Disneyland Cancels Annual Passes, What Happens Now?

For over 35 years, Annual Passes have been available for purchase at Disneyland. Locals and frequent visitors enjoyed huge discounts from these passes as an Annual Pass could pay for itself within just a handful of visits to the park. But that has come to end as Disney announced that it is cancelling the much enjoyed Annual Pass program.

While this announcement comes as a shock to many, it’s not the first time Disney has had to make a tough decision in the past year. With the ongoing coronavirus pandemic shutting down the Disneyland park since March 2020, it was only a matter of time before Disneyland began cutting some of its offerings and services. Without a reopening date planned, Disneyland has decided to sunset its current Annual Passholder program. 

Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock announced the cancellation of the current Annual Passholder program in a statement on Twitter, stating, “Due to the continued uncertainty of the pandemic and limitations around the reopening of our California theme parks, we will be issuing appropriate refunds for eligible Disneyland Resort Annual Passports and sunsetting the current program.”

While we have yet to hear any details of the new program that will replace Annual Passes, it does seem that some type of replacement program is in the works. Potrock continued on to say, “We are currently developing new membership offerings that will utilize consumer insights to deliver choice, flexibility and value for our biggest fans.”

For guests who have Annual Passes valid from March 2020, special merchandise and dining discounts are being offered at the Downtown Disney District and Buena Vista Street through February 25, 2021. Those who hold Premier Passes, which include entry to both Disneyland and Disney World parks, are still eligible to enter the Disney World theme parks through March 2021. After that date all Premier Passes will expire and cannot be renewed.

Disney World in Florida has also made some changes to their passholder program. The resort recently announced that no new Annual Passes will be sold at the mega resort but current passholders may renew their annual passes.

According to the Disneyland website, Disneyland Annual Passholders are eligible for full or prorated refunds for their passes. Passholders can check their eligibility now on the Disneyland website.