News Walt Disney World Announces New Annual Passes — What to Know The new tiers will be available for purchase starting Sept. 8. By Rachel Chang Rachel Chang Instagram Twitter Website Rachel Chang is a travel and pop culture journalist who grew up in the California Bay Area and now lives in New York City (well, Hoboken, New Jersey). She's a solo travel advocate, dumpling addict, and reluctant runner — who managed to finish the NYC marathon three times. She's also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity in Romania and Poland. Rachel started her editorial career chasing celebrities as a magazine editor (Popstar associate editor, CosmoGirl entertainment editor, J-14 editor-in-chief, Us Weekly senior editor). Along the way, she also started chasing passport stamps and is now a freelance writer and editor contributing to Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Lonely Planet, and The Washington Post, among others. She also edits standalone entertainment and travel magazines. Prior to this, she worked in television publicity at The WB Television Network, and also interned at Nickelodeon and "Dawson's Creek." * 25+ years of media experience in television, magazines, and digital brands * 20+ years of editorial experience as a journalist, writer, and editor * TaiwaneseAmerican.org's 100 Passionate People Pioneer * Syracuse University's S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications Professional Gallery Wall of Fame * Received a bachelor's degree in communication studies from the University of California, Los Angeles * Received a master's degree in magazine, newspaper, and online journalism from Syracuse University's S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications * Completed writing courses through UCLA Extension, Media Bistro, Gotham Writers Workshop, Yale Writers' Workshop, and the Highlights Foundation * Founding executive board member of the alumni group Newhouse 44 and still serves as a member * 15+ years of experience as a judge for the Mirror Awards Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Published on August 31, 2021 Share Tweet Pin Email California's Disneyland announced its new annual pass program earlier this month with four different levels — and Florida's Walt Disney World followed suit by revealing its new offerings yesterday, also in four tiers, just ahead of its 50th anniversary on Oct. 1. "We are introducing four new annual passes offering the flexibility and choice to meet guest needs, each designed based on passholder feedback," Walt Disney World Resort's communication manager Eric Scott said in a blog post. "These passes will help our biggest fans experience all that's to come during The World's Most Magical Celebration — from new attractions and nighttime spectaculars to dazzling decorations at all four theme parks and more!" All passes, which can be purchased starting Sept. 8, allow holders to visit one or more parks on its given dates, with advance reservations required. Only Florida residents can purchase the lower two tiers: the Disney Pixie Dust Pass ($399 per person before taxes) for visits on most weekdays with the ability to hold three reservations at a time, and the Disney Pirate Pass ($699) to visit on most days with four simultaneous reservations. Both of these are subject to blockout days, including peak and holiday periods. Octavio Jones/Getty Images Residents and Disney Vacation Club members can also purchase the Disney Sorcerer Pass for $899, with less blockout days and the ability to have five reservations at a time. The top tier is available to anyone for $1,299 per person before taxes with no blockout dates, but still requires reservations. The latter comes with five simultaneous reservations, too. (Exact restrictions and details, including payment plan options, can be found here.) Every passholder will also get standard theme park parking and 20% off dining and merchandise, among other benefits. Plus, there are other perks that can be added a la carte, like Disney PhotoPass downloads for an extra $99 per person plus tax and a water parks and sports option for an extra $99 per person before taxes. While the park emphasizes the new flexibility and customization, some Walt Disney World fans are not impressed. "Well, you have completely lost me as a 40-year customer and annual passholder," one user commented on the announcement, while another bemoaned the loss of the PhotoPass as an embedded perk. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit