New AP Holder...A few questions

[midnight star]

As of yesterday, I am FINALLY an AP Holder, and I am so excited!
I have a few questions:
1. When entering the parks, do I have to have the CM scan my actual pass, or will my phone work? I have my pass loaded on my app. Yesterday when I went, I just had them scan my physical pass. However for the future, I want to be able to not lose it.
2. Same question with parking, if I show them my phone with the pass, will they let me through? Or does my actual pass card need to be scanned?
3. Where are the magic spot locations (I think this is what they are called)? I am talking about the pictures where a little character is in them.
4. Are there AP corners outside of special events like Food & Wine?
5. Lastly, what are some ways to NOT lose your pass? lol I know many people have lanyards, since you have to show them to get discounts, but I am so nervous to take it out so much. I'm just not a fan of things hanging on my neck. Yesterday after I showed it to buy a shirt, I think I checked my bag 4 or 5 times to make sure it was still there lol.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Skyegirl1999]

As of yesterday, I am FINALLY an AP Holder, and I am so excited!
I have a few questions:
1. When entering the parks, do I have to have the CM scan my actual pass, or will my phone work? I have my pass loaded on my app. Yesterday when I went, I just had them scan my physical pass. However for the future, I want to be able to not lose it.
2. Same question with parking, if I show them my phone with the pass, will they let me through? Or does my actual pass card need to be scanned?
3. Where are the magic spot locations (I think this is what they are called)? I am talking about the pictures where a little character is in them.
4. Are there AP corners outside of special events like Food & Wine?
5. Lastly, what are some ways to NOT lose your pass? lol I know many people have lanyards, since you have to show them to get discounts, but I am so nervous to take it out so much. I'm just not a fan of things hanging on my neck. Yesterday after I showed it to buy a shirt, I think I checked my bag 4 or 5 times to make sure it was still there lol.

Thanks in advance!

1. Your phone works fine.
2. I haven't tried my phone in awhile; I tried it once after I'd been able to scan into the park that way and they told me I needed the physical pass for parking, so I just got in the habit of using my pass. They may have updated so this works, in which case I'm sure someone will chime in.
3. There are quite a few. The castle has some, a lot of photographers can have you hold balloons, we got Stitch on a bench at DCA, you can hold Groot... just ask any photographer who's not for a meet and greet if they have any magic shots.
4. No, they're special-event related.
5. I just keep mine in my wallet with my credit card and driver's license, personally. I've had a pass for years and years and never lost it. If you do, it's $20 for a replacement.

 

[DizneyMommy]

You can use your pass on your phone through the app for entry and FP return. You need the actual pass still to obtain FP’s (unless you bought MaxPass), parking, and for any dining or retail discounts.

I asked a few months ago at the garage if it was ok to use the app and they said they really prefer not to unless it is necessary, they prefer to have the actual pass to swipe. I got the same answer twice on 2 different visits.

I keep our AP’s in my wallet and only pull them out for parking, FP’s and discounts.

 

[Geemo]

As of yesterday, I am FINALLY an AP Holder, and I am so excited!
I have a few questions:
1. When entering the parks, do I have to have the CM scan my actual pass, or will my phone work? I have my pass loaded on my app. Yesterday when I went, I just had them scan my physical pass. However for the future, I want to be able to not lose it.
2. Same question with parking, if I show them my phone with the pass, will they let me through? Or does my actual pass card need to be scanned?
3. Where are the magic spot locations (I think this is what they are called)? I am talking about the pictures where a little character is in them.
4. Are there AP corners outside of special events like Food & Wine?
5. Lastly, what are some ways to NOT lose your pass? lol I know many people have lanyards, since you have to show them to get discounts, but I am so nervous to take it out so much. I'm just not a fan of things hanging on my neck. Yesterday after I showed it to buy a shirt, I think I checked my bag 4 or 5 times to make sure it was still there lol.

Thanks in advance!

There have been many times when I use my AP out for discounts that I'm also asked for Photo ID.
So I bring out three things to pay AP, ID and credit card. I hardly ever carry cash.

Enjoy you AP!!

Geemo

 

[Kender]

The official app specifically states "don't forget your annual passport" and further specifies your card is needed for discounts and other benefits.

Therefore, the physical card is officially needed for, but not limited to:
FP (pulling if you don't have MP)
Parking (but YMMV)
Discounts

You can use the app (and ignore the card) for:
Entering the park
Redeeming a pulled FP
Pulling a MP (if you have access)

Anything else is definitely dependent on the CM.

I usually just kept mine in my wallet prior to MP. I always took care to be sure I had put it away properly every time rather than just tucking it in a pocket somewhere. Now I carry it in a lanyard (not my favorite thing to be doing) to speed going through FP lines. I also keep my ID there. I pay with Google Pay so the only other thing I need is my phone.

 

[midnight star]

Thanks everyone!

 

[calilou]

My daughters and I have the small crossbody Vera Bradley purses in the special disney prints. These have proved the best investment and make disney-ing so easy! Under the front flap is a spot for your AP with a clear protector and then several slots for other cards and IDs. There’s a small zipper pouch as well and a pouch on the back that is perfect for sliding your phone in. It’s not large but plenty enough room to carry your necessities and you can even leave it on while on rides. I’ll see if I can find a picture.

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

My daughters and I have the small crossbody Vera Bradley purses in the special disney prints. These have proved the best investment and make disney-ing so easy! Under the front flap is a spot for your AP with a clear protector and then several slots for other cards and IDs. There’s a small zipper pouch as well and a pouch on the back that is perfect for sliding your phone in. It’s not large but plenty enough room to carry your necessities and you can even leave it on while on rides. I’ll see if I can find a picture.

Curious, where did you find these?

 

[midnight star]

My daughters and I have the small crossbody Vera Bradley purses in the special disney prints. These have proved the best investment and make disney-ing so easy! Under the front flap is a spot for your AP with a clear protector and then several slots for other cards and IDs. There’s a small zipper pouch as well and a pouch on the back that is perfect for sliding your phone in. It’s not large but plenty enough room to carry your necessities and you can even leave it on while on rides. I’ll see if I can find a picture.

These sound cute! And I’ve been searching for a backpack that can be my “Disney pack”. I need an easy access pocket for wallet and pass, but still secure. Yesterday I used a bag that had a button closure, which made me feel as if my things weren’t safe. So I don’t think I’ll use that bag at Disney again.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Curious, where did you find these?

The Vera Bradley Disney bags can be found at WOD, Disney Clothiers, ShopDisney.com, and a few other shops around the parks. Every so often a new print is released. Sometimes ShopDisney.com will have them on sale with free shipping.

 

[ashley0139]

I have used my app before for parking once when I forgot my physical pass, but I think is dependent on the day and CM. I would plan on using the physical pass for parking.

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

The Vera Bradley Disney bags can be found at WOD, Disney Clothiers, ShopDisney.com, and a few other shops around the parks. Every so often a new print is released. Sometimes ShopDisney.com will have them on sale with free shipping.

Thank you!