Do I Have to Activate my AP?

[CDN Prince Charming]

My family is going to WDW in March and staying offsite for 2 weeks. We all have 5 days leftover on our old 10 day non-expiring tickets that will get us through this trip. My DMIL is coming with us this trip and I think the DDE card would serve us well this trip.
Now my question is, if I purchase an annual pass before the trip (to use on most certain future trips) so that I can get the DDE card, will I end up having to activate the pass to get the DDE card? I'd rather just put it away for next trip. Can the pass just be put in a drawer and activated when we go back next time?
Also is the DDE card good for 1 year from first use?

Thanks,
CDN Prince Charming

 

[CoolDisneyCat]

You don't have to activate your AP before ordering your DDE card. You can just use the voucher number. DDE cards are good for 12 to 13 months from the time you order them .. not first use, like an AP.

 

[belle1627]

You don't have to activate your AP before ordering your DDE card. You can just use the voucher number. DDE cards are good for 12 to 13 months from the time you order them .. not first use, like an AP.

Thanks, and the voucher for the AP never expires, correct?

 

[disnut8]

The AP voucher does not expire.

 

[chrome64]

Have you thought about exchanging the ticket you have to go towards the AP? You can (others will share the rules) trade it in towards the cost and save some money!

 

[CDN Prince Charming]

Have you thought about exchanging the ticket you have to go towards the AP? You can (others will share the rules) trade it in towards the cost and save some money!

I will certainly inquire when I am there. Thanks

 

[GoldenOldie]

Upgrades can only be done within 14 days of first use. Your old tickets can now only be used for their remaining admissions. They cannot be upgraded or applied to other tickets now.

In the other suggested scenario, the problem you would have had was the fact that to get an AP voucher in the first place, you have to pre-order your AP. You could not have applied another ticket towards the AP under those circumstances. That can only be done in person at WDW which means that you wouldn't have been able to pre-order the AP and order DDE in advance.

 

[Straitlover]

But I think you ahve to to show your AP when you use the DDE card. I've never had either, so I cna't say for sure, but I think I read soemone saying that before.