The internet was a buzz yesterday as Disney released word that they would stop selling most Walt Disney World Annual Passes for the time being. From reading around different forums and boards, a lot of people were planning on getting them as holiday gifts.
Right now the Pirate Pass, Sorcerer Pass and Incredi-Pass are all not available. But the lowest cost, Florida resident, Pixie Dust Pass is still available.
“New sales of select Annual Passes are currently paused.
New sales of the Disney Pixie Dust Pass remain available for Florida Residents..
Please check back here for the latest updates.“
Many are upset as Disney only started selling the passes again just a couple of months ago.
So why are they doing this?
Disney hasn’t given an official reason, but I can tell you what sources have been telling us here at PnP.
According to sources Disney has done this because it’s been a “nightmare” with reservations issues during the holiday season. Plus the demand for APs has been higher than expected.
Sources say it’s likely all happening because they need more control over the amount of people coming in. They have stopped a lot of day passes as well. Walt Disney World is very busy during the holiday season and we know they are short staffed as it is. Or it could be based on other “variables” that Disney is watching.
What I do know is that there is still quite a bit of availability for Park Pass Reservations during December. If they wanted to limit the capacity they would cut availability for Park Pass Reservation days. I don’t quite understand why they would stop selling them all together.
Current Annual Passholders seem to be fine though.
People are not happy as there was no warning:
“I would like to plan ahead, I will purchase my annual pass tomorrow 61 days before my vacation”
Disney: we are implementing this change immediately with no notice or exception period
— Bunny Dragon (@DisneyDragon) November 23, 2021
Watch! This money hungry CEO, is gonna raise the prices!!!
— just a guy in RI (@Pawalsh1) November 22, 2021
I bet they do which sucks because they JUST raised them in Sept when they brought out the new ones. My last silver pass that I am still using cost $525, the new crappier version of that same pass is now $699 to buy brand new. How much more do they think we can take????
— Sarah Maile (@SpyGrl007) November 22, 2021
This is absolutely absurd because most annual pass holders are blocked most of holidays & holiday season. This after complete overhaul y or AP ticket options and benefits. Love Disney, go a lot, own lots of the stock, but not happy with this CEO at all!!! @Disney @TheDisneyBlog
— Vmp (@vmp_III) November 22, 2021
That’s ridiculous. Why bring them back at all if you’re going to pause the sales whenever? What if someone goes for the first time over thanksgiving, falls in love, and wants to put their tickets towards a pass? Oh wait, they don’t care anymore
— Cody (@CodySmith1997) November 22, 2021
No matter what the reason is, if you were hoping to get an Annual Pass and haven’t, you are out of luck for the time being. Hopefully this is indeed just a temporary issue and they will start selling them again after the holidays are over.
What do you think? Comment and let us know.
Pirates & Princesses (PNP) is an independent, opinionated fan-powered news blog that covers Disney and Universal Theme Parks, Themed Entertainment and related Pop Culture from a consumer's point of view. Opinions expressed by our contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of PNP, its editors, affiliates, sponsors or advertisers. PNP is an unofficial news source and has no connection to The Walt Disney Company, NBCUniversal or any other company that we may cover.
