Recent experiences w/ APs, MDE, magic bands, etc

[timestwo]

We're thinking about getting APs this year (probably via gifts cards bought at Target for %5 off), staying onsite. Last time, I bought the vouchers at Disney Store and exchanged them for the actual AP when we arrived. But of course I want to be able to link the APs to MDE to get FP+ 60 days out and I don't want the actual AP to start until we get there. I googled around a lot and it seems many people had issues last year with old vouchers. I'm wondering if anyone has any updated experiences. Should I just buy the APs thru Disney itself rather than the Disney Store? If I do that, will I be able to link the APs, get FP+, and get the magic bands in advance? Anything I'm missing?

 

[DopeyDame]

I bought a voucher through AAA and had trouble getting it added to my MDE account. I called the regular reservations line, and the woman wasn't very helpful but transferred me to IT. The woman I spoke to in IT was awesome. I gave her a bunch of numbers from the vouchers, she entered them into our account, and now we're all set. I have access to FP+, passholder discount sections, etc. but my actual AP won't start until the first time I walk through the park gates.
So be prepared for some potential issues, but just call and make sure you speak to someone knowledgeable if you have problems.

 

[itsthatdisneygirl]

I'm not sure about the vouchers but I do know that until you have your AP's linked to your MDE account you can't book any FP+ unless you are staying onsite and/or have a day ticket already linked. Same with the AP MB's you can't customize for them an have them mailed until your AP is linked to your account. Also just an FYI if you aren't staying on site and only have the AP the FP+ window is 30 days not 60

 

[timestwo]

Thanks. Yes, we're staying onsite. I do wonder if I'd have an easier time linking the reservation if I just buy the tickets thru Disney rather than the Disney Store. There's no difference for me, I guess; it just seems like it's easier to scan 40+ gift cards at a register rather than give the multiple gift card numbers over the phone.