My Annual Passholder cardMy family and I all became Annual Passholders not too long after we moved to Florida. It is an investment that has more than paid for itself each year. A friend of mine is considering buying Annual Passes for the first time, and she had a few questions. I thought if I could help her, I might be able to help a few more people at the same time.
One of the big questions is where to get your passes. You can purchase them online, or you might want to wait until you arrive at Walt Disney World. If you wait, just head to a ticket window, or the Annual Passholder Center at Disney Springs. You’re not going to pay less if you purchase it one place over another, so do whatever is convenient for you.
With each Annual Pass, you will be eligible for a complimentary MagicBand. If you don’t have one ahead of time, don’t worry. The Cast Members will make sure that you have what you need to get in the park. You will then be directed to where you can pick up a band, if they don’t give you one then. Remember that MagicBands are convenience items. You do not have to have one to get in the park. Plastic tickets will work as well.
You also do not have to pick up a MagicBand right away. You can order one through your My Disney Experience account. The solid color ones are free, and there are some with designs that cost $10. There could also be special edition MagicBands for $20.
If you bought your pass online, print the paperwork and bring it with you. A Cast Member at the ticket booth will be able to help you out. You’ll need an ID, and if you are buying a Florida Resident Pass you’ll need proof of Florida residency. Kids under 18 do not need an ID, including for Florida Resident Passes.
Speaking of Florida Residents, we can set up a payment plan. A down payment is required, and then the rest of it is paid monthly. Your pass will not be active until you use it for the first time, but your payment date each month will be the date that you made the first payment.
With an Annual Pass, you’re eligible for some discounts. You’ll be given a Passholder card, and they might write a date on the back of it. If you renew your pass, you will still be able to use that same card. As long as you are still a Passholder in good standing, the card will be active. I was given a new card when I renewed last month. Before that, the card that I was using said that it expired in 2016.
What happens if you forget the discount card? Will you not be eligible for discounts? Don’t worry, all that you will need to do is to pull up your account on the My Disney Experience App. You will then get any available discounts.
Another question that some have about buying an Annual Pass is parking for the first time, since parking is included with each pass. Remember, I have been a Passholder for a decade now. When I bought my pass, we paid for parking, and then took the receipt to Guest Relations and they overturned the charge. I have heard that they still do it that way, but I’m not basing that on personal experience anymore.
Finally, I thought I’d mention Passholder Magnets. A generic magnet should be sent to you a few weeks after you purchase your pass. They are not sent in the same package as MagicBands (if you ordered those online). If you don’t get your magnets and really want them, contact Disney. These aren’t to be confused with the special magnets that are available during the Epcot Festivals and for some other special occasions. Those need to be picked up in person.
If you have any other questions that I didn’t cover here, please let me know. Use the contact form, or send me a message on Facebook or Instagram. I’ll do my best to help.