Purchase Annual Pass ahead of time

[gracelrm]

My DH and I are planning a trip for September 2018 (celebrating my retirement!!!!) We are planning on purchasing DVC Gold Annual Passes since we will be there 10 days and are likely to go back summer of 2019. Wondering if I could purchase the Gold passes now and not activate them until September 2018? Thinking we could lock in the current price, as I'm sure it will be more by then, plus we have a little extra money right now we could use. Or do we hold out waiting for a special DVC promotion or something?

 

[jo-jo]

About two years ago I was waiting for a special DVC promotion. Two days before I had to buy (so I could book FP) the price went up with no warning and they went to the gold AP set up. So I paid more for less days. Yeah I was kicking myself.

 

[carlbarry]

I have read that to stop just the scenario you are describing Disney is now putting "expiration dates" on annual passes and even regular tickets.
Don't get me wrong--what you want to do, I agree with 100%, and would do when I buy an annual pass for the first time in 2019. Further, one would think it would be in Disney's interest to get your money a year in advance. But this appears to be their new strategy.
OK, I did a little research and found this on the Disney Mom's panel. It seems you (and I) will be OK. This was posted June 24, 2017:
Riza, once you purchase your Annual Pass, you should ensure that it is linked to your My Disney Experience account. Then you will be able to see the date your Annual Pass will expire if it is not activated. Currently the date of expiration for Annual Passes is December 31, 2030. Yes, you read that right: 2030! Hopefully that should give you plenty of time to activate your Pass and enjoy a yEAR of magic in the Parks!

 

[adisneyaunt]

Yes, I had an old unused Fla resident pass that I used towards the purchase of an annual pass for my dad. However, it was not activated as I was unsure of when his return visit will be. They gave me his and it's linked to my mde but not yet activated. ( it also says it's transferable to someone else) but I have no intention of doing that..