If you’re a Walt Disney World annual passholder, you probably already know that you enjoy numerous discounts around Walt Disney World, including a 10% merchandise discount at all Disney-owned retail shops around the resort. However, while this is the merchandise credit is probably the most well-known passholder perk, there are actually several other discounts that annual passholders can take advantage of, even if they’re not going to be anywhere near Walt Disney World.
From car rentals to child care services, here are some of Walt Disney World’s best hidden discounts that even the most seasoned Walt Disney World annual passholder might not know about!
1. Car rentals
Image: Alamo
Looking for a car rental? No matter where you live, if you rent from the Alamo Rent A Car comapny you can save 10% on almost any car rental if you are a Walt Disney World annual passholder. In order to take advantage of this deal, passholders can either call Alamo at 1-800-462-5266 and mention the Walt Disney World annual passholder discount or book online and use contract ID#15000 when making a car rental reservation to view discounted rates. Best of all, these rates are good almost anywhere in the US, so even if you’re a Walt Disney World passholder visiting Texas, you can rent a car in Houston for a discounted rate thanks to your pass.
2. Live entertainment discounts
Image: Disney
Though frequent Walt Disney World visitors probably know about the 10% discount that passholders get on tickets to Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba, they might not know that annual passholders also get discounts on other Disney-related live entertainment. Though the actual discount itself varies depending on show availability, recent discounts offered in the past six months have included 20% off Disney on Ice and Disney Live shows, and even $50 off certain performances of The Lion King touring production.
While Disney doesn’t often update their website to publicize these discounts, their Facebook page typically publishes information on special deals related to live entertainment. Though checking the Facebook page every day would be a little extreme (they don’t exactly update all that often), if you’re planning on seeing a Disney show sometime in the near future, just remember to check the page before you purchase tickets to see if there are any passholder discounts available.
3. Child care
Image: Disney
Wanting to participate in a few adult activities around Walt Disney World, but don’t want to leave the little ones at home? Annual passholders currently receive a 15% discount at the Children’s Activity Centers at Walt Disney World Resort hotels. All potty-trained children ages 3 to 12 are welcome at these child care facilities, and the cost includes one meal. Best of all, passholders do not need to be a staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel to take advantage of this deal.
Though you can always call ahead to check same-day availability, reservations for child care at Walt Disney World are best made in advance as spaces often fill up weeks in advance. Here’s a list of the Children’s Activity Centers currently participating in this discount program:
Sandcastle Club at Disney’s Beach Club Resort
Lilo’s Playhouse at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
4. Movie tickets at Disney Springs
Image: Disney
While it’s not a huge savings, annual passholders who are planning to see a movie and are out at Disney Springs anyway can save $2 per movie ticket, per passholder. Now there are a few stipulations here, as annual passholders can only purchase one discounted ticket per pass, and all passholders must present their pass and ID for each ticket. So, if for instance, you have four people trying to get discounted tickets, but only two people have their passes and IDs, you’ll only be able to get $4 off your total purchase. Though remembering ID and the physical annual pass card (not just your MagicBand) can be a bit of a hassle, if you are already carrying these items on you, it can make a night out at the movies a little bit less expensive (and perhaps leave room in the budget for a little popcorn!)
5. Shop Disney Parks app
Walt Disney World annual passholders might not know that they can link the Shop Disney Parks app to their My Disney Experience account to automatically get their 20% discount on all purchases made with the app, and can also enjoy free shipping periodically as well. So if there’s something at Walt Disney World you really want, but you aren’t able to get to the park immediately, as an annual passholder you needn’t fear, as you’ll pay the exact same price you would in the park to get it delivered directly to your house!
6. Package deals
Image: Disney
One of the biggest ways to save on a Walt Disney World vacation is though purchasing a package deal. However, often annual passholders can’t take advantage of these deals, as they generally include the price of ticket admission, which generally makes them not worth the savings for annual passholders who don’t need to purchase tickets.
However, even though they’re not exactly publicized well, Disney actually does offer several annual passholder package deals every year that include hotel stays, dining, add-on experiences and more. Annual passholders looking to save on their next Walt Disney World trip should bookmark this page, as it is updated constantly with the latest package deals for passholders (as well as other groups like members of the military, etc.).
Though this list represents some of the best discounts Walt Disney World has to offer its annual passholders, it is by no means exhaustive. What are some of your favorite annual passholder perks? Tell us in the comments!
