New Annual pass on upcoming trip

[xipetotec]

hi everyone, hoping someone can help out on this question. So we have a trip next January. My wife and I are considering get the Annual Pass. Only we would not be anywhere near Disney World BEFORE our trip.

If I purchase it online, my understanding from the site is that I get a certificate that needs to be exchanged for the actual pass at the park. Which is fine, whatever. BUT what does that mean for advance planning. Does it mean I can't make FP+ reservations? Since I technically don't have admission linked to my account?

 

[mrp4352]

When I've purchasedon-line through DVC, I received a code that I linked on MDE, which then allowed me to make fastpasses even though my pass wasn't active yet. I would assume (dangerous word, I know) it would work the same way for passes purchased through the Disney website.

 

[Gina Starr]

When I've purchasedon-line through DVC, I received a code that I linked on MDE, which then allowed me to make fastpasses even though my pass wasn't active yet. I would assume (dangerous word, I know) it would work the same way for passes purchased through the Disney website.

Yes you are correct. I purchased AP online October 2016 and activated January 2017. I was able to make FP at 60 days since I had a resort reservation

 

[xipetotec]

Yes you are correct. I purchased AP online October 2016 and activated January 2017. I was able to make FP at 60 days since I had a resort reservation

Phew okay. Because this would be a huge sticking point for us. Not because we're typically "super" planners. But in the case of our January trip, it would be part of a huge family reunion ( we'll be 23 ) and I would hate to either be left out of THEIR FP+ ( well the few we'll plan all together ) or take a chance at getting anything good in the same week.

Thanks!

 

[Atilley]

You can still make fast pass reservation 30 days in advance if off site 60 days if on site. I ordered my AP in January and was able to make fast passes for 30 days out. I activated it in February and was not staying on site

 

[china mom]

If you are in MDE when you make the purchase, your AP will automatically be linked. I did not get a certificate this last time and just scanned my MB at guest relation to activate my AP. I was able to make FP reservations before activating the AP.

If you purchase your AP without being logged in to MDE (if you still can, I don't know) then you will get a voucher number that you will need to link to your MDE account. You will then be able to make FP reservations. With this method, you may need to bring your voucher to the window. That is how it used to work in the old days.

 

[wdw4rfam]

I bought online 7 months before our trip. It linked them to my MDE so I could see them, but it had the disclosure that it needed exchanged. I was able to use the AP discount when buying things on the parks app too. I was able to make FP for our trip right at 60 days. Then we activated them on our first day at guest services.

 

[china mom]

FYI, you can also book rooms at the AP rate before your voucher is redeemed as long as you activate your APs during that trip.

 

[xipetotec]

One last thing, and it seems obvious but I just want to make sure... The expiry date of the AP will be a year from the time I *activate* it at the park correct? Like if I *buy* it in October, make FP+ bookings and what not for January, pick up my passes January 6th, they will be good until January of the following year correct? (Not October). I know, seems obvious but I want to be certain.

 

[cubed]

@xipetotec that is correct, it will expire from first day of activation on your January trip.

 

[amy1115]

Following....

 

[amy1115]

@xipetotec that is correct, it will expire from first day of activation on your January trip.

Sorry, to butt in OP, but is there a specific amount of time that you must activate them by? Like a year from purchase, 2 years, etc.....

 

[cubed]

Sorry, to butt in OP, but is there a specific amount of time that you must activate them by? Like a year from purchase, 2 years, etc.....

I don't know. I know there are tickets you must use by a certain date now but not sure if this applies to APs. Hopefully someone else will be able to chime in.

 

[china mom]

Sorry, to butt in OP, but is there a specific amount of time that you must activate them by? Like a year from purchase, 2 years, etc.....

The AP vouchers in my MDE say they expire 12/31/2030

The re-worded ticket vouchers regular tix, not AP)a while ago to indicate that they are only good for a certain amount of time. You retain the original value but if ticket prices have increased, you have to pay the difference if the price goes up between purchase and activation. Now, as far as I know, there has been no mention of this for APs but I would not be surprised if it was initiated.

 

[amy1115]

The AP vouchers in my MDE say they expire 12/31/2030

The re-worded ticket vouchers regular tix, not AP)a while ago to indicate that they are only good for a certain amount of time. You retain the original value but if ticket prices have increased, you have to pay the difference if the price goes up between purchase and activation. Now, as far as I know, there has been no mention of this for APs but I would not be surprised if it was initiated.

Thanks for the info!

 

[scrapquitler]

hi everyone, hoping someone can help out on this question. So we have a trip next January. My wife and I are considering get the Annual Pass. Only we would not be anywhere near Disney World BEFORE our trip.

If I purchase it online, my understanding from the site is that I get a certificate that needs to be exchanged for the actual pass at the park. Which is fine, whatever. BUT what does that mean for advance planning. Does it mean I can't make FP+ reservations? Since I technically don't have admission linked to my account?

I bought my AP on the Disney Website, and it was automatically lined to my MDE account. I was able to make my FP+ at 60 days before my park reservation. On our first day, we just had to go to guest services outside of the park to have it activated. I just had to show my ID and they issued my my discount card. Easy Peasy.

If you have some sort of physical certificate, there should be ticket number on there that you can add to your MDE account and proceed as above.

 

[AtlantaDisneyDreamer]

Disney is so good about letting you book things in advance with the AP discounts even if you don't have the pass yet. I called today to book a couple of tours and I have not even bought the AP yet. They let me get the discount and I just have to show the AP when I arrive for the tour. You will need it for the FP+ reservations, so you will want to purchase more than 60 days in advance of your trip if you are staying onsite- 30 if you are staying offsite.