Disney World’s new Annual Passholder program will arrive in the parks on September 8th after a LONG period of time where passes have been available to purchase.

However, there are some major differences in the new version when it comes to pricing, perks, blockout dates, ticket upgrades, and more. And, before you purchase your Annual Pass, we’re breaking down everything that is NOT included in your pass and will cost you extra.

Access to Other Disney World Entertainment

While the Annual Passes allow guests to hop around the four Disney World Theme Parks, guests hoping to explore the Water Parks, Miniature Golf Courses, and more will need to purchase the Water Park and Sports add-on package.

This add-on will be available for $99 plus tax per year, won’t have any blockout dates, and will include access to the following locations:

• Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park
• Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course
• FootGolf at Disney’s Oak Trail
• Disney’s Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf Course (one round prior to 4:00 PM)
• Disney’s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course (one round prior to 4:00 PM)
• Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park (note that this is currently closed)
• ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex (note that this is currently closed)

PhotoPass

And, all Disney World Annual Passes will no longer include unlimited PhotoPass downloads. Instead, guests will now have to purchase the PhotoPass add-on when they go to Disney World for $99 plus tax per year.

This feature will include:

• Iconic, professional photos taken by Disney PhotoPass photographers
• Select attraction photos and videos
• Digital downloads of Disney PhotoPass photos and videos captured in your account from the first valid date of your pass until your pass expires
• Discounts on prints and physical product purchases

However, Disney World guests (including Annual Passholders) are also able to purchase another version of PhotoPass, as Disney Genie+ includes new PhotoPass Augmented Reality lenses as part of the paid system. Disney hasn’t shared many details about the new AR Lenses, but these will be different than the regular PhotoPass options you can find elsewhere around the parks.

Just keep in mind that Annual Passholders will need to purchase Disney Genie+ on the day of their visit for one day at a time and cannot be purchased in advance.

Disney Genie+

Speaking of Disney Genie+, the new system will give guests (including Annual Passholders) the opportunity to access both the free AND paid versions of the Genie features.

The free version includes tools like planning, reservations, ride and experience recommendations, Mobile Order options, and more. But, Disney Genie+ will be an additional $15 per day, per ticket (per guest), and will provide access to new Lightning Lanes at select attractions (aka FastPass lanes), audio experiences, PhotoPass Augmented Reality lenses, and more.

Guests who purchase Disney Genie+ will be able to access the new Lightning Lanes at attractions across multiple parks if they have a Park Hopper ticket or their Annual Pass. And, it works very similarly to the former MaxPass service at Disneyland, with guests able to book their Lightning Lane reservations for one ride at a time. So, once they’ve scanned into the ride during their one-hour arrival window, they are able to book their next Lightning Lane pass.

Disney Genie+ allows guests to make as many Lightning Lane pass reservations as they’d like throughout the day (one at a time), as availability allows. Plus, it will be available at over 40 attractions in Disney World including Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, and the Haunted Mansion.

Like other guests, Annual Passholders who purchase Disney Genie+ will be able to make Lightning Lane reservations as early as 7 AM before the park opens at select attractions.

Currently, no discounts are available for Annual Passholders who purchase Disney Genie+, but Disney has shared that in the future they will look at other enhancements.

Individual Attraction Selection

Keep in mind that not every attraction will be included in the Lightning Lane category on Disney Genie+. Certain popular rides (or “Fancy Rides” as we call them around here) will be a part of the “Individual Attraction Selections,” where guests will need to pay an additional fee for access to their specific Lightning Lanes separately.

Individual Attraction Selections will include rides that are in higher demand like Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Rise of the Resistance, and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure (when it opens) and each guest will be able to make a maximum of two selections per day (NOT per park).

While Disney hasn’t released too many details on this category, they have shared that pricing will vary based on the date, time, and attraction.

So, that’s everything that WON’T be included with the purchase of your Disney World Annual Pass. But, keep in mind that things like free theme park parking and savings of up to 20% off dining, merchandise, and more WILL still be included!

Of course, as we continue to find out more details about the new passes, we’ll be sure to update you on everything you need to know so be sure to stay tuned to AllEars for the latest!

Don’t live in Florida? Here are your Disney World Annual Pass options!

What are your thoughts on Disney World’s new Annual Pass system? Let us know in the comments below!