If you buy online or through AAA you get a voucher that you need to bring to the ticket center to trade that is when your year begins. If you happen to buy at the ticket center but not enter the park, I believe your year begins when you purchase it.
We are taking a family vacation next June with 11 people, staying at the Contemporary Theme Park View, cant afford concierge/club level so what would be the next best floor to stay on?