Disney is Once Again Avoiding Its Annual Pass Problem

The Walt Disney Company has announced many exciting new deals and add-ons that now come with a Disney Park ticket. However, what they aren’t addressing is the significant demand for Annual Passes. Could Disney be trying to divert attention away from the disappointed Annual Passholder hopefuls?

Credit: Disney

Disney Refuses to Address Annual Passes

Being a Walt Disney World Annual Passholder seems more and more like being part of a private club. Walt Disney World Resort continues to provide Passholder perks and incentives to the Parks, including previews for TRON Lightcycle/ Run and the new ability to visit without a Park reservation after 2:00 pm (starting April 18.) What they aren’t offering is the sale of new Magic Key Annual Passes.

The sale of Annual Passes is still paused. Pre-pandemic, Florida residents could buy a Walt Disney World Annual Pass any time since September 1982. In March 2020, when the world shut down for Covid-19, Disney’s pass-buying system changed significantly. Gone are the days of continuous Annual Pass sales, and now many residents are left frustrated and out of luck.

Walt Disney World does not have an under-capacity problem. Last Presidents Day weekend saw the Disney Genie+ sell out two days in a row. Even during the ‘off-season,’ the theme Park’s reservations often fill up. Walt Disney World Resort does not need more Annual Passholders; they make more money off vacationers anyway.

Credit: Disney

RELATED: Genie+ Sells Out for the Second Consecutive Day; Fans Begin Questioning Viability

New Ticket Benefits Redirect the Public’s Attention

Disney has had no problem keeping the public’s attention on other things while the pause on Magic Key pass sales extends. This week, Walt Disney World added some awesome perks to ticket sales, including complimentary digital downloads of photos with the purchase of Genie+.

Walt Disney World has also boasted some new perks for all Florida residents, regardless of Passholder status. Florida residents now have access to discounted Disney Park weekday tickets and hotel room deals. The deals are great, but they don’t compare to the benefits of being a Passholder.

Credit: Disney Dining

Unfortunately, no end is in sight for the Annual Pass pause. As Walt Disney World throws around more promotions, the absolute priority for Florida residents remains unaddressed.