Home » Disney Tips » Navigating Disney World’s Blackout Dates: Tips for Annual Passholders
Posted on Last updated:
Planning a magical trip to Walt Disney World requires careful consideration, especially when it comes to blackout dates. Whether you’re an annual passholder or a regular-ticketed guest, understanding the restrictions and maximizing your visit during blackout dates is essential. We’ll delve into what blackout dates entail, how they impact annual passholders and regular guests, and provide tips for making the most of your Disney World experience despite these limitations.
Table of Contents
What are Disney Blackout Dates?
Blackout dates are specific days or periods when certain ticket types, including annual passes, are restricted from accessing the theme parks.
These dates typically coincide with peak travel seasons, holidays, and special events when the parks tend to be busier than usual.
The purpose of blackout dates is to manage crowd levels and enhance the overall guest experience by ensuring a reasonable capacity within the parks.
If My Disney Annual Pass Is Blocked Out, Can I Still Go Get Free Parking At A Theme Park?
You can!
A Blockout Date does not affect your ability to park at a theme park and to use Disney transportation.
For example: you can park at the Magic Kingdom parking lot on a blockout date and ride the monorail to the resorts around the Seven Seas Lagoon.
Disney World Annual Pass Blockout Dates
For 2023, Disney World has provided the Disney annual pass blackout dates for the different types of annual passes.
Walt Disney World Blockout Dates: Disney Pixie Dust Pass (Florida residents only)
Weekends are generally blocked out, along with most holidays and peak vacation periods like spring break and a large portion of the summer.
- Weekends
- January 1st & 2nd
- January 16th
- February 18th-20th
- March 11th-19th
- April 1st-16th
- May 27th-29th
- July 1st-4th
- September 2nd-4th
- October 7th-9th
- November 17th-26th
- December 20th-31st
Disney Pirate Pass (Florida residents only)
This one has fewer blockout dates, including some weekends and peak vacation times.
- January 1st
- January 14th-16th
- February 18th-20th
- March 11th-18th
- April 1st-15th
- May 27th-29th
- July 1st-4th
- September 2nd-4th
- October 7th-9th
- November 17th-25th
- December 20th-31st
Blockout Dates For Annual Passholders: Disney Sorcerer Pass
The Sorcerer Pass is available to both Florida residents and DVC members, has a small number of blockout dates, mainly around Christmas and New Year’s.
- November 22nd-25th
- December 20th-31st
Incredi-Pass
And the Incredi-Pass has NO blackout dates. But it also comes with the highest price, naturally.
It’s always best to check Disney World’s official website for the most accurate and up-to-date information on specific blackout dates for each pass type.
Impact on Annual Passholders
For annual passholders, blackout dates can pose some limitations.
Passholders with lower-tier passes may experience more blackout days compared to those with higher-tier passes.
These blackout dates can vary depending on the pass type, and it’s crucial for passholders to stay up-to-date with the latest information provided by Disney World.
During blackout dates, annual pass holders may not be able to make park reservations or enter the theme parks freely.
However, it’s important to remember that blackout dates are designed to ensure a better experience for all guests by managing crowd levels, and they often coincide with periods of increased demand.
Benefits of Having Disney World Annual Pass
Despite blackout dates, having an annual pass offers numerous benefits.
Passholders can enjoy discounts on merchandise, dining, and special events throughout the year.
Additionally, passholders have the flexibility to visit the parks on non-blackout days, providing ample opportunities to experience the magic of Disney World.
Annual passholders can also take advantage of exclusive perks such as special previews of new attractions.
These benefits make having an annual pass a worthwhile investment for those who frequently visit Disney World.
Tips for Navigating Disney World Blackout Dates
- Plan Ahead: Stay informed about blackout dates by regularly checking Disney World’s official website or subscribing to their email newsletters. This will ensure you have the most up-to-date information when planning your trip.
- Utilize Non-Blackout Days: If you’re an annual pass holder, make the most of non-blackout days when park capacity is typically lower. Take advantage of these quieter periods to explore the parks and enjoy attractions with shorter wait times.
- Make Reservations Early: For both pass holders and regular ticketed guests, it’s essential to make park reservations and secure dining reservations 60 days in advance, especially during non-blackout days. This will help you secure coveted dining experiences and ensure a smooth entry into the parks. Theme park reservations are scheduled to stop for regularly ticketed guests in 2024, but Annual Passholders will still need to make theme park reservations at that time.
- Be Flexible: If your travel dates fall within a blackout period, consider adjusting your itinerary to include other activities or attractions outside of Disney World. Explore nearby attractions or indulge in shopping and dining experiences at Disney Springs.
- Embrace the Magic: Even during blackout dates, Disney World is a magical place. Take advantage of the unique entertainment options and shows that are available outside the parks during these periods. Character dining at a resort hotel is always accessible! Embrace the atmosphere and make unforgettable memories with your loved ones.
Navigating blackout dates for Disney World can be both challenging and rewarding.
By understanding the impact of these restrictions on annual pass holders and regular ticketed guests, and following our tips for optimizing your visit, you can still create a magical experience for yourself and your family.
Remember to plan ahead, stay informed, and embrace the magic of Disney World, regardless of the blackout dates in effect. Happy travels!
Have More Questions?
Join the No-Guilt Disney FACEBOOK Group
More Disney Tips You’ll Love
- Is Disneyland Busy In September? Best Days To Visit (2023)
- Top 10+ Things To Do At Disney World Resorts (2023)
- 5 Hacks To Max Out Genie+ At Disney World
- Best Shoes For Disney That Won’t Have You Regretting Life Choices
- Disney Park Bag Packing List Printable (Don’t Leave The Hotel Without These In 2023!)
- How To Get Your Disney Ride Photos In 2023
Patty Holliday
Patty Holliday has been running Disney since 2011. She knows just about every tip, trick, and hack there is to cover the runDisney Magical Miles at Disney World and Disneyland. She knows every mile isn’t *always* magical- but with training, tips, and a little bit of pixie dust, they can be a lot of fun! You can also find her at noguiltlife.com and noguiltfangirl.com
