The tickets are a full page and have bar codes on them. You take them to the front gate and they scan them. Then they give you the cards you'll use for the rest of your trip.
Dangermouse - I suppose it is a risk but right now, if you buy online each 5-day pass is discounted $40. So I saved $160 dollars and the tickets are good through 1/5/09. I figured it is a good enough deal for me rather than risk there being no deal when it gets closer to the trip. Also, I want to give my parents copies for their anniversary in June since I am suprising them with this trip and I want to show them that it is paid for instead of just "plans." But thank you very much. I really appreciate all the info you and everyone else share on the boards!