New annual pass question

[jenniferrose]

I have had an AP before but let it lapse. We are planning a Sept trip and I have a question. I recall it being mentioned that you can use your pass on the day you activate it, EVEN if it is a day your AP is blacked out.

Is this correct?

And, is this only if you buy the AP there? Meaning... if I buy them online... print out the voucher and arrive on a Sunday that is blocked out.. are we going to be able to go into the park?

Also, would we be able to park hop on that day?

Thanks!

 

[Raindown]

I only think there is one situation where you could 'use' a blocked out pass. That is if you already have valid admission for the day and then you seek to utilize that ticket towards a blocked out pass. In all reality, you'd probably still be swiping that ticket for admission.

In all other instances I think you would be denied admission.

 

[Huff]

If you arrive at Disneyland on 1st day of activation of your AP then yes, you will be allowed into the parks and can hop even if that day is blacked out. I have found the CM at the gate has to override the system to allow us in but they are so used to it you won't even notice them doing so.

I have never purchased vouchers online but I'd assume the AP would start on your first visit and not on the day purchased.

What is the advantage to purchasing online? I have seen no discounts available so I've always purchased at Disneyland.

Use the AP processing inside California Adventure in the Greetings store. Almost always far shorter line than in Disneyland. On our last visit there was nobody in line for AP's at CA.

On our visit last month we purchased Deluxe AP's on a blackout day and had no problem hopping from park to park on a blacked out day. Done this many times in prior years as well.

 

[jenniferrose]

If you arrive at Disneyland on 1st day of activation of your AP then yes, you will be allowed into the parks and can hop even if that day is blacked out. I have found the CM at the gate has to override the system to allow us in but they are so used to it you won't even notice them doing so.

I have never purchased vouchers online but I'd assume the AP would start on your first visit and not on the day purchased.

What is the advantage to purchasing online? I have seen no discounts available so I've always purchased at Disneyland.

Use the AP processing inside California Adventure in the Greetings store. Almost always far shorter line than in Disneyland. On our last visit there was nobody in line for AP's at CA.

On our visit last month we purchased Deluxe AP's on a blackout day and had no problem hopping from park to park on a blacked out day. Done this many times in prior years as well.

Thank you!

Reasons for buying online: Faster. Don't have to go to a ticket booth. And.. my thought is this... the last few summers they have hiked the prices. If I know a day or two before the prices go up, I am going to purchase them to save a few bucks since I have 4 passes to buy.

 

[toocherie]

I recently had my annual pass lapse and went to the parks three days later. I had to buy a one-day pass to get into DCA from a ticket booth, then once I got in had to go to the AP center where they applied the cost of the ticket to my new annual pass.

If you have a computer voucher they will let you in to the park similarly so you can get your pass even if it is a blackout day.

 

[Huff]

Just confirmed with a CM. As stated you will take your e-ticket straight to the gate and will be allowed in even on a blackout day. You'll then proceed to AP center for photo etc.

Another idea is to purchase multi-day hoppers instead of an AP. That gives you a magic morning. Once you use the magic morning you'll upgrade them to AP's. Cost is the same and you can still buy online to save time.

 

[jenniferrose]

Another idea is to purchase multi-day hoppers instead of an AP. That gives you a magic morning. Once you use the magic morning you'll upgrade them to AP's. Cost is the same and you can still buy online to save time.

Yes. I have considered this too but if the last couple years are going to repeat themselves, the prices will go up this summer and we are going in September so I want to lock in the lower price by buying the AP.

Thanks for confirming with a CM!