Annual Pass Pricing Changes, New Savi’s Workshop Experience, and More

Summary

• Disney World has lowered the Annual Pass down payment and raised monthly costs. The total cost over 12 months remains the same.
• Savi’s Workshop in Disney’s Hollywood Studios introduces a new lightsaber-building experience with a “Reclaimed and Reforged” theme.
• Universal Orlando increases food and beverage prices ahead of Epic Universe opening on May 22, 2025.

Disney and Universal theme parks continue to evolve, with recent updates affecting both visitors and passholders. Changes to Disney World annual pass pricing, a new experience at Savi’s Workshop in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and price increases at Universal Orlando are among the latest developments. As the parks introduce new offerings and adjustments, these updates provide insight into what’s ahead for Disney guests and Universal fans alike.

Walt Disney World Lowers Annual Pass Down Payment, Raises Monthly Costs

Walt Disney World has adjusted its Annual Passholder Florida Resident Monthly Payment Program, lowering the required down payment while increasing the monthly installment costs. Previously, Florida residents were required to put down $205 when enrolling in the monthly payment plan. Now, that initial payment has been reduced to $99. To balance out the lower upfront cost, Disney has increased the monthly payment for each pass tier by approximately $8. Despite the change in structure, the total cost over 12 months remains the same.

As WDWNT reports, annual passholders still have the option to pay in full, which remains slightly cheaper than the monthly plan. Additionally, the program continues to offer 0% APR financing. The new monthly payment rates are as follows:

• Pixie Dust Pass – Increased from $25 to $33.38 per month
• Pirate Pass – Increased from $57 to $65.33 per month
• Sorcerer Pass – Increased from $79 to $87.52 per month
• Incredi-Pass – Increased from $121 to $129.23 per month

These adjustments apply only to new purchases. Guests who are already enrolled in a payment plan for their annual pass will continue paying their current rates. The Pixie Dust Pass and Pirate Pass are exclusive to Florida residents, while the Sorcerer Pass is available to both Florida residents and Disney Vacation Club members. The Incredi-Pass remains open to all guests. Each pass tier includes perks such as up to 20% off select dining and merchandise, along with complimentary standard theme park parking. However, blockout dates and reservation limits still apply.

These changes are only applied to Walt Disney World annual passholders. The prices for the Disneyland Magic Key Passes, which recently went back on sale, are staying the same for now.

Savi’s Workshop Introduces New Lightsaber-Building Experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Walt Disney World is introducing an exciting new experience at Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, offering guests a fresh way to craft their own unique Jedi weapon. Beginning May 4, 2025, the “Reclaimed and Reforged” theme will debut as a limited-time option at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, allowing visitors to build lightsabers with parts inspired by remnants of battles past. Originally announced for Disneyland Resort’s “Season of the Force” event, this special theme will also be available in Florida while supplies last.

Throughout Star Wars history, numerous lightsabers have ended up in the possession of smugglers and bounty hunters, becoming remnants of ancient conflicts and forgotten battles. Scavenged from the farthest edges of the galaxy, these lost pieces of Jedi and Sith history can now be repurposed into refined weapons that embody harmony within the Force.

According to theme park reporter Scott Gustin, this new theme will join the existing four themes at Savi’s Workshop:

• Peace and Justice – Inspired by Jedi of the Republic era
• Power and Control – Designed for those who walk the path of the Sith
• Elemental Nature – Reflecting the connection between the Force and nature
• Protection and Defense – Honoring ancient Force traditions

With the introduction of “Reclaimed and Reforged,” guests will have an even greater selection of customizable scrap pieces to craft a truly one-of-a-kind lightsaber. As this experience is expected to be available for a limited time, Star Wars fans visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May the 4th and beyond may want to act quickly before supplies run out. And while visiting a galaxy far, far away, guests can also check out fan-favorite rides, such as Rise of the Resistance and Millenium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run.

Disneyland Unveils Limited-Time Easter Treats and Dining Experiences for Spring

Spring is in full bloom at Disneyland Resort, and with it comes a delightful array of Easter-themed treats and exclusive dining experiences. From indulgent desserts to character dining in festive attire, guests can celebrate the season with limited-time offerings across Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure, and the resort hotels.

Disneyland Park

• Red Rose Taverne (Available March 17 through May 15; mobile order available)
  • Spring Stuff: Shortbread cookie, red velvet cake, raspberry, and pastel-colored sprinkles

Disneyland Hotel

• Goofy’s Kitchen Celebrates Springtime! (Available April 3 through May 9; reservations recommended) Join Goofy and some of his friends in their garden-inspired outfits while feasting on delicious bites for breakfast, brunch, and dinner.

Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa

• Storytellers Cafe Easter Buffet (Available April 20 only; advanced reservations recommended) On Easter, guests can grab their loved ones for a holiday brunch or dinner feast, including an assortment of Easter-inspired desserts, with all-day character dining.

Pixar Place Hotel

• Great Maple Modern American Eatery (Available April 1 through 20)
  • Chocolate Easter Egg Pancakes: Chocolate eggs, berry whipped cream, and maple syrup
  • Truffled Deviled Eggs with Parmesan lace

Available Throughout Disneyland Resort

• Thumper Spring Bucket: Includes popcorn at time of purchase (New) (Available starting March 20; limit two per person, per transaction)

Walt Disney World Resort Announces Exclusive Easter-Themed Food

Spring has arrived at Walt Disney World, bringing with it a seasonal lineup of Easter-themed treats. Guests can indulge in limited-time desserts and specialty snacks across the theme parks, Disney Springs, and Disney World resort hotels. Whether enjoying a decadent holiday brunch or picking up whimsical confections, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate Easter at the Most Magical Place on Earth.

EPCOT

• Various Popcorn Locations
  • Thumper Spring Bucket: Includes popcorn at the time of purchase (New) (Available starting March 25 while supplies last) (Limit two per person, per transaction)

Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

• Beach Club Marketplace and The Market at Ale & Compass (Available March 18 through April 20)
  • Painted Egg Whoopie Pie: Cinnamon sponge cake with maple buttercream filling topped with pastel chocolate and springtime sprinkles (New)
  • Carrot Cupcake with cream cheese buttercream, chocolate cookie crumbs, and spring sprinkles (New)

Disney’s BoardWalk

• BoardWalk Deli (Available March 18 through April 20)
  • Painted Egg Whoopie Pie: Cinnamon sponge cake with maple buttercream filling topped with pastel chocolate and springtime sprinkles (New)

Disney’s Contemporary Resort

• Contempo Cafe (Available March 18 through April 20; mobile order available)
  • Carrot Cupcake with cream cheese buttercream, chocolate cookie crumbs, and spring sprinkles (New)

Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

• Gasparilla Island Grill (Available March 18 through April 20; mobile order available)
  • Bunny Burrow Dirt Cup: Layers of chocolate cake, chocolate buttercream, and sandwich cookie pieces with springtime décor

Disney’s Riviera Resort

• Le Petit Café (Available March 18 through April 20)
  • Easter Egg Macarons: Strawberry honey, blueberry coriander, and orange milk chocolate
• Primo Piatto (Available March 18 through April 20; mobile order available)
  • Lemon-Ricotta Cheesecake: Vanilla bean panna cotta, lemon biscotti cookie, and milk chocolate stamp

Available at Various Resorts

• Thumper Carrot Cake with cream cheese buttercream
  • End Zone Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
  • World Premiere Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
  • Intermission Food Court at Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
  • Landscape of Flavors at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
  • Centertown Market at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
  • Spyglass Grill at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
  • Everything POP Shopping & Dining at Disney’s Pop Century Resort
  • Riverside Mill Food Court at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
  • Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
  • Roaring Fork at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge

Disney Springs

• Amorette’s Patisserie (Available March 18 through April 20; mobile order available)
  • Easter Egg Petit Cake: Layers of carrot cake, cream cheese filling, and pineapple jam (New)
  • Mini Easter Croquembouche: Chocolate pâte à choux, chocolate-hazelnut custard, chocolate ganache, and white chocolate easter stamp (New)
  • Thumper Cake Bar: Mixed berry mousse combined with vanilla chiffon cake (New)
• Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew (Available April 13 through 20)
  • Easter Donuts: Various flavors decorated with a chick, Easter egg, a rabbit jumping into a burrow, odes to Spring, and “Easter grass” with malted milk ball “Easter eggs”
• The Ganachery (Available April 6 through 20)
  • Mickey Chocolate Bites: Solid milk chocolate with orange crispy pearls and dark chocolate with strawberry crispy pearls (New)
  • Peanut Butter and Marshmallow Pop: Peanut butter ganache layered with vanilla marshmallow covered in milk chocolate and caramel crispy pearls (New)
  • Milk Chocolate Bunny Piñata: Milk chocolate shell with jelly beans and marshmallow treats

Universal Orlando Increases Food & Beverage Prices Ahead of Epic Universe Opening

Guests visiting Universal Orlando Resort will notice higher food and beverage prices at both quick-service and table-service locations as the resort prepares for the highly anticipated opening of Epic Universe on May 22, 2025. Beverages saw a price hike across the board, with fountain sodas increasing from $4.29 to $4.79, while hot drinks, including coffee, hot chocolate, and tea, rose from $3.69 to $4.29. The Coca-Cola Freestyle souvenir mugs, which allow guests to refill at designated locations, have also increased by $1 in recent months.

• Regular popcorn (without a souvenir bucket) increased by 50 cents to $5.69
• Potato chips are now $3.69, reflecting a 20-cent increase
• Soft pretzels with cheese sauce rose slightly from $7.79 to $7.99
• Churros with chocolate sauce saw a price increase from $6.79 to $6.99
• 20 oz draft beer and souvenir pilsner prices have risen by approximately $1, depending on the selection

At Today Café, guests will see notable price hikes across the menu including salads, which increased by $3–$4, sandwiches which increased by $4, and the soup of the day, which saw a 99-cent price bump. At Emerald City Eats, breakfast and dessert favorites are now slightly pricier, including the strawberriful waffle, which increased by 50 cents, and the breakfiz croissant, which increased by $1. Additional price increases have been noted at popular Wizarding World of Harry Potter locations such as Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlour, as well as other fan-favorite dining spots like The Frying Dutchman and Krusty Burger in Springfield, U.S.A.