Credit: DisneyWalt Disney World Resort hosts millions of guests each year, and recently, an issue arose that affected many of its top fans.
Walt Disney World holds a special place in the hearts of many, not just for its enchanting attractions but also for the memories it creates. From Cinderella Castle towering over Main Street, U.S.A., to the futuristic allure of Tomorrowland, the park is a tapestry of dreams woven into reality. The immersive experience of stepping into different lands, each with its unique charm and character, is what sets Disney apart.
Disney World guests have reveled in the return of beloved parades, the laughter echoing from thrilling rides, and the joyous expressions on the faces of children meeting their favorite characters at Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.
As the park continues to create magical moments, it’s important to acknowledge the backbone of Disney’s devoted fan base — the Annual Passholders. These enthusiasts, who have a deep connection to the park, often hold annual passes that allow them to access the magic throughout the year, making them experts on all things Disney including aspects like Disney Genie+ and Lightning Lane, as well as the best eateries and the most opportune times to visit. For them, Walt Disney World is not just a vacation destination; it’s a second home.
Disney Annual Pass sales finally returned last year after being paused for several months. Currently, you can still purchase Disney Annual Passes on the official website. The Disney Incredi-Pass is the only option for out-of-staters and starts at $1,399.00 plus tax. Disney Vacation Club Members and Florida residents can purchase the Disney Sorcerer Pass at $999.00 plus tax. The other two options are only for Florida residents, these include the Disney Pirate Pass ($799.00 plus tax) and the Disney Pixie Dust Pass ($439.00 plus tax). The more expense the annual pass, the more benefits that come with it.
The magic, however, wasn’t without a hiccup recently, which Inside the Magic covered. Disney’s most loyal fans, the Annual Passholders, faced an unexpected glitch related to payment methods. A technical issue with a third-party payment vendor caused a delay in processing preauthorized payments made through the monthly payment program from November 18-27, 2023, meaning that thousands of fans were blocked from delivering payments. The glitch left passholders wondering about the status of their payments and raised concerns about potential disruptions to their cherished annual pass benefits. The good news is that it has now been fixed.
In response to the issue, Disney issued a statement to address the concerns of the affected Annual Passholders. The statement reads: “We wanted to make you aware that a technical issue with our third-party payment vendor caused a delay in processing preauthorized payments made through the monthly payment program from November 18-27, 2023. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. For passholders on the monthly payment program whose payments were affected by this issue, your payment schedule will resume and continue moving forward, and you can expect your next payment to be charged on your normal monthly payment date.”
It continued: “We will resume processing monthly payments this week, including charging payment cards for those payments that were due between November 18-27, 2023. Depending on the financial institution issuing your payment card, it could take up to 5 business days for this charge to appear in your account.”
Disney’s swift acknowledgment of the issue and commitment to resolving it promptly reflects their dedication to maintaining the trust and satisfaction of their Annual Passholder community. It’s a testament to the company’s understanding of the integral role these fans play in the overall Disney experience.
Did this Disney World issue affect you? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments!