Disneyland Resort Cancels Annual Pass Program

ANAHEIM, CA — Disneyland Resort's Annual Passport program is no more, the company said Thursday.

The resort is "sunsetting" its nearly 40-year-old program amid a record park closure due to the coronavirus pandemic. Disneyland Resort President Ken Potrock sent a mass email to Annual Passport holders, saying he knew the removal of the program would be "disappointing to many of our Passholders, all just as anxious as we are to reopen our gates and welcome guests back."

Disneyland Resort closed its main gates in March amid the surging coronavirus pandemic. The company tried to reopen in July, but quickly abandoned that effort. Anaheim businesses have suffered with the closure of the park, around which many built their livelihoods. Disneyland also furloughed, laid off or fired thousands of employees, which the company calls "cast members."

Read: Disneyland Officials Talk Closure Fallout, Anaheim Stores Hurting

In recent days, the resort opened the Toy Story parking lot on West Katella Avenue to the Orange County Health Care Agency to use as a large-scale vaccination distribution site.

Downtown Disney and Buena Vista Street remain open for shopping and dining, but there is still no date for reopening the Disneyland or California Adventure theme parks and surrounding hotels.

"It's because you've played such an important part in the history of the Disneyland Resort that I personally wanted to share this news with you," Potrock wrote. "In the next several days, we will begin the process of issuing appropriate refunds for eligible Disneyland Resort Annual Passports, and sunsetting the current Annual Passport program due to the continued uncertainty of the pandemic."

Potrock cited limitations to the park and expected restrictions around the reopening as a reason for the end of this much-beloved program. Prorated refunds will be issued to eligible pass holders, he said.

Find out if you will are entitled to a refund for your annual pass.

"Disneyland Resort is working to get refunds to annual pass holders who qualify for them quickly and diligently as possible," a Disneyland spokesperson told Patch.

But not to worry: Mickey still has some magic left.

The company will offer new membership passes in coming weeks or months as the park eyes an eventual reopening. "We are encouraging annual pass holders to stay connected as we will continue information and special content," a Disneyland spokesperson said.

If you are an annual passport holder, from Jan. 18 through Feb. 25 you will receive a 30 percent discount on merchandise at the Downtown Disney and Buena Vista Street locations from Monday through Thursday.

"While I have not had the chance to engage with many of you since assuming my Disneyland role in May of last year, I do want to thank you for understanding during this challenging and unprecedented time," Potrock wrote. "We are incredibly optimistic about our bright future and look forward to you being part of it."

Tell us your thoughts on the cancellation of this program in the comments below,or by emailing your Patch editor.

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This article originally appeared on the Lake Forest Patch