Only ONE Disney World AP Now Available For Out-of-State Guests

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mickey mouse in front of cinderella castle

Credit: Disney

Today, August 30, 2021, Walt Disney World Resort introduced its newly revamped Annual Pass program. There are four passes available to Guests — but only one can be purchased by out-of-state Disney World Guests who are NOT Disney Vacation Club Members.

Cinderella Castle at night
Credit: Disney

Related: Disney World Annual Pass Changes: MORE Park Reservations For Higher Passes!

Disney Parks Blog shared details about the perks of becoming a Disney World Annual Passholder when sales resume on September 8, 2021:

Here are some highlights of our new Annual Passes:

  • Hold More Park Reservations: Depending on their pass type, Passholders may now hold up to five Disney Park Pass reservations at a time. We’ll also be adding “bonus reservations” to the calendar from time to time, so Passholders can make an additional park reservation without it counting against their applicable reservation hold limit. Plus, when Passholders stay at Disney Resort hotels or other select hotels, they will also be eligible to make theme park reservations for each day of their stay – in addition to the reservations you can hold based on your pass type!
  • Customize Your Pass: Choose different add-on options based on your preferences – from the Water Park and Sports option to Disney PhotoPass downloads. These add-on options will be available for purchase with any of our four new passes.
  • Access a New Integrated Calendar: Planning will be easier with enhancements to our reservation system, including a new integrated calendar that lets Passholders quickly see blockout dates for each pass type, view available days and make, modify or cancel a reservation all in one place.
  • Enjoy Passholder Perks: Passes will continue to offerbenefits you know and love including the Park Hopper option, standard theme park parking and discounts on merchandise and dining. And, there will be a few special surprises throughout the 50th anniversary celebration!
disney world annual pass guide
Credit: Disney

Related: 50th Crest Added to Cinderella Castle Overnight

As you can see in the graphic [above], the Disney Pixie Dust Pass and the Disney Pirate Pass are available to Florida residents only. The Disney Sorceror Pass can be purchased by both Florida residents and Disney Vacation Club Members, regardless of where they live full-time.

For those who live out-of-state and do not have DVC membership, however, only the Disney Incredi-Pass is available.

50th disney world spirit jersey
Credit: Disney

Related: Pirates of the Caribbean Information Disappears From Disney World Website

Out-of-state Disney World fans will have to pay for their Incredi-Passes in full at the time of purchase. Florida residents can also purchase the Incredi-Pass, but will have a monthly payment option available for all four new AP levels.

This move by Disney follows suit with similar Annual Pass structures in the past. When Annual Passes were sold prior to the pandemic, only the Platinum and Platinum Plus Annual Passes were available for non-Florida residents, while the Silver and Gold Annnual Passes were available for Florida residents and Florida residents/DVC members, respectively.

Disney has not commented on why they decided to only offer the highest pass level to out-of-state visitors, but it likely has to do with blackout dates and data gathered during the research process as the new WDW AP passes were developed.

Will you be buying a Disney World Annual Pass?

Let the expert team at Academy Travel help you plan your next magical vacation to Walt Disney World Resort’s four theme parks — EPCOT, Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios — and the Disney Springs shopping and dining district.

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