Annual Pass - How to activate

[lkmom]

OK - I've searched the boards and there are several comments about activating the annual pass when you first go into the parks, but I have not found the answer I'm looking for (so sorry if this has been asked and answered).

I purchased an annual pass online and had it mailed to me. We purchased individual tickets for the others in the party and have those already as well.

The AP I received in the mail looks exactly like the other tickets - it has my name on it, a PIN #, etc. and says "Biometric Scan of Right Index Finger Required and Photo ID".

What exactly do I have to do to activate the AP? Do I have to get into the guest services line or do I go into the normal line? Is it going to take extra time? I want to make sure we don't miss getting in the park for early entry as we are staying on site (but arriving too late the night before to take care of things then).

Thanks!

 

[mesaboy2]

Sounds exactly like my APs that I got via FedEx. You should be able to just go through the normal line at the entrance.

 

[lkmom]

Sounds exactly like my APs that I got via FedEx. You should be able to just go through the normal line at the entrance.

Thanks so much (and I got them via Fedex also).

Does it take any extra time to get through the normal line?

 

[mesaboy2]

Nope, just the usual finger scan thing like everyone else.

 

[reelmom]

When you buy an AP, does the 1 year start at time of purchase or when it is activated on first use.

 

[mesaboy2]

When you buy an AP, does the 1 year start at time of purchase or when it is activated on first use.

When it is activated.

 

[Metro West]

When it is activated.

 

[mesaboy2]

I always feel better when I get the thumbs-up from Metro!

 

[Zarabear]

Sorry to tag onto your post, but I had a quick question that kind of ties into this. If I order an AP, does it have to be activated before I can use the AP discounts?

I was thinking of getting myself an AP (or one of the ultimate passports for both east/west coast parks), but if I couldn't activate it until I went on the trip, would I be able to use the room discount?

~Zara
(if I should make a new board, I can.)

 

[Metro West]

Sorry to tag onto your post, but I had a quick question that kind of ties into this. If I order an AP, does it have to be activated before I can use the AP discounts?

I was thinking of getting myself an AP (or one of the ultimate passports for both east/west coast parks), but if I couldn't activate it until I went on the trip, would I be able to use the room discount?

~Zara
(if I should make a new board, I can.)

You can book the AP rate but you will have to show your activated AP at the front desk sometime during your stay and they should be able to give you the AP discount on the room rate.

 

[reelmom]

How do you book at a AP rate but not have your AP yet? Do you tell them that you are getting one when you call or is there someway you can do this online?

 

[Zarabear]

Thank you so much for the speedy reply!!

Based on the OP's post, when you get your voucher, it has some PIN# or documentation that I'm sure the CM could look up. I just wasn't sure and figured someone on the Dis would have insight.

~Zara

 

[rufusrex]

The code for the discount for the resorts is APH - I was able to make a reservation using that code even though I do not have my APs yet. I am hoping all I have to do is show them in the morning, get my room keys, then activate them. I'd hate to have to run over to the park to activate them, then run back to the hotel to check in and get the room keys, then back to the park. Seems a little foolish. If anyone has any experience with this, please let us know - thanks!

 

[damo]

They are fine with letting you show them the pass before you check out, if they even ask to see it at all.

 

[rufusrex]

They are fine with letting you show them the pass before you check out, if they even ask to see it at all.

Thank you! That's a cute dog in your avatar

 

[Wadekind]

My plan is to buy 1 AP and use the 15% discount to buy multi day tickets for the rest of our family. When I look at the purchase on line it offers an option to pick up at a kiosk. It is my understanding that in order to get the 15% discount on the other tickets I have to buy the tickets at the park. So I will save on Fedex, use the Kiosk for AP then go buy the tickets. Correct?

 

[quest4dl]

I have the same plan for my annual pass. When I called the ticket number, I was told I could purchase the discounted tickets on the phone as well. I haven't done it yet so I can't confirm this information is correct. I was told they would be activated at the park.

 

[stasijane]

I was just wondering if anyone knows how long you have to activate a annual pass voucher?

 

[damo]

I was just wondering if anyone knows how long you have to activate a annual pass voucher?

I don't believe there is a time limit unless it is some type of special annual pass. There haven't been any special deal annual passes for a while though.

 

[n2mm]

Just wanted to mention. Since the AP is going to be your regular AP after you use it the first time, I'm assuming that it will not get a person parking for free the first time you arrive at the parks. I only say this because we just returned home 2 weeks ago tomorrow and visited US/IOA 3 times during that trip and my AP was scanned each time to make sure it was an active AP to get the free parking (unlike Disney where you just flash your AP). Plus I knew to have my picture ID with me each time. The first time they asked for it, after that I handed it to them and they thanked me for having my picture ID ready after that. I'm no US/IOA expert, but have had the preferred APs for 4 years now and it's funny that they don't have "dates" on the APs, so you will have to remember when your AP expires. When you renew, the same ID gets "reloaded" with another year. While there in Oct I stopped by the guest service office and asked them to check for my expiration date. I wanted to make sure I was able to get my free parking while there in January and then renewed in person. Had it expired before my January dates, I would've called and renewed by phone.