NEWS: Disney to Offer Increased Discount for Annual Passholders for Limited Time

Disney has announced a welcome limited-time increased merchandise discount for Walt Disney World annual passholders. Catch all the details below.

Here are all the details from “The Passholder Buzz” on the My Disney Experience App website:

Limited-Time Increase on Merchandise Discount Starting September 14, 2022

From September 14 through October 14, 2022, the Passholder merchandise discount will temporarily increase from 20% to 30% at owned and operated locations across Walt Disney World Resort.* Now is your chance to put together your “spooky season” look with items from the newest Halloween collections or find that special Walt Disney World 50th Anniversary celebration must-have! For merchandise discounts, each Passholder must present a valid Passholder ID and government-issued photo ID at time of purchase to receive the discount.* And here’s a tip: save time at select locations when you scan and pay for merchandise items right on your phone using Merchandise Mobile Checkout on the My Disney Experience app!

*These discounts are for personal use only and may not be used to purchase merchandise with the intent to resell the merchandise. Discounts are not valid on certain items and may not be combined with any other discount, offer, or promotion. Discounts are subject to change without notice. All merchandise is available while supplies last. View the latest details, restrictions and exclusions here.

While we are very grateful for a merchandise discount increase, many would love to see the return of ticket sales for annual passes. The only ticket available for purchase is the Disney Pixie Dust Pass, which is only available for Florida Residents and allows guests to visit on most weekdays throughout the year.

RELATED ARTICLE: 7 Things to Know Before You Visit Disney World in the Fall

by Arielle Tuan

Fall is one of my favorite times to visit Walt Disney World. I love Halloween and seeing all the pumpkins, leaves, and other fall decorations around the parks put me in a super festive spirit! Aside from the atmosphere, I also love the events that take place during the fall season- there’s a lot to see and do at Disney from September to December. The best part is that you can usually experience everything with more pleasant weather and slightly fewer crowds. Here are the top things to remember when visiting Disney World in the fall.

7 – Nicer Weather in Late Fall

While Orlando can still get pretty hot in the fall, you can generally expect milder temperatures even going into December. In the summer, Orlando is known to get unbearably hot. In September, you can expect temperatures to still be in the lower 90s through the end of the month. October is a transition month, beginning with hotter temperatures and ending with generally much more comfortable temperatures. During late October through early December, you can usually expect temperatures between 75-85 degrees during the day, with cooler temperatures at night. Of course, predicting the weather is always tricky, so monitor the forecast for Orlando in the few weeks leading up to your vacation. Be prepared for cooler weather, but don’t leave behind those hats, sunglasses, and bottles of sunscreen just yet.

6 – Halloween Themed Event at Magic Kingdom

One of the best things about planning a fall trip to Disney World is the option of attending a Halloween-themed event in Magic Kingdom. Starting in mid-August and lasting until November 1^st, the Halloween event is separately ticketed in the Magic Kingdom. You can celebrate Halloween in costume at the event while most rides and quick-service food locations remain open. There are trick-or-treat stations around the park where you can load up on candy, and you can usually see unique characters. The party includes a Halloween-themed parade, stage show, fireworks celebration, fun photo opportunities, and merchandise. The Magic Kingdom Halloween-themed event is a great way to get into the fall spirit. Click here to learn more about this year’s party! Still, even if you don’t attend, Halloween decorations are situated throughout all parks and resorts during this time of year.

5 – Epcot International Food and Wine Festival

Another fun event that occurs during the fall is the Epcot Food and Wine Festival. The festival runs from mid-July to mid-November, so you’ll have plenty of chances to visit if your vacation falls during one of those months. The Food and Wine Festival is included with park admission to Epcot and consists of plentiful booths set up around the World Showcase. Each booth represents a different country or ingredient/cooking style and serves food in snack-size portions. This festival is definitely something to check out if you’re in Disney during the fall season!

4 – Wine and Dine Half-Marathon

For those who feel like working out after indulging at the Food and Wine Festival, the Wine and Dine 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon take place in November. This event is a popular weekend for runners, as the races provide not only courses through the parks but also interactions with Disney characters, special entertainment, and an after-hours Post-Race Party just for runners and their guests (with access to Epcot’s attractions and Food and Wine Festival). Families of runners can cheer them on, and kids can even sign up for their own dashes. Disney also offers a Two-Course Challenge. Sign-ups start in March, so if you’re interested in participating, make sure to keep an eye on the Disney website!

3 – Walt Disney World’s Anniversary

Magic Kingdom and Epcot both opened on October 1^st (Magic Kingdom in 1971, and Epcot in 1982). Both parks usually hold small celebrations to commemorate the occasion, but in the meantime, the whole resort is now celebrating the big 50^thAnniversary, and the celebration will run through spring 2023. The historic celebration is something you don’t want to miss!

2- Lower Crowds

While it’s true that there really is no “slow” season anymore at Disney World, early fall generally brings lighter crowd levels. Historically, September has shown to be the best month to visit Disney World since kids will have gone back to school. It gets busier as Halloween approaches and then slows down again (slightly) in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, as most families plan their trips during the holiday season. If you visit during the fall, you can’t expect the parks to be empty, but you also won’t have to deal with the number of people that the summer months typically bring.

1- September is Rainy Season

In my opinion, this is one of the most important things to keep in mind if you visit Disney World in the fall. A lot of guests who live out of state expect rain in the summer but don’t realize that storms can be just as prevalent in the fall. September is actually the height of Orlando’s rainy season, and guests should prepare themselves for the chance of daily afternoon thunderstorms. Hurricane season also lasts until late November, so you’ll want to check the weather forecasts before your trip. However, don’t let the chance of thunderstorms put a damper on your visit! Rain tends to drive away crowds and gives the weather a chance to cool down. I always have a blast visiting the parks during September – it truly is one of the best months to visit, rain or shine.