UPDATED: $399 Premium Annual Pass FAQs Written by Tim Krasniewski. October 07 2012 Posted in Member Perks News

For the next three months Disney Vacation Club members can save $300 on the purchase of a Walt Disney World Premium Annual Pass. This perk has attracted much attention from members...along with many questions. Following are a number of popular questions asked by members and answers which reflect Disney's current ticketing policies.

Updated: 10/15/2012

Q: What is the limited-time Premium Annual Pass discount?

A: From October 1 – December 31, 2012 Disney Vacation Club members can purchase a Walt Disney World Premium Annual Pass for $399 plus tax. That price represents a savings of $300 off the regular price of a Premium Annual Pass.

Q: How does the Premium Annual Pass differ from the Annual Pass?

A: The Annual Pass provides one year worth of unlimited admission to the four Walt Disney World Theme Parks. The Premium Annual Pass is valid for a year's worth of unlimited admission to the four theme parks PLUS Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon, DisneyQuest and rounds at Disney's Oak Trail 9-hole golf course.

Both passes provide numerous discount opportunities throughout Disney property. The Annual Pass currently offers a 10% discount on most merchandise at most locations while the Premium Annual Pass provides a 20% discount on the same items.

Q: Who is eligible for the discounted Premium Annual Pass?

A: Generally speaking, Disney Vacation Club Annual Pass discounts are open to all deeded owners plus immediate family members living in the same household. Associate members do not qualify unless they meet the relation and residency requirements. Refer to DVCMember.com or the Portable Perks booklet for additional details.

Q: I am visiting Walt Disney World before December 31, 2012 and wish to purchase this pass. How do I to it?

A: The $399 Premium Annual Pass can be purchased at any Walt Disney World Guest Relations desk. Locations can be found at all four theme parks—including Epcot's International Gateway—and Downtown Disney.

Q: I am visiting Walt Disney World sometime after December 31, 2012. Can I still take advantage of this offer?

A: Yes. A $399 Premium Annual Pass exchange certificate can be purchased through DVC Member Services. Note that the purchase must be made by 12/31/2012 and the exchange certificate must be activated by 12/31/2013. Exchange certificates not activated by 12/31/2013 are void.

Q: I already have an unused Annual Pass exchange certificate which was purchased before this offer began. Can I apply the value of the exchange certificate toward the $399 Premium Annual Pass?

A: Yes. However this upgrade will only be permitted if the pre-tax value of the unused exchange certificate is LESS than $399. If the exchange certificate was purchased for more than $399, it cannot be applied toward the $399 Premium Annual Pass.

(NOTE: Muliple reports indicate that Disney is now allowing upgrades of unredeemed exchange certificates costing more than $399. In order to perform such an upgrade, members are advised to contact DVC Member Services prior to their visit to arrange the upgrade. )

Q: I have an unused Magic Your Way ticket. Can I apply the value of the tickets toward the $399 Premium Annual Pass?

A: Yes. However this upgrade will only be permitted if the pre-tax value of the Magic Your Way ticket is LESS than $399. If the ticket was purchased for more than $399, it cannot be applied toward the $399 Premium Annual Pass.

Q: I currently have an active Walt Disney World Annual Pass. Can it be upgraded to a $399 Premium Annual Pass?

A: Yes but only if the Annual Pass was purchased for a pre-tax cost of less than $399. Annual Passes purchased for more than $399 cannot be upgraded. Note that an upgraded Annual Pass will retain its original expiration date.

(NOTE: Numerous members have reported success upgrading passes valued at more than $399 at a Walt Disney World Guest Relations desk. This upgrade falls outside of Disney's normal ticketing policies but apparently not all Cast Members are well versed in the guidelines. Members holding active Annual Passes costing more than $399 are welcome to attempt an upgrade at Guest Relations but there are no guarantees that the upgrade will be granted. )

Q: How and where are the above ticket upgrades performed?

A: Magic Your Way tickets and Annual Passes can only be upgraded in-person at a Walt Disney World Guest Relations desk. Since this offer expires on 12/31/2012, any upgrades must be performed in person at Walt Disney World before that date.

Q: It does not appear that my exchange certificate or Magic Your Way ticket is eligible for an upgrade. Can I buy the $399 pass and keep my exchange certificate / MYW pass for later use?

A: In most cases, yes. Unless the certificate or pass has a stated expiration date, it can be held indefinitely.

Q: I have trips planned for the fall of 2012 and 2013. Could I take advantage of the offer twice?

A: Yes. With proper timing, a single guest could purchase a $399 Premium Annual Pass in person in 2012 and also purchase an exchange certificate for redemption in late 2013. Note that both purchases must be made before 12/31/2012.

Q: Since exchange certificates must be redeemed by 12/31/2013, will buyers still receive a full year's admission with the Premium Annual Pass.

A: Yes. Regardless of when the pass is purchased or exchange certificate activated, buyers will receive a full year's admission to the listed Walt Disney World venues. In theory, a guest could redeem their exchange certificate as late as December 31, 2013 and it would be valid for unlimited admission through December 31, 2014.

Q: I already have an active Annual Pass. Due to the timing of my vacation plans, the only way this offer could work for me is if I activate a new Premium Annual Pass before my current pass expires. Is that possible?

A: No. A guest can only have one active Walt Disney World Annual Pass at a time.

Q: If I purchase this Premium Annual Pass, can I still take advantage of the renewal pricing on a standard (non-Premium) Annual Pass after the first year?

A: Yes.

Q: Can the $399 Premium Annual Pass later be upgraded to the Premier Pass which is valid for unlimited admission to all Walt Disney World and Disneyland theme parks?

A: Yes. However, the amount of the credit will be the $399 (plus tax) paid for the discounted Premium Annual Pass.

NOTE: The above information has been culled from information presented on official Disney ticketing sites, information provided by Disney Vacation Club and other resources. While it is believed to be representative of current Disney policy, DVCNews.com cannot guarantee its accuracy. Disney ticketing policies are subject to change at any time.

Members and other Disney guests are welcome to share their own experiences in our Discussion Forum.

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