When Disney World presented the option of canceling Annual Passes, it left many of Disney World’s biggest fans with a TOUGH decision. And there may be some of you still grappling with the choice.
The final day to opt into cancellation of the pass is Tuesday, August 11th, and passes will no longer be valid for entry beginning August 12th if you choose to cancel, so time is running out!
While we don’t know your exact situation and the decision is ultimately yours, we can do our best to help you weigh the pros and cons as to whether or not you should cancel your Disney World Annual Pass.
What are your options?
Disney extended the option to Passholders to cancel their current Passes back in mid-June, ahead of the park reopening. At the time, Disney stated that Passholders can choose between receiving an added one-month extension to their Pass (on top of adding back the days lost due to the closure), or they could choose to cancel the pass. We will get into more specifics below.
Keep in mind that, as we said, Disney ALREADY extended Annual Passes based on the number of days the parks were closed. So, for example, if your Florida Resident Disney Weekday Select Annual Pass’ original expiration date was August 1, it will now expire on November 26, 117 days after the original date, plus the additional month, if you choose to keep your pass (so your pass would be valid until the end of December).
All Annual Passholders who choose to take the one-month extension (instead of canceling) will see the change processed and reflected on their Pass sometime in October 2020.
Now, there are some slightly different factors to consider depending on if you paid for your Annual Pass in full, or if you are on the monthly payment plan.
If you paid in full…
If you paid for your Pass in full and decide to cancel, you will receive a partial refund based on the amount of time left on your pass. Remember that the pass will no longer be valid for entry beginning August 12, so you could estimate your partial refund amount based on the time between August 12 and your most up-to-date expiration date.
If you are on the monthly payment plan…
If you are on the monthly payment plan and you choose to cancel, it’ll look a bit different. Disney will waive any payments due on your Pass after August 11, and any payments made between July 11 and August 11 will be refunded.
It seems like Disney has already been testing the monthly payment system, as back in July many Annual Passholders on the plan were suddenly charged for the four months’ worth of time the parks were closed. This has since been rectified.
Read more about the options Disney World has given to their Annual Passholders here!
Does it make sense financially to cancel your pass?
Depending on how much time is left on your Annual Pass, you may be faced with a nominal or a rather hefty refund coming your way, should you choose to cancel. For example, if you purchased a Disney Platinum Pass (non-Florida resident) in full at the current 2020 price of $1195.00, and your pass does not expire for another nine months, you’d receive a refund of $896.25.
If you’re a Florida resident and purchased a Silver Annual Pass last year in full for $519.00 (before the price increase), and your pass expires in four months, you will receive a refund of $173.00. That’s still a decent chunk of change!
Should you choose to cancel your pass that you paid for in full, Disney has stated that Passholders will receive their refunds on their original form of payment in mid to late September.
If you were on the monthly payment plan, it’s a little easier to do the math to calculate how much money you will save. You would simply multiply your monthly payment amount times the number of months left on your pass, and you will have the total amount that will be waived after August 11.
Have you already canceled your Pass or are considering canceling? Click here to see when and how you can expect your refund to appear!
Will the Park Pass System work FOR or AGAINST you?
The Park Pass Reservation System is one tricky little program and one that has caused some serious strife for Annual Passholders since its rollout.
Park Pass Reservation availability has filled up MUCH faster for Annual Passholders than for any other Guest type. The trouble here is that local Annual Passholders or those who can more easily take a last-minute trip to Disney World can no longer simply say “I want to visit the parks this weekend.”
In most cases, you may not be able to get a reservation until sometime over a month later (especially if you want to visit Disney’s Hollywood Studios). So, one could justifiably say “what’s the point of being a Passholder?” if you can no longer spontaneously visit the parks whenever you please.
The Park Pass System specifically seems to be working AGAINST local Passholders who do not need hotel accommodations. This is because a Passholder with a hotel reservation can simply book a Park Pass Reservation as a Resort Guest, which has significantly more reservation availability.
It looks like Disney is periodically adding more Park Pass availability to Passholders, but we would not count on that as a guarantee if the date you want to visit is full. This suspicion seemed to be confirmed by Disney CEO Bob Chapek, who during the most recent Quarterly Earnings Call noted that unclaimed reservations were being given to local Passholders at the last minute.
Because of the overall lower availability for Annual Passholders, you will need to plan your trips to Disney World much farther ahead of time than you’re used to. The spontaneity of using your Pass isn’t what it used to be, especially if you live nearby and are more used to last-minute trips to the parks.
Read more about what we’ve learned about Disney World’s current Guest percentages since reopening here!
And then there are all the OTHER things to consider!
Deciding whether or not to cancel your Disney World Annual Pass is a much bigger decision than how much money you’ll be refunded, and even bigger than the new Park Pass Reservation System. Beyond the objective variables that include financial implications and reservations, there are a ton of other factors to consider that only YOU can place a value on.
For example, how safe do YOU feel going to Disney World right now? Are the parks going to be enjoyable for you and your family, regardless of how much money you’ll save or how easy it is to get a Park Pass Reservation?
After crunching the numbers and mastering the Reservation System, if you don’t feel safe, you may not enjoy your time at Disney World until things start to resemble some level of “normalcy.”
From what we have seen and experienced ourselves, Disney World is doing quite a bit to make sure the Guest experience is safe in these unprecedented times. One of the most noticeable health measures is their face mask policy. While this may add a level of security for many Guests, others may feel like the masks diminish their overall experience at the parks.
There are also all of the reduced offerings to consider. If your Disney World vacations are all about meeting the characters and watching the fireworks every night, you’ll be out of luck for a while.
To give you a QUICK recap, Disney World has temporarily suspended fireworks, parades, character meet and greets, traditional character dining (with the modified exceptions of Topolino’s Terrance and Garden Grill), as well as the Disney Dining Plan, FastPass+, and Park Hopping. At this time, we do not know when Disney will bring these back.
Despite these cons, there are also a couple of significant pros to consider. It’s important to point out that for the most part, thanks to the limited park capacity, the crowd levels at the theme parks right now are DRASTICALLY lower than what they are typically. Most attractions are walk-ons, and there is more elbow room in the parks than we’ve seen in YEARS. There are definitely some things we like BETTER now than we did before the closures.
If you think it may be worth it to hang onto your Annual Pass, keep in mind that you’ll also get that renewal discount when it comes time to re-up your Pass. The savings here aren’t significant, but it’s certainly something to consider if you foresee wanting to have that pass in 2021 and beyond.
Is Disney World safe to visit right now? Read our thoughts here!
So, what do WE think you should do with your Annual Pass?
Ultimately we cannot tell YOU what decision to make with your Annual Pass, but being an Annual Passholder at Disney World is a whole different ball game than what it was before the closures. While there are some hidden benefits to visiting the parks now (low crowds being the big one), just getting TO the parks and enjoying your time there can be a burdensome experience.
The factors that you considered when you originally signed up for your pass may not be the same factors you have now when deciding whether or not to keep your pass. Every family and travel party is different from the next, so we hope you take all this information into consideration if you have yet to make your decision!
Looking to visit Disney World in 2020? Here’s some important info you’ll need to know!
Disney Park Reopening Details and Info
Click HERE for the All Latest Updates
Click HERE To See FULL LISTS of the Rides, Attractions, Shopping, Entertainment, and Restaurants Opening in Disney World!
TUTORIAL: How To Use Disney World's NEW Park Pass Reservation System
ALL Disney World Reopening Procedures
Disney World Hotel and Ticket Booking Information
We’re Visiting ALL the Reopened Disney World Hotels and Have All the Need-to-Know Details
We’re LIVE in Disney World's Magic Kingdom For the FIRST Time Since the Closures
We’re LIVE in Disney’s Animal Kingdom For the FIRST Time Since the Closures
We Got a FIRST LOOK at Disney World’s New Character Cavalcades and Entertainment!
Everything You NEED To Know About Wearing Masks in Disney World
Join the DFB Newsletter To get all the latest Disney Park Closure News Delivered Right to Your Inbox Click here to Subscribe
Are you a Disney World Annual Passholder? Have you decided what to do with your Pass? Let us know in the comments!
Angela says
Thanks for this. I’ve emailed and called Disney, and have gotten conflicting answers each time. My pass originally expired Nov 6, before the closure. I’m still not sure what refund I would be eligible for. Would it be 3 months, or Aug 12-until the new extended date? With our borders closed, I don’t know when my next trip is. 🙁
Thank you!
Angela Courter says
Thanks for the update. Do you have any information about the premier pass?
Eric M says
Yes you absolutely should! Disney is keeping the parks empty by screwing their passholders!
If we don’t start pushing back know Disney will just keep taking and taking
Jennifer says
I purchased an annual pass before the virus but haven’t activated it. Currently I have the voucher to take to customer service to get it activated. I don’t see any expiration date on the voucher.
Will I still be able to come to the park and activate my pass or am I out of all the money as I paid in full?
Lea Ann says
Wasn’t even a hard choice. I cancelled. Our passes were purchased for Christmas, so billed the deposit in December and monthly January and February. Used for the first time in March, we were there up to the day before shut down. I have no interest going to Disney unable to breathe through a hot mask. No fireworks? No thanks. If folks want to go under those rules that is their choice. It does not seem remotely fun for me. Also we were just billed the monthly payment, now have to try and get reimbursed because they refused to delete my credit card from the system. I am highly dissatisfied with how Disney handled things. I don’t blame them for a virus or for health department rules. But I do fault them for how things are handled. I wanted to cancel the passes months ago but was not allowed to. Had to jump through hoops to cancel reservations. Could not get “park reservations”. They are quick to take my money, but slow to to return it! It may be a while before I go back again. I think Walt would be ashamed of what the parks have turned into. Unaffordable for families, the more money you can spend the more you can have. I hate the “new” fast pass system. But if you can afford concierge level at their hotels, you can buy extra fast passes. Disney has really become a disappointment. Maybe they could come up with a new movie as well instead of “live action” remakes.
Christina Morales says
Thanks for the great article, very helpful. I had a question and maybe someone knows it if they’ve talked to Disney recently. I did the extension at the start of all this, so didnt get that refund back in June. I’m now cancelling my pass, on a monthly payment pay, will I be getting back that payment in September?
Channon says
I’ve been back and forth with myself about this. Whenever I call…they don’t know how to answer because my situation is unique. I bought 3 passes for myself and my kids back in March. The very same week we had planned to go as a fam is the same week they shut down. We still haven’t been. I’m paying for passes on the monthly plan that havent even been activated! Therefore if I were to ask for a refund…would I get my deposit and all that back?! They can’t answer. I’m not cancelling if not. I’ll just wait to activate them if that’s the case. It does however suck to be paying for passes I don’t feel safe using yet.
Angie says
Any word on refunds for AP vouchers not yet activated? While I do have until 2030 to activate them, we certainly won’t be going for several years or maybe never if the reservation system and restrictions remain in place in addition to limited experiences. We typically rent long term off property and visit several times each week. Not worth the cost to us with limited or delayed entrance.
Josh says
I believe Disney’s Park reservations system even more so specifically hinders annual passholders who aren’t local and don’t use the resorts.How can anyone plan a trip to Disney with only 3 days of usage? It’s an unfair leverage Disney is using to force out-of-state passholders to stay in Disney hotels. No thanks
DFB Sarah says
Angie, I don’t think I have heard anything specific about those with vouchers. I think you’ll want to reach out to Disney for this question.
DFB Sarah says
Jennifer, I believe the vouchers need to be activated by 2030, so you would be able to activate it whenever you need it.
Ken says
What about the water parks annual passes. My wife and I renewed in November. We cancelled our park passes in March. Did our water park passes get cancelled also, or do I need to cancel them separately?
Sandy says
We’ve been out of state (Michigan) AP holders for years. We felt the extension for non-Florida residents should have been longer, considering the star of Florida’s Covid cases and the lack of park time availability. We personally called to cancel in hopes of a longer extension. All APs handled the same so, we cancelled….rather disappointed in Disney’s handling of out of staters ☹️
Robert Capobianco says
My family and I have been annual pass holders from onset. In fact, we were designated “charter annual pass holders” for over 40 years. Unfortunately we made the decision to cancel as we no longer feel that the changes, as temporary and necessary as they are, changes the whole Disney experience as we have come to know, enjoy and love. The upside to our decision is that it will leave room for guests who still want to go.
Melissa says
My family plans on keeping our passes. We live 30 minutes away and usually just go for a couple of hours once or twice a month. We just went on Friday and with the low crowds (and portable fans), we felt completely safe. Everyone just has to do what’s best for their family and situation.
Brian says
I’m at Disney Springs and can get answers for my annual pass. This is not the Disney I know. Don’t even get me started on the mask
Mike says
Not surprised at the negative reactions posted, Disney has operated with diminished guest experience with ever increasing cost for the past decade! Looks like it’s finally reaching critical mass and souring the appetite to return. It’s Disneys Just Reward!
Thomas & Deborah O’Connor says
We’ve tried to contact the number provided to cancel our passes but after several attempts we only receive a recorded message to keep calling back. We are trying to cancel by the August 11th deadline. We are trying to cancel because we won’t be visiting our Florida home due to insurance and border issues. Please advise if there is a email address that Disney can provide so we can talk to someone as definitely your phone lines are overwhelmed.
Sandra says
My annual pass is due to expire on November 7th. I was not going to be able to renew because of cost. My plan is to go in February and just buy a few days passes, so with the extension by pass does not expire until March, so I think I am going to keep it. But I will call tomorrow and double check the expiration date.
Brian says
We activated our fully paid Platinum passes at the end of January and also went at the end of February and again last week. Can anyone confirm they have cancelled and confirm they have received the prorated value ($896) listed in the article back.
Arlene says
DFB-Sarah- Don’t know if you noticed, but on the MDE app, if you click on “buy tickets and passes“, the AP price shows up for $849! Daily passes are still $109. Of course if you click forward it tells you that Annual Passes are not currently being sold. But… I wonder why the $849 is showing up? Do you know? I am wondering if Disney plans to reduce the price for an AP when they open them up for sale again since many of the benefits of being an AP such as park hopping, are not going to be available for a while? Just curious. My AP expired in May 2020. I took the refund and did not renew it. Then a month or so later, I decided to purchase a new AP right before Disney stopped selling them for the price of $1125. Of course I haven’t been able to activate it yet but I’m assuming since I haven’t activated it that I would get a full refund if I ask for one by tomorrow, August 11? Just wondering if you knew anything about that too. Thanks!
Christi Brady says
“that unclaimed reservations were being given to local Passholders at the last minute.” –I don’t think so! I kept checking all day everyday last week for August 9th. My birthday. Both my daughter and I refreshed pretty much hourly (if not more) for a full week. Right up till that day it was GREEN for both of the other pools of reservations. I would have taken any park-but nothing. They are screwing the AP’s, no doubt about it. We renewed in June and according to Guest Services if we don’t use our passes after the new expiration date we can get a refund in full. We are taking the “wait and see” approach. We won’t go after that Oct date for a few weeks and see if the situation changes. If not we will most likely cancel. Don’t understand why they aren’t doing a partial “data dump” the night before or morning of when they obviously have open spots in their calculations.
DFB Sarah says
Arlene, I’m going to pose this to the team to see if we know or can do anything to find out. Thanks for flagging!
DFB Sarah says
Ken, they likely were cancelled automatically with the closure (and subsequent lack of plans to reopen), but you could check with Disney to confirm.
Cindy says
My case is different. I have the Premier Pass, and WDW automatically extended it, while I requested a partial refund from Disneyland (I live in southern CA). Not sure how it will work because Disneyland has no opening date scheduled but has been closed for 5 months.
Michael Shimer says
I am really frustrated with Disney. First of all, the call system issues back in June were inexcusable. Since we had paid in full for our Florida weekday passes prior to the closures, what we wanted to do then was to upgrade our passes so we could make reservations to stay at the resort and use the park reservation system. Nope. Impossible. Couldn’t get through on the phone and nobody at Guest Relations could do anything at Disney Springs. Then they throttled availability for pass holders and now we can’t go even months out. Rediculous. And now I see frequent local news stories that they are fretting about the lack of attendance. Unfortunately it’s now falling on deaf Mickey ears. You can’t treat your most loyal customers that way and get away with it, and it shouldn’t have taken a genius to figure that out. It’s not all about the easy money; you’ve got to look at the big picture and local passholders are your regulars. We’re going to be Universal Studios annual passholders for the next year (or more) and we’ve been Disney passholders for over 10 years continuously. Sad but their loss.