As a Disneyland Annual Passholder (AP), you might often forget that you’re paying for so much more than just admission into The Happiest Place on Earth.  One of the questions I get most asked from my fellow APs is this one:  “How do I get the most out of my Annual Pass?”

As a result, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite ways to maximize your Disneyland Annual Pass.

Early registration to runDisney events

Have you ever missed the boat on registering for a runDisney race weekend?  There are now so many runDisney events on the Disneyland roster and more often than that, they sell out within a few hours! However, runDisney gives Annual Passholders early registration to each runDisney event – before it’s open to the public! There is limited availability on early registration too, so don’t be discouraged if you miss early registration.  The beauty of having an AP is getting a second chance at registering!  I have participated in two runDisney events at Disneyland – The Tinkerbell Half and the Disneyland Half and I used the opportunity to register early to secure my spot.

**Note: Disneyland races have been put on hold indefinitely as of 2018 due to construction at the Disneyland Resort – however, this perk still applies for races happening at Walt Disney World.**

Refillable Popcorn Bucket Perk

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Throughout the year, the Disneyland Resort releases limited edition popcorn buckets exclusively for Annual Passholders.  For a one-time fee, APs can get their hands on these refillable popcorn buckets, and enjoy refills for only $1!  Popcorn buckets change depending on the events or seasons, so each popcorn bucket has a set time frame where it can be used to receive $1 refills.  The buckets are usually limited to 1 or 2 per AP, so don’t expect to purchase a ton for friends and family to share.

Discounts on food, merchandise, and hotel stays!

This might seem like an obvious perk but you’ll be surprised at how often the food and merchandise discounts can get overlooked!  While you won’t get discounts at quick service places like the outdoor vending carts (i.e. churros) or the Cozy Cone Motel, you’ll be able to knock off a few bucks from several counter and table service dining experiences and, if you’re like me, take advantage of the merchandise discounts!  However adults, be warned:  The discount does not apply to any alcoholic beverages purchased at Disney California Adventure.

You can also receive a discount on Disney Parks merchandise from the comfort of your home by shopping online at Shop Disney Parks.

Also, Annual Passholders receive discounts on hotel stays at the Disneyland Resort!  Log into your AP account and use the special AP search engine to maximize your savings on your next stay!

Exclusive AP Logo Embroidery

To show off your Annual Pass pride, the Disneyland Resort now offers Disneyland Annual Passholder logo personalization on items such as ear hats, tea towels, and more! Add these to your favorite Resort merchandise – prices vary so visit any of the shops that offer select merchandise.

First Looks For Upcoming Films & Projects

Disneyland and Disney California Adventure aim to give Annual Passholders an extended first look at any upcoming projects and films.  The “Extended first look” experiences are usually offered at the Magic Eye Theater in Disneyland or the old Muppets 3D theater in Disney California Adventure first to Annual Passholders before they are made available to all guests.

AP Corner at Special Events

Have you checked out the special #disneylandap area at #dca? #disneyland #pixarfest #ap #annualpassholder #disneylandannualpassholder

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For special events and festivals, the Disneyland Resort offers Annual Passholders a special “AP Corner” which feature special photo ops, free collectibles like buttons and decals, and often times, free charging stations for your mobile phones.  These places are great ways to celebrate your AP status and get your hands on fun commemorative items.

Exclusive AP Deal for MaxPass

For Premier and Signature Plus passholders, the MaxPass is an included perk to your pass – so take advantage of booking your FastPasses via the Disneyland app!  For all other APs, you can add the MaxPass benefit for the entire year at an introductory price of $75.  This is a great deal if you go to the Disneyland Resort frequently – otherwise, APs can do as regular ticket holders and pay $10 a day.

Not sure what MaxPass is? Be sure to read all about the MaxPass program here!

Early Ticket Access to Special Events

Annual Passholders get a first crack at tickets for special events such select dates for Mickey’s Halloween Party and the Disneyland After Dark series that launched in 2018.  This is a great opportunity to secure tickets to these events that often sell out when it is open to the general public.  Just like the runDisney registration, APs get twice the opportunity to register for these events, so take advantage of this perk whenever you can!

You may be wondering what happened to the AP-Exclusive events that the Resort used to host.  In the past, APs have had access to attraction and show anniversary celebrations, such as the 20th Anniversary of Indiana Jones, or the screening and special panel for movies such as Sleeping Beauty.  In fact, my first Babes in Disneyland post was about Fantasmic!’s 20th Anniversary Event for APs!  While these events are not offered anymore, always be on the lookout for opportunities by following Disneyland on social media on Facebook and Twitter- you never know when they will bring these events back!

Exclusive AP Merchandise

If you’re a Pin Trader and a Passholder, you have access to AP-exclusive Pins throughout the Park! Every few weeks there is a new exclusive AP pin that you can get your hands on.  Ask any Cast Member or look for the “Limited” display with the pins specifically labeled “Annual Passholder.”  Sometimes, Disneyland merchandise will offer up other AP-exclusive merchandise, like these Old Fashioned glasses featuring Disney characters that I was gifted for my birthday back in 2012 (there was a set of 5 different glasses released in the collection.)

Discounts on Guided Tours

The Disneyland Resort hosts a number of guided walking tours that Annual Passholders also get a discount on.  Take the “A Walk in Walt’s Disneyland Footsteps” tour and see Disneyland the way Walt Disney would have experienced it.  If you’re a green thumb, check out “Cultivating the Magic” to see how the Disneyland horticulture team brings Disneyland’s flora and fauna to life.

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These are just a few ways that I’ve been able to make my Annual Pass work for me!  Are you taking advantage of these AP perks?

What are some of your favorite ways to maximize your Annual Pass?  What makes you happy to be an AP? Let me know in the comments!

**Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in 2015 and updated May 2018.