It’s no secret that many runDisney runners visit Walt Disney World quite often (some more frequently than others). When planning your runDisney races you may wonder, would getting an annual pass be worth it?
Truthfully, there are many factors involved.
Cost
Obviously the biggest factor is the cost of an annual pass. The Platinum Pass (entrance into the 4 theme parks, including multiple parks on the same day) is $749+tax. If you would like access to the water parks, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and the golf courses, the price of the Platinum Plus is $829+tax. Whether the pass is just for yourself or for your family – that’s a lot of money!
A general rule of thumb is that 10+ entrances into a theme park makes the annual pass worthwhile. If you are planning on two extended runDisney race weekends within a year, the pass may be worth it. However, if you tend to stay away from the parks during your race weekend – you may not find it worth the cost. Take a look at your proposed Walt Disney World calendar and see how many days you anticipate visiting the parks.
Discounts
With the purchase of an annual pass comes some extra discounts. Along with free parking at the theme parks, you also have access to discounts on dining, car rentals, merchandise, backstage tours, entertainment, recreation and even spa treatments! For those who wish to take advantage of one or more of these during their trip, it may help sway your decision.
Another discount is the annual passholder discount on rooms. Throughout the year, Disney has offered discounted hotel rooms on Walt Disney World property to those who have a current annual pass. This may help offset the overall cost of your runDisney race weekend (or allow you to stay in a resort that was previously out of the budget).
*Note: All discounts are subject to change.
Early Registration
One of the biggest perks to a runDisney runner is that annual passholders (and Disney Vacation Club members) currently are able to register early for runDisney races. A week or two before general registration, a select number of spots open for passholders. While these go just as quickly as regular registration, it does offer another opportunity to register for a race or two!
Overall, there are many things to consider before purchasing an annual pass. Be sure to think it through and take a look at your race calendar before swiping that credit card!
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