Can someone explain to me how annual passes work

[keith-atl]

My wife and I are thinking maybe we should get annual passes this year, we have a 10 day tripped planned and the ultimate park hopper is a lot more than what we need. I think last year when we were there for 8 days we went to one water park tops.

My question is this, if I buy a annual pass is it just for 2004, or is it from 1 year from the time I buy it, or 1 year from the first time I use it. Any help would be appreciated it.

Also are the discount codes any better than the tripple AAA codes? We are currently booked at POFQ for september 2nd to the 11th.

 

[DebbieB]

If you buy at the Disney Store or through the mail, you get a voucher. When you get to WDW, you exchange the voucher for the actual pass and it starts that day. Buying a voucher in advance protects you from any price increases. Otherwise, the price is the same.

Codes are usually better than AAA. But there is no guarantee that codes or AP rates will be offered (last Sept there were none). So if you can get a AAA discount, I would book it and watch out for codes or AP rates. If a better rate comes out, you can switch if they are available for your dates/resort.

 

[drusba]

The first AP you buy begins its one year period when you first activate it by going to guest relations at a park. All annual renewals are then pegged to that date. Can't help you on difference in discounts

 

[ccaler]

if ap rates come out can you buy a pass to book a room and then activate it when you get there or does it activate when you book a room

 

[Firefly Girl]

You would activate the pass when you get to guest services. You are required to show the pass at check-in if you booked using AP rates but we have found showing the voucher works as well.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

ccaler

You can book a room at the AP rate without the AP, you just have to purchase it sometime prior to check-in. We booked our room, and then went to the nearest Disney Store to purchase our AP voucher, then activated it when we went to the first park, after check-in. That way, your year starts from the first time you use it.

The discounts are much better than AAA - AP discounts are generally 30-45%, whereas AAA are about 15%.

 

[dreamflight99]

We have purchased Premium annual passports for years, and experienced a slight problem the last time we purchased them through the mail (2001). The old rule had been changed, and the pass was actually "activated" the date of purchase. We bought these about a year before we visited, so when we went to guest services to "activate" the cards in person...I was literally STUNNED when I saw the date!! I returned to the window, and she changed all the cards to reflect the current date (as a courtesy), as we were not "aware" of this policy change. She reminded us the next time we "buy" annual passes, they will be active from the DATE OF PURCHASE, and not from the date of the first visit!

Has this changed again? The above problem included "vouchers" which we had received in the mail. I love buying our passes in advance, and paying for them before we arrive. But, have been reluctant due to these problems.

Could someone please let me know if the Annual passport policy has indeed returned to the old method? The "active from date of purchase" made no sense, especially for persons living outside of Florida. TIA!

TTFN....DF99

 

[Deb & Bill]

If you buy a new pass and get a voucher, it will be activated when you first use it. If you get a renewal, you will have 365 days added to your previous AP. Renewals are cheaper than new APs.

 

[keith-atl]

Originally posted by dreamflight99
We have purchased Premium annual passports for years, and experienced a slight problem the last time we purchased them through the mail (2001). The old rule had been changed, and the pass was actually "activated" the date of purchase. We bought these about a year before we visited, so when we went to guest services to "activate" the cards in person...I was literally STUNNED when I saw the date!! I returned to the window, and she changed all the cards to reflect the current date (as a courtesy), as we were not "aware" of this policy change. She reminded us the next time we "buy" annual passes, they will be active from the DATE OF PURCHASE, and not from the date of the first visit!

Has this changed again? The above problem included "vouchers" which we had received in the mail. I love buying our passes in advance, and paying for them before we arrive. But, have been reluctant due to these problems.

Could someone please let me know if the Annual passport policy has indeed returned to the old method? The "active from date of purchase" made no sense, especially for persons living outside of Florida. TIA!

TTFN....DF99

Yes I would like to know as well, we are planning to purchasing APs soon, and I would prefer to wait to the last minute before we buy them if its active the day bought, if not Ill purchase them sooner than later just to get the expense out of the way.