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Why May Is Suddenly the Best Time to Visit EPCOT—If You’re a Passholder

May is shaping up to be a banner month for Disney World Annual Passholders—especially at EPCOT. Disney is giving Passholders plenty of reasons to visit the park, offering a mix of free swag, special lounges, and limited-time experiences that make those passes feel even more valuable.

The Disney World monorail system in EPCOT on a sunny day.
Credit: Disney

First up is the latest must-have freebie: a Maleficent-themed magnet. Available starting May 14th inside EPCOT’s Creations Shop, this collectible magnet is free for Passholders—but supplies are limited. To claim it, you’ll need both your Annual Pass and a valid ID.

Beyond merchandise, Disney is opening a Passholder-exclusive lounge inside Restaurant Marrakesh at the Morocco pavilion from May 14th to July 13th. The lounge offers air conditioning, device charging stations, a complimentary Passholder button, and special Disney PhotoPass backdrops. It’s a quiet retreat from the Florida sun and an excellent perk for those looking to slow down during a busy park day.

Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse stand in front of a colorful, geometric backdrop. Mickey wears his classic red shorts, yellow bow tie, and black jacket, while Minnie is dressed in her iconic red and white polka dot dress. The word "NEW" is repeatedly printed behind them.
Credit: Disney Fanatic

Meanwhile, CommuniCore Hall is closing temporarily on May 12th to prepare for the GoofyCore Play Experience, set to open May 27th and run through September 1st. This new family-friendly space will feature games, dance parties, and meet-and-greet opportunities with Goofy himself. While it’s part of Disney’s “Cool Kid Summer” series, the experience is open to all guests, but Passholders get the added perk of being able to enjoy it alongside all the other exclusive offerings at EPCOT this month.

Adding to the excitement, May is also the final month to pick up Passholder-exclusive merchandise from the EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival, which wraps on June 2nd. There’s also a new Passholder-exclusive tumbler featuring art by Joey Chou, available at select dining locations like Connections Eatery and Regal Eagle Smokehouse.

Year-Round Benefits Keep Passholders Coming Back

While these seasonal perks are exciting, they’re just one part of the overall Passholder package. Disney World Annual Passholders also enjoy year-round benefits like complimentary standard parking, discounts on merchandise and dining, and access to exclusive PhotoPass opportunities.

V.I.Passholders
Credit: Shutterstock/Disney

Additionally, Passholders often get access to special events, lounges, and previews not available to day guests, adding more value to the pass. Even though prices have gone up in recent years, many Passholders still feel they get their money’s worth, particularly those who visit the parks multiple times a year.

For locals and frequent Disney visitors, the convenience, discounts, and special perks make the Annual Pass an appealing option. And with Disney continuing to add seasonal extras like those at EPCOT this May, the Passholder experience remains one of the most immersive and rewarding ways to enjoy the parks.

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

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