Annual Pass Question

[JHank44]

I was planning on buying an annual pass for our upcoming trip in February. I have two questions:

1) If I buy it now, is my pass start date from the purchase date or the date I redeem it (turn it on or whatever you call it) at our trip in February.

2) If I buy it now but don't redeem it until February, will I get the extra month they are offering?

Basically, I just want to maximize the length of the AP from my trip date in February. Thanks.

 

[CarolMN]

I was planning on buying an annual pass for our upcoming trip in February. I have two questions:

1) If I buy it now, is my pass start date from the purchase date or the date I redeem it (turn it on or whatever you call it) at our trip in February.

If you buy it online or by calling MS, you will get either an exchange certificate or a "will call" number. Both can be linked to an MDE account. That will allow you to make advance FP+ reservations. Your year of admission to the parks will not begin until you activate the pass - in person at WDW at guest relations or at a ticket booth.

2) If I buy it now but don't redeem it until February, will I get the extra month they are offering?

Yes.

Basically, I just want to maximize the length of the AP from my trip date in February. Thanks.

You're welcome.

 

[tguy47]

I have one day remaining from an old nonexpiration ticket linked to my magic band, but want to buy an annual pass for the next year. Does the single day stay on the magic band to be used after the annual pass is over, or will it disappear?

 

[CarolMN]

I have one day remaining from an old nonexpiration ticket linked to my magic band, but want to buy an annual pass for the next year. Does the single day stay on the magic band to be used after the annual pass is over, or will it disappear?

It will stay linked to your account until used.

BUT when you activate the AP, BE SURE you tell the CM that you want to prioritize your tickets to use the AP first. Then, after the first time you enter a park with the AP, check your MDE account to be sure you DIDN't use the last day of your MYW ticket. If a mistake was made (and it happens), go immediately to Guest Relations and get it taken care of. Otherwise you will have wasted the remaining day on your MYW ticket - your AP starts the day you activate it at Guest Relations or a ticket booth.

 

[tguy47]

Thanks. I don't like having to be vigilant on vacation, but I dislike losing $100 value even more. I'll be vigilant.

 

[wench]

Thanks. I don't like having to be vigilant on vacation, but I dislike losing $100 value even more. I'll be vigilant.

Yes, definitely be vigilant. Depending on how long you wait to use that 1day ticket, it could save you much more than $100!

 

[gharter]

We purchased an AP online. It was easy to go to the Guest Services window at the International Gateway by EPCOT. Took about 5 minutes per person to activate and get your AP card. Ours is good for the next 13 months. As others have said, once you purchase the AP, it doesn't become active until you activate it. we had no problems getting dining reservations or Fastpass plus reservation before activating the AP.
Good luck!