Passholder activation time

[margot31]

So if Hubby wanted to get me an annual pass holder ticket for mothers day but we won't be down till Oct to activate it, it won't start till that time correct?

I wouldn't want to have this ticket and find out I just lost several months of being able to use if we get it now.

 

[erionm]

If you pre-purchase an Annual Pass either online or by phone, they need to be activated on property which is when the clock will start ticking.

You can also purchase Exchange Certificates while at WDW which work the same as purchasing online or by phone.

 

[ColoradoMom12]

I called the other day with this exact question. We won't be there until July but wanted the annual passes (or the benefits from being passholders) now to book a resort as well as get tickets for MNSSHP. Yes, even if you purchase now, the AP is valid for one year starting from the time you have picked it up from Guest Services at the park.

The only real trouble (for us) is that won't have the MagicBands until approximately 10 days after the passes have been picked up. For us, staying on property, that means for our July trip we'll need a MagicBand for our room as well as the AP for parks, photopass, FP, etc. It seems like a lot to keep track of...I hope none of us loses anything!

 

[MaryLovesPoohBear]

I called the other day with this exact question. We won't be there until July but wanted the annual passes (or the benefits from being passholders) now to book a resort as well as get tickets for MNSSHP. Yes, even if you purchase now, the AP is valid for one year starting from the time you have picked it up from Guest Services at the park.

The only real trouble (for us) is that won't have the MagicBands until approximately 10 days after the passes have been picked up. For us, staying on property, that means for our July trip we'll need a MagicBand for our room as well as the AP for parks, photopass, FP, etc. It seems like a lot to keep track of...I hope none of us loses anything!

You receive a Magic Band when staying on property. So you can use that one right away.

And remember your Magic Band does not hold information. It is simply the link to your My Disney Experience account. So one Magic Band will take care of all that you listed.

 

[ColoradoMom12]

Really? We can use the Magic Bands for our resort also to get into the parks? The CM I spoke to told me we would have to use our AP card to enter the parks (or do anything with the parks, other than charge purchases/food to our room) but the MB that will be provided with the resort package to enter our room/charge things. It's great news if the MB we'll get with the package can be used for everything!! I was under the impression the passholder MB wouldn't be available to us until after our July trip. I'm really excited if we'll be able to use just a MB and not need to get the passes out numerous times during the day. Makes it much less likely one of us will lose something!

You receive a Magic Band when staying on property. So you can use that one right away.

And remember your Magic Band does not hold information. It is simply the link to your My Disney Experience account. So one Magic Band will take care of all that you listed.

 

[erionm]

Really? We can use the Magic Bands for our resort also to get into the parks? The CM I spoke to told me we would have to use our AP card to enter the parks (or do anything with the parks, other than charge purchases/food to our room) but the MB that will be provided with the resort package to enter our room/charge things.

That CM gave you really bad information. All MagicBands that are associated with your MDE profile can be used interchangeably.

 

[Ladyfish77]

Gotta love the phone CM's, but you shouldn't always believe them. ANY MB that is attached to your MDE will allow you to use anything that is in your MDE--on-site room reservations, tickets, APs, special event tickets, etc.

I'm in the same situation as you. I have an AP voucher that I will activate when I arrive in October. I have an on-site stay planned so I will get magic bands for that stay. Those Magic Bands will work for everything in my MDE, including my AP once I activate it.

You DO need to keep your AP card with you so that you can receive discounts for merchandise, food, etc. That is NOT accessed via MB. You need to mention you are an AP holder when you dine or purchase anything and ask if there's a discount. They may/will ask to see your AP CARD.

 

[alliecat523]

^this. Just be sure to link the AP to your account. Any band will work.

 

[ColoradoMom12]

Thanks! Very helpful information!! you've just taken a huge amount of stress out of my trip. Lol. As long as only adults are taking out passes (for purchase discounts), those at least won't get lost!

Gotta love the phone CM's, but you shouldn't always believe them. ANY MB that is attached to your MDE will allow you to use anything that is in your MDE--on-site room reservations, tickets, APs, special event tickets, etc.

I'm in the same situation as you. I have an AP voucher that I will activate when I arrive in October. I have an on-site stay planned so I will get magic bands for that stay. Those Magic Bands will work for everything in my MDE, including my AP once I activate it.

You DO need to keep your AP card with you so that you can receive discounts for merchandise, food, etc. That is NOT accessed via MB. You need to mention you are an AP holder when you dine or purchase anything and ask if there's a discount. They may/will ask to see your AP CARD.

 

[MaryLovesPoohBear]

Really? We can use the Magic Bands for our resort also to get into the parks? The CM I spoke to told me we would have to use our AP card to enter the parks (or do anything with the parks, other than charge purchases/food to our room) but the MB that will be provided with the resort package to enter our room/charge things. It's great news if the MB we'll get with the package can be used for everything!! I was under the impression the passholder MB wouldn't be available to us until after our July trip. I'm really excited if we'll be able to use just a MB and not need to get the passes out numerous times during the day. Makes it much less likely one of us will lose something!

The only time I take out my AP card is when I want a discount. Otherwise, it stays in my wallet.