Walt Disney World annual passes are coming back: What you need to know

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LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - Great news, Disney fans – annual passes are returning to Walt Disney World.

Disney announced Thursday that it will soon begin to sell annual passes again to Walt Disney World's four theme parks in Florida – and that some current passholders will be able to upgrade.

Following the pandemic, Disney paused new sales of its annual passes aside from its "Pixie Pass," which was only valid on weekdays and for Florida residents.

Here is what you need to know about the new annual passes, pricing, when you can buy one, and how to buy one.

What Walt Disney annual passes will be available? How can I buy one?

There will be four annual passes available to buy: Disney Pixie Pass, Disney Pirate Pass, Disney Sorcerer Pass, and Disney Incredi-Pass.

The Pixie, Pirate, and Sorcerer passes are available to Florida residents only. The Incredi-Pass – the most expensive pass with no blockout dates – is available to all guests.

Disney Pixie Pass: This pass has been available to Florida residents, while other passes have been paused. This pass is available to Florida residents only and is valid on weekdays.
Disney Pirate Pass: Admission to parks on weekdays and weekends most days of the year. Some blockout dates during peak and holiday periods. Florida residents only.
Disney Sorcerer Pass: Admission to theme parks on weekdays and weekends. Some blockout dates during peak and holiday periods, but fewer blockout dates than Pirate Pass. Florida residents or DVC members only.
Disney Incredi-Pass: Admission to theme parks on weekdays and weekends with no blockout dates. Available to all guests.

New passes will be available for purchase on Disney's website on April 20, 2023. Disney Vacation Club members will be able to purchase the Sorcerer pass as early as April 13.

Disney cautioned on its website that there would be a limited amount of passes available for purchase and that some passes may become unavailable for purchase. Disney did not specify how many passes – or how many of each type of pass – would be available.

When do Walt Disney World annual passes go on sale?

Walt Disney World annual passes will go on sale at 6 a.m. on April 20, 2023. They will be available for purchase on Disney's website, https://disneyworld.disney.go.com.

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How much are annual passes at Walt Disney World?

In its announcement, Disney World also released how much the passes would cost:

Pixie: $399 (plus tax)
Pirate: $749 (plus tax)
Sorcerer: $969 (plus tax)
Incredi-Pass: $1399 (plus tax)

Florida residents have the ability to pay for their pass all at once or in monthly installments, part of the Florida Resident Monthly Payment Program. Under that program, there is a $205 down payment, followed by 12 monthly installments for the remaining amount.

What if I already have a Walt Disney World annual pass? Can I upgrade?

Typically, Walt Disney World annual passholders can renew/upgrade 60 days before their current pass expires or within 30 days after it has expired.

However, on April 20, current passholders will be able to upgrade to any available pass via Disney's website or the My Disney Experience app.

"The difference in price must be paid in full at the time of the upgrade and the new pass will have the same expiration date as the original pass," reads Disney's website.

How many annual passes will be available?

Disney said there would be a limited number of passes – or pass type – available on April 20, 2023, and that passes would become unavailable for purchase at any time.

Disney did not specify how many passes would be available.

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What are the benefits of being a Disney annual passholder?

All annual passes offer admission to one or more Walt Disney World Resort theme parks on most days of the year with an advance park reservation. Depending on the pass you choose, blockout dates apply.

Passholders also receive complimentary standard parking and up to 20% off select dining and merchandise.

Disney also announced two new bonuses to being a passholder. You'll now have access to select Disney PhotoPass benefits and starting on April 18, annual passholders can visit the theme parks after 2 p.m. without needing a park reservation, with the only exceptions being on Saturdays and Sundays at Magic Kingdom Park.

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"We are so grateful for our Passholders who have a deep, strong connection to Walt Disney World, and we are looking forward to welcoming more of you to the Annual Passholder family, just in time to experience the feelings of a Disney Thrill this spring and summer," Disney said in a statement.