Membership offerings at “The Happiest Place On Earth” will be reimagined to reflect the times.
On Thursday, the president of Disneyland Resort Ken Potrock announced that the multi-tiered Annual Passports would be canceled after almost 40 years. It’s been 10 long months of closure for the resort and due to the continued uncertainty caused by the pandemic, the park will be discontinuing the program and issuing refunds to all pass holders.
“Due to the continued uncertainty of the pandemic and limitations around the reopening of our California theme parks, we will be issuing appropriate refunds for eligible Disneyland Resort Annual Passports and sunsetting the current program,” Potrock said in a statement on Twitter.
— Disney Parks News (@DisneyParksNews) January 14, 2021
“For nearly four decades, our Annual Passport program has been an important part of connecting with some of our most valued Guests,” Potrock wrote to annual pass holders. “We are incredibly honored and grateful for that legacy, and the memories and magical moments you have helped us create over the years.”
However, for Disneyland fans, Potrock promised that new and more flexible membership offerings were being developed based on consumer insights that would deliver greater value as the park remains closed for the foreseeable future.
As theme parks across California remain shuttered in line with state guidelines, along with soaring cases, parkgoers aren’t likely to be stepping foot inside “The Happiest Place On Earth” for a while. In the meantime, Orange County will be transforming the resort into the first of five “super” vaccination sites and is expected to serve up to 7,000 residents per day once it’s fully operational.
Those with active passes that began on March 14, 2020, will continue to receive discounts on merchandise and food and drinks at select Downtown Disney District and Buena Vista Street locations for now. Additionally, all pass holders will be eligible for a 30% discount on merchandise starting January 18, Monday through February 25.
Featured Image: Disneyland
See Also: California Expands Eligibility For The Scarce COVID-19 Vaccine To 65 And Older