WHO Is Spending $1500 a Year on Disney World Tickets? -- Annual Pass

[@Incredibl3_]

I LOVED hearing how passionately Breedlove was fighting for cost-conscious Disney World visitors. Great perspectives from all 4 panelists and really hope to see more of RJ, Emma, Breedlove, and Fry debating!!

[@rodneygiszczynski2126]

Being a first-time Passholder, what I can say is that you feel less pressure when on vacation. When I was buying single-day passes I was definitely trying to get every last penny out of my trip.

[@rebeccalicari5168]

First time passholder. Out of state. We love it. It’s changed how we travel. More often, more relaxed, shorter more-frequent trips. Worth every penny and then some!

[@frankcooney1693]

Breedlove’s face listening so intently to Emma when she talks about one person in a party having an AP but still everyone being able to enjoy the discount perks 😮. That was my face too😂. Great tip!!

[@Sam4G0d]

This was such a great "panel" - loved hearing the different arguments, a great discussion!

[@its.amanda.walter]

Just wanted to pop in and say I love you Breedlove. Sorry if you experience hate. I love getting a different perspective. Coming from another semi-responsible 40 year old Disney fan. :)

[@JustinDoesDisney]

The REAL reason to become a Passholder…the magnets!! 😁

[@trishann4336]

I love Breedlove! We feel the same way about AP, Breedlove!

[@carriemartellWDW]

We could never hate you Breadlove!! I live in CT and can’t go enough to consider AP, but if I lived closer I’d do it 💯!

[@jeffaltier5582]

At the end of the day, it comes to cost. A family of four who lives out of state is out $5600 up front. And that doesn't include the cost for the hotels, park hopping, and food you will still need to buy. In-state resident might be a different story.

[@cyskiplus1]

Breedlove makes excellent points! I just bought my first annual pass, but only after crunching the numbers several times that indeed, it made sense for me and my husband for our trip plans to have annual passes. But, we are just buying tickets for the kids because it doesn’t make sense for them.

[@Meeshwell]

Yes Breedlove! The voice of reason!! I love Disney and would love an annual pass (and the ability to vacation there frequently enough to make it worth it) but for most people it’s just not financially responsible (if they are not FL residents). When so many people take out loans and go into debt for a family vacation that costs more than a trip to Europe… I think you’re absolutely right that an AP is probably not a good choice. That being said, the FL resident pass does make sense for a year of frequent weekend trips!

[@lindajmaglionico]

Love how deeply Breedlove feels about this topic!

[@Anthony-zr2hn]

Breedlove articulates this perfectly!

[@carvegas7178]

A few comments: 1) Number of trips matter because after ~5 days the extra days might only be ~$25/day. 2)Time of year matters as there is seasonal price differences. 3) DVC gives you another AP option. 4) If you're doing multiple years, there is a discount for renewals. I REALLY like ALLEARS, but a few topic suggestions: 1) If haven't seen much on DVC (maybe I missed it), 2) would probably useful to have material of a-trips with kids or b- couples trips, 3) Would like to see material and panelist that has an "elder" perspective (For old farts like me!). That being said, I think you have some of the the best content and presentation.

[@pwnmasteh]

Breedloves point is 100% in the beginning.

[@kenk910]

We did this - Bought an annual pass for a trip in July and then the following year in June (11 months apart!)

[@stacirobinson6162]

We live in FL and have been AP's since 2007. Back then we were seasonal pass holders, then Silver AP. Now we we will be Pirate's pass. Love this panel!!

[@kimsanders8832]

Well being out of state and buying our first annual pass recently we are thrilled. However we bought the annual pass for a very long trip in 2025 for our 50th anniversary. It has already paid for itself with the number of days we will be there. ❤❤ the trip will be super thrilling if we get to see the all ears team in the parks. ❤️❤️

[@LessaCaira]

Here are some numbers at the current (6/12/23) prices, no sales, no park hopper and no water park. All of this is non-Florida resident because they have more options on AP(Annual Pass). AP 1400 1 day pass: @134 now, high is 150, low is 109. If you bought one day pass at a time it would take you (rounded up) 11 days (now), 10 days (high) and 13 days (low) to spend that much. If you go more than that than AP is right for you. Most people don't go one day at a time though, they go on a trip and buy a multi-day pass. Which gives you a discount per day. 10 day pass: @68 now, high is 75, low is 55. So it would take you 2 trips now or at high season and 3 at low. Park hopper and/or water park makes the base ticket more expensive.

[@robertlint2670]

We do it because without buying anything the breakeven point is about 9 days. We come down more than that but free parking and merch discounts and food discounts and room discounts really mean the break even point is a day or two. If you come down for more than 5 days one person in your group should be an annual pass holder just for the discounts.

[@amandaperez4927]

Up where I live it is about $1500 for a seasons ski pass, which is similar in all-access pass pricing but for skiing…..for only 4 months of the year (and those days are only about 8am-3pm). Disney days are way longer so to me it seems like great deal! Considering we just paid $800 for only a 6 day pass, I would love to swap my ski pass $ for a Disney pass and have year round fun. 🎉

[@mychalharmon1]

I think just builds resentment towards Disney and the people who can afford the passes. We use to be a Disney family until the perks went away and we saw Universal prices.

[@shermy999]

Great info. Glad you mentioned the value added from park hopping. Since we live about three hours away, we can really maximize that on a quick weekend trip. Also, as was mentioned, we just like the comfort of having them and can go whenever. Luckily they went on sale two weeks before we were going to use our 4 day passes so we could upgrade.

[@marciawilson1171]

For a family of 5 that lives in the midwest it is crazy expensive

[@jaremy511]

14:10 Emma's advice is exactly what I used to do and still do to this day. 1 AP gets all the discounts, unless another person's tickets are going to be more than the cost of an AP. Tables In Wonderland (alcohol included) was a cool perk I was going to try to use back in the day, but it expired (RIP). Photopass linking is key too. I also thought about the kid's AP thing.

[@patchworkponderings2835]

Love how you guys are so passionate about getting us the best information! We could never be mad at you for that!!

[@natennt]

I agree with Emma that sometimes it can be beneficial if only one person gets the past, especially with the room discounts. Only draw back now is that the passholder is reservation based while the rest of the family is likely dated based tickets and no park reservations needed

[@BrianBorges-ez3ls]

Hey AllEars! It's a hard truth, given the price tag, but it is an AWESOME deal , for Floridians and the Florida adjacent. I'm 100% with Breedlove on this, but, given that this is Pride month, I'm hijacking this excellent vid , hey RJay! Why aren't you in the parks? I would love a park vid from you. If it's a mobility issue, I apologize. Happy Pride🌈. Excellent vid always!

[@jenj6489]

Great discussion. We’re a dvc family from Texas who just decided to purchase annual passes. Now that my husband is retiring from teaching we can be more flexible with our trip schedules and go a few times a year for 5+ days a trip using our points for our resort stay. So two sorcerer passes were cheaper than two sets of dated standard tickets for the two times a year we would go. Plus we’ll get some of the ap perks that are a little better than what we get with dvc. Super excited to take full advantage 😊. Btw 100% agree with Breedlove about the dining plan. Also if you purchase the passes with a Chase Disney visa card you may be able to spread out the payments with Chase and not pay interest or fees. We’re paying our passes out over 12 months no interest or fees. 👍🏻

[@carolstorchlightcottage6269]

Great information. Been many years since we had the AP for Disneyland California.

[@thedg253]

It's just me and my wife now and I am a retired service member and get the "Military Promotion Tickets" which are a great savings. She and I can make 3, 5 day (w/park hopper), trips per year for the price of the Incredi-pass. So the annual pass is not of much value for us.

[@mychalharmon1]

Too many people struggling with costs right now, working 2 jobs because groceries has gone up to $400 a week. At Universal, I can get passes at about a 3rd of the price and can make monthly payments on them.

[@tashintomorrowland]

I just became an annual pass holder (Incredi Pass) and I am out of state in NC (just 1hr flight) I have 2 trips coming up… 2 days ($402.22) with park hopper in October and 5 days with park hopper in December ($793.78) that alone was going to be $1,196 and then with the current 35% off resort stays for annual passholders that saved us over $400 off of our December stay. So I have already saved $200 and can go to the parks more often in the next yr! If you’re planning to go enough times I think it’s worth it!

[@Praetorian8]

Florida residents get such a good deal compared to Disneyland Magic Keyholders. To RJay's point, the highest level Magic Key at Disneyland is the equivalent of the Disney Sorcerer Pass in terms of blockout dates, and it's like $600 more expensive.

[@danieljustdaniel9550]

Now live local and go to the parks about 3 times a week., I will say that Universal AP gives better discounts than Disney at the food varts and quick service. We are enjoying the 30% discount for AP holders right now.

[@dianavargas3007]

I wish I could go to Disney as much as I want to but I live in Texas the flights and hotel end up adding up. I know Disney does have good neighboring hotel but I don’t think I can fit Disney into my budget more than once a year or every other year. OOORRR…. I can find a way to be part of the AllEars crew 😉.

[@LucyLive91]

Find a friend you can stay with like Fry :) She more often than not stays with Emma. But I also get that for her an Annual Pass worka best for work

[@crimsonisland]

We did the selective AP because my wife and I planned a trip for family of 4 and a trip for just us. This was cheaper for us in the long run.

[@The-Small-Avdentures-of-a-VT]

The wife and I will be doing Universal Orlando annual passes, the top tier universal annual pass (premier pass) is $20 cheaper than the Sorcerer pass from Disney. Includes their water park (volcano bay), has no blackout dates, up to 35% off onsite hotels, Express pass (fast pass) after 4pm. Early Park admission on select dates, basically all of October through December you can get in an hour early, free valet parking and free parking if valet is full, plus discounts on merch and food. All in all, it's a way better deal. We love Disney, but we don't love the prices they are charging and the lack of benefits you get for them.

[@diannesmothers2171]

Just became a passholder...live out of state...ouch! But with several trips a year...with room discounts cause I want to be in the bubble...worth it!

[@mikemcclain628]

You guys do an amazing job!!! I have learned so much from all of you!!!

[@WickedlyMe328]

Have been an AP holder since 2011 and stuck with them during Covid. 😊 I am out of state, so yes top tier.

[@travelertrome8449]

Depends on how die hard a Disney park fan you are. If you live and breathe Disney 24/7, then it is worth the $$. I love Disney parks. But for that level of money I'd rather go to Paris or Thailand.

[@juliamontejo1520]

Breedlove I’m with you about the dining plan! I’ve been to Disney since 2000 and did a table service restaurant for the first time EVER this year. Im also an annual pass holder for the first time this year, because it fits in my budget now! And I live in Florida!

[@mrw108]

In my experience the best perk is the AP discount on hotels, whether Disney Resorts, Swan/Dolphin, or Good Neighbor Hotels. You can often get 30% or so at most hotels.

[@lukeniles9339]

My family has the top annual passes for both Disney and Universal. I expect we will downgrade our Disney ones since we wouldnt want to go during the blackout dates

[@nounoukbooth8008]

Really interestibg video guys! Thanks a lot 🥰

[@Bungletronics]

I agree with Craig. I'm the same age, no family, travel solo to WDW. Before last year it had been 11 years since I went to WDW. I spent 5 days in the parks with 2 travel/Springs days. I rented DVC points so I could be in hotels where I didn't need to use the buses only because I felt I had so much to catch up on. As soon as I got back from the trip I had the itch. I knew what I neglected on the trip and knew I wanted to do a slower, more leisurely trip so I have 10 days booked for early 2024. I thought about buying an annual pass when they re-opened them for sale recently but I just couldn't make the numbers work. I have plenty of PTO and I have a work schedule that gives me usually 2 Fridays off per month. But flying from CA is expensive. Hotels are insanely expensive. Food and drinks are expensive. I just couldn't see a scenario where I can take 3-4 long weekend trips though out the year like I would want to in order to get my worth out of the AP. I probably could make it work if I sacrificed things like staying on property but for me, the magic of it all is being on property the whole time. Not worrying about driving anywhere, etc... I wanted to make it work so badly! Maybe in a few years when I have more disposable income. We'll see where I am in 7-8 months while I'm at WDW but... I think I should use the AP and travel money for other things at this point. I'm also lucky to be 90 min from Disneyland and have had APs there. I recently decided not to renew my Magic Key because the perks are next to zero. The worst part was having to pay for parking when not that long ago all levels of AP got free parking (I think) at least the passes I used to have. Saving $30 on parking means a lot because with gas in So Cal... that's another $20 or so used there and back.

[@karencolglazier8427]

Breedlove with you on DVC and Dining Plan but not on annual pass as long as you know you have trips planned which luckily I do!

[@debraposton]

We are dvc and live out of state so we are able to get the Florida rates for sorcerer pass and it works great for us.

[@allisonechols82]

Breedlove and I are the same age! 80s babies!!

[@nclarke743]

I really need to know where RJay got his shirt. I’ve seen one with obscure references just like it for UP, but can find the ad again. Love RJay’s shirt and I’m going to need to own as many as possible. Love all y’all!!!! ❤❤❤

[@snazzyvalkyrie3107]

I wish there was an annual pass holder line for PARKING

[@sheilaa1333]

We’re from Northern CA and bought a WDW season pass this year since we have a second trip planned for next spring - and it was under $200 to upgrade to the (DVC sorcerer) pass to cover the second trip. For Disneyland you now have to make at least three trips a year to make it worthwhile so I don’t know that we’ll purchase on a regular basis - maybe just upgrade one for the benefits.

[@staciewalker5341]

I am with you flying Spirit from Tennessee1 1.45 min direct flights.

[@sierramist446]

Park hopping is included in the pass, right? I’m surprised I didn’t hear that argument for it because park hopper tickets cost more every day

[@maeganhoney5593]

I have bought 2 disneyland magic keys this year for 1600 each. We live in New mexico. Typically visit disneyland about 3 to 4 times a year. For us we end up saving once you factor in the discounts, free parking and the ability to pop in a few hours on a down day or when we arrive to town that night, or pop in before leaving town, also we will probably throw in a couple last minute quick trips now that ticket purchases aren't an issue. We also have universal hollywood passes which are very much cheaper but weve definitely got our money's worth there too, just popping in for a day or 2 with every disney visit. The free parking covers the cost of the passes alone.

[@maeganhoney5593]

We also only make it to disneyworld about once a year. I'd love to have passes there and visit more often but it ends up being very expensive for us as flights from where we live are just not cheap.

[@michelle1]

It makes sense for me since I do several short 1-day trips/year. However, if I were to only do a week each year, it wouldn't be cheaper. You really need to work out for your own family what is and is not cheaper. Since my kids don't like Disney parks, they go very rarely. When they do, I buy them non-AP tickets, but I still get the AP discounts for food, merch, and hotel stays.

[@lovestodive1879]

I've had one on and off for the last 10 years. I always do the math before I either renew or not. I use UCT to buy my tickets and always buy hoppers so I try to narrow down the dates I think I'm going throughout the year and go to their website and get the prices. Then I compare that to the AP. I don't ever take any discounts into consideration, just the cost of the type of ticket I buy. I've often found the general discount or - in the past not so much now - going through somewhere like Orbitz can get me a better discount. For some reason I tend to eat at places that don't give the discount and shop at places that don't. So, for me, it's just the math on the cost of a ticket. I have one right now but I just so happened to be at WDW when they came out, it was the second to last day of my trip. I'm out of state and not DVC. I was able to bridge my ticket into the AP (they take the cost of your current ticket and subtract it) and ended up only paying something silly like $650 for the AP. I knew I was taking at least one more trip in that year span and I knew I would be buying at least a 5 day if not 6 day hopper. The math worked.

[@Vway1501]

Fry Bucket and Emma, you are adorable. Thanks for doing what you do

[@pwnmasteh]

My family used to get Annual Passes every now and then. I've probably had 5-7 in my lifetime. If we did get one we mapped it out so that we would get at least 3 trips to Disney on the same cycle. Usually go sometimes in July/August, then again in December for Christmas, then again the next summer in June. The 3rd trip our park tickets were essentially "free" and that doesn't even include the discount on food that we would have bought anyway. I feel like if its within your means and you plan to go for 2 week long trips or more then it is worth it.

[@batoerin]

I wish I lived close enough to make an AP worth it- but Disney is an expensive vacation. Usually about the time I've spent 7 days there- is when I'm ready to go home and get a reprieve from the high prices. Vacation time is also limited- I don't like burning more than a week at once. Vacation means flights, hotels, users, and dog watching. Going once for a week is more cost-effective than going for shorter more frequently. If I lived within like 3 hours- I'd do it for sure. Currently- does not make sense. I also think dvc is for families who need to stay at deluxe resorts for whole time- if you're more of a value or split stay person- then it doesn't make sense. Also, it commits you to doing Disney every year- renting points or paying cash gives you much better flexibility.

[@bobblack6816]

ABSOLUTELY!!!!!!!!!!!

[@zerokool-2058]

I wish people that don’t live in Disney can get a basic pass. Where you can just go on certain days. Like why people in other states have to pay full price? When we want to just go a few times a year only.

[@budluskus489]

Remember that the PhotoPass is not included in any of the AP plans, but it IS an add-on. I visit twice a year for 7-8 days each trip, so an AP is worth it for me. Room, and other, discounts are just bonus points for me.

[@michaelcertain415]

It doesn't make sense for us. We are only at WDW every other year. If we were going more frequently, and the math made sense, then absolutely. You just have to do the math to see if its right for you. It's tricky because you should calculate in the discounts to see if it makes a difference, and Emma's trick is a good one as well. However, just take the time to do the math and the answer will become clear. The dining plan is the same. For instance, if you want to do character meals every day it will makes sense If you want to have more flexibility, eat at more lounges (even with them on the plan now) and quick service, etc. then it won't. I calculated it out based on our actual dining cost in April, with 2 character meals, Jiko, Jaleo, Space 220 Lounge, Beaches and Cream, Geyser Point (twice), Wine Bar George and what I called the "James Beard Walk" at Disney Springs - apps/small plates at Homecomin' Wine Bar George (yes I know George M. is not a JB award winner/nominee but its our favorite and he is one of only 250 Master Sommeliers in the world soooooo....lol!) Frontera Cocina, Morimoto Asia and Polite Pig) included (not to mention the food booths at Epcot). We would have spent much more money getting the plan, and wouldn't have had the flexibility to do the "James Beard Walk". A better idea, in my opinion, is to buy gift cards. You can buy discounted gift cards with your Disney Visa and multiply the savings. This way you can essentially prepay, get a built in discount on the meals and have the flexibility to eat where and what you want. You can also use your Disney Visa or Redemption Card at some restaurants (for example, Jiko, Toledo, Whispering Canyon - there are many more) and get a 10% discount on your entire meal. If we want to stay at a DVC resort we just rent points. This way there are no upfront or ongoing costs / commitment, and deep discounts on the rooms. If you're worried about the non-refundable term in the rental agreement buy trip insurance, which you should probably do anyway.

[@G20Storm]

I was thinkin of getting the annual pass, but i live in texas. Basically what I got from this.. the annual pass is worth it if you like to spend money because discount discount discount. Think I'll just buy tickets go once and not spend money on stuff lol

[@zerokool-2058]

If you go 3 times a year is still cheaper than the annual pass. Is only worth it if you will be going 7-8 times a year.

[@susanlieberman9012]

For me, being a Disneyland passholder is 100 percent worth it. I go about once a month and I have paid for my pass twice. Having the photo included is totally worth it. I went to WDW last March and it is a big trip from the west coast. For me it is a once a year trip and not worth having a pass. If I went more often it would be worth it. I do miss the discounts very much. I wish that when you bought genie plus at WDW you got the photo pass. The price for the memory maker is really expensive. On my Disneyland pass they block us out the last two weeks of the year even though I pay for the highest level pass. I wish they would change this.

[@thewanderer2020]

For amusement parks, typically a Season Pass pays for itself by the third visit. Based on others comments, this Disney pass would require 11 visits. This seems way too high for it to be a reasonable price point.

[@JordanKiehl]

Breedlove might be 41 but he acts older than family members who are in their 80s. 😂

[@TROQUE4]

ok, i would get a epcot pass just for dinner

[@phantomx3.0]

how many people are allowed to be on one annual pass?

[@kraaaah2823]

One. It is attached to your My DisneyExperience profile

[@mizuki_1516]

I wanna AP 😭

[@zerokool-2058]

Staying at Disney Springs for cheaper than other places??? YEAH NO!!! We stayed at a regular resort/ hotel and it was 1/3 of the price for the same amount of days. What discount you got at Disney Springs ? lol

[@parindushah1535]

I think you go more than three times, it's worth it. Simple math.

[@CarolHeney]

I agree with Breedlove!! Why do Florida residents get all the perks???? People from all over the world go to WDW! I think this is the BIGGEST DISCRIMINATION EVER!!!

[@karencolglazier8427]

Me! 😂

[@TheWaltDisneyWards]

I just want to scream when people who aren’t AP holders use the AP line and don’t have their passes or magic bands ready. Rant over first world problems.