Today it was announced that Disneyland is ending its Annual Pass program. The news comes as the Disneyland Resort continues to remain closed due to COVID-19. In its place, a new membership program will be instituted. A letter was sent out to Annual Passholders from Disneyland Resort president Ken Potrock. In it, he announces the “sunsetting” of the current Annual Passport program and promises new “membership offerings” moving forward.
For those who had active Annual Passholders as of March 14, 2020, discounts will continue to be available as was applicable to their type of Annual Passport. Starting on January 18th, Annual Passholders will eligible for additional discounts at the Downtown Disney District. This continues through February 25, 2021. During this time, Passholders will receive a 30% discount on select merchandise at select locations in Downtown Disney District and Buena Vista Street, Monday through Thursday. More details about this can be found at: Disneyland.com/APSpecialOffers
Annual Passholders will receive a “pro rata refund” as is applicable. Annual Passholders will receive an email regarding this once any applicable refund has been processed. More details can be found at: Disneyland.com/PassportRefund
While there are plenty of unknowns at this time for what the future looks like for Disneyland Annual Passholders, Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock shared his optimism about the future. There will be a new program of some sort for current Annual Passholders to become a part of. Just what that is, remains to be seen. Judging by Potrock’s email to Annual Passholders, the details are still being worked on.
Below is the full email from Ken Potrock to Disneyland Resort Annual Passholders along with the separate email that was sent to Premiere Passholders.
Disneyland Annual Passholder Email
Dear Annual Passholder,
For nearly four decades, our Annual Passport program has been an important part of connecting with some of our most valued Guests. We are incredibly honored and grateful for that legacy, and the memories and magical moments you have helped us create over the years.
It’s because you’ve played such an important part in the history of the Disneyland Resort that I personally wanted to share this news with you. In the next several days, we will begin the process of issuing appropriate refunds for eligible Disneyland Resort Annual Passports and sunsetting the current Annual Passport program due to the continued uncertainty of the pandemic and limitations and expected restrictions around the reopening of our theme parks.
I know that sunsetting the Annual Passport program will be disappointing to many of our Passholders who are just as anxious as we are to reopen our gates and welcome Guests back when the time is right. But we are also very excited about what’s ahead. We plan to use this time while we remain closed to develop new membership offerings that will utilize consumer insights to deliver choice, flexibility and value for our biggest fans. Once we have more information to share about future membership offerings, our Passholders will be the first to hear from us as we embark on this next chapter.
Annual Passholders who held active Passports as of March 14, 2020 will continue to receive applicable discounts, based on their Passport type, on merchandise and food & beverages at select Downtown Disney District and Buena Vista Street locations, until new membership offerings are announced. As an added benefit, starting January 18 through February 25, 2021, these Passholders will receive a 30% discount on select merchandise at select locations in Downtown Disney District and Buena Vista Street, Monday through Thursday. For more details, visit Disneyland.com/APSpecialOffers. We also encourage you to stay connected with the Disneyland Annual Passholders Facebook page as we plan to continue our Annual Passport communication and digital content with more special opportunities to come, until new membership offerings are announced.
A pro rata refund will be issued for your Passport, if you are entitled to one. We are committed to processing refunds as diligently and as quickly as possible. A separate confirmation email will be sent once any applicable pro rata refund has been processed. Please visit Disneyland.com/PassportRefund for more information.
While I have not had the chance to engage with many of you since assuming my Disneyland role in May of last year, I do want to thank you for your understanding during this challenging and unprecedented time. We are incredibly optimistic about our bright future – and look forward to you being part of it.
Again, thank you for your loyalty over the years and your continued support.
Ken Potrock
President
Disneyland Resort
Email to Disney Premiere Passholders
Dear Disney Premier Passholder,
For nearly four decades, our Annual Passport program has been an important part of connecting with some of our most valued Guests. We are incredibly honored and grateful for that legacy, and the memories and magical moments you have helped us create over the years.
It’s because you’ve played such an important part in the history of the Disneyland Resort that I personally wanted to share this news with you. In the next several days, we will begin the process of issuing appropriate refunds for eligible Disneyland Resort Annual Passports and sunsetting the current Annual Passport program, including the Disney Premier Passports, due to the continued uncertainty of the pandemic and limitations and expected restrictions around the reopening of our theme parks.
I know that sunsetting the Annual Passport program will be disappointing to many of our Passholders who are just as anxious as we are to reopen our gates and welcome Guests back when the time is right. But we are also very excited about what’s ahead. We plan to use this time while we remain closed to develop new membership offerings that will utilize consumer insights to deliver choice, flexibility and value for our biggest fans. Once we have more information to share about future membership offerings, our Passholders will be the first to hear from us as we embark on this next chapter.
Annual Passholders who held active Passports as of March 14, 2020 will continue to receive applicable discounts, based on their Passport type, on merchandise and food & beverages at select Downtown Disney District and Buena Vista Street locations, until new membership offerings are announced. As an added benefit, starting January 18 through February 25, 2021, these Passholders will receive a 30% discount on select merchandise at select locations in Downtown Disney District and Buena Vista Street, Monday through Thursday. For more details, visit Disneyland.com/APSpecialOffers. In addition, all Premier Passholders will be eligible to enjoy Walt Disney World Resort Theme Park access and V.I.PASSHOLDER Perks through March 31, 2021. Please note, advanced Disney Park Pass reservations are required for park entry. Premier Passholders will also be able to renew into Walt Disney World Resort Annual Passes through April 30, 2021. We also encourage you to stay connected with the Disneyland Annual Passholders Facebook page as we plan to continue our Annual Passport communication and digital content with more special opportunities to come, until new membership offerings are announced.
A pro rata refund will be issued for your Passport, if you are entitled to one. We are committed to processing refunds as diligently and as quickly as possible. A separate confirmation email will be sent once any applicable pro rata refund has been processed. Please visit Disneyland.com/PassportRefund for more information.
While I have not had the chance to engage with many of you since assuming my Disneyland role in May of last year, I do want to thank you for your understanding during this challenging and unprecedented time. We are incredibly optimistic about our bright future — and look forward to you being part of it.
Again, thank you for your loyalty over the years and your continued support.
Ken Potrock
President
Disneyland Resort
What do you think about the sunsetting of the Disneyland Annual Passholder program? Share your thoughts and your hopes for the future in the comments below!
