Disneyland ending annual pass program with parks closed

In this Jan. 22, 2015, file photo, visitors walk toward Sleeping Beauty's Castle in the background at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif. Disneyland says it's closing its California parks starting Saturday over coronavirus concerns. For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms. For some it can cause more severe illness. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)

ORLANDO, Fla. — Looking to buy an annual pass at Disneyland Resort? You're out of luck. The California theme park resort said last week that it's ending its passholder program.

Disneyland Resort in California made the announcement last week after it allowed county health officials to use its parking lot for a large-scale coronavirus vaccination site.

California's Disneyland closed in March and has not reopened since because coronavirus metrics in the county where the park is located have not declined to the levels required by the state.

Existing passholders at the California parks will be given refunds, company officials said.

"We are currently developing new membership offerings that will utilize consumer insights to deliver choice, flexibility and value for our biggest fans," Ken Potrock, Disneyland Resort's president, said in a statement last Thursday.

Disney officials would not say how many people hold these passes or how much the move will cost the company, adding it would begin issuing pro-rated refunds to eligible passholders.

In Florida, Walt Disney World reopened in July after nearly four months with new rules in place to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 including mandatory masks and social distancing. The Florida resort implemented a moratorium on new annual passes last summer, though it will honour those from existing passholders.