
Everywhere you look we ARE paying higher prices not only for the things we must have such as utilities, groceries, etc., but for the things we want (but are now having to do without) as well. For the most part big business ‘execs’ make eight to ten figure salaries and several other ‘perks’ from their companies. It all boils down to one word, GREED! And it now seems Disney is the greediest of all! Thank goodness it isn’t one of the ‘necessities’ of life!
Yes, Walt’s dream, when you cut through the romanticism and feel good BS, was to make money, build an empire and make more money.
BTW, the WDW AP price increases are technically a 2+ year increase. I don’t like the higher rates but I get to decide how to spend my entertainment dollar, nobody is forcing me or anyone else to go to WDW.
As a non-Floridain I was very disappointed that 3 if the 4 tiers are unavailable for me and the the only one I can purchase is far too expensive for as much as I would be able to make use of it!
This new packets include parking? And this prices are for person? I think is kind of pricing especially for families with multiple family members!! And what about the people that work during the week?
before you even get into the HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH, your already mad as hell!! 30$$$$$ to PARKKKK!it really is sick to know uncle WALT, is gunna get all you money for that day, but 27,28,29, $$$ to park, im not my happy place right from the start!! they need to do something about this BS! it truly destroys the entire reason you bring the kids!! DADDYS NOT HAPPY! your gunna get all my money through out the day anyway! give the family a break! ET!
We are annual passholders and are disappointed with the rates charged. They should offer payment plans for everyone purchasing an annual pass at the rates they are charging not just Florida residents!
Greed greed greed!!!! Only one pass for non Florida residents?? And it’s the most expensive! Walt would be mortified. CEO has got to go! Oh, and fast passes? Now I’ve got to pay extra to ride certain rides????!!!! Forget it
It is awful, no photopass, no fast pass. Pirate is more blackout days. $100+ increase for less value. As a long time pass holder and stock shareholder this is the worst change yet!!
I’m done. Disney is an awful greedy machine. Watch the Disney news and rides are down ALL the time. So no more magic express, I have to pay to park at my hotel, no magic bands, and no fast passes unless I pay extra. I am SO done. They will never get my money again. Universal is my new go to.
Another in an apparent continuous attempt to financially cripple Disney fans. We are long term DVC members and the very reasons we paid a mountain of money to join was to guarantee ourselves years of magic. The “ magic” has now been replaced with sheer greed at every turn. How can young families ever afford to go now? The food prices have always been absurd and now they are charging for things they never used to and eliminating things we fans counted on. Nothing can be spontaneous anymore and everyone has to drag their cell phones around just to work with their system. We hate it and we’re done. We’ll spend our money away from the parks and use our dvc points only for a place to stay. Disney made enough off of Disney + the last 2years to offset the need for these horrible price gouges.
As a non-Floridain I was very disappointed that 3 if the 4 tiers are unavailable for me and the the only one I can purchase is far too expensive for as much as I would be able to make use of it!
We have been Disney vacation club members for nearly 30 yrs and are out of state. We have gotten annual passes several times and it worked out great. Now we find out that to get an annual pass now, we have to get the most expensive one. Not a good move. People from all over the world go to WDW and to make them pay more for an annual pass on top of all they’re already shelling out just to get there is really stupid. We had been going multiple times a year. You’ve ruined that and we’ll probably be trading our DVC points to other places besides WDW. Sad turn of events.
Little bummed. I was hoping out of state buyers could get at least 2 options. Why no other tiers for us? Also be nice if they allowed the monthly payment option for out of staters. Coming out of pocket for more than $5k for a family of 4 tickets (no discount for kids) is a little tough.
I think we have to stop calling it an annual pass. We can’t just go any day we want. It’s a sometimes pass, and not several days in a row pass.
I live near an airport and used to take $30 non-stop flight down to MCO for a weekend and just walk the Disney Parks because it was so affordable. Now it’s not even a real pass. Very upsetting.
I’m done with other Disney. It’s just one disappointment after another. Their parks look old and tired. They treat their cast horribly. We’re moving on to Universal Studios and looking forward to exploring their two parks plus the water park.
There was no mention in the article as to how this would affect current annual passholders. We will be grandfathered in or will our pass be switched to the new restrictions of park reservations and removal of the photo pass?
If you are within your renewal window before Sept 8 you can renew at an old pass. If your renewal window is after the new passes are for sale, you get (basically) 15% off and pick a new pass from what’s available. So the top tier is like, $1100ish
They really alienated out of state guests. Having only one option that will cost approximately $1400 per person makes it impossible for my family of 6 to be passholders again. We used to head down from Chicago 2-3 times per year but not at those prices, especially without fast pass.
Its funny, they forgot about Walt Disney’s dreams when he created this park, it’s like their all about the money!! They’ve cut out a lot, like the parades and raised the prices. But I’m not angry about it, I will be exploring other parks now and Disney will not be getting all my vacation time anymore. I used to Love and be all about Disney, but they have become too commercial. Walking up to the castle is not what it used to be.
As an out of stater that goes 3 times a year, I was looking forward to finally getting an annual pass. I did the math and my 3 times a year trips are still cheaper than buying the pass given that there’s only one pass available to out of state guests. That’s absolutely ridiculous. Seriously considering ending my relationship with Disney….not that they care.
Longtime passholders. We gave ours up a couple of years ago because we saw the writing on the wall. We knew this was coming and here it is. We’ve been to Disney World hundreds of times since the early 1970’s. We’ve done dozens of staycations at the Disney resorts. We’ve bought the merch, eaten at most of the restaurants, even gotten engaged at EPCOT and celebrated our anniversaries there. We’re done. The magic is gone. The greed and thirst for the almighty dollar has won at Disney. Even though we’re only 45 minutes from the DW parks, we’ve been spending our time at Universal and SeaWorld. I never thought I’d be saying goodbye to Disney World, but goodbye.
Disney has become so money hungry it’s sad.. the magic is no longer there.. A place that was once for children but now seems to favor teens and adults.. getting rid of the free fast pass lane and now charging for it was the sprinkles on the sundae for our family.. Goodbye Disney!
In the past 6 plus years, they have increased the price and taken benefits. No more fast passes, no more photopass ( unless you want to pay extra), took away Disney Quest & replaced with the NBA place that didn’t last 7 months, and others.
The dates blacked out for the now Silver Package take away all the holidays, like MLK & others.
So in short, higher cost, less benefits.
Time to change to Universal
In the past 6 plus years, they have increased the price and taken benefits. No more fast passes, no more photopass ( unless you want to pay extra), took away Disney Quest & replaced with the NBA place that didn’t last 7 months, and others.
The dates blacked out for the now Silver Package take away all the holidays, like MLK & others.
So in short, higher cost, less benefits.
Time to change to Universal yes.
This is awful for the average person who is not a Florida resident or DVC member. Taking away Memory Maker is also wrong. The least they could do would be allowing everyone the option of monthly payments. I usually get the gold pass (DVC member), but this is ridiculously priced. Disney should be ashamed of themselves. Chapek needs to go.
So sad that we will not be able to go to WDW now. WDW and DL have always been our favourite holiday destinations, but having to pay for fast passes on top of entrance prince increases is the last straw for us. The magic has been around for our family since 1955, and having to give it up is heartbreaking, but we all have limits as to how much we are able/willing to pay for the magic.
A huge benefit of the annual pass program is being able to jump in the car and go anytime you’d want. Now that these ‘stupid’ park reservation passes are enforced, that level of spontaneity is gone. First pre-planning fast passes a month in advance or risk having nothing available and now having to specify the exacts of when, where, how to go to anything at all just takes far too much work. It’s just too much work to deal with Disney these days. And the costs are beyond astronomical. Certainly not getting much value for the cost these days.
These prices were really hard for a non-Florida resident to see. We only have one option, the most expensive. Give me some block-out dates and offer a non-resident pass at a lower rate. I can become a Magic Key holder and fly to Disneyland from TN for cheaper!
The Square footage for parks ( supply ) is limited while the Population (demand) is unlimited. Therefore one can expect continued price increases going forward while crowd size continues to grow. Genie+ is a band aide approach to attempt to help the guest out. A true vision for the future is a third Disney resort within the U.S. which would alleviate crowd issues for many decades to come. Maybe north Texas? I live in AZ so not plugging my own state, just looking for a “central” state with large population as a base for the park. Disney has grown it’s cruise line from first two, then four, recently a fifth and a sixth in two years. Time to add a third resort park location, the demand is there and will continue to grow unless. Pricing and crowds diminish the magic.
Your passes are still less expensive than ours here at Disneyland. At least all your passes include parking. Only our top tier pass includes parking. Also our top tier pass went up $200.00.
One example – Guests who borrow APs from friends and family who don’t enter the park with them. They use these borrowed passes to reserve more than the 3 max fast passes for the day.
Of course – this was never an issue until Disney restricted the number of fast passes per day. So it’s self inflicted. And that’s all a symptom of Disney allowing too many people into a given park on a given day. Disney won’t constraint entry, so demand for rides far exceeds capacity. Result – lines with wait times > an hour.
People pay a lot of $ to wait in lines, so they get creative. Disney calls this abuse. Yet they created the problem.
So now they once again try to avoid the real problem by putting up a pay wall for skipping lines- something that was free. So what exactly do you get for your $100+ entry ticket?
#1 Chapek and his minions are a disaster for Disney. They need to go….all they are doing is helping Universal. Maybe they secretly work for
Universal??
#2 Most replies indicate great dissatisfaction with recent decisions being made at Disney. Is there a way to let them directly know what their customers are thinking? I have email guest services before about some of these changes and just get a standard form letter response…so that’s no help at all.
Sorry but we will have to pass. Disney CEO Bob Chapek needs to go ASAP! He has taken the Magic out of the theme parks. It seems that now Disney only wishes to cater to the rich and woke.
Walt is probably turning over in his grave with what’s happened to Disney World. Now they are just a regular money grabbing American Corporation. Just terrible
We have been coming to WDW since 1973, seen a lot. The thill of Disney was the best, the excitement, planning, our wardrobe. Now in through the years, we have seen the parks get dirtier, the CM ‘s not enforcing their the rules of Disney( when smoke was only slowed in designated areas) and other things. And the tourists, they have no regard for anyone or anything. Once in line for a ride, a young person actually relieved themselves n a bush. Really. Now the prices , it’s just pure greed. How can families afford this?
Bob Chapek is the bad guy? You must be thinking of the other Bob… Bob Iger. He’s increased the debt with his past spending splurges. Now Chapek has to lower the debt incurred under Iger by increasing prices on all Disney ventures including Parks.
Paying more, getting less. That’s been the Disney mantra for years. It’s not just the park ticket prices that are up. Cost increases for parking, food, souvenirs, no more fast pass, etc.
Next time you are in a Disney store check out the labels – all made in China. Pins are from China. You know the item cost to Disney is low, so most of the price hikes are pure profit.
Now add the fun fact of masking on hot FL days.
No thanks. Walt’s dream has transformed into greed.
If you are a DVC family of 4 and want to buy the equivalent of a Platinum pass, which is now the Incredipass plus an additional $99 per person for Photopass option it will now cost you a total of $ $1600 more per year. Or $400 per person! Wow! That is a lot. Way to thank DVC members Disney!
Magical express gone but if we rent a car we pay parking. Park reservations but no cap on crowds, ordering food in advance so they don’t have to pay cashiers. Online checkin so they don’t have to pay desk clerks. The list goes on but the savings hasn’t been passed to the guest
As a DVC member from Michigan (26yrs), this is the biggest middle finger I have ever gotten. We have been going 2 times per year for the last 11 years. 2019 I paid Under 500 with the discount. Now with tax it is 1000. No free ride from the airport. Greed. But guess what. I am coming down in November for 8 days. Just booked a car. Just purchased a one day ticket for the 5 of us. Going to MK for a day. Just purchased tickets for Universal (2 days) and Sea World. My kids love Harry Potter. Can’t wait till there new park opens. Now I am going to rent out the remaining points on Dave’s DVC. Thanks Disney for letting me the other side and leave the Diney bubble.
Do not forget no fast pass unless you pay extra , no after hours unless you stay at the most expensive resorts you get 1/2 before park opens big deal . I will not be renewing my annual pass for my family , instead of i week Disney and one at Universal it will be 2 weeks at Universal.
I don’t see how anyone can say any of this is a better deal!
The author must have had to sort thru a lot of responses to find a positive one – or more likely just made it up.
The sad truth is that the photographers will lose their jobs when people don’t buy photo pass. Since when is a la cart cheaper or ever a bargain?!
Seems Disney is getting more greedy , with every change , first they did away with the free fast pass now you have to pay for it , only having extra after park closing fior deluxe resort guest is a slap in the face to all loyal guest who have been going for years . They act if you stay at a moderate resort your trash. They did away with the airport bus service . Now this annual pass holder stuff . You have to reserve a park and you tickets you may or may not get in ,what if you are out of state and not get in any park ? And you have to reserve a time at a counter serve restaurant to eat, all this reserving stuff and having to use a phone , to much trouble , seems stressful not a vacation . No Disney perks to stay on their property anymore . And too much like work to go there and pricing most people out of being able to go . NO THANKS I WILL GO TO UNIVERSAL STUDIOS !
Why aren’t passholders getting together in a lawsuit?! I know we were lied to and pressured to renew this summer RIGHT before all these crazy take aways from what we paid for!
Comments for Disney Fans Speak Out on New Annual Pass Prices and Options
Julie
I had a platinum plus pass, 4 parks + water parks+ photos + golf for $75 a month. To get something similar now will cost $99 a month and WILL NOT INCLUDE water parks OR photos. This is infuriating!!!
Teri
I mean… the option to add Photopass A la Carte is great! It’s not like children are using the download Privileges anyway and now any pass can add water parks? Go twice and that portion paid for itself! Sounds like a no brainer to me.
T.M
I’m just waiting for my Annual pass refunds before purchasing the Magic keys. I’m still waiting for refunds 18 months later.
Melody Love
Very disappointed and losing the photo passportand also I live right over the border of Georgia and now you are making me have no choice on which annual pass I would have to buy. I don’t think that is right.
Christina
I have been waiting since the beginning of this pandemic to buy these passes for me and my boyfriend but now all the other parks just sound so much better. I’m so sad..
Sean M
I had the pass the platinum pass before it became the new pass, which was affordable. Of the years they increased the cost and took benefits. Now they are Ala carting the benefits. I am out.
John Binder
Totally agree, paying more and getting much less, not a very good customer experience.
Jennifer Duncan
100%! Chapnek is the greediest CEO they have ever had!
linda smith
You are right , Disney is nothing but greed now ,They make it impossible for average families to even go once . I live out of state and have been going every year for 23 years , I stayed at Disney moderate resorts . But now they have taken away all perks the bus from airport , now I would have to pay parking for 2 weeks , do not get extra hrs after park closing .No THANKS I WILL NO LONGER GO
linda smith
Your right he is making the most magical place in the world the most terrible . I am actually starting to hate Disney and anything associated with it including the park merchandise , movies you name it.
Jennifer Duncan
Chapek is such a money-grabber, he’s taking EVERYTHING away!
Scott pepperman
I agree. Someone Unfreeze Walt please.
I was a pass holder for six years. Now the want me to get the new passes. Not good for Disney
Christina
I wish Disneyland would have made most passes for california residents only. That would’ve been amazing.
Jennifer
Unless you don’t live in California! That’s a bit selfish. We lived in CA for years with DLR annual pass, but now live in TN. The only WDW pass option for non-residents is more expensive than it will be for us to get a Magic Key and fly back to CA several times!
Karen
Florida residents would get more use of the parks but somehow they get better prices and the ability to pay over time. Doesn’t make sense
Donovan
Exactly! Out of state passholders almost certainly spend more per visit and stay at Disneu resorts more often than Florida resident passholders. You would think WDW would want to encourage out of state passholders, but apparently not.
rroe
I would say the opposite. Florida passholders are the long term stability for Disney and should be treated accordingly. We go to the parks more, spend more money, and buy more merchandise on a regular basis. If your from out of state how often will you visit the Disney parks in Orlando??? When Schools are back and the parks start to loose the summer crowds, we Floridians step up and keep the Magic alive plus keep the Disney coffers filled in the down months. Disney needs to recognize this and give us the incentive as State residents to attend.
Bob
Guarantee that you DONT spend more money at the parks. You go more, many of you bring your own food and don’t spend on merch etc. They keep those passes to appease politicians. FL residents are one of the worst things to hit Disney. Out of staters subsidize you and have for years.
nope
neither one of you know this to be fact.
Nick
Nope, you’re incorrect. I never bring my own food or beverages, neither does anyone else I go with. We always buy anything we eat and drink at the park.
The fact is I don’t personally know anyone who brings their own food to the parks although I’ve seen it happen.
Out of staters subsidize nothing for residents in terms of WDW but if you’re that upset by it you have two options, either move to FL or stop going to WDW.
Stephen Baur
Well said! I completely agree!!!
James
We go 8-10 times a year, buy all our food, pay for preferred parking, buy a rather overpriced treat on the way out, and always buy at least one new pin for our collection. I think we spend just as much as a one or two-time out of towner easy… and as someone said, we keep the park going in the slow periods…
linda smith
I live out of state but my family of 4 come down every year for a week when school is out of session , the last trip before the pandemic cost over $15,000 . But why are we arguing over who spends more we are all getting the shaft . None of us get free fast passes anymore , we all have to pay an outrageous amount to park . I can understand food prices going up , but parking and fast pass cost them nothing so charging for them just greed .
Elizabeth
Exactly. As someone who has to drive 8 hours to get there, I need a hotel room, probably for a few days, and I will be spending more money on food as i can’t eat at home for breakfast before driving to WDW for the day then returning home for dinner, as many local residents do. Think of it this way; a family spends money on a one week/once a year trip. But if passes are just a bit more, they will buy that pass and not only make 2-3 trips (to get their “money’s worth), but Disney makes more money off of those extra trips that weren’t part of the original plan. I’m just glad we have access to the Saluting our Heroes tickets, because there’s no way our family could afford $1300 each. I’ve always wanted an AP to get the parking discounts and all, but I can’t justify $1300 for even one person. That’s why we have Universal passes. All tiers available to all residents regardless of state, with Florida rates or out of state rates. So we have access to what we can afford and what we can use. I would like Disney to do something similar, all tiers avaiable to everyone, because i guarantee an out of state guest will spend more in a day than a local resident.
Nick
Maybe out of state people will spend more in a single day (or for the few days that they’re at WDW) than a resident would but a resident goes more often so the total they spend for the year is greater, sometimes far greater, than what the out of state guest spends in that same year.
linda smith
You are right , Disney is nothing but greed now ,They make it impossible for average families to even go once . I live out of state and have been going every year for 23 years , I stayed at Disney moderate resorts . But now they have taken away all perks the bus from airport , now I would have to pay parking for 2 weeks , do not get extra hrs after park closing .No THANKS I WILL NO LONGER GO
Manny
Why would Disney do that if you are already willing to spend the money? Let us see how many of these complainers will actually follow through with voting no with their wallets.
linda smith
Because they are greedy , I guess they want the park to only have people with a lot of money , case in point you only get after magic hrs after park closing if you stay at the luxury resorts now , you have to pay for fast passes now . I live out of state but use to buy annual pass holder for my family we have been coming down for 2 weeks every year for the past 23 years . It is bad enough they did away with transportation from airport but now I have to pay for a rental car and parking too . I WILL VOTE NO WITH MY WALLET BET I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE !
Christopher
This is exactly what disney wants. They are trying to price out the poor. To make it a “luxury experience” for the rich only. They want to thin out the lines by restricting access to poor people.
Walt Disney is rolling over in his grave right now.
Don Boell
Two different marketing strategies. For Florida residents the aim is to get them into the parks as many times in a year as possible, knowing they will spend on food, souvenirs, the new lightning lanes, etc. Florida residents have a lot of options for their money: different parks, beaches, other attractions. WDW wants as much of this as possible.
Sandy
I’ve had the annual platinum pass for years. The price increase is so wrong. Chapek needs to step down!
Jennifer Duncan
This, combined with his new paid rides nonsense is pure greed. He needs to go!
Kelly
Do they include parking?
Candy
Yes, I called yesterday. I have one day left of their promotion they have for Florida residence. The passes included parking. And the premier pass is only $25. And if you have a ticket left don’t use it. You can use that to rol over in the pricing for your annual pass.
Lexa
Paying more money for our passes, no longer includes photo pass & have to make a reservation. I’m supposed to be excited that I can make more reservations instead of just being spontaneous & go whenever I want. Whoohoo, thanks for making it so much better (sarcasm).
A-rod
Again- people pay for this stuff, as long as there are stupid people who just keep “shelling” out the money, Disney will continue to raise prices on Anything and Everything. And even though i still visit the parks, my stays and what i spend there are slowly being decreased to a minimal.
Noel Oppedisano
Sorrt I am confuses, What does that mean to hold up to 5 reservations, does that mean I can only go to the park 5x per year
Candy
No, to plan 5 days to go, unless you stay at one of the Disney resorts. So say you want to make it a 7 day trip you can only reserve 5 days. If you stay at a Disney resort then you can reserve all 7 days.
Tammie C
I was able to take my children one time when they were little. As a single mom it was the hardest thing I had ever done. The expense was incredible but I was determined. As they got older and the job got a little easier we were able to make it about every other year. My children are adults now and we would continue to go but it is farther out of reach now than it was when they were little. I feel so sorry for those mom’s that want to and no longer can afford. It is now only for the rich or for those willing to risk their financial future. There was absolutely no reason to charge parking at the hotels but we let that happen. They charge for every minute thing and now they want to charge to ride rides that you paid admission to ride!? Come on now! How much profit are we going to put in these big wigs pockets before the madness stops? It breaks my heart that my grandchildren will never get to experience the magic because nothing about it is magic anymore. It is a money making machine. Walt wanted it to be for all families but the current regime has failed him and his dream
NENolan
I wish people would stop romanticizing Walt (“WWWD”). Of course, it’s a money-making machine! There would no longer be a WDW if they weren’t. People who have excess cash are going to always have those nice little bells & whistles. It’s just the way it is! I’d like to go on a cruise around the world but it’s never going to happen because it’s beyond my means. Disney is not the only one either. I’ve been also researching hotel rates in other places and the prices are very high right now. Of course, everyone would like to see the prices lower but that isn’t the reality. Disney has done a lot with the parks so I really can’t complain about prices going up too much. I was certainly expecting the AP prices to go up so I’m not really shocked. The money has to come from tickets, merch, etc. I’m not wealthy by any means and I always budget a trip and make my decisions on meals and events accordingly. I don’t need to go to WDW every and unless I’m making at least 3 trips in a year, I wouldn’t need an AP and I can usually purchase my tickets for less on UCT.
Barb
Everywhere you look we ARE paying higher prices not only for the things we must have such as utilities, groceries, etc., but for the things we want (but are now having to do without) as well. For the most part big business ‘execs’ make eight to ten figure salaries and several other ‘perks’ from their companies. It all boils down to one word, GREED! And it now seems Disney is the greediest of all! Thank goodness it isn’t one of the ‘necessities’ of life!
Nick
Yes, Walt’s dream, when you cut through the romanticism and feel good BS, was to make money, build an empire and make more money.
BTW, the WDW AP price increases are technically a 2+ year increase. I don’t like the higher rates but I get to decide how to spend my entertainment dollar, nobody is forcing me or anyone else to go to WDW.
Beverly K
As a non-Floridain I was very disappointed that 3 if the 4 tiers are unavailable for me and the the only one I can purchase is far too expensive for as much as I would be able to make use of it!
Carmen
This new passes include parking ? And this are the price for person ! I need to know … thanks
Carmen
This new packets include parking? And this prices are for person? I think is kind of pricing especially for families with multiple family members!! And what about the people that work during the week?
Al &zlinda
Have been AP holders for decades. We are done. It’s not our WDW anymore.
Heather
We gave our up. Just not worth it anymore.
eddie toye
before you even get into the HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH, your already mad as hell!! 30$$$$$ to PARKKKK!it really is sick to know uncle WALT, is gunna get all you money for that day, but 27,28,29, $$$ to park, im not my happy place right from the start!! they need to do something about this BS! it truly destroys the entire reason you bring the kids!! DADDYS NOT HAPPY! your gunna get all my money through out the day anyway! give the family a break! ET!
Sharon Szego
We are annual passholders and are disappointed with the rates charged. They should offer payment plans for everyone purchasing an annual pass at the rates they are charging not just Florida residents!
Lu
payment plans have only ever been for FL residents, so that isnt new
Phyllis
Greed greed greed!!!! Only one pass for non Florida residents?? And it’s the most expensive! Walt would be mortified. CEO has got to go! Oh, and fast passes? Now I’ve got to pay extra to ride certain rides????!!!! Forget it
Lori
It is awful, no photopass, no fast pass. Pirate is more blackout days. $100+ increase for less value. As a long time pass holder and stock shareholder this is the worst change yet!!
Jd
I’m done. Disney is an awful greedy machine. Watch the Disney news and rides are down ALL the time. So no more magic express, I have to pay to park at my hotel, no magic bands, and no fast passes unless I pay extra. I am SO done. They will never get my money again. Universal is my new go to.
DonB
Another in an apparent continuous attempt to financially cripple Disney fans. We are long term DVC members and the very reasons we paid a mountain of money to join was to guarantee ourselves years of magic. The “ magic” has now been replaced with sheer greed at every turn. How can young families ever afford to go now? The food prices have always been absurd and now they are charging for things they never used to and eliminating things we fans counted on. Nothing can be spontaneous anymore and everyone has to drag their cell phones around just to work with their system. We hate it and we’re done. We’ll spend our money away from the parks and use our dvc points only for a place to stay. Disney made enough off of Disney + the last 2years to offset the need for these horrible price gouges.
Beverly K
As a non-Floridain I was very disappointed that 3 if the 4 tiers are unavailable for me and the the only one I can purchase is far too expensive for as much as I would be able to make use of it!
Kathy Ritchey
We have been Disney vacation club members for nearly 30 yrs and are out of state. We have gotten annual passes several times and it worked out great. Now we find out that to get an annual pass now, we have to get the most expensive one. Not a good move. People from all over the world go to WDW and to make them pay more for an annual pass on top of all they’re already shelling out just to get there is really stupid. We had been going multiple times a year. You’ve ruined that and we’ll probably be trading our DVC points to other places besides WDW. Sad turn of events.
Adam
Little bummed. I was hoping out of state buyers could get at least 2 options. Why no other tiers for us? Also be nice if they allowed the monthly payment option for out of staters. Coming out of pocket for more than $5k for a family of 4 tickets (no discount for kids) is a little tough.
Tlaw
DVC members actually have a choice of the two most expensive passes.
Kelvington
I think we have to stop calling it an annual pass. We can’t just go any day we want. It’s a sometimes pass, and not several days in a row pass.
I live near an airport and used to take $30 non-stop flight down to MCO for a weekend and just walk the Disney Parks because it was so affordable. Now it’s not even a real pass. Very upsetting.
Pol
I’m done with other Disney. It’s just one disappointment after another. Their parks look old and tired. They treat their cast horribly. We’re moving on to Universal Studios and looking forward to exploring their two parks plus the water park.
SUSIE GODINHO
are the water parks included in the passes ?
Lu
no
Molly Colbert
There was no mention in the article as to how this would affect current annual passholders. We will be grandfathered in or will our pass be switched to the new restrictions of park reservations and removal of the photo pass?
Lu
If you are within your renewal window before Sept 8 you can renew at an old pass. If your renewal window is after the new passes are for sale, you get (basically) 15% off and pick a new pass from what’s available. So the top tier is like, $1100ish
Sk
They really alienated out of state guests. Having only one option that will cost approximately $1400 per person makes it impossible for my family of 6 to be passholders again. We used to head down from Chicago 2-3 times per year but not at those prices, especially without fast pass.
Marie Wyke
Its funny, they forgot about Walt Disney’s dreams when he created this park, it’s like their all about the money!! They’ve cut out a lot, like the parades and raised the prices. But I’m not angry about it, I will be exploring other parks now and Disney will not be getting all my vacation time anymore. I used to Love and be all about Disney, but they have become too commercial. Walking up to the castle is not what it used to be.
Jennifer
As an out of stater that goes 3 times a year, I was looking forward to finally getting an annual pass. I did the math and my 3 times a year trips are still cheaper than buying the pass given that there’s only one pass available to out of state guests. That’s absolutely ridiculous. Seriously considering ending my relationship with Disney….not that they care.
Jennifer
Same here! You have to go 10-15 days for it to pay for itself. It’s cheaper for us to get a Magic Key pass and fly to Disneyland from TN!!
Leah
Longtime passholders. We gave ours up a couple of years ago because we saw the writing on the wall. We knew this was coming and here it is. We’ve been to Disney World hundreds of times since the early 1970’s. We’ve done dozens of staycations at the Disney resorts. We’ve bought the merch, eaten at most of the restaurants, even gotten engaged at EPCOT and celebrated our anniversaries there. We’re done. The magic is gone. The greed and thirst for the almighty dollar has won at Disney. Even though we’re only 45 minutes from the DW parks, we’ve been spending our time at Universal and SeaWorld. I never thought I’d be saying goodbye to Disney World, but goodbye.
Kelly
Disney has become so money hungry it’s sad.. the magic is no longer there.. A place that was once for children but now seems to favor teens and adults.. getting rid of the free fast pass lane and now charging for it was the sprinkles on the sundae for our family.. Goodbye Disney!
Sean M
Exactly.
Sean M
In the past 6 plus years, they have increased the price and taken benefits. No more fast passes, no more photopass ( unless you want to pay extra), took away Disney Quest & replaced with the NBA place that didn’t last 7 months, and others.
The dates blacked out for the now Silver Package take away all the holidays, like MLK & others.
So in short, higher cost, less benefits.
Time to change to Universal
Sue
I loved Disney Quest, but really many of the attractions were old and needed updating.
Sean M
In the past 6 plus years, they have increased the price and taken benefits. No more fast passes, no more photopass ( unless you want to pay extra), took away Disney Quest & replaced with the NBA place that didn’t last 7 months, and others.
The dates blacked out for the now Silver Package take away all the holidays, like MLK & others.
So in short, higher cost, less benefits.
Time to change to Universal yes.
Simchapupmom
This is awful for the average person who is not a Florida resident or DVC member. Taking away Memory Maker is also wrong. The least they could do would be allowing everyone the option of monthly payments. I usually get the gold pass (DVC member), but this is ridiculously priced. Disney should be ashamed of themselves. Chapek needs to go.
Ruth
So sad that we will not be able to go to WDW now. WDW and DL have always been our favourite holiday destinations, but having to pay for fast passes on top of entrance prince increases is the last straw for us. The magic has been around for our family since 1955, and having to give it up is heartbreaking, but we all have limits as to how much we are able/willing to pay for the magic.
ChadMC
A huge benefit of the annual pass program is being able to jump in the car and go anytime you’d want. Now that these ‘stupid’ park reservation passes are enforced, that level of spontaneity is gone. First pre-planning fast passes a month in advance or risk having nothing available and now having to specify the exacts of when, where, how to go to anything at all just takes far too much work. It’s just too much work to deal with Disney these days. And the costs are beyond astronomical. Certainly not getting much value for the cost these days.
Jennifer
These prices were really hard for a non-Florida resident to see. We only have one option, the most expensive. Give me some block-out dates and offer a non-resident pass at a lower rate. I can become a Magic Key holder and fly to Disneyland from TN for cheaper!
Bill B.
The Square footage for parks ( supply ) is limited while the Population (demand) is unlimited. Therefore one can expect continued price increases going forward while crowd size continues to grow. Genie+ is a band aide approach to attempt to help the guest out. A true vision for the future is a third Disney resort within the U.S. which would alleviate crowd issues for many decades to come. Maybe north Texas? I live in AZ so not plugging my own state, just looking for a “central” state with large population as a base for the park. Disney has grown it’s cruise line from first two, then four, recently a fifth and a sixth in two years. Time to add a third resort park location, the demand is there and will continue to grow unless. Pricing and crowds diminish the magic.
Kim
Your passes are still less expensive than ours here at Disneyland. At least all your passes include parking. Only our top tier pass includes parking. Also our top tier pass went up $200.00.
Abbe G
I am wondering what AP holder “abuse” Ryan B is referring to. I have no idea what he is talking about.
Don Boell
One example – Guests who borrow APs from friends and family who don’t enter the park with them. They use these borrowed passes to reserve more than the 3 max fast passes for the day.
Of course – this was never an issue until Disney restricted the number of fast passes per day. So it’s self inflicted. And that’s all a symptom of Disney allowing too many people into a given park on a given day. Disney won’t constraint entry, so demand for rides far exceeds capacity. Result – lines with wait times > an hour.
People pay a lot of $ to wait in lines, so they get creative. Disney calls this abuse. Yet they created the problem.
So now they once again try to avoid the real problem by putting up a pay wall for skipping lines- something that was free. So what exactly do you get for your $100+ entry ticket?
JW
#1 Chapek and his minions are a disaster for Disney. They need to go….all they are doing is helping Universal. Maybe they secretly work for
Universal??
#2 Most replies indicate great dissatisfaction with recent decisions being made at Disney. Is there a way to let them directly know what their customers are thinking? I have email guest services before about some of these changes and just get a standard form letter response…so that’s no help at all.
Me
I think it’s ridiculously high. Especially if you don’t live in Florida and are not a DVC member!
John
Someone Unfreeze Walt please.
Until then it’s universal and sea world and bush gardens, etc…
Cindy Romeo
Sorry but we will have to pass. Disney CEO Bob Chapek needs to go ASAP! He has taken the Magic out of the theme parks. It seems that now Disney only wishes to cater to the rich and woke.
Tom murphy
Walt is probably turning over in his grave with what’s happened to Disney World. Now they are just a regular money grabbing American Corporation. Just terrible
Marianne Ciarlone
We have been coming to WDW since 1973, seen a lot. The thill of Disney was the best, the excitement, planning, our wardrobe. Now in through the years, we have seen the parks get dirtier, the CM ‘s not enforcing their the rules of Disney( when smoke was only slowed in designated areas) and other things. And the tourists, they have no regard for anyone or anything. Once in line for a ride, a young person actually relieved themselves n a bush. Really. Now the prices , it’s just pure greed. How can families afford this?
Sue
For all of blaming Chapek, you have it wrong. Iger is still pulling the strings.
Po
Bob Chapek is the bad guy? You must be thinking of the other Bob… Bob Iger. He’s increased the debt with his past spending splurges. Now Chapek has to lower the debt incurred under Iger by increasing prices on all Disney ventures including Parks.
Don Boell
Paying more, getting less. That’s been the Disney mantra for years. It’s not just the park ticket prices that are up. Cost increases for parking, food, souvenirs, no more fast pass, etc.
Next time you are in a Disney store check out the labels – all made in China. Pins are from China. You know the item cost to Disney is low, so most of the price hikes are pure profit.
Now add the fun fact of masking on hot FL days.
No thanks. Walt’s dream has transformed into greed.
MRD
If you are a DVC family of 4 and want to buy the equivalent of a Platinum pass, which is now the Incredipass plus an additional $99 per person for Photopass option it will now cost you a total of $ $1600 more per year. Or $400 per person! Wow! That is a lot. Way to thank DVC members Disney!
Debbie
Magical express gone but if we rent a car we pay parking. Park reservations but no cap on crowds, ordering food in advance so they don’t have to pay cashiers. Online checkin so they don’t have to pay desk clerks. The list goes on but the savings hasn’t been passed to the guest
Tim
As a DVC member from Michigan (26yrs), this is the biggest middle finger I have ever gotten. We have been going 2 times per year for the last 11 years. 2019 I paid Under 500 with the discount. Now with tax it is 1000. No free ride from the airport. Greed. But guess what. I am coming down in November for 8 days. Just booked a car. Just purchased a one day ticket for the 5 of us. Going to MK for a day. Just purchased tickets for Universal (2 days) and Sea World. My kids love Harry Potter. Can’t wait till there new park opens. Now I am going to rent out the remaining points on Dave’s DVC. Thanks Disney for letting me the other side and leave the Diney bubble.
linda smith
Do not forget no fast pass unless you pay extra , no after hours unless you stay at the most expensive resorts you get 1/2 before park opens big deal . I will not be renewing my annual pass for my family , instead of i week Disney and one at Universal it will be 2 weeks at Universal.
linda smith
Oh do not forget you have to pay to park at Disney resort . Paying for overpriced rooms with no perks and you get to pay for parking too
SG
I don’t see how anyone can say any of this is a better deal!
The author must have had to sort thru a lot of responses to find a positive one – or more likely just made it up.
The sad truth is that the photographers will lose their jobs when people don’t buy photo pass. Since when is a la cart cheaper or ever a bargain?!
John
Someone Unfreeze Walt please.
Until then it’s universal and sea world and bush gardens, etc…
linda smith
Seems Disney is getting more greedy , with every change , first they did away with the free fast pass now you have to pay for it , only having extra after park closing fior deluxe resort guest is a slap in the face to all loyal guest who have been going for years . They act if you stay at a moderate resort your trash. They did away with the airport bus service . Now this annual pass holder stuff . You have to reserve a park and you tickets you may or may not get in ,what if you are out of state and not get in any park ? And you have to reserve a time at a counter serve restaurant to eat, all this reserving stuff and having to use a phone , to much trouble , seems stressful not a vacation . No Disney perks to stay on their property anymore . And too much like work to go there and pricing most people out of being able to go . NO THANKS I WILL GO TO UNIVERSAL STUDIOS !
Amanda
Why aren’t passholders getting together in a lawsuit?! I know we were lied to and pressured to renew this summer RIGHT before all these crazy take aways from what we paid for!
Comments are closed.