We got our last AP direct from Disney.
Just call: 00 1 407-934-7639 to order. We found this quick and easy.
You will get AP or PAP vouchers that you need to activate at any park Guest Relations window when you first plan to use the passes (You can't activate your passes at a resort). The year of use starts at this date. The vouchers arrived within a couple of weeks via DHL. Activating the passes takes about 10 minutes and you must have photo id with you (passports or driving licence).
The following places will sell you an actual activated AP/PAP in Orlando:
- Any WDW major park ticket window
- Guest Relations at the major parks or at Downtown Disney and West Side
- The Ocala Disney Information Center on I-75 in Ocala, FL
- Disney's EarPort at Orlando International Airport (2 locations)
- Character Warehouse at Belz Mall 2 in Orlando
- Character Premiere at Belz Mall 1 in Orlando
- Character Premiere at Orlando Premium Outlets Mall in Lake Buena Vista
If you have got an AP discount off your WDW accommodation you will need to have at least the AP voucher when you check in (they never asked for ours when we checked in - but the rules say you need them!). But you do not need to have the AP when you book. Only the person who booked the room(s) needs to have an AP or PAP to get the discount.
If you buy them in advance they work out slightly cheaper then if you buy them at the gate.
When you use the passes to enter the parks you need to place your two index fingers into a scanner to prove you are the pass holder. You insert you fingers until you feel the stop and wiggle them about until the red lights go out on the little panel. This is quite quick and painless

My youngest sometimes had problems and the CMs on the gates would usually just let her in
