Disney World Annual Passholders Reveal Sad Reasons They Aren't Renewing

For decades, Walt Disney World Resort was one of the top theme park destinations in the world, and the company cultivated an incredibly dedicated fan base. Disney has been so beloved for so long that there is even a term for dedicated older fans — Disney adults. Yes, a Disney World vacation was not the cheapest and would require some savings, but the perks and the magical experience made it all worth it.

Sadly, many fans think that Disney isn’t the place it used to be, and they are finding other places to give their money.

An elderly man and two young boys sitting on a park bench. The man and one of the boys, who is smiling and looking up at the man, are wearing Mickey Mouse ears hats. The other boy, also wearing Mickey Mouse ears, is looking away. Trees are in the background. — Credit: Disney

Some of the most dedicated Disney fans decide to splurge and spend the money on an Annual Pass. The Annual Pass not only gives them access to the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but it also gives discounts at select dining spots, as well as many merchandise locations.

But even those dedicated fans are now reconsidering renewing their Annual Passes and visiting The Most Magical Place on Earth.

Reddit user Desmoot recently revealed that they are an out-of-state Passholder and have made the decision not to renew their Disney World Annual Pass. And the reasons they gave were disappointing to say the least, but not because they were being too picky or demanding. It was because it was a stark reminder of what Disney used to be.

disney world annual pass — Credit: Inside The Magic

Desmoot said:

I will preface this by saying I will be visiting Walt Disney World again at some point in the future. I still feel like there are experiences to be had.

I am an out-of-state pass holder. I would use the pass to visit twice a year and possibly stay on property once a year. I also used the benefits for parking and discounts to stay at a nearby property and do a bit of a value vacation.

However I’ve noticed recently that I’m just not getting the value out of an annual pass. here are some of the reasons. I’d be interested to see how other out-of-state annual pass holders are approaching some of the changes.

Cost: everything of course has increased in price. However, it’s the small things like paying for airport transportation, magic bands, Genie Plus etc. the average day at Disney cost a lot more than just the face of the ticket.

Less to offer. I was in Epcot on a recent trip and enjoyed walking around, but quickly realized that there were not very many e-ticket attractions remaining. the one major headliner was Cosmic rewind. However, that required Lightning Fast reflexes to reserve a spot at 7:00 a.m. or paying $17 a person for the right to ride. The new area anchored by the Communicore hall, is just flat out depressing. I feel like the park directors have realized that monetizing festivals’ food and drink are more profitable than experiences.

Genie +. The new system will allow some Resort guests to book ahead of time. but for an annual pass holder, that just would indicate fewer return times available on the day of visit. I think a lot of us miss that 60-day reservation window. It was nice knowing I had three evening fast passes available so if I wanted to sleep in or perhaps go to Typhoon Lagoon in the morning, I knew that my evening was set. Genie Plus forces me to be wide awake at 7:00, and does not give any flexibility as to what time I can pick. I believe the new system will allow some of this.

Cost savings: While posting record profits the park experience is continually being trimmed. I was sitting on Sunset Boulevard the other day and just realized that I haven’t seen the street performers in more than a few years. no Night Time Parade at Magic Kingdom. No main courtyard show at Hollywood. No Rivers of Light.

Crowds. I have gone on Christmas vacation to Walt Disney World and remember the excessive crowds. I understand the demand during holidays. however just an average Day in June has lines stretching well out past the queue. I noticed people eating on the floor of Pecos Bills.

DVC. Everything DVC. Mickeys backyard BBQ, Luau, Shootin’ Arcade make way for DVC. Has WDW built a non DVC hotel recently? I’m not sure we will see an Animal Kingdom lodge anytime soon.

I do still enjoy a lot of what the area has to offer. I have hope for the future. I also have a new grandson who I’d love to take someday. however the economics and offerings currently are limiting my enthusiasm. I’m actually pulling for Universal to hit EPIC Universe out of the park to spur health competition. I’m interested to hear your thoughts.

Edit: adjusted cost of Lightning lane.

A bustling crowd walks down Main Street USA at a theme park, with festive decorations and shops on either side. In the background, a grand castle with blue and gold spires stands under a partly cloudy sky. People of all ages are enjoying their day at the park. — Credit: WYKT, X (formerly Twitter)

Many of the changes noted by the OP (Original Poster) are things that guests have been complaining about for several years—mainly since the COVID-19 pandemic. The biggest complaint is that a trip to Disney now costs more than ever, while the perks that once were a highlight, such as Magical Express and FastPass, either don’t exist or now cost money.

Some commenters said that they think Disney is trying to make things unappealing for Annual Passholders. Despite the numerous complaints, Disney theme parks seem more crowded than ever. So, to cut down on crowds, fans think Disney is making things too expensive.

A young boy, woman, and man stand outside an ice cream shop, smiling and holding ice cream cones. The boy and woman are wearing Mickey Mouse ear headbands, and the woman is showing something on her phone. All are dressed casually and appear happy. — Credit: Disney

Unfortunately, many people in the comments agreed with the OP and said they won’t be renewing. Many of them had their own reasons, but the cost was one of the big ones. Another major reason was that they felt the parks did not have the magic they once did.

Disney is also currently dealing with a ton of blowback from the changes it made to its Disability Access Program. In May, only guests with cognitive disabilities like autism were able to qualify for a DAS Pass. That left thousands of guests who legitimately needed the service out in the cold — told to purchase Disney Genie+ if they wanted to wait in a shorter line.

A child with Down syndrome, smiling excitedly, interacts with a person dressed as Mickey Mouse at an amusement park. The scene is lively, with other visitors and park attractions in the background. Thanks to the Disney disability pass, the child's experience is seamless and joyful. — Credit: Disney

After the changes made to the DAS Program, many disappointed guests said they would not be visiting the parks because they could not wait in the traditional queue. They could also not afford to spend hundreds of dollars over the course of their trip to purchase Disney Genie+. There are even some guests who said they are considering suing Disney for discrimination.

There are currently four Disney World Annual Passes available for purchase – the Pixie Dust Pass, the Pirate Pass, the Sorcerer Pass, and the Incredi-Pass. However, only the Incredi-Pass is available to out-of-state residents. Disney Vacation Club members who live out-of-state are also able to purchase the Sorcerer Pass.

Are you a Walt Disney World Resort Annual Passholder? Will you be renewing? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments!