It's actually a big world after all. Disney lovers opting to become Annual Passholders for theme parks in Orlando and Anaheim are privy to a year filled with perks ranging from "drop-in" quickies for dinner and fireworks shows to full days of action-packed fun.
While benefits vary per pass and pass options vary by park, Disney diehards are privy to a bevy of benefits that could skyrocket on the expense scale if purchased a la carte. Aside from unlimited admission, you can count on discounts for merchandise, dining, accommodations and special park events.
In Anaheim, the latter includes the California Adventure Food & Wine Festival from March 10 to April 16.
Consider whether you plan to visit a theme park more than once a year or intend to frequent it for five or more days on a single visit. If either is the case, chances are you'll save money by purchasing an annual pass. Discounts range from 10 percent on dining and merchandise and other savings on Disney accommodations. You'll likely offset the expense faster than you can say, "Summit Plummet!"
ANAHEIM
A beloved Southern California destination since 1955, Disneyland is divided into eight extravagantly themed "lands": Main Street U.S.A., Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Mickey's Toontown, Frontierland, Critter Country, New Orleans Square and Adventureland.
Disney California Adventure Park is home to seven lands bringing to life Disney and Pixar stories and characters through amazing attractions, entertainment and dining. The park's two most recent additions - Buena Vista Street and Cars Land - join Grizzly Peak, Paradise Pier, Pacific Wharf, "a bug's land" and Hollywood Land.
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Annual Pass Options
Pass plans range from the most affordable Disney Southern California Passport to the Disney Signature Plus Passport that covers all the bells and whistles. All four pass options cover same-day admission to Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park. The two Signature Passports add in parking and Disney PhotoPass downloads.
The latter rolls out with photographers poised-and-ready to take photos at scenic locations throughout both parks during Character Greetings, special events and at select dining spots.
You can purchase an annual pass in full or tap into a monthly payment plan (California residents only) that's available with a $97 down payment.
Disney Southern California Select Passport
- Visit both theme parks on the same day during select days of the year
- Up to 10 percent off select dining and merchandise
- $339 per person for ages 3-plus
Disney Signature Plus Passport
- Admission to both theme parks on the same time every day of the year
- Includes Disney PhotoPass downloads
- Up to 15 percent off select dining
- Up to 20 percent off select merchandise
- Theme park parking
- $1,049 per person for ages 3-plus
Additional pass plans include the Disney Deluxe Passport for $619 and Disney Signature Passport for $849.
ORLANDO
Discover Walt Disney World's enchantment across four theme parks, two water parks and Disney Springs - along with select offers and opportunities reserved exclusively for Annual Passholders. Among these are Special 45th Anniversary dining benefits that provide discounts at 45 Disney locations through Sept. 30, 2017.
Orlando parks include the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studio, Animal Kingdom and Blizzard Beach. (Typhoon Lagoon is currently closed for refurbishment.)
All passes include standard parking at the theme parks and a MagicBand, with some even including Disney PhotoPass downloads. Passholders can also take advantage of discounts on food, merchandise, guided tours and Mickey's Halloween Party. Special events elevate the magic via movie screenings and previews, special giveaways and additional surprises.
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Annual Pass Options
Disney Platinum Pass
- Admission for a year to all four theme parks (no blackout dates)
- Visit all four theme parks on the same day
- Up to 20 percent off on select dining and merchandise
- $779 per person for ages 3-plus
Disney Platinum Pass
- Admission for a year to all four theme parks, two Disney water parks, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and Disney's Oak Trail Golf Course (no blackout dates)
- Visit all four theme parks on the same day
- Up to 20 percent off on select dining and merchandise
- $869 per person for ages 3-plus
- Water Parks Annual Pass
- One year of admission to Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park and Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park (during normal operating hours)
- $125 per person for ages 10-plus
Additional special products and prices are available for Florida residents and Disney Vacation Club Members.
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