Another AP Question: activate on blockout day

[KatrinaVanTassel]

I know this has been covered before but since I can't find anything in writing on the Disney website I'm referring to you guys again.

We are going to purchase So Cal Select Passes. We will be going to the park on Saturday 12/13. Am I correct in understanding that we can enter the park on 12/13 (even though its a blockout day) because it's our activation day?
Is this in print anywhere official?

Second question: Which is the better option? To purchase a 1 day eticket and upgrade to an AP later that day? To purchase the AP at the ticket booth in the morning? Or to purchase the AP online?

Third question: If I purchase the AP online, will it expire a year from the date it's purchased or a year from the date it's activated?

That's for being patient with me!

 

[SMD]

It's one year from the date it's activated if you buy a voucher. If you buy at the ticket booth, it's active when you walk away from the booth with the card.

I had a 2 day hopper that I wanted to upgrade earlier this year. I specifically asked if I could do it on a blockout day and was told yes, but I wouldn't be allowed back into the park once I gave up the PH. In my case, i decided to upgrade on non-blockout day and just not go to the park on the day I was originally planning. Other people have since reported that they've activated a voucher on a blockout without a problem. So I think the answer is that you won't find it in writing because there is no hard written policy in place.

 

[Ryan120420]

1. Blockout days never apply on your first visit with your new AP. This policy is listed on the website, however you have to search for it. Last time I checked, its listed in the Disney Moms panel Q&A section of the Disneyland website.

2. Depends. Do you plan on visiting more than once during a 14 day time period? Buy purchasing a multi-day ticket and then up-grading your ticket on your last valid day, you can avoid blockout days. The only downside to this is you will not have your AP in-park discounts.

3. All APs expire 365 days from first day of use.

It's one year from the date it's activated if you buy a voucher. If you buy at the ticket booth, it's active when you walk away from the booth with the card.

I had a 2 day hopper that I wanted to upgrade earlier this year. I specifically asked if I could do it on a blockout day and was told yes, but I wouldn't be allowed back into the park once I gave up the PH. In my case, i decided to upgrade on non-blockout day and just not go to the park on the day I was originally planning. Other people have since reported that they've activated a voucher on a blockout without a problem. So I think the answer is that you won't find it in writing because there is no hard written policy in place.

Who ever told you this is incredibly wrong. If you upgrade your ticket on a blockout day, they will issue you a blockout exception ticket so you can re-enter/enter the parks for that day. This has always been and still is the policy.

 

[figment_jii]

This policy is listed on the website, however you have to search for it. Last time I checked, its listed in the Disney Moms panel Q&A section of the Disneyland website.

Just a note, but the Mom's Panel isn't always the most reliable source of information. I do think they get most things right, but there have been a few instances (mostly in terms of WDW) where they were incorrect.

I agree with SMD that there probably isn't any official/written policy in place. Before DLR eliminated the Blockout Day ticket, that's what was issued to guests that upgraded tickets on a blockout day. Now with that ticket no longer being offered, it's not as clear what will happen.

 

[Ryan120420]

Just a note, but the Mom's Panel isn't always the most reliable source of information. I do think they get most things right, but there have been a few instances (mostly in terms of WDW) where they were incorrect.

I agree with SMD that there probably isn't any official/written policy in place. Before DLR eliminated the Blockout Day ticket, that's what was issued to guests that upgraded tickets on a blockout day. Now with that ticket no longer being offered, it's not as clear what will happen.

Blockout day tickets are still issued with upgrades, in-person renewals, and on the first day of use.

The only change is an AP holder is no longer able to purchase a blockout ticket.

 

[SMD]

3. All APs expire 365 days from first day of use.

That's not 100% true. If you walk up to the ticket booth and buy an AP, your AP is active and will expire in 365 days whether or not you go into the parks. It's semantics, but some would say walking away from the ticket booth with your AP isn't "use." But it does start the clock on your AP.

 

[Ryan120420]

That's not 100% true. If you walk up to the ticket booth and buy an AP, your AP is active and will expire in 365 days whether or not you go into the parks. It's semantics, but some would say walking away from the ticket booth with your AP isn't "use." But it does start the clock on your AP.

My above post is 100% correct.

I said all ANNUAL PASSES expire from first day of use. And buying an ANNUAL PASS in person at a ticket booth constitutes a day of use.

However, you can buy a Annual Pass gift voucher, in person , which will have an must activate by date for the Decmber 31st of the current year or the next year.

 

[figment_jii]

3. All APs expire 365 days from first day of use.

My above post is 100% correct.

If you want to get technical, the AP expires one year after first use. It's not always 365 days because of leap years. So if you first use your AP on December 3, 2015, it'll expire on December 3, 2016, which is 366 days later. That's why the language on the AP vouchers and website say "one-year" from first use and not a number of days.

 

[KatrinaVanTassel]

Thanks for all of the input. I was really hoping that the policy was a little more clear so that I could print it out and bring it with me to the ticket window. Just in case I get an uninformed cast member. I can't think of anything worse than being denied access at DL!