Getting an Annual Pass at Disneyland Paris

On our trip to Disneyland Paris last month I finally did something that’s been on my bucket list for a while, we became Annual Pass Holders!

I have considered it for Walt Disney World for the last two years but as they regularly have black out days I would have had to get the top tier one making it well over $1000 for Little Miss and I where as I could buy a 21 day one for our trip in March and a 14 day one for our trip in October for both of us and it still cost less. Plus by getting the 14 day pass in October it meant we qualified for free dining, something we wouldn’t have got with an AP.

However at the moment (I say because there are rumours this is going to change) Disneyland Paris Annual Passports, as they’re called, are incredibly good value for money. Even the top tier one with no black out days and the most discounts available are still better value than say a 5 day park pass! Crazy huh? So far I have only done package holidays to Disneyland Paris, and then in February I went as a friend with a Cast Member meaning I have had no reason to get an AP but this time as we booked everything separate and went on a budget it made sense. Not only that, since the end of last year the option to pay by monthly instalments has become available making it even easier for a single mum like me to purchase one.

So today I’m sharing a guide on how to go about getting an Annual Pass at Disneyland Paris in the park and pay by Direct Debit. Having been a member of a few DLP Facebook groups and forums it seems like a lot of people can’t get their head around it (and to be honest it took me 2 phone calls and actually doing it before I fully understood the process). I hope by sharing this and making it as simple as possible everyone will feel like they’re able to enjoy the magic more.

Before You Go
First thing to do is make sure your bank accepts direct debits to another country. This is so important because not all banks do. I’m with Lloyds and they definitely do. Next you need to make sure you have the right paperwork. When I called up I was told to bring something with proof of my address, my ID (passport), and a print out of my bank statement that has my BIC code and IBAN code on it. It must be a print out, they do not accept anything hand written and they do cut it out and attach it to your application.

My daughter has a different surname to me on official documents so I also had to bring her birth certificate. On the phone they also told me I needed a letter of consent from the second parent or proof of custody. I took my court orders, both my residency order and contact order. However they didn’t even look at them while I was applying. They only looked at the birth certificate which clearly states I’m her mother. But I will say this, it is much better to be safe than sorry. The cast members that helped us set ours up were incredibly kind despite it being a long process but I am aware this isn’t always the case. French laws are different to ours, please remember this.

Once You Arrive
This is where things start getting a little more complicated. You still need park admission to get into the park. You can buy a one day park ticket from places online such as Attraction Tickets Direct before you go or you can buy them on the gate. Usually they’re more expensive on the gate, however as I was with my best friend who already had an annual pass we got ours for 37e each (no different price for adult or child with the AP discount).

On a side note. I encountered an incredibly rude cast member on the gate who insisted there was no way I could pay by direct debit for my annual pass no matter how much I insisted and tried to get me to pay for the full amount there and then. If you are set on paying by DD and your bank has confirmed you can then simply agree to disagree, buy your day pass and head straight to the Annual Passport Office.

You can exchange your day ticket at the office for the deposit for your Annual Pass. The deposit for all three tiers of pass is 47e. If your day ticket cost more than the deposit they will refund you, if it cost less you will be able to pay the extra money like we did. HOWEVER, if you tickets came part of a package you cannot put them towards the cost of your Annual Pass as they are classed as “free” with your holiday. This is why we haven’t invested in an AP until this trip as our tickets have always been included.

At the Annual Passport Office
Once you’re in the park you can head straight to the Annual Passport Office which is situated to the left of the entry way to Discoveryland. You can’t miss it and usually they have someone outside holding a sign. I’m going to say this now, but it’s a lengthy process so please ensure you have enough time and don’t feel the need to rush the Cast Member setting it up for you. However if you get Fantasy or Dream tier of pass you are able to use it straight away so it’s worth it, I promise you.

Tell the Cast Member you wish to purchase an Annual Passport and pay by direct debit. Ensure them you have all the right paperwork and you have spoken to your bank prior to your arrival and they do accept foreign direct debits. They will then start the process which includes entering all the details into the system, checking your paperwork, copying your paperwork, taking your photo. Please please be patient as there could even be language barrier issues. Kindness goes a long way in Disney.

They will then ask which Annual Passport it is you wish to purchase. Both Little Miss and I have top tier as I wanted no blackout dates and this one is known as Annual Passport Dream but I’ll give you a little run down in the perks of each one;

THESE ARE THE OLD ANNUAL PASSES, FIND OUT ABOUT THE NEW ONES HERE.

Annual Passport Classic
The cheapest at 135e and allows you up to 280 days of park access.
You cannot use this for the first 2 days after purchasing so it isn’t great for people on holiday from the UK and is much more popular with French locals.
It entitles you to a minimum of 25% off hotels. PLEASE remember that anything more than 25% is NOT guaranteed as prices depend on day, date and season. It’s also off full price only and doesn’t include any of the “clubs” (Castle, Compass, Empire State and Golden Forest).
You get 10% off both food and merchandise. It does not include alcoholic drinks.
You do not get Early Magic Hours, parking or discounts off extra park tickets.

Black out days for the Classic Pass are listed here.

Annual Passport Fantasy
The mid-range pass at 179e and allows you up to 320 days of park access.
You can use this on the day of purchase even if paying by direct debit.
It entitles you to a minimum of 25% off hotels. PLEASE remember that anything more than 25% is NOT guaranteed as prices depend on day, date and season. It’s also off full price only and doesn’t include any of the “clubs” (Castle, Compass, Empire State and Golden Forest).
You get 10% off both food and merchandise. It does not include alcoholic drinks.
You get 20% off the Wild West Show.
You can access Early Magic Hours, get free parking and 10% off extra park tickets.

Black out days for the Fantasy Pass are listed here.

Annual Passport Dream
The most expensive pass at 223e and allows you unlimited access with no black out dates.
You can use this on the day of purchase even if paying by direct debit.
It entitles you to a minimum of 35% off hotels. PLEASE remember that anything more than 25% is NOT guaranteed as prices depend on day, date and season. It’s also off full price only and doesn’t include any of the “clubs” (Castle, Compass, Empire State and Golden Forest).
You get 10% off food and 20% off merchandise. Again it doesn’t include alcoholic drinks. You also get a free soft drink at sit down restaurants.
You get 20% off the Wild West Show.
You can access Early Magic Hours, get free parking and 20% off extra park tickets.
The perks you get that no other pass gets include free stroller rental, free use of lockers, event invites and 10% off Disney golf.

The money we saved on food and merchandise using our Dreams pass covered our deposits anyway. I also now have a trip in April booked and paid for and another two planned for the summer and Halloween. Knowing we can still use EMH and stay off site makes it so much cheaper and easier to do multiple trips.

ANYWAY.

Once you’ve chosen your pass, you’ve given all your details, had your paperwork scanned, your photo taken, paid or been refunded the deposit, you’ll be given your application to sign. It will be all in French. The will point out and explain the bits you really need to know. I understand signing something that they can’t read all of isn’t advisable but you’re honestly not signing your life away and when you get home you can use an online translator. One of the sheets will be your direct debit agreement and they did explain that to me, it’s just your standard DD agreement that if you don’t make your monthly payments they will cancel your pass.

Then you’re good to go! If you have purchased the Dream or Fantasy pass you can use all the perks and the pass itself straight away. We used the discount to get some Mickey marshmallows and then a counter service meal at Colonel Hathi’s Pizza Outpost.

Finally, a side note on sponsorship. You can still be sponsored by another passholder even if you choose to pay by direct debt. The money comes off the amount you pay each month. If you sponsor 3 people to get their annual passes you will get a whole year free too so it’s win win for both parties

I really hope this helps other people get their annual passport for Disneyland Paris and pay by direct debit, it would have been such a struggle for me to afford two as a single mother without this option. It’s a long process that does eat into your park time but it’s been totally worth it for us. Just need to test out that hotel discount now!