The advantages of having an annual pass to Disneyland Park, California

For some making a trip to Disneyland is an annual experience that they have done since they were kids. For others it is their “happy place” and they try to visit as often as they can. Either way, getting into the park can be expensive, especially if you do it more than once a year. One alternative to save money on your park tickets is to purchase an annual pass instead. You will be paying more up front for the tickets, but in the end you could save more money then if you just purchased tickets for the days that you will be at the park.

-The Annual Passes-

There are four kinds of annual passports that Disneyland offers all have different term and conditions and offer different discounts. Make sure that you research the one that is right for you and your vacation before you purchase one.

1) The Premium Annual Pass has no blockout dates and you also get a 10-20% discount on dining, tours and souvenirs. This pass is the most expensive of the four.

2) The Deluxe Annual Pass, which is good for 315 days of the year and has a 10% discount on dining and a 20% discount on tours. There is no discount on souvenirs with this pass or any of the other passes other than the Premium.

3) The Southern California Annual Pass, this is only available to people that live in southern California. There are no discounts on tours, only a 10% discount on dining. You can only use this pass 215 days of the year.

4) The Southern California Select annual pass is the cheapest of the four, but it also offer the least amount of perks and has the most blockout dates (you can only use it 170 days of the year. It is also restricted to only people living in southern California and has the same discounts as the other Southern California Pass.

-Special Events-

As an Annual Pass holder you are invited to special events that are not generally offered to the public. For example, in June of 2008 in the days leading up to the new Toy Story Mania ride opening, pass holders were given a chance to sign up to ride the ride before it opened to the public. Pass holders are also given first offerings on tickets to special events such as Mickey’s Halloween Treat.

-Discounts-

Inside the park is not the only place that Annual Pass Holders see discounts. You can use your pass for discounts at almost every store and restaurant in Downtown Disney and the restaurants in the Disneyland Hotels. Again the amount of you discount depends on the type of pass that you purchased.

Annual Pass holders also are offered discounts on hotel rooms at the Disneyland Hotels, during certain times of the year. Along with discounts to special events such as Mickey’s Halloween Treat party that is held at Disney California in October. New discounts pop up all the time for Annual Pass Holders and that are not offered to the general public. Once you become an Annual Pass Holder you will receive access to the Annual Pass Holder website and also will get a quarterly newsletter to keep you informed on all of the new events and discounts.