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Credit: Inside the MagicDisney World Passholders know perks can be a bit unpredictable. One month, a fun surprise appears out of nowhere, and the next, a longtime benefit quietly slips away. That cycle is playing out again right now as Disney prepares to retire a limited-time offering that many Passholders have been eager to scoop up while they still can.
Magnets may seem like a simple little trinket, but among Annual Passholders, they’ve become a full-blown tradition. They’re cute, they’re free, and they’ve evolved into a kind of membership badge that longtime fans love to display. Whether they end up on a refrigerator, a car, or tucked into a growing collection, each magnet tells a story — where you were that year, which characters were featured, and what memories you made along the way.
That’s why this particular update has so many people heading for Disney’s Animal Kingdom before time runs out.
A Fan Favorite Freebie Is About to Disappear Again
Earlier in the fall, Disney brought back three previously released Passholder magnets — Stitch, Hei Hei, and Timon & Pumba. For fans who missed them during their original release windows, this was a big win. Disney set up the distribution at Discovery Trading Company inside Animal Kingdom, and suddenly, these long-gone designs were back in guests’ hands.
But the catch? They were only ever meant to return for a short window.
Disney confirmed that the magnets will disappear again on December 19, marking the final day Passholders can grab them. After that, they won’t be offered again for the remainder of 2025. That deadline has turned the past month into a magnet-collecting sprint for anyone trying to complete their set before they vanish.
For many fans, missing out repeats a familiar frustration — there’s no guarantee that a magnet will ever return once it’s gone. So this brief revival has felt like a rare second chance.
Why Magnets Mean So Much to Passholders
To someone outside the Passholder community, the buzz around these magnets might seem a little surprising. But for those who have had an Annual Pass for years, the tradition carries real meaning.
Magnet releases don’t happen often, but when they do, each one becomes a snapshot of that specific moment in your Disney history. Some people proudly wear their entire collection on the back of their car. Others rotate them depending on the season or character. And a lot of Passholders simply enjoy the hunt — tracking down the design, making the trip to the park, and leaving with a little piece of magic that didn’t cost a thing.
In a vacation destination where everything seems to have a price tag attached, a free souvenir feels like a treat. Maybe that’s why this perk has stood out for so long.
The Magnet Program Isn’t Ending — Just Pausing for the Year
The good news is that Disney isn’t dropping the magnet program entirely. They’re just closing out this special run of returning designs. New magnets for 2026 are still expected, but Disney hasn’t revealed artwork, themes, or distribution details yet.
This short pause is normal. Disney tends to refresh the magnet lineup on its own timeline, and since these three designs were only temporarily revived, their departure was inevitable. Still, knowing they won’t come back for the rest of 2025 has definitely ramped up the sense of urgency.
Passholder Perks Aren’t Guaranteed
One thing Disney makes clear is that Annual Passholder benefits can change at any time. They might be added, expanded, paused, or removed altogether. There’s no permanent guarantee, even for perks that have been around for years.
That flexibility can be frustrating, but it’s also why Passholders tend to jump on new benefits as soon as they’re offered. Whether it’s a freebie, a discount, or an exclusive event, there’s no telling how long it will last. In this case, the magnets returning was a pleasant surprise — but their disappearance is a reminder of how quickly things shift.
With that in mind, if you’re hoping to snag Stitch, Hei Hei, or Timon & Pumba before they vanish again, this truly is the final countdown.
What Passholders Still Get: A Look at the Ongoing Perks
The magnet retirement may be disappointing, but Passholders still enjoy plenty of valuable benefits that help justify the cost of an Annual Pass. Here’s a breakdown of some of the biggest ongoing offerings Disney continues to provide.
Resort Room Discounts
Throughout the year, Disney releases special discounted room rates exclusively for Passholders. Depending on the time of year and resort category, discounts can range anywhere from around 10% up to 35% at select hotels. These offers rotate often, giving Passholders multiple chances to plan a visit that doesn’t stretch the vacation budget quite as far.
Free Standard Parking at the Parks
This is one of the perks that adds up fastest. Passholders receive complimentary standard parking at all four theme parks. If you visit even a handful of times a year, this perk practically pays for itself. Preferred parking is also available, though guests must pay the price difference if they choose to upgrade.
Dining Discounts Around the Resort
Many restaurants throughout Disney Springs, resort hotels, and inside the parks offer Passholders 10%–20% off select food and beverage purchases. It’s an easy, consistent perk to use — whether you’re grabbing breakfast before rope drop or sitting down for a late-night dinner after fireworks.
Merchandise Discounts
Shopping is a huge part of the Disney experience, and Passholders get a price break at most Disney-owned stores. Discounts usually fall between 10% and 20%. Some exclusions apply, and discounts can’t always be combined with other promotions, but for everyday purchases, this perk is one of the most widely used.
Savings on Recreation, Tours, and Events
Passholders can also save on things like golf tee times, boat rentals, behind-the-scenes tours, water park tickets, and even some seasonal party tickets. These little bonuses make it easier to explore parts of Disney World that many guests skip simply because the cost adds up.
Exclusive Features in the My Disney Experience App
Disney has introduced a dedicated Passholder section in the app called Passholder Buzz, which features exclusive videos, articles, news updates, and special offers. It’s a simple way to stay looped in on project announcements, discounts, and limited-time perks without hunting for the information yourself.
Final Thoughts
While the temporary return of the Stitch, Hei Hei, and Timon & Pumba magnets has brought a fun burst of excitement to the Passholder community, that window is closing quickly. Their departure on December 19 means this is the last week to claim them before they disappear again.
Yes, losing a freebie — especially one as beloved as these magnets — can be disappointing. But the core lineup of Passholder perks remains strong, and Disney continues to offer a variety of discounts, savings, and small surprises throughout the year.