Is a Disney Season Pass Right For Your Family in 2024?

Is a Disney Season Pass Right For Your Family in 2024?
One of the most asked questions we get is whether or not a Disney Season Pass to Walt Disney World is worth it. The real question isn’t whether or not the Disney Annual Pass is worth it but more about whether or not a Disney Season Pass is Right for your Family. How often will you visit Walt Disney World in one year? Will you actually take advantage of those impressive Disney Passholder discounts? How about the restaurant discounts? Furthermore, will you be able to get off work to visit? If you live outside of Florida, are you willing to pay $1400 for each person in your family for this annual pass? Since there isn’t a Disney Season Pass family version, you’re paying the high cost of a Disney season pass per person. There are so many things to consider! Let’s dive in.
 
disney christmas photos, disney christmas pictures, disney holiday pictures, disney holiday decorations

What You Should Know About the Disney World  Season Pass

To level-set, we are Disney World Annual pass holders, but we haven’t always been and may not always be. It’s a huge investment to make and we reassess this every year when  Disney Passholder Renewal time rolls around. Some years allow more travel than others. Also known as a Disney Season Pass this annual pass to the parks is just that, ANNUAL. A year pass to Disney World gets you a full year of admission to all four theme parks at Disney. So consider there may be some years that it makes sense for you, and other years that it doesn’t. So what is a Disney World Season Pass? And what do you get when you purchase it?
Small World at Magic Kingdom

Disney Season Pass Benefits

A Disney Season Pass is a pass that includes your Disney World park tickets, and Park hopper tickets for the duration of One Year. 365 Days. When you buy a WDW Annual Pass you’re technically just buying access to all four theme parks for one year. As such, you can consider it a season pass to Disney World for ALL 4 Disney Parks at Walt Disney World. With exceptions of course. Here are the details. 

  • A Disney Annual Season Pass includes access to the 4 Disney World Parks; Animal Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Magic Kingdom.
  • A Disney World Pass includes Park Hopper privileges to all four parks. 
  • Children Under 3 Years Old do not need a pass. 
  • Disney Annual Pass prices for children ( under 3) and adults are the same, as below. 
  • Annual Passes may be unavailable for purchase at any time. 
  • Disney Water Parks ( Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach) ARE NOT INCLUDED in a Disney Season Pass. But, they can be added for $99 + tax for the year. Again, this is per individual pass. 
  • Disney PhotoPass Downloads ARE NOT INCLUDED in a Disney Season Pass. But, they can be added for $99 + tax for the year.

Are Disney Annual Passes Always Available?

No. Disney Season Passes are not always available. Disney World Tickets, however, are always available. 

Does a Disney Annual Pass Let you Go to Disney Every Day?

No. Disney Annual passes often have blockout dates, depending on the kind you purchase. And If you’re a Disney Annual Passholder, then even after the park pass reservations are lifted for resort vacationers on January 9, 2024, you will still need a Park Pass Reservation to enter any Disney Theme Park. As such, Disney has rolled out Good to Go Days, when Disney Season Passholders may enter the theme parks in 2024 without needing a park pass reservation. Though Blockout dates will continue to apply like they do today. The theme park reservation calendar, Annual Passholder admissions calendar and My Disney Experience app will show days that are good-to-go. The first Disney Annual Passholder Good to Go Days will be released on January 11, 2024 and then added periodically and may be released days or weeks in advance.
 
Tips to Save Money at Walt Disney World

Is a Disney Park Hopper Ticket Included in a Disney Season Pass?

Yes. Disney Park Hopper privileges are INCLUDED in a Disney World Annual Pass. While we don’t always think you need a Park Hopper Ticket, to make the most of your Disney Vacation, this privilege means that you can visit more than one park per day. This “Park Hopping” is included in your Disney World annual pass. Just use your MagicBand, loaded with your Disney Season Pass Card to scan in at each park. 

Is there a Disney Season Pass for Families?

No. There is no Disney World Annual Pass for Families. Disney Annual Passes are available for all guests over the age of 3. If you have a child under 3, then you do not need a pass for that child. Either way, if you’re looking to get a Disney Season Pass for the Family, you will need to buy one for each person over the age of 3. 

Is there a Disney Season Pass for Kids?

No. While children can have a Disney Season Pass, the cost is the same, regardless of whether or not the pass is being used by a child or an adult.

Can I Get into ESPN Wide World of Sports with a Disney World Season Pass?

If you have a Disney World Annual Pass that includes the Water Park and Sports Option, then your Annual Pass will gain you entry into ESPN Wide World of Sports.  Note that not all events at ESPN are open to the public and may require additional tickets or reservations. 
Save Money at Walt Disney World

Can I get into the Disney Water Parks with a Disney Season Pass?

If you have a Disney Annual Pass that includes the Water Park and Sports Option, then your Annual Pass will gain you entry into the water parks. 

What Does the Disney World Annual Pass Plus Water Park and Sports Option Include?

For the duration of your Disney Season Pass, adding the Water Park and Sports Option costs an additional $99 + tax and includes passholder admission to all 4 theme parks PLUS, the following experiences  (with no blackout dates):

  • Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park or Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park, whichever is open.
  • Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course
  • FootGolf at Disney’s Oak Trail
  • Disney’s Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf Course (one round prior to 4:00 PM)
  • Disney’s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course (one round prior to 4:00 PM)
  • ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex

Haunted Mansion at Magic Kingdom Park Disney

Disney Season Pass Prices 2024

The Disney World Annual Pass Cost varies depending on a couple of factors. Some passes are only available to Florida Residents or Disney Vacation Club Members (DVC). Only one pass is available to Everyone Else. So, if you’re out of state there is only one Disney World Season Pass for out-of-state passholders.

How Much Does a Disney Season Pass Cost?

 If you’re a Florida Resident or a DVC member you have the option to take lower-priced passes. However, for all except the highest-cost Disney season pass, there are Disney Season Pass Blackout Dates. These dates vary depending on the type of pass you get below. Let’s dive into the Disney Season Pass Price for each kind of Pass at Disney World. Check out all the Disney World Annual Pass Options available on the Walt Disney World Website.  

Disney Pixie Dust Pass | Florida Residents ONLY

  • Disney Pixie Dust Pass: $439 + tax Or, $22 per month with 12 monthly payments and 0% APR after $205 down payment on the Florida Resident Monthly Payment Program 
    • Florida Residents Only
    • Admission to one or more Walt Disney World Resort theme parks on most weekdays during the year with an advance park reservation (reservations are limited and subject to availability)**
    • Blockout dates apply, including during peak and holiday periods—view blockout dates
    • Make and hold up to 3 theme park reservations at a time on a rolling basis². View current Annual Pass reservation availability
    • Passholders staying at Disney Resort hotels or other select hotels are eligible to make theme park reservations for each day of their Resort stay(s), in addition to holding 3 theme park reservations at a time
    • Standard theme park parking
    • Discounts on dining, merchandise and more*

Peter Pan at Disney World Magic Kingdom

Pirate Pass | Florida Residents ONLY

  • Disney Pirate Pass: $799 + tax Or, $54 per month with 12 monthly payments and 0% APR after $205 down payment with the Florida Resident Monthly Payment Program
    • Florida Residents Only
    • Admission to one or more Walt Disney World Resort theme parks on most days of the year with an advance park reservation (reservations are limited and subject to availability)**
    • Blockout dates apply, including during peak and holiday periods—view blockout dates
    • Make and hold up to 4 theme park reservations at a time on a rolling basis². View current Annual Pass reservation availability
    • Passholders staying at Disney Resort hotels or other select hotels are eligible to make theme park reservations for each day of their Resort stay(s), in addition to holding 4 theme park reservations at a time
    • Standard theme park parking
    • Discounts on dining, merchandise and more*

Cinderellas Royal Table Restaurant

Sorcerer Pass | DVC Members or Florida Residents ONLY

  • Disney Sorcerer Pass: $999 + tax Or, $72 per month with 12 monthly payments and 0% APR after $205 down payment with the Florida Resident Monthly Payment Program
    • Eligible Disney Vacation Club Members⁶ or Florida Residents only
    • Admission to one or more Walt Disney World Resort theme parks on most days of the year with an advance theme park reservation (reservations are limited and subject to availability)**
    • Blockout dates apply, including select days during select holiday periods—view blockout dates
    • Make and hold up to 5 theme park reservations at a time on a rolling basis². View current Annual Pass reservation availability
    • Passholders staying at Disney Resort hotels or other select hotels are eligible to make theme park reservations for each day of their Resort stay(s), in addition to holding 5 theme park reservations at a time
    • Standard theme park parking
    • Discounts on dining, merchandise and more*

Spaceship Earth at Disney EPCOT Park

Incredi-Pass | All Other Guests

  • Disney Incredi-Pass: $1449 + tax Or, $112 per month with 12 monthly payments and 0% APR after $205 down payment on the Florida Resident Monthly Payment Program³
    • All Guests
    • Admission to one or more Walt Disney World Resort theme parks during the year with an advance reservation (reservations are limited and are subject to availability)**
    • No blockout dates apply
    • Make and hold up to 5 theme park reservations at a time on a rolling basis. View current Annual Pass reservation availability
    • Passholders staying at Disney Resort hotels or other select hotels are eligible to make theme park reservations for each day of their Resort stay(s), in addition to holding 5 theme park reservations at a time
    • Standard theme park parking
    • Discounts on dining, merchandise and more*

Disney Passholder Renewal

If you’re considering renewal of your Disney annual pass, then know that Disney season pass holders get a 15% discount upon renewal. We usually see this offered in the My Disney Experience App about a month before and after the Disney Pass Renewal date. So, if you choose to get a Disney Season pass, keep an eye out for that disney passholder discount on an annual basis. 

Disney Season Pass Monthly Payment Program

The Disney Season Pass Monthly Payment Program is only available to Florida residents with valid ID. Must be at least 18 years old to purchase under the monthly payment option. Subject to additional terms and conditions. Monthly payment amount based on remaining balance after one time payment of $205 at time of purchase. First monthly payment will be charged on day of purchase or shortly thereafter. Subject to restrictions, including an installment agreement, and change without notice. And since Disney increases these prices often, always check the site to be sure of the current Disney Annual Pass price.

Hidden Mickeys at Disney World

Disney Season Pass Blackout Dates 2024

If you’re buying a season pass for Disney World you want to make sure you can actually visit when you need to. To get the most up to date look at which Blackout Dates at Disney World for Passholders may affect you, check out the Admission and Blockout Date Calendar for each specific type of pass. 

Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney

Disney Passholder Reservations 2024

Do Disney Season Passholders Need a Theme Park Pass Reservation?

Be sure to book a theme park reservation before your next visit to a Walt Disney World theme park. To enter a theme park, each Passholder must have a theme park reservation in addition to valid admission. Theme park reservations are limited and are subject to availability and applicable pass blockout dates.

Passholders may visit a park after 2:00 PM without a theme park reservation––except when visiting Magic Kingdom park on Saturdays and Sundays. Pass blackout dates will continue to apply.

Annual Passholders staying at Disney Resort hotels or other select hotels are still eligible to make theme park reservations for each day of their Resort stay(s), in addition to holding their maximum number of theme park reservations at a time on a rolling basis.

When are Disney Passholder Good to Go Days in 2024?

“Good-to-go days” for Passholders will begin sometime in January, which means the theme park reservation calendar will be updated periodically to show Passholders select days when they may visit a Disney World theme park without needing a theme park reservation. Pass blockout dates will continue to apply.

Do Disney Passholders Need a Reservation to Park Hop?

Beginning January 9, 2024, Guests with a ticket with Park Hopper benefits or an Annual Pass will be able to visit another theme park at any time of day during park hours (subject to capacity limitations).

To use the Park Hopper benefit, Annual Passholders must make a theme park reservation for the first park they plan to visit AND enter that first park prior to visiting another. Or they can enter a theme park without a reservation on a “good-to-go day” for that park, or after 2:00 PM (except Magic Kingdom on Saturdays and Sundays) before visiting another park.

 

Annual Pass

What Does a Disney Season Pass Include?

The Disney Incredi-Pass, which is what any non-Florida family will need includes the following for ONE FULL YEAR. From the moment you activate it at the Guest Services Ticket Window at Disney here are the Perks of being a Disney Annual Passholder.

  • Admission to one or more Walt Disney World Resort theme parks during the year with an advance reservation (reservations are limited and are subject to availability)
  • Park Hopper Privileges across all 4 parks
  • Up to 5 Park Pass Reservations at a time 
  • Up to 20% off at select dining locations
  • Up to 20% off select merchandise in-store or online at Shop Disney Parks
  • Standard theme park parking
  • 10% Disney Sports and Recreation
  • 15% off Tours
  • Annual Passholder Guidebook
  • Annual Passholder EXCLUSIVES
  • Discounts to Special Events
  • Official Annual Passholder Magnet
  • Ability to purchase Annual Passholder Special Event Merchandise
  • Free Annual Passholder Keepsake Gifts at Epcot Festivals
  • MagicMobile Wallet Customizations
  • Magical Extras
  • 15% off Disney Annual Pass Renewal
We’ve only actually been Disney season pass holders for the last couple of years. And while being a Disney Annual Passholder has definitely changed the way we vacation, it’s also something that we question every time it comes time to renew.
 

Other Disney Vacation Costs To Consider

Remember that an annual pass for Walt Disney World acts as a Disney World ticket for all four parks, AND gets you Free Theme Park Parking at those parks. That’s all. Needless to say, a Disney Vacation includes ADDITIONAL costs, even when you have an year pass to Disney World. You will still need the following. 
As Walt Disney World Annual Passholders who live in Ohio, there is a certain level of commitment involved to make the Disney Annual Pass worth it for us. We do try to visit the quarterly festivals at Epcot, and any new land openings, like Pandora, Toy Story Land, and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. And we always make sure to attend Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party or the Disney After Hours events. But, surely, there will be some years where 5-7 trips to Disney are out of the question. As with any vacation we have to consider flight availability, flight cost, and if we can get time off of work. But this is just the tip of the iceberg! Think of everything else that may or may not work for your family. If you have kids in school, work, business travel, or a job that doesn’t compensate for vacation time consider if multiple trips to Disney World make sense. For us, the holidays are jam-packed and make another trip to Disney World during the busiest time of year difficult. As such a Disney World Orlando annual pass only makes sense if you’re planning to visit multiple times throughout the year. 
 

When Does the Disney Season Pass Make Sense?

WDW Passes can be a great investment in some cases. Whether you’re buying these for a family, or for just yourself, Walt Disney World is an expensive vacation to begin. That said if you’re someone who only gets 2 weeks of vacation a year off from your job, will you be spending all your vacation time at Disney? What about getting the kids out of school? Or perhaps you just visit for an extra long trip around the holidays. Before you start thinking about money and how much it’s going to cost your family to get a Disney Annual Pass for everyone, think first about the year ahead.

How many times do you plan to visit Disney? Are you traveling during busy or expensive times? Or were you visiting in the lower-priced off-season? Were you hoping to take advantage of the free dining offers that are only available in the Magic Your Way packages? If so, you no longer get access to package offers, unless you buy them outright. Now, if you’re a Florida resident, keep in mind that there are special passes and prices just for you. So this number goes down considerably and if you’re planning on even taking a few trips throughout the year, you’re likely to break even cost-wise. Here are some things to consider before you buy one. 

  • How many times do you plan to visit Walt Disney World this year?
  • Is your time flexible? Can you take advantage of Passholder Previews for new rides and lands? 
  • Can you budget for additional Vacation Costs like transportation, lodging, and food?
  • Will you take advantage of Passholder Discounts for Special Events and Parties?
  • Do you plan to visit Walt Disney World during popular times of the year?

Ducktales World Showcase Adventure Game at EPCOT

Can you Save Money with a Disney Season Pass?

Keep in mind, that a Disney pass can save you money if you use it wisely. So, if you’re looking to save money buying a Disney annual pass, this is how you can make the most of it. 

What is the Break Even Point for a Disney Season Pass?

So let’s start with the cost breakdown here since that’s usually one of the biggest factors in whether or not you will want to purchase a Walt Disney World annual pass. We’ve seen different figures from different sites, and especially now with tiered pricing in place, it can be slightly more difficult to calculate. Generally, you start by figuring out exactly how many days you’d need to spend in the Parks to break even. Keep in mind that the cost of Disney World Tickets varies between 109- 189 dollars for a 1-day ticket. And as the cost of tickets goes down the more tickets you purchase, 
so if you’re planning a longer trip, your vacation may actually be cheaper per person than a pass.
 
The break-even point for a Disney Annual Pass, at the highest level- the Disney Incredi-Pass, is a 10-day Disney vacation. Consider that for a second. If you and your family are planning More than One Trip to Walt Disney World, and the first trip will be about 10 days, then if you have the pass, your subsequent trips will be “free.” Alternatively, if you plan on taking 2 Disney trips this year, at 5 days each, you most likely won’t see your Annual Pass savings until your third trip of the year. 
 
Disney EPCOT Festival of the Arts Guide

When Does the Disney Season Pass Not Make Sense?

One of the cons of a Disney Annual Pass is that when you’re using your annual pass in lieu of purchasing separate tickets, you will lose out on other specials that Walt Disney World offers like the Disney Promo Card Offer and Magic Your Way Packages. Sometimes the Magic Your Way Package could reap a deeper discounted vacation than having the pass, so these cons are worth looking at ahead of time.  That said, you would actually have to buy that 4 day/3 night package at the regular Magic Your Package prices in order to get the specialty offers. Having the pass, in this case, may be redundant.

There are also times when being a Disney Season Pass holders doesn’t make sense. And while MONEY is by far the biggest reason why it wouldn’t make sense, there are a couple of other things to consider. 
  • You don’t have a lot of vacation time
  • Your schedule isn’t flexible
  • You’re only visiting Disney World once or twice this year
  • You can’t or won’t take advantage of special events throughout the year

Walt disney world on a budget, budget disney trip, free trip disney, hotels.com, using a third party for disne

Disney Passholder Discount Offers

Of all the Disney World Passholder Perks, the main things to know are here, and we talk more about them in our Perks of being a Disney Annual Passholder post.

  • Up to 20% off at select dining locations
  • Up to 20% off select merchandise in-store or online at Shop Disney Parks
  • Standard theme park parking
  • 10% Disney Sports and Recreation
  • 15% off Tours
  • 15% off Disney Annual Pass Renewal
  • Disney Passholder Resort Discounts throughout the year. 

Disney Passholder Resort Discounts

One of the best parts of being an annual pass holder at Disney is that you do get access to discounts on Disney Resort rooms sometimes throughout the year. So,  if you were a family that was used to staying off-site because it was cheaper, you may actually find comparable rates on-site with the Passholder discount. Mind you, these aren’t dirt cheap rates and since these are sales, they run for a limited time and with some rules attached. But 25% off a room every now and then really helps. These discounts, however, are sporadic and shouldn’t really be configured in your cost analysis. Mainly because the discounts aren’t guaranteed, and could easily happen outside of your vacation dates.

Walt Disney World Passholder Discounts and Benefits

In addition to your “free” park admission, you also get 20% off select dining, 20% off most merchandise, and free parking. The annual pass also includes unlimited park hopping, so depending on how you vacation, this could be a great perk. To clarify, the built-in park hopping option just means you can visit more than one Disney park in one day. So if you’re a family with little ones, or the elderly you may be more inclined to pick and stick with one park a day, especially if you’re using the Disney buses or transportation option, which could eat up more time since you’d be waiting in line for these services. 

Annual Pass

How to Decide if a Disney Season Pass is Right for your family?

Well, be honest with yourself here. Do you plan on taking several trips throughout the year to the happiest place on Earth, or would you rather take one nice long vacation? Are you hoping to make it to all of the special festivals and events or is one enough for you? Will your work and life situation even allow for this kind of frequent travel? Are you traveling to other places this year?

These are all things to consider when deciding whether or not to purchase a Walt Disney World annual pass. It can be an investment. Only taking a week-long trip won’t justify purchasing an annual pass. Especially if you’re buying for more than one person. One thing we have seen some families do is just purchase an annual pass for one person in their family, so they can take advantage of the discount perks without the extra cost of buying a pass for every person in their family. This may or may not be an option for you, but is definitely worth considering!

Disney World Annual Pass Review

We have found that having Disney Annual Passes has allowed us to take more frequent and less rushed trips.  We love that we can go to Walt Disney World whenever we can find a cheap flight. And that our current situation allows for travel that is only an hour and a half by plane. What are your thoughts? Do you think a Disney annual pass is good for families? Let us know, we’d love to hear what you think!

Considering the Disney Annual Pass for your family? Here's all the things to consider when deciding to get a Walt Disney World or Disneyland Annual Pass #disneyonabudget #disneyfamily #disneyannualpass

Co-Founder and Director at Polka Dot Pixie Co LLC | Website | + posts

Melanie Renee is a photographer, writer, designer and mom. Visiting Disney destinations since 2010, she is also an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. When she's not creating her next coffee recipe, or designing apparel at Polka Dot Pixie Shop, she's seeking beautiful sunsets and planning her next trip .


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3 thoughts on “Is a Disney Season Pass Right For Your Family in 2024?”

  • Do not buy an Annual Pass during Covid. They limit you to three Park bookings . That’s it. It’s nearly impossible to make dining reservations to match up with your park selection. I have reservations on days that I can’t get into a park. You are more important to them if you buy a straight ticket, there you can book anything. I am an annual pass holder and a DVC member, and they don’t care. It’s crazy.