DVC Debate Annual Passes vs Standard Admission

As Disney Vacation Club members, we have different concerns from standard Disney tourists. We play the long game, and we must consider factors that rarely impact infrequent Disney guests.

Today, I’d like to discuss an ongoing DVC debate. Which should you choose, annual passes or standard admission, and when does each one make sense?

Let’s Discuss the Advantages of Standard Tickets

During the earliest days of Disneyland, guests paid a fractional fee of a dollar to enter the park. They paid for individual attractions or purchased packages for a group of attractions. 

Much has changed over the years, with Walt Disney World opening with the same pay-as-you-go premise. The entry price was $3.50 in 1971, but this park quickly converted to the standard admission system we have today. 

For decades now, when you purchase an admission ticket or package at a Disney theme park, you can experience all the attractions. It’s a one-size-fits-all approach that has proven more effective than the previous pricing model. 

Frequent Disney visitors face a difficult choice, though. Once you’ve used your admission ticket once, it loses all utility. You’re buying a single-use ticket, often a date-based one, that entitles you to theme park access at a specific time. 

However, that’s often all you need. Buying standard admission at Disney is no different than purchasing a concert or movie ticket. You buy it, you use it, and you’re happy. 

So, the obvious pro of a standard ticket is that it serves its purpose. You get to go to Disney! What could be better than that?

Even better, DVC Resale Market offers discounted park tickets. Savvy shoppers know how to save money and stretch the value of a standard admission even more. Over the years, DVC members have learned the best ways to maximize their vacation budgets by employing tactics like this. 

Let’s Discuss the Advantages of Annual Passes

As you probably know, annual passes at Disney theme parks work slightly differently. When you buy an annual pass, you enjoy Disney park access for a full calendar year, albeit with some constraints.

Disney sells multiple versions of its annual passes at each theme park. Most of them include blockout dates, a term that signifies you cannot visit the park on those days. So, many forms of the annual pass provide theme park access on most days…but not all of them. 

Many DVC members are well aware of this constraint, as Disney has offered variants of the Walt Disney World “Gold” annual pass for a long time. Disney no longer uses “Gold” in the name, but that’s how many of us remember it. 

As recently as ten years ago, Disney was still offering direct DVC members a $399 version of the annual pass. Alas, the pandemic and the rise of surge-based pricing have modified Disney’s pricing structure and blockout date strategies.

Currently, direct DVC members may purchase the Sorcerer Pass at Walt Disney World for $999 plus tax. This pass includes theme park access throughout the year, but it does have blockout dates on many of the most popular holidays.

The advantage of this sort of admission is readily apparent. Direct DVC members don’t need to buy a new set of tickets for each Walt Disney World visit they make during a calendar year. Instead, this one pass will address your needs for the next 12 months. 

The phrase “making it up in volume” definitely applies here. You’re buying bulk, and it’s typically a better value for frequent Disney guests.

Should You Buy Standard Admission or Annual Passes?

First, let me clearly state that there’s no wrong answer here. As with many other aspects of DVC ownership, the answer fluctuates depending on your current needs. 

Generally, DVC members know in advance how often they’ll visit Walt Disney World and/or Disneyland Resort during a given year, making the financial determination simple. Presuming you buy the $999 DVC option, you’ll probably need to visit Walt Disney World at least eight days a year for the annual pass to make sense. 

You should consider a few other aspects as well. First, you’ll gain annual passholder benefits. Presuming you purchase your DVC contract via resale, which you should, you’ll discover that’s a solid pairing. 

Most of the Membership Extras for DVC members are available for passholders as well. You may save enough money on restaurant and merchandise discounts to justify the annual pass.

On the other hand, standard Disney admission tickets don’t require Park Passes now. Since Disney sells time-based tickets, those negate the need for the Park Pass. 

With an annual pass, you must book a Park Pass. Disney offers Good-to-go days where you don’t need a Park Pass. However, it’s still a requirement much of the time, especially during popular vacation periods.  

So, there are factors to debate beyond the price. The amenities that come with the annual pass add to its appeal. Conversely, standard admission checks the only box you need. It provides you with theme park entry! Since you’re getting park admission with both, you really can’t go wrong. 

If you’re considering purchasing tickets, be sure to check out the discount tickets available through DVC Resale Market!