Disney World Annual passes

[JewelsT]

Anyone know how Canadians can buy an annual pass to Disney World?
I've tried a couple of Disney stores but they didn't help and the disney website doesn't work properly i.e. can't buy annual passes as an American or Canadian....

[vistaway]

Why wouldn't you wait to buy it while down there? That's how most people do it...

[bunnyfoo]

The Disney Stores don't sell annual passes. On the Disney World website, you should be able to order them with the will call option. That just means you end up picking them up at Guest Services. If you need to have the annual pass vouchers in hand, I think you have to call in and they will ship them to you via FedEx. I did this last year and it took about 3 days.

The only reason I ordered them ahead of time last year was to order the DDE but I've heard you can now order them in person and get a card at Guest Services. I don't really like having the vouchers ahead of time, I figure it's just one more thing to remember to bring with you.

Hope you have a great trip!!

[JewelsT]

What is a DDE?

to avoid any lineups, I thought I'd try to purchase the annual passes (to save money) if the family heads down there hopefully again within the year.

I've heard from Disney store employees here in Toronto, that they used to sell the annual passes but they recently stopped doing so (they make more money selling hoppers, etc).

Just wondering what good discounts/advantages if any do they offer with your annual pass? i.e. do they automatically upgrade things such as hotel with this pass?

I don't suppose they offer any discount codes?

[vistaway]

DDE = Disney Dining Experience, now called Tables in Wonderland. It's a membership program that gives you 20% off food and drink at most restaurants on property. It costs $60 for an Annual Passholder. If you go often, and eat or drink a lot, it's worth it. Really, it's designed for locals, but works if you visit a lot too. I had it when I lived down there and it was great to save on wine and drinks.

I have rarely seen lineups at the ticket booths these days, since most people buy in advance or have their ticket media 'attached' to their room key. But mornings can get a tad busy. You could always buy your passes at the Guest Relations booth at Downtown Disney the day you arrive too.

[vistaway]

Oh, discounts...you get room discounts at times throughout the year (usually off-peak times)...go to http://allears.net/pl/apass.htm and scroll down for a complete list of current discounts.

[bunnyfoo]

DDE=Disney Dining Experience - It gives you 20% off most table service and some counter service locations. The catch is, they automatically add on 18% gratuity (on table service bills only).

The annual pass gives you a discount on certain tours in Epcot and Magic Kingdom. I think it's about 15% but if you have a CAA card, you might get the same discount. Only the Disney Visa card gives you a slightly bigger discount but that's only available to US residents.

There are also room discounts with the annual pass. Keep an on Mousesavers.com or Disboards.com and they usually publish when these codes are released. From what my travel agent has told me, the annual pass discounts have not been as good as the CAA discount. I think you have to compare for yourself. If you want the name of my travel agent, send me a PM. She's excellent and she keeps an eye on the discount codes (so I don't have to).