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There’s One Big Problem With Holiday Booking at Disney World Right Now

For many Disney World Annual Passholders, summer usually comes with a glimmer of hope—hope that the holiday season won’t break the bank. But this year, that hope is turning into frustration.

annual passholder park pass reservation
Credit: Disney Fanatic

In both 2023 and 2024, Disney rolled out massive room discounts just in time for Passholders to start planning their fall and winter trips. We’re talking up to 40% off select resort stays—deals that made it possible for out-of-state fans and Florida locals alike to afford a little more magic during the busiest (and priciest) time of year. Those deals were typically announced by late June. This year? Nothing.

As of June 30, there’s no word. No email. No offer. Just standard, peak-season rates staring Passholders in the face.

It’s not like Passholders haven’t been loyal. In fact, Disney’s entire Annual Pass program has always leaned on fan dedication. These are the guests who plan months in advance, show up repeatedly, and spend big when they visit. So the absence of a familiar discount is more than a financial inconvenience—it feels like a snub.

Disney World characters dressed in festive holiday attire stand in front of the Cinderella castle.
Credit: Disney

Sure, Disney launched their V.I.PASSHOLDER Summer Days campaign with dining deals and extra perks. But many APs aren’t convinced that summer freebies make up for the lack of holiday support. The holiday discount is usually the one that lets fans bring their families, stay a little longer, or splurge on those hard-ticket events. And without it, many are now facing tough choices.

To be fair, Disney hasn’t officially said there won’t be a discount this year. But as July begins, the clock is ticking. Travel plans are being made. Flights are getting booked. And the longer the silence continues, the more it feels like Disney may be moving on without its most faithful guests.

A woman and two young children, all smiling and wearing festive outfits and Christmas-themed mouse ears, pose in front of a large, decorated Christmas tree with Donald Duck. The room is elegantly adorned with holiday decorations at Disney World.
Credit: Disney

It’s still possible a discount could drop in the coming days. But if it doesn’t, thousands of Passholders may be spending the holidays somewhere else—off-property, or maybe not at Disney World at all.

Andrew Boardwine

A frequent visitor of Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort, Andrew will likely be found freefalling on Twilight Zone Tower of Terror or enjoying Pirates of the Caribbean. Over at Universal, he'll be taking in the thrills of the Jurassic World Velocicoaster and Revenge of the Mummy

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