Disney World Annual Pass avoiding first time parking fee

[Aidens Daddy]

I purchased my AP online and have an exchange voucher. I will be activating my disney world annual pass in the next week or so. I read that the first time you enter disney you have to pay to park the first time as a new annual passholder. Can this be avoided by using guest services at DTD to exchange/activate the pass and then go to one of the parks?

 

[mesaboy2]

I purchased my AP online and have an exchange voucher. I will be activating my disney world annual pass in the next week or so. I read that the first time you enter disney you have to pay to park the first time as a new annual passholder. Can this be avoided by using guest services at DTD to exchange/activate the pass and then go to one of the parks?

That is one way.

 

[cathyce2]

I purchased my AP online and have an exchange voucher. I will be activating my disney world annual pass in the next week or so. I read that the first time you enter disney you have to pay to park the first time as a new annual passholder. Can this be avoided by using guest services at DTD to exchange/activate the pass and then go to one of the parks?

I paid the parking fee with my credit card then turned in the receipt at guest services when I exchanged the voucher. They issued a credit back to my card for the parking fee.

 

[LATJLP]

I purchased my AP online and have an exchange voucher. I will be activating my disney world annual pass in the next week or so. I read that the first time you enter disney you have to pay to park the first time as a new annual passholder. Can this be avoided by using guest services at DTD to exchange/activate the pass and then go to one of the parks?

Yes, you can activate your pass at DTD.....you can also pay the parking fee at the first park and take your receipt with you for a refund upon activation.

I personally prefer to do it at DTD the night before, that way I can hit rope drop and not spend any time standing in line at Guest Relations (first thing in the morning tends to be a line).

So, we hit DTD, activate it and then celebrate with a treat (or dinner)!

One word of caution: Obviously if you activate it the night before that will be the expiration date 1 year later....no problem for us as we don't make our final trip quite that close to expiration, but if your plans are to return at the very very end of your AP life, watch your dates.

 

[Aidens Daddy]

Is turning in the receipt for credit an official policy?

 

[Mnrlred]

Is turning in the receipt for credit an official policy?

Yes, they do the same for resort guests who pay accidentally.

 

[illinidp]

I purchased my AP online and have an exchange voucher. I will be activating my disney world annual pass in the next week or so. I read that the first time you enter disney you have to pay to park the first time as a new annual passholder. Can this be avoided by using guest services at DTD to exchange/activate the pass and then go to one of the parks?

Keep in mind that if you activate it at DTD the clock on the AP starts the day you activate it whether or not you go into a park that day.

 

[Aidens Daddy]

I will just pay it and get a credit when I activate. Less hassle than going to DTD first. Thanks for the info!

 

[staceyeileen]

We also just paid it and got a credit. I'd recommend stopping by guest services later in the day for the credit, as the lines tend to be longer in the morning. You do not have to do it right when you enter the park. We usually do it on our way out.

 

[BonnieA]

I just showed my voucher. No problem.