A couple of days ago, a Theme Park Insider reader asked "When will Disneyland make major changes to its AP program?" Well, the answer is "today."
This morning, the Disneyland Resort introduced park-specific blockout calendars for most of its annual passes, effective in June 2019. Currently, blockout dates on Disneyland annual passes apply to both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure park. But starting next summer, some annual passes will be blocked out on certain days at Disneyland while allowing access to DCA.
And yes, Disneyland will be blocked more often than its younger sibling — thanks to the impending opening of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at the original park. Today's move expands the number of blockout days at Disneyland for most annual passholders, while it reduces the number of blockout days at Disney California Adventure.
That means that more annual passholders will be able to enjoy additional days at the resort — so long as they visit DCA. (Deluxe APs get in the entire month of June next year.) Yet annual passholders who want to visit Galaxy's Edge — or anything else at Disneyland — will find fewer opportunities than they would have had if Disney had simply extended its current AP blockout calendar into 2019.
But, let's face it — no one really expected that to happen.
"As our business evolves, this is the first step in reshaping our Annual Pass program, which will better manage the guest experience and allow all Disneyland Resort visitors to have a great visit, particularly as we look forward to the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in summer 2019," a Disneyland spokesperson said in an email to Theme Park Insider.
The Disneyland Resort did not change the price of any of its annual passes, nor did it discontinue the sale of any pass tiers, as some fans had suspected the resort might do in anticipation of crowds filling the park when the new Star Wars land opens next summer. But, as the spokesperson said, "this is the first step." Expect more changes as we count down the months to the opening of Galaxy's Edge, including what likely will be another annual price increase. (The latest Disneyland ticket and pass price increase came last February.)
As part of today's changes, Disneyland is now publishing AP blockout calendars 13 months in advance. Because the split blockout calendars take effect in June 2019, that means any AP bought and activated yesterday or later will be subject to the next calendar. Everyone else's passes will expire before then, so the new calendars won't affect them until renewal.
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I'm so tired of them hiring up there prices I got a letter saying it won't go up on AP if I renew before its expiration day so I go and do it and it goes up a lot I have 6 people plus friends that I made them get it. I'm done with it i love Disneyland my autistic son loves it my 5 kids love it but I'm not rich i love that our thing as a family is get together for Disneyland but it's too much I'm going to universal studios Disneyland lies.
As soon as I read this, I said out loud to myself, "They're going to take away Sundays". Sure enough, I just looked at the calendar and that's exactly what they did.
Except they specifically said they're keeping prices the same.
It's sad that something Walt built to be able to enjoy with his kids together has become a Money making BABYLON. Prior to 1984 the WDE was on the verge of being taken over and split up it needed help it got it with the sellout to by bringing it corporate head hunters like Eisner we save the company but look at what what it became. It's ALL about the MONEY..... ?? about it.
Disneyland didn't lie to you. You should have read the terms and agreement when you resigned the contract to renew the annual passes
It’s not an inalienable right. You can’t afford it, then you don’t get a pass.
This is actually a nice change for us. We hold deluxe AP’s and typically have started our June Disney stays on Sundays (due to the Saturday blackout). Now, we can arrive Friday night/Saturday morning, go to DCA on Saturday, and DL will be available on Sunday-rest of the week. Fewer wasted Saturdays (granted we usually just went to the beach or other activities).
This is so ridoculous, I've been an AP holder for 7yrs. I always say I'm not going to renew it but I end up doing it. It's so sad what Disneyland has become. It's called #GREED. Walt Disney built it for families to enjoy. On any given day there is an attraction that isn't open. Visitors come from all over the World to Enjoy themselves. I just feel bad for families and kids who have never been to Disneyland/DCA because they can't afford it. This was not Walt Disney's Dream.
I have been a pass holder for years. I’m starting to get disgusted with Disney’s gouging. I’m not even a Star Wars fan and I’m not excited about the new attraction. It’s losing its “MAGIC” as far as I’m concerned. Hope it all backfires. I’m seriously considering no longer continuing as a pass holder. I don’t see any real appreciation from Disney for its pass holders.
Not worth it anymore..Knotts has really stepped it up and if rather give them my money. Cleaner, friendlier and way less expensive.
With them removing half of Downtown Disney, adding another hotel and by building a 2nd parking garage across the street it's only going to get worse for the resort. You can tell how bad it is as a Platinum DL pass coat almost double what a WDW Platinum pass does, and over there they include the 4 parks, 2 water parks and offer the Fastpass+ for free. They can keep on adding lands all they want, but really they need a 3rd park to help reduce any of the stress of the already overcrowded resort.
This is ridiculous how can families afford this ? And now more blackout dates! Come on Disneyland the happiest place is becoming the saddest. Guess they just don't care. What a shame.
Yay! more room for people who don't have annual passes and only get to go once a year.
I’m just waiting for the other shoe to drop...when Disney announces the same at WDW here in Florida
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So where's the calendar?