FeaturedParks

Disney World to Out-of-State Passholders: You’re Not the Priority Anymore

Disney fans from outside Florida are starting to feel something they never expected from the “Most Magical Place on Earth”—like they’re no longer at the top of the guest list.

This week’s Annual Pass price hike is more than just another increase. It’s a loud, clear message to out-of-state passholders: you’re not the priority anymore.

Visitors at the entrance to EPCOT
Credit: Jesse James, Flickr

A Price Tag That Speaks Volumes

For non-Florida residents, the only Annual Pass option available is the Incredi-Pass. It now costs a whopping $1,629. That’s up from $1,549 last year and significantly higher than the $1,299 price when it was first brought back in 2021.

Meanwhile, Florida residents can still choose between multiple lower-cost tiers like Sorcerer, Pirate, and Pixie Pass. They even get the option to pay over time—something out-of-staters don’t get. They have to pay that full amount upfront.

That means the very people who have to travel the farthest to get to Disney are also paying the most for the privilege of walking through the gates.

More Than Just a Pass

The cost of the pass isn’t the whole story. Out-of-state fans also have to budget for flights, transportation, hotels, meals, and all the extras. Locals can drive in, spend a few hours, and head home. Non-Floridians? They’re booking entire vacations.

This isn’t just an inconvenience. It’s what makes being an out-of-state passholder a serious financial commitment. And with every increase, it’s becoming harder to justify that cost.

Crowds walking in front of the Chinese Theatre at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
Credit: Disney Dining

Why Disney Is Doing This

Disney isn’t shy about raising prices. But this specific increase tells a bigger story. By making the Incredi-Pass the priciest and least flexible option, the company is gently nudging out-of-state fans toward fewer trips.

Why? Because when those fans visit less often, they spend more per trip on tickets, hotels, and food. A family buying standard multi-day tickets and staying on the property is more profitable than one making multiple quick visits on an Annual Pass.

It’s a calculated move, and for out-of-staters, it’s a tough pill to swallow.

Longtime Fans Are Fed Up

The frustration is growing louder. Many fans who used to visit two or three times a year are rethinking everything. Some are letting their passes lapse entirely and spending that money elsewhere—whether that’s a cruise, a trip to Universal, or a vacation overseas.

It’s not that the magic is gone. It’s that it no longer feels like Disney is making space for them.

Crowds of people in front of the Tree of Life at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Credit: Christopher Paulin, Flickr

A Risky Bet

Disney may believe they can afford to lose some out-of-state passholders. But loyal fans are not easily replaced. For years, these guests have poured thousands into the parks—not just on tickets, but on hotels, dining, and merch.

Chasing short-term revenue might pay off now, but if too many out-of-state fans walk away, the long-term damage could be far more costly.

Author

  • Andrew Boardwine

    A frequent visitor of Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort, Andrew will likely be found freefalling on Twilight Zone Tower of Terror or enjoying Pirates of the Caribbean. Over at Universal, he'll be taking in the thrills of the Jurassic World Velocicoaster and Revenge of the Mummy

Andrew Boardwine

A frequent visitor of Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort, Andrew will likely be found freefalling on Twilight Zone Tower of Terror or enjoying Pirates of the Caribbean. Over at Universal, he'll be taking in the thrills of the Jurassic World Velocicoaster and Revenge of the Mummy

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Related Articles