Disney cancels annual passholder program

The popular, annual passes at Disneyland have been canceled as theme park executives grew concerned the popular membership program would overwhelm the Anaheim destination once the coronavirus closure eventually comes to an end.

Disneyland officials said the company would issue prorated refunds to annual passholders starting Jan. 14. Those officials declined to say how many people have annual passes, but theme park industry observers have estimated the number to be 1 million.

A new Disneyland membership program will be unveiled at a later date — presumably after Disneyland and Disney California Adventure reopen.

“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,” Disneyland resort president Ken Potrock said in a statement. “We are currently developing new membership offerings that will utilize consumer insights to deliver choice, flexibility and value for our biggest fans.”

Disneyland, Disney California Adventure and Disney’s three Anaheim hotels closed in mid-march and remain closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Downtown Disney reopened in July and Disney California Adventure’s Buena Vista Street returned for shopping in November.

California theme parks are unlikely to return to full operation until spring or summer under COVID-19 health and safety reopening guidelines issued by the state. Large parks like Disneyland will be restricted to 25% capacity with advance reservations once they reopen under state guidelines.