5 Biggest Complaints Disney World Passholders Have in 2025

Disney has made some significant decisions in 2025, and its guests have taken notice. But no group has felt the sting quite like Annual Passholders. These are the people who know the parks better than anyone. They plan their trips around crowd patterns, snag the limited-time snacks, and proudly wear their Passholder magnets. Yet lately, it feels like they’re the ones being punished for their loyalty.

Disney continues to use phrases like “new experiences” and “added flexibility,” but longtime fans argue that the reality falls short of the marketing claims. The changes aren’t sitting well—and passholders are starting to question what their investment is really worth.

Why Passholders Stick Around

Buying an Annual Pass has always been more than just a ticket. It’s a commitment. Many passholders live close enough to drop in regularly, while out-of-state fans build their year-round park trips. The four tiers—Pixie Dust, Pirate, Sorcerer, and Incredi-Pass—were meant to give flexibility, with Incredi-Pass being the only option for visitors who don’t live in Florida.

For years, passes came with perks that made the high price tag feel justified. Early access to reservations, hotel savings, PhotoPass, merchandise discounts, and the freedom to just “pop in” whenever—those things built a sense of belonging. But lately, that magic is fading fast.

1. Lockouts and Reservation Headaches

One of the fastest ways to irritate passholders? Tell them they can’t visit a park they’ve already paid for. Blockout dates have always existed, but they are now more restrictive than ever. Lower-tier passes are essentially useless during peak times, such as summer and holidays, and even top-tier holders face unexpected limitations.

On top of that, the reservation system hasn’t disappeared. It’s looser than it was a couple of years ago, sure, but locals still find themselves refreshing the app, hoping a slot opens. The flexibility that once defined the Passholder experience is gone, and it’s a huge sore spot.

2. PhotoPass Is Now a Bill, Not a Bonus

Passholders used to love PhotoPass because it was included in the ticket price. No extra thought. No extra cost. But this year, it became an add-on. For families and superfans who love capturing their trips, this feels like Disney quietly taking away something special and then charging extra for it.

What used to feel like a perk now feels like an upsell—and that shift isn’t going unnoticed.

3. Discounts Keep Shrinking

It’s not just the parks feeling different. It’s the little things. Those sweet merchandise and dining discounts that made splurges feel okay? They’re disappearing or getting smaller. Seasonal deals don’t appear as often, and the ones that do seem underwhelming compared to what passholders used to receive.

When you’re already paying top dollar for the pass, those lost savings hit harder than ever.

4. Hotel “Deals” That Aren’t Deals

Passholders used to count on decent resort discounts to make staying on property a little more affordable. However, lately, many are discovering something frustrating: public deals or third-party rates sometimes offer better value than the Passholder “special offer.”

It’s a tough pill to swallow for loyal fans. Paying for a pass should unlock the best rate, not send them price-hunting elsewhere.

5. The Price of Loyalty

Everything costs more. The passes themselves. Food. Snacks. Souvenirs. Lightning Lane access. And unlike Disneyland, Disney World passholders don’t get Lightning Lane discounts. That difference really stands out.

For out-of-state guests, it’s even worse. Between flights, hotels, and pricey extras, the math no longer adds up like it used to. The value proposition is no longer what it once was.

How Disney Could Turn It Around

This situation isn’t beyond fixing. Restoring PhotoPass as a perk would win back a lot of goodwill. More flexible blockout policies and improved discounts would remind passholders they matter. And matching Disneyland’s Lightning Lane discount could be a game-changer.

The Ball’s in Disney’s Court

Passholders aren’t casual visitors—they’re the heartbeat of Disney World. However, in 2025, their loyalty is being put to the test. Rising prices, fewer perks, and growing frustration have pushed many to the edge.

If Disney wants to keep these superfans on its side, it needs to make fundamental changes before more decide their pass just isn’t worth it anymore.