Are Disney World Annual Passes Worth it?

We did the math to find the break even point for Disney World Annual Passes

The complete guide to Walt Disney World Annual Passes, including real-life costs and break-even points so you can decider whether it's worth it to buy a Disney World Annual Pass. This story plus DisneyBand+ versus MagicBand+ and what's the difference?

Listen to the Disney Travel News Podcast

Everything you Want to Know About Annual Passes Before AP Sales Return to Walt Disney World

New sales of the Disney Incredi-Pass, Disney Sorcerer Pass and Disney Pirate Pass start on April 20. Quantities will be limited and passes may become unavailable at any time.

Eligible DVC Members will have the opportunity to purchase the DVC Disney Sorcerer Pass starting April 13 as part of DVC Membership Magic benefits.

Passholder benefits: Passholders get access to select Disney PhotoPass benefits (age restrictions apply) and (as of April 18) can visit the parks after 2:00 p.m. without needing a park reservation -- except on Saturdays and Sundays at Magic Kingdom Park. Pass blockout dates continue to apply for certain passes.

This is the first time Walt Disney World annual passes will be available for general purchase since sales of all but the Florida residents pass were suspended in November 2021.

Prices for the Walt Disney World Annual Passes are:

• Incredi-Pass: $1,399
• Sorcerer Pass: $969
• Pirate Pass: $749
• Pixie Dust Pass: $399
• Add ons: $99 for unlimited PhotoPass downloads; $99 for Water Parks and Sports option

All passes include free standard theme park parking and discounts on select dining and merchandise.

The Four Types of Walt Disney World Annual Passes 2023

Disney Pixie Dust Pass ($399)

• Florida Residents Only
• Use it on "most" weekdays, subject to blockout dates, including peak and holiday periods. 
• You can have a max of three park reservations at a time (unless you have a Disney hotel reservation, then it's length of stay).

Disney Pirate Pass ($749)

• Florida Residents Only
• Use it on "most" days, subject to blockout dates, including peak and holiday periods. 
• Max of four park reservations at a time (with a Disney hotel reservation, it's for length of stay).

Disney Sorcerer Pass ($969)

• Florida Residents and eligible DVC Members
• Use it on "most" days, subject to blockout dates on select days during select holiday periods 
• Max of five park reservations at a time (with a Disney hotel reservation, it's for length of stay).

Disney Incredi-Pass ($1399)

• Open to all guests
  
• No blockout dates
• Max of five park reservations at a time (with a Disney hotel reservation, it's for length of stay).

 
Is a Walt Disney World Annual Pass Worth it? Let's Do the Math

Using our real-life example from Spring 2023, the cost of Disney Parks Tickets (Park Hopper Plus) ages 10+ and valid any 8 days was $800.66. 

Looking at the costs above, that means that if you generally travel to Walt Disney World for approximately 10 days in a year (or more), then the Disney Sorcerer Pass is worth it (if you qualify).

If you generally travel to Walt Disney World for approximately 14 days in a year (or more), then the Disney Incredi-Pass is worth it.
 
DisneyBand+ Wearable Technology is coming to Disney Cruise Line: Is this Just a Disney-Cruise-branded MagicBand+?

DisneyBand+ is coming to Disney Cruise Line, starting with a preview on select Disney Wish sailings before it officially debuts.

When DisneyBand+ launches, you will have the option to use Disney's hands-free technology on Disney Cruise Line (you don't have to use one). With three Disney Cruise Line designs available for purchase, DisneyBand+ is a new optional accessory for a Disney cruise vacation.

Sounds a lot like a MagicBand+, right? Read on....

What Does DisneyBand+ Do?

DisneyBand+ will allow you to unlock your stateroom door and charge to your payment card on your stateroom folio. 
 
Children aged 3 and up can use their bands instead of the Oceaneer Club Band to access kids’ clubs while onboard the ship and at Scuttle’s Cove, Castaway Cay.
 
Onboard photographers around the ship will tap your DisneyBand+ to link photos to your stateroom, making it easier to view and purchase photos during their cruise.

DisneyBand+ will also allow you to uncover surprises throughout the cruise, so watch for extra moments of magic. 

The big question is, isn't this just a MagicBand+ with Disney Cruise Line designs?
 
While we don't know for certain, the answer appears to be yet. 
 
In the FAQ, DIsney states: "Your Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort MagicBand+ can be used as a DisneyBand+ during select Disney Cruise Line sailings." Plus, Disney also notes that you can use a DisneyBand+ for Walt Disney World and Disneyland hotels and theme parks.

Contact us at 1923 Main Street

Thank you for listening to the Disney Travel News Podcast at 1923MainStreet.com. We try to bring 15 minutes of Disney magic every week. As always, we love to get feedback and questions from our listeners and to hear your suggestions and ideas that we can include in future episodes.

Please be sure to follow along on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook.

Your Source for the Latest Disney Travel News

If you would like to help support the show, please share 1923 Main Street with your friends and on social media. We very much appreciate the support!

Shop Disney

Be sure to visit our online shop for a wide selection of 1923 Main Street merchandise, plus original Disney-inspired t-shirts and more.

Thank you for listening and have a magical day!

Mike Belobradic and Amelia Belobradic