AP haven't used 1st time yet

[eleven24]

Have a new AP for my son and I that was to start with our trip July 10. Assuming I understand correctly, the AP "clock" starts when the AP is first used to gain admission to a park.

First, am I right on the clock starting once the AP is first used? Second, is there any timeframe by which one has to first use the AP?

I'm still back and forth on whether or not to go on our July trip, even if Disney is open - which I expect it will be. We'd be opting not to fly but rather drive from PA to FL, at least until the airlines can match the safety I'm sure will be present in WDW

 

[SaintsManiac]

Have a new AP for my son and I that was to start with our trip July 10. Assuming I understand correctly, the AP "clock" starts when the AP is first used to gain admission to a park.

First, am I right on the clock starting once the AP is first used? Second, is there any timeframe by which one has to first use the AP?

I'm still back and forth on whether or not to go on our July trip, even if Disney is open - which I expect it will be. We'd be opting not to fly but rather drive from PA to FL, at least until the airlines can match the safety I'm sure will be present in WDW

The AP begins the day you activate it at Guest Services.

Vouchers should have an expiration date of 2030.

 

[eleven24]

The AP begins the day you activate it at Guest Services.

Thanks. Figures, the first time we try to go the 2-3 trips in a 12-mo period via the AP all of this happens!

 

[Hezzy04]

Same thing happened to me!!! Got my first ever annual pass and was going to activate it in October....but now it makes me nervous bc who knows....

 

[gharter]

As long as its a new AP and not a renewal, that is true.

 

[epcotty]

Of course the new policies\closures may well be permanent, as once these things happen in a place like disney they're almost impossible to roll back

 

[Primeval Princess]

Of course the new policies\closures may well be permanent, as once these things happen in a place like disney they're almost impossible to roll back

What new policies/closures do you think would be permanent?

 

[epcotty]

What new policies/closures do you think would be permanent?

Basically I expect all of them to be. All the new safety measures will probably be there long after the virus has passed, with them thinking that these measures have to always be there regardless of anything. And they'll probably always use this as an excuse to have a lot of attractions and entertainment either closed or operating at much lower capacity.

 

[Primeval Princess]

Basically I expect all of them to be. All the new safety measures will probably be there long after the virus has passed, with them thinking that these measures have to always be there regardless of anything. And they'll probably always use this as an excuse to have a lot of attractions and entertainment either closed or operating at much lower capacity.

You think people will be required to wear masks to Disney World for years? No fireworks or parades ever again? I don't see any of that helping Disney's bottom line as it would repel customers.

 

[SaintsManiac]

You think people will be required to wear masks to Disney World for years? No fireworks or parades ever again? I don't see any of that helping Disney's bottom line as it would repel customers.

It might take a couple of years, but things will go back to the way they were. I wouldn't worry too much.

 

[epcotty]

You think people will be required to wear masks to Disney World for years? No fireworks or parades ever again? I don't see any of that helping Disney's bottom line as it would repel customers.

That's what I predict too, but it might take them a really long time to realize this. And even then they might think it's all necessary for reducing crowds

 

[TarotFox]

Disney doesn't WANT reduced crowds, you realize. As soon as they can they will go back to normal. How ling this takes is basically up to us as a society.

 

[epcotty]

They don't care how crowded it is as long as they make the same amount of profit, which they're ensuring by all the new rules and closures and reductions in attractions/entertainment. They want it to not be too crowded, especially since they never opened a 5th park in all these years to help absorb crowds as they probably should have by now. Lower crowds is part of the reason they have raised the price much more in more recent years, as has often been said even by CMs. So now with the new rules and closures, they ensure crowds will be down much more while still profiting as much, making it a win-win for them

 

[subtchr]

The AP begins the day you activate it at Guest Services.

Technically, it begins the first day you use it to enter a park. That is usually the same day you activate it at Guest Services (and that is what it used to be), but if you activate it at, say, Disney Springs, and not visit a park until a later date, it will be good for a year after your first park entry.

 

[eleven24]

Technically, it begins the first day you use it to enter a park. That is usually the same day you activate it at Guest Services (and that is what it used to be), but if you activate it at, say, Disney Springs, and not visit a park until a later date, it will be good for a year after your first park entry.

Thanks. That is what I thought the policy was on the AP activation; when one went through the gate for the first time.

 

[eleven24]

They don't care how crowded it is as long as they make the same amount of profit, which they're ensuring by all the new rules and closures and reductions in attractions/entertainment.

This is kind of my fear going forward. Disney doesn't care if they sell 100 tickets at $10 each or 10 tickets at $100 each. Both generate the same gate revenue, but the latter meets the public health requirement of less people in the park. Obviously there are other revenue streams that more people in a park would add to, such as food and retail, but I wouldn't be surprised to see a very significant price increase in the not too distant future.

If anyone is considering an AP, buy now and hold for later might be a good idea.

 

[epcotty]

it was always well known that iger wanted to turn disney into a playground for the rich. being able to do all this now will give them a huge push towards that. i wouldn't be surprised if all the changes are permanent

 

[Scalemaster34]

It's going to be interesting to see how they keep crowds low.... and deal with everything that's already been sold. Existing reservations, Vacation Club, Annual Passes.... how do you give these customers their value, and allow anyone else to be there as well. Going to end up with the same situation with booking "park" reservations as we see now with getting Fastpasses to major attractions.

I feel bad for folks that bought vacation property down there, thinking they could keep it rented out with all the overflow or those not wanting to pay Disney's prices. I know we looked at some homes at Davenport a couple years ago... really nice big six bedroom homes that paid for themselves.

As with Fastpasses, I expect there will be a pecking order that favors onsite over locals or off site stays.

But I've been tempted to buy a new AP..... even if I don't use it for a year or two. As I could see those going away.

 

[subtchr]

It's going to be interesting to see how they keep crowds low.... and deal with everything that's already been sold. Existing reservations, Vacation Club, Annual Passes.... how do you give these customers their value, and allow anyone else to be there as well. Going to end up with the same situation with booking "park" reservations as we see now with getting Fastpasses to major attractions.

I feel bad for folks that bought vacation property down there, thinking they could keep it rented out with all the overflow or those not wanting to pay Disney's prices. I know we looked at some homes at Davenport a couple years ago... really nice big six bedroom homes that paid for themselves.

As with Fastpasses, I expect there will be a pecking order that favors onsite over locals or off site stays.

But I've been tempted to buy a new AP..... even if I don't use it for a year or two. As I could see those going away.

Interesting that you are predicting very long-range and far-reaching impacts from the current situation.

No one knows, of course, but I am more optimistic that the most stringent of restrictions will be relaxed within months, or a year. I am not a Pollyanna -- I know there will be some changes that will likely stick around. But I would be shocked if APs are discontinued, or if the Orlando rental market collapses.