After Revoking Major Perk, Disney Now Handing Out Dollars to Select Passholders

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Disney World is handing out gift cards–but not everyone can claim them.Credit: Inside the MagicThe new nighttime spectacular, Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away, officially made its debut on Sunday, July 20, 2025, transforming the park with an illuminated procession inspired by the nostalgic charm of the Main Street Electrical Parade. Running at 9:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m., the parade weaves together music, motion, and technology to tell stories entirely through light.As described by Disney Parks Blog, the new offering uses state-of-the-art projection and lighting to paint vivid dreamscapes across the park: “When we think about what this storytelling looks like at night, we think about creating these landscapes—or dreamscapes, as we think about them—out of light. Today’s technology gives us more options than ever to use lighting and video elements as a storytelling tool.”Credit: DisneyGuests who attended the soft opening on July 18 and July 19 were treated to an early look at the show, which had just completed a round of test runs at Magic Kingdom. Prior to the opening weekend, Disney updated the Theme Park Reservation System to accommodate the expected influx.While Annual Passholders typically enjoy park-hopping privileges after 2:00 p.m. at all four theme parks (except Magic Kingdom on weekends), Magic Kingdom is now the exception for all days on and after July 20.“Due to anticipated high demand upon the debut of the Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away parade on July 20, 2025, Passholders visiting Magic Kingdom park at any time of day (including after 2 p.m.) must have a theme park reservation,” reads the updated policy. The post-2 p.m. access rule is still in place for EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.Credit: DisneyThat policy had an immediate impact. According to Walt Disney World’s Park Pass reservation calendar, Annual Passholder reservations for Magic Kingdom on July 20 reached capacity. Even Passholders hoping to start their day at a different park and hop to Magic Kingdom later in the evening must have already secured a reservation.And that’s not all: two more dates, July 21 and July 22, also hit capacity for Annual Passholders, as well as July 19, marking four straight days of limited Magic Kingdom access. That said, it’s always worth checking the reservation system throughout the day, as cancellations may reopen limited slots if it happens again.Credit: DisneyDisney Welcomes New Passholders Despite Magic Kingdom ChangeFollowing this weekend of change for Annual Passholders, Disney is seemingly enticing the next wave of loyal guests with a gift card perk directed at new sales. As WDWMagic reported:When you purchase a new pass, you’ll receive a Disney Gift Card eGift valued up to $100, depending on the pass type: $100 with a Disney Incredi-Pass; $75 with a Disney Sorcerer Pass (Florida residents and eligible DVC members only); $50 with a Disney Pirate Pass (Florida residents only); $25 with a Disney Pixie Dust Pass (Florida residents only)The offer is valid for new Annual Passholder sales and cannot be claimed by existing customers, even in the renewal process.Credit: Paul Beattie, FlickrThese Annual Passholder updates come as the Magic Kingdom continues to evolve in exciting new directions. Frontierland, one of the park’s original lands, is currently undergoing a wide-reaching transformation that promises to honor its rich past while exploring bold new ideas.Looking ahead, the Beyond Big Thunder expansion is set to reimagine the far reaches of Magic Kingdom with immersive, story-driven lands. Among the anticipated additions are a Piston Peak National Park environment, inspired by Disney and Pixar’s Cars, and a newly imagined area dedicated to Disney Villains, one of the most requested themes among fans.Credit: DisneyThough opening dates for these expansions have yet to be announced, the projects underscore the park’s commitment to blending timeless narratives with inventive design.Have you seen the new parade or been affected by the reservation changes? How do you feel about this free gift card offer for new Passholders? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!The post After Revoking Major Perk, Disney Now Handing Out Dollars to Select Passholders appeared first on Inside the Magic.