Walt Disney World is providing a free ‘bonus’ reward card with the acquisition of a brand new Annual Go, which is essentially the most aggressive & engaging we’ve seen for purchasing an AP in roughly a decade. This covers the massive promo together with our commentary about why that is truly a large deal. Not essentially a very good deal when it comes to the low cost, however an essential transfer within the larger image and one in every of many extra “levers” we count on WDW to drag to revive declining attendance.
As you may recall, Walt Disney World lately lowered the Florida Resident Month-to-month Cost Program down cost from $205 to $99. To offset this the lowered down cost, Disney elevated month-to-month costs, with the end result being precisely the identical–company paid the identical quantity on the finish of the 12 months, the allocation of prices simply modified.
Though that was not marketed as a brief promotion, it quietly ended a couple of weeks in the past. The down cost returned to $205, and month-to-month funds have likewise are again at their earlier numbers. It’s unclear what prompted this reversion to the prior numbers, however we speculated that Walt Disney World realized it wasn’t shifting the needle in any respect and that extra was wanted.
When beforehand discussing the deposit discount, we indicated that it was probably Walt Disney World would pull “levers” that contain Annual Go promotions. Prior to now, we’ve seen particular gives with bonus months or deeper reductions for DVC members. That’s one possibility. One other can be making the Sorcerer Go obtainable to most of the people.
With Epic Universe now open and low summer season crowds at Walt Disney World, essentially the most logical transfer can be extra promos and initiatives to draw company–not fewer. Properly, now Walt Disney World has finished precisely that. Listed below are full official particulars:
Get a Free Present Card with Walt Disney World AP Buy
For a restricted time, stand up to a $100 Disney Present Card eGift once you buy a brand new Walt Disney World Annual Go.
Present card values differ based mostly on Annual Go kind:
- $100 Disney Present Card eGift – included with a Disney Incredi-Go
- $75 Disney Present Card eGift – included with a Disney Sorcerer Go (for Florida residents and eligible Disney Trip Membership Members solely*)
- $50 Disney Present Card eGift – included with a Disney Pirate Go (for Florida residents solely)
- $25 Disney Present Card eGift – included with a Disney Pixie Go (for Florida residents solely)
This provide is just legitimate for brand spanking new Annual Passes. This particular provide can’t be mixed with another low cost or promotion, together with any renewal reductions.
After buying a brand new Annual Go, the Disney Present Card eGift will probably be delivered inside a couple of days to the e-mail tackle supplied at buy.
Phrases & Circumstances for Disney Present Card
- Disney Present Card eGift worth relies on the unique Annual Go bought.
- The Disney Present Card is redeemable for items and companies at taking part Disney places.
- Not redeemable for money except required by legislation.
- Not for resale.
- Issued by, and represents a authorized obligation solely of, Disney Present Card Companies, Inc.
- Misplaced, broken or stolen playing cards could also be changed provided that verification of receipt and full card quantity is supplied.
- For card steadiness inquiries, name (877) 650-4327 or go to Disney Present Card.
- View full Disney Present Card phrases and situations (together with arbitration settlement).
Be aware that Walt Disney World has not introduced when this particular provide ends. This has turn out to be more and more widespread with latest promos, and the top date is simply each time who manages the spreadsheets decides that they’re happy with the numbers. I’d count on this to stay round by means of no less than the August and September 2025 low season, however wouldn’t essentially financial institution on it being obtainable in October 2025 or past.
It’s additionally price noting that worth will increase sometimes happen across the begin of the brand new fiscal yr. For the final couple of years, that has been mid-October, however that might occur by mid-to-late September. We point out that right here as a result of there’s nothing precluding a worth enhance throughout this particular provide.
Although this “free” reward card deal is a really clear signal of sentimental demand and Walt Disney World overshooting its pricing with Annual Passes, that doesn’t imply they received’t enhance costs anyway. As we’ve mentioned repeatedly, Walt Disney World administration went to the Kohl’s Enterprise Faculty. Their very sturdy desire is year-over-year worth progress, with reductions as dictated by demand (or lack thereof).
Finally, this technique goes to backfire, however there’s no cause to consider they’ve modified course. If something, this promo solely reinforces that strategy. We’ve seen the identical occur with menu costs at eating places, character eating experiences and extra–whilst demand has dropped dramatically.
For reference, listed below are 2025 costs for every tier of Walt Disney World Annual Go:
- Incredi-Go: $1,549 – beforehand $1,449
- Sorcerer Go: $1,079 – beforehand $999
- Pirate Go: $829 – beforehand $799
- Pixie Go: $469 – beforehand $439
Simply “for enjoyable” right here’s how new Walt Disney World AP costs evaluate to once they had been re-introduced with the brand new tiers again in 2021:
- Incredi-Go: $1,299
- Sorcerer Go: $899
- Pirate Go: $699
- Pixie Go: $399
For much more leisure, under are costs for the outdated Annual Passes as of early 2020. Hopefully this final spherical of enjoyable doesn’t make your abdomen too unsettled!
- Disney Platinum Plus Annual Go: $1295 / $999
- Disney Platinum Annual Go: $1195 / $899
- Disney Gold Annual Go: $719
- Disney Silver Annual Go: $539
- Disney Weekday Choose Annual Go: $369
- EPCOT After 4 Annual Go: $319
The Pixie Mud and Pirate Passes can be found to solely Floridians. The Sorcerer Go expands eligibility to incorporate Disney Trip Membership members. The highest tier Incredi-Go is the one AP obtainable to most of the people. Advantages for all tiers embrace as much as 20% off choose eating and merchandise, in addition to free normal theme park parking and different perks. Blockout dates and reservation limits apply, and differ by tier.
It’s most likely truthful to say that the Incredi-Go gives the worst worth for cash. I’d think about that solely a single-digit proportion of Floridian Annual Passholders maintain that tier. Of Disney Trip Membership members, that quantity might be a tad increased, however I’d wager on the Sorcerer Go being considerably extra in style. Judging by crowd patterns, the Pixie Mud Go might be far and away the most well-liked possibility, total.
Turning to commentary, this free reward card provide solely applies to the acquisition of latest Annual Passes through the promo interval. It most likely doesn’t apply to most of you studying this, which can lead you to consider it doesn’t actually matter. Nonetheless, it’s fascinating for a couple of causes–and I think many vacationers are overlooking significance of this transfer because it doesn’t apply to you and received’t cross lots of your minds as one thing that makes a distinction. Nevertheless it does!
The large cause is that this is Walt Disney World pulling a “lever” and making an attempt to lure individuals to the parks. Providing a present card makes buying an AP extra engaging, and may stimulate demand. That is particularly essential proper now, as a result of attendance could be very clearly down year-over-year.
What’s fascinating, although, is that in contrast to the lowered down cost–which didn’t materially enhance the worth proposition–this doesn’t cut back the barrier of entry for a Walt Disney World Annual Go. In contrast to that promo, the upfront price right here is unchanged. It’s the worth proposition that has been altered. Simply an fascinating wrinkle between the 2 approaches.
This may occasionally not appear essential to out of state vacationers used to swallowing $5,000+ trip prices, nevertheless it’s a giant deal in what it symbolizes.
Walt Disney World pulling this lever suggests there’s extra to return. One in every of our latest focuses has been decreased attendance, and we lined a few of the causes for this dynamic in Why Summer time is the New Low Crowds Season at Disney World. I’m not going to rehash all of that, however right here’s a listing of fast hits for many who need the rundown:
- Epic Universe (negligible affect)
- Worldwide Journey Pullback (1% to 1.5% affect)
- Financial Uncertainty (no affect)
- Starlight Delays (no affect)
- Shifting Schedules (main affect)
- Excessive Warmth & Humidity (reasonable to main affect)
- Shorter Park Hours (some affect)
- No Particular Occasions (some affect)
- Minimal Mitigation (some affect)
Within the more moderen crowd report, Walt Disney World’s Gradual Summer time Continues in July, we added a pair extra explanations.
Whatever the causes, Walt Disney World has already pulled from the 2019 playbook for reductions beginning final yr. As we’ve reported at size elsewhere, you possibly can get the least expensive Walt Disney World journey in July 2025 since no less than 2019. That’s sort of loopy when you understand how a lot base costs have exploded post-COVID.
There have been some extremely aggressive reductions this summer season, and regardless of that, attendance is nonetheless low. An enormous a part of that is shifting seasonal journey preferences which have hollowed out the summer season in favor of different extra favorable instances to go to, nevertheless it’s nonetheless the case that crowds are down a lot of the yr as in comparison with the times of ‘revenge journey.’
Suffice to say, the 2019 playbook isn’t reducing it. These offers haven’t been adequate to entice sufficient individuals to go to, so now Walt Disney World must go a step past that into extra ingenious territory. It’s protected to say that is the start of that, and this reward card isn’t going to the be the answer in complete.
One of many above components would just about necessitate as a lot. A confluence of them, coupled with the dearth of latest sights round which to construct a advertising marketing campaign, all however ensures higher reductions and particular gives. That is exactly what we’ve seen
I wouldn’t be shocked if there are extra “levers” that contain Annual Go promotions.
Prior to now, we’ve seen particular gives with bonus months or deeper reductions for DVC members. A couple of decade in the past, we bought a promotional Disney Trip Membership Annual Go for $595. Across the similar time (+/- one yr), there was additionally a 15 months for the value of 12 months promo.
In some unspecified time in the future within the not-too-distant future, we additionally wouldn’t be shocked to see Walt Disney World take away the reservation requirement. Sure, we’re conscious that this was simply heightened for the launch of Starlight night time parade. And sustaining that is likely to be mandatory till mid-January 2026. However reservations weren’t actually mandatory for over a yr previous to then, and eradicating that friction level may spur gross sales of latest Annual Passes–and with out any discounting being mandatory.
I’d argue that theme park reservations have outlived their usefulness at Walt Disney World on 98% of dates (if no more). It’s a very completely different story at Disneyland, however not Walt Disney World. At this level, it most likely is sensible to drop reservations solely and use a mixture of blockouts and the occasional (very, very uncommon) phased closure on the 1-2 days per yr when mandatory.
As talked about above, one other can be making the Sorcerer Go obtainable to most of the people. Walt Disney World most likely doesn’t need to do that, as “forcing” out of state followers to both purchase the dearer multi-day tickets or the top-tier AP is the specified end result for the corporate. (We regularly hear from vacationers who’re aggravated about Disney’s AP insurance policies, feeling they need to be catered to since they spend extra–however that’s exactly why they aren’t.)
After all, this overlooks one other risk: these followers visiting not shopping for any APs and visiting much less. At one level, Disney decided the calculus favored “forcing” extra spending or fewer visits. I truthfully haven’t any clue whether or not that’s nonetheless an correct evaluation, or if Disney has even thought to revisit the choice.
We would discover out quickly, although. Annual Go promos with restricted time dollars-off financial savings or longer durations most likely makes essentially the most sense if Walt Disney World needs to do extra to bolster their AP base. If I had been in cost, I’d make a brand new ‘Animal Kingdom After 4’ Annual Go and promote it to anybody.
Alongside comparable traces, Walt Disney World is likely to be doing this as a result of they’ve noticed a chance to draw extra locals earlier than Common Orlando opens the floodgates and begins promoting Annual Passes that embrace Epic Universe. I’m skeptical that’s going to occur anytime quickly–it actually shouldn’t. However it should finally.
Walt Disney World getting out forward of that inevitability and capturing AP {dollars} can be savvy. It presents a chance for Disney to flip the script and entice locals who beforehand felt alienated by local-unfriendly insurance policies. Proper now might be a golden window of alternative that many Floridians are “sitting out” Common Orlando Annual Passes.
However that received’t final. At any time when Common does begin promoting Epic Universe Annual Passes (whether or not that be in August 2025 or September 2026), there’s going to be a mad rush of locals shopping for them. And theme park budgets solely go to date, that means lots of those self same individuals might then “sit out” Walt Disney World APs.
Lastly, one of the widespread arguments amongst followers is about how Annual Passholders inflicting overcrowding. As a result of we’re, within the notorious phrases of the previous CFO, an unfavorable attendance combine. Which means that, on common, APs spend much less per go to. Irrespective of the way you may really feel, that’s statistically correct.
In doing our half to assist assist the struggling enterprise, we contributed tens of hundreds of {dollars} to the corporate’s coffers final yr. However we did so over the course of ~100 days within the parks, making our per go to price decrease than that of the common vacationer.
Regardless, Walt Disney World and Disneyland doesn’t essentially wish to cut back the variety of Annual Passholders. What they need is extra granular management. This is the reason Magic Key gross sales use a Disney Vault technique and reservations are required.
It’s the identical concept with crowds, interval. Disney doesn’t need decrease attendance. If they might maximize visitor spending & satisfaction, and crowds, they completely would. Therefore the wait instances we see between Christmas and New 12 months’s Eve, which is each the busiest week of all the yr and the most costly.
That strategy isn’t replicable most weeks, however that instance must be proof optimistic that Disney needs to have its cake and eat it, too. Since that isn’t life like many of the yr, they as an alternative optimize for spending, satisfaction, and crowds. Controlling the move of Annual Passholders is one such manner, opening that valve slightly extra–like proper now–when vacationer numbers are down (or projected to be down).
Planning a Walt Disney World journey? Find out about accommodations on our Walt Disney World Lodges Critiques web page. For the place to eat, learn our Walt Disney World Restaurant Critiques. To economize on tickets or decide which sort to purchase, learn our Ideas for Saving Cash on Walt Disney World Tickets submit. Our What to Pack for Disney Journeys submit takes a singular take a look at intelligent objects to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Experience Guides will assist. For complete recommendation, the perfect place to start out is our Walt Disney World Journey Planning Information for every part it’s worthwhile to know!
YOUR THOUGHTS
What do you consider Walt Disney World providing a free reward card of as much as $100 for brand spanking new Annual Go purchases? Suppose this freebie will transfer the needle on AP gross sales? Want WDW would do extra to incentivize Annual Go purchases amongst out of state followers? Any expectations about particular gives going ahead? Suppose extra “levers” are going to be pulled earlier than this yr is over? Do you agree or disagree with our evaluation? Any questions we can assist you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even once you disagree with us–is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas under within the feedback!
