Walt Disney World has found another way to get Annual Passholders through the gates this summer, and it’s surprisingly simple. A brand-new Passholder magnet featuring Woody and Buzz Lightyear is arriving at EPCOT, and while it may look like just another collectible, it’s already shaping up to be a major draw.
This magnet will be available from May 1 through July 31, giving Passholders a full three-month window to pick it up. That might sound like plenty of time, but longtime fans know how these releases work. When something is limited, tied to a popular franchise, and only available in one location, it becomes an event.
And that’s exactly what Disney is counting on.
This release lines up perfectly with the summer season, when crowds are already building. Instead of relying only on vacationers, Disney is tapping into its most loyal audience—Passholders—to keep attendance strong day after day. Some guests will head in early to avoid missing out. Others will wait, thinking they have time, only to rush in later as the end date approaches.
That steady flow is what makes this strategy so effective.
There’s also the Toy Story 5 factor. With the film arriving in June, the magnet suddenly becomes more than just a free item. It becomes part of a bigger moment. Guests who might not have rushed out in May could change their plans once the movie hits theaters, creating a second wave of interest right in the middle of the promotion.
And then comes July, when urgency kicks in.
Passholders who have been putting it off suddenly realize the window is closing. That final stretch often brings some of the biggest crowds for these types of giveaways, especially if supplies begin to run low.
By placing the pickup location inside EPCOT, Disney ensures that guests don’t just pop in and leave. Once you’re there, you’re far more likely to explore, grab a meal, and spend time enjoying the park. It turns a quick stop into a full visit.
In the end, this magnet is doing exactly what Disney wants it to do. It’s pulling Passholders back into the parks consistently over three months, keeping energy high during the summer, and making sure there’s always a reason to visit—even for those who come often.
