If you’ve been an Annual Passholder at Disney World in recent years, chances are you’ve asked yourself if it was still worth it. Between higher prices, fewer perks, and those pesky reservation requirements, the magic felt like it was fading fast.
But lately, there’s been a noticeable shift.
No, Disney hasn’t suddenly slashed the price of passes (wouldn’t that be nice?), but they are finally rolling out a few changes that actually make having a pass feel special again. For the first time in a while, Passholders have things to look forward to—and that’s not something we’ve been able to say with confidence for quite some time.
A Turtle Named Crush (and a Whole Lot of Nostalgia)
One of the more charming new touches is the Crush magnet—yes, that Crush, the lovable sea turtle from Finding Nemo(2003). This passholder-exclusive magnet is now available at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and has folks lining up just to snag one. You can pick it up at Discovery Trading Company or Riverside Depot through September 27, 2025.
Sure, it’s just a free magnet. But when Disney leans into fan-favorite characters and limited-time drops, it brings a bit of that old-school excitement back.
Perks, Photos, and Snacks—Oh My!
Disney didn’t stop with the magnet. They’ve also added exclusive Magic Shots themed around Finding Nemo characters, including a goofy snapshot with Becky, a “Mount Wannahockaloogie” backdrop, and a surprise from Hank the octopus. These special photos are available to Passholders through the end of September.
On top of that, they’ve dropped some themed snacks like the “Totally Sweet Sundae” and the “Just Keep Swimming Float,” which are only available to Annual Passholders. It’s not a massive offering, but it adds up—and fans seem to be loving it.
Merch Just for You? Yes, Please
Exclusive merchandise is also making a comeback, and longtime Passholders are thrilled. A recent example is a Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party shirt available only to Annual Passholders. It’s one of those small gestures that says, “Hey, we see you.” That kind of recognition has been missing for a while.
A Gift Card Offer That Actually Helps (a Bit)
Disney’s offering up to a $100 Disney gift card when you purchase a new Annual Pass. It depends on the pass level: Incredi-Pass buyers get the full $100, Sorcerer gets $75, Pirate gets $50, and Pixie gets $25. It’s important to note this offer is only for new purchases—not renewals—but still, it’s something.
It’s Progress—Not Perfection
Is the program perfect? Not even close. Most Passholders would love to see more discounts, fewer blockout dates, and more park hopping freedom. But for the first time in a while, it feels like Disney is trying to make things right.
They’ve still got a long road ahead. But these small wins? They matter.
