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Olga Thompson/Walt Disney World Resort via Getty Images
- Disney changed its annual pass program and will charge extra for PhotoPass and the Water Park and Sports Option.
- Disney also added costs on previously free-to-use perks, like Disney's Magical Express and FastPass.
- A Disney spokesperson said the changes were based on guest feedback and are aimed at enhancing the customer experience.
- See more stories on Insider's business page.
Disney is bringing back its annual pass program, but, like with Genie+ and Mears Connect, it comes with a price.
Disney announced an all-new annual pass system on Monday that allows fans to choose from four unique options that offer a range of benefits:
- Disney Pixie Dust Pass: $399 (Florida residents only)
- Disney Pirate Pass: $699 (Florida residents only)
- Disney Sorcerer Pass: $899 (Florida residents and Disney Vacation Club members only)
- Disney Incredi-Pass: $1,299 (open to all customers)
Compared to Disney's former annual passes, the new system is more expensive than before and will no longer include PhotoPass or the Water Park and Sports Option, which gave guests admission to the Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon water parks, tee time at Disney's Oak Trail Golf Course, FootGolf, and miniature golf, and access to the ESPN Wide World of Sports.
Twitter users expressed frustration over the new program, saying the decision is the company's latest cash-grab attempt.
"Over $300 increase and taking away perks like free PhotoPass? I can justify paying this if the new Fastpass system was included but not this," said one user.
"$1300 as the only option for non-residents/non-DVC? Insanity," commented another. Twitter users have also expressed concern over the park reservation system, citing pass holders should be given free rein to enter the park whenever they want without being restricted by park availability.
While prices are going up, a spokesperson at Disney explained that the decisions made by the company are to enhance the overall customer experience.
Using feedback from its fans, Disney has invested in its parks by adding new attractions and entertainment, like Remy's Ratatouille Adventure and the Disney Enchantment nighttime spectacular, and created more flexible options for guests, like a-la-carte annual passes and early theme park entry for resort guests.
Disney's annual pass system is not the only change the company has made since the start of the pandemic. Beginning January 2022, Disney's Magical Express will no longer offer free transportation from Orlando International Airport to the parks, according to the company. Instead, Mears Connect will run the route and charge guests for the service.
Disney announced last week that it is also dropping its popular FastPass system for Genie+, a new pay-to-play app that will costs guests $15 at Disney World and $20 at Disneyland to skip the line at certain attractions, which was previously free to do at Disney World.
Read More: Some Disney-focused travel agents welcome new pay-to-play Genie+ system as customers fume