Amusement Park Annual Passes: Which Is Worth It?
By: Jordan Bucknor ‘22
So, you love LA amusement parks. Or, at least one, and you go/want to go often. But tickets are expensive and annual passes are tricky. How expensive are they? Which one gives me the best benefits for the lowest price? Is it even worth it? From Disneyland to Pacific Park, from most to least expensive, keep reading to find out which pass if worth your cash.
Disneyland/California Adventure
(All payment plans include a $179 down payment.)
Disney Southern California Select Passport
Price: $20/Month ($419 → Annual Price)
Availability: Mostly available Monday - Thursday, with June and July completely unavailable.
Perks: Passholder Events, Guided Tour Discounts, Downtown Disney Discounts, Food & Beverage Discounts (Up to 10%), + Merchandise Discounts (Up to 10%)
Disney Flex Passport
Price: $39.17/Month ($649 → Annual Price)
Availability: Available everyday except Dec. 21 - Dec. 4, but some days require reservation.
Perks: Passholder Events, Guided Tour Discounts, Downtown Disney Discounts, Food & Beverage Discounts (Up to 10%), + Merchandise Discounts (Up to 10%)
Disney Deluxe Passport
Price: $54.17/Month ($829 → Annual Price)
Availability: Available most days except some Saturdays and Sundays. Unable to go for the entire month of July.
Perks: Passholder Events, Guided Tour Discounts, Downtown Disney Discounts, Food & Beverage Discounts (Up to 10%), + Merchandise Discounts (Up to 10%)
Disney Signature Passport
Price: $85/Month ($1,199 → Annual Price)
Availability: Available everyday except Dec. 21–Jan. 4.
Perks: Passholder Events, Guided Tour Discounts, Downtown Disney Discounts, Food & Beverage Discounts (Up to 15%), Fee Parking, + Merchandise Discounts (Up to 20%)
Disney Signature Plus Passport
Price: 105.84/Month ($1449 → Annual Price)
Availability: No blockout dates.
Perks: Passholder Events, Guided Tour Discounts, Downtown Disney Discounts, Food & Beverage Discounts (Up to 15%), Fee Parking, Merchandise Discounts (Up to 20%), + MaxPass
★ Best Deal: For die-hard Disney fans looking to spend more time in the parks between their classes, I recommend the Disney Flex Pass. With just a little bit of planning, you can practically go any day of the year and although a bit pricey, it’s way more affordable than $100+ a month.
Universal Studios
California Neighbor Pass
Price: $159 (As of 3/12/2020, Discounted at $144!)
Availability: 175+ Days (Come ANY date for the first visit.)
Perks: Discounts, Special Events Invite, + Sweepstakes Opportunities
Silver Annual Pass
Price: $199 (As of 3/12/2020, Discounted at $174! / FlexPay Available)
Availability: 275+ Days (Come ANY date for the first visit.)
Perks: Discounts, Special Events Invite, + Sweepstakes Opportunities
Gold Annual Pass
Price: $289 (As of 3/12/2020, Discounted at $249! / FlexPay Available)
Availability: 330+ Days (Come ANY date for the first visit.)
Perks: Free General Parking, Discounts, Special Events Invite, + Sweepstakes Opportunities
Platinum Annual Pass
Price: $509 (As of 3/12/2020, Discounted at $449! / FlexPay Available)
Availability: No blockout dates.
Perks: Universal Express Access, Halloween Horror Nights Ticket, Access to New Years “EVE”, Platinum Pass Lanyard, Free General Parking, Discounts, Special Events Invite, + Sweepstakes Opportunities
★ Best Deal: I’d recommend the Silver Annual Pass for those wanting to explore Universal Studio’s “World of Movies”. You have access to a large majority of days and can utilize FlexPay to break down the cost into smaller payments!
Six Flags
2-Park Season Pass
Price: $289.99 (As of 3/8/2020, Discounted at $92.99!)
Availability: Unlimited visits to Six Flags Magic Mountain & Hurricane Harbor.
Perks: Valid for Fright Fest and Holiday in the Park, Discounts, Free Friend Tickets on Select Days, + Pass Holder Exclusive Ride Times/Appreciation Days
★ Best Deal: While Six Flags only offers one type of season pass, they offer many upgrades in the form of “memberships”. The “memberships” give you benefits like line skips and free beverages, but I don’t think it’s necessary for the average college student. Just get the regular pass, grab a couple of friends, and have a great time!
Knott’s Berry Farm
2020 Regular Pass
Price: $13.50/6 Payments ($20 Down Payment / $101 → Total)
Availability: No blockout dates. Does not include Knott’s Soak City Waterpark.
Perks: Admission to Various Festivals/Events, Early Entry to Select Rides at Knott’s Berry Farm During Summer, + Discounts
2020 Gold Pass
Price: $17/6 Payments ($23 Down Payment / $125 → Total)
Availability: No blockout dates. Includes Knott’s Soak City Waterpark.
Perks: Admission to Various Festivals/Events, Early Entry to Select Rides at Knott’s Berry Farm During Summer, Discounts, + Early Entry to Knott’s Soak City on Select Days
2020 Platinum Pass
Price: $31/6 Payments ($34 Down Payment / $220 → Total)
Availability: No blockout dates + access to locations across California.
Perks: Admission to Various Festivals/Events, Early Entry to Select Rides at Knott’s Berry Farm During Summer, Discounts, Early Entry to Knott’s Soak City on Select Days, + Free Parking
★ Best Deal: Unless you’re really into Water Parks, I’d get the Regular Pass. It’s super affordable and gives you access to the main park every day of the year!
Pacific Park
Weekday Annual Pass
Price: $99
Availability: Monday through Friday. Not valid for special events or buyouts.
Perks: 20% Off Food & Merchandise, All-Ride Access
Premium Annual Pass
Price: $149
Availability: No blockout dates. Not valid for special events or buyouts.
Perks: 20% Off Food & Merchandise, All-Ride Access
★ Best Deal: This one’s a bit tough because it really depends on your schedule, but unless you absolutely cannot go during the weekdays, get the Weekday Annual Pass. Pacific Park doesn’t have too many rides to begin with, so I really only recommend buying this if you’re a huge fan! They also offer a 3 Day Pass at a discounted price for those wanting to make a fun weekend out of it!
So there you have it: the best annual passes for each LA amusement park. This guide is best for those who are already certain about which parks they do and don’t like, but if you’re unsure about that too, you can read this post to figure out which park is best for you!
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