Disney Park Slashes Perks for Its Most Loyal Fans

Social media is in an uproar after this Disney Park announced drastically fewer benefits would be included in an all-new Annual Pass (AP) system.

Disney’s Annual Passes have been an option at Walt Disney World since 1982. To reward loyal Guests for returning to the Parks year after year (or even monthly), Disney Parks rolled out perks like free parking, dining discounts, Disney Resort offers, and more. While they don’t make sense for fans who visit Disney every few years, locals and frequent Disney Guests have reaped the benefits of an Annual Pass.

Magic Key holders are the Annual Passholders at Disney’s west coast sibling in Disneyland, and the regulars across the pond at Disneyland Paris share the Annual Passholder name with Walt Disney World Guests. As of today, the Parisian Disney Park is ruffling feathers with its most loyal fans as the Park announced slashed perks for Annual Passholders.

Guests Have to Bid Adieu to These Benefits

A long-awaited announcement landed on Disneyland Paris AP Holders today after months—even years—of whispers about a reworked system. Rebranded the Disneyland Pass, the new digital system replaces the three-prong AP hierarchy of the past.

Starting on July 19, Guests can only renew or purchase through the Disneyland Pass options as shared by DLP Report on social media:

⚠️ Breaking: Disneyland Paris unveils “Disneyland Pass”, the new frequent visitors product.
– 3 Passes
– 3 Reservations – availability increased to FULL park capacity
– 4 AP Party a year, next on Sep 29
– Changes in benefits
ALL the details in our article:https://t.co/aSOOxqFdxR pic.twitter.com/oqardRju5D

— DLP Report (@DLPReport) July 11, 2023

While the 25% discount for disabled Guests and a caretaker remains the same, the benefits previously offered are vastly different. With the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Disneyland Passes as the Park’s new AP offerings, Guests can now only access Extra Magic Time with the highest-level pass at €699.

Although current AP Holders can still use the benefits from the former system until their passes expire, DLP Report shared a list of perks vanishing with the Disneyland Pass on social media:

⚠️ Many benefits are no longer offered with Disneyland Pass.
– Existing AP Holders keep remaining Privilege Tickets, EMT and discounts until expiration.
– AP Entrance, Infinity Parking, Rental discounts, free bag storage end for all Jul 19.
– Reserved Viewing ends for all Aug 1. pic.twitter.com/H36zIfXAGG

— DLP Report (@DLPReport) July 11, 2023

• 1-Day/2-Park tickets at reduced prices for family & friends
• AP Entrance
• Infinity Parking
• Free bag storage
• Reserved Viewing Areas (available until August 1)
• Free stroller and wheelchair rentals
• AP Room Rates
• Discounts on day tickets

As mentioned, Extra Magic Time and discounts will be removed starting July 19. From there, only Gold Disneyland Passholders will access Extra Magic Time.

Do the New Benefits Outweigh the Costs?

Long-term AP Holders have been in an uproar about the loss of perks with the new AP system. Social media user Nicky Cattrell (@nickyjcat) shared a widespread sentiment among frequent Guests:

Taking away the Infinity area to watch parades?? Really?? That was the only reason we had a family of 4 Infinity passes.. we’re due to renew in August.. sad to say I think it’s time we let them go.

Taking away the Infinity area to watch parades?? Really?? That was the only reason we had a family of 4 Infinity passes.. we’re due to renew in August.. sad to say I think it’s time we let them go 😢

— Nicky Cattell (@nickyjcat) July 11, 2023

However, DLP Report included a short list of unique benefits the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Disneyland Passes offer to Guests, including:

• Four AP Parties a year guaranteed, focused on seasons or themes (holder + one Guest), first on September 29
• Exclusive meet and greet space several times a year (a few weeks each time)
• One visit per holder to book in advance

While new Disneyland Pass parties and exclusive meet and greets are well and good, Guests are hard-pressed to justify the removal of Disney Resort discounts, reserved viewing areas for parades, and free stroller and wheelchair rentals.

Disneyland Paris Makes Headlines Again

News of this digitized system comes on the heels of discourse at Disneyland Paris from Cast Members striking to demand an additional USD 200 per month, higher pay on Sundays, and improved working conditions. While Disneyland Paris president Natacha Rafalski has primarily dismissed the Cast Members and Paris Unions, they’ve agreed to pause their strikes for the summer.

With so much anticipation built ahead of this Park update and tensions from recent riots in the Parks, Disneyland Paris appears to be in hot water once again.