Using AP for First Time

[Kimosabe]

Just ordered annual passes for the first time last week through the DVC member services dept. We are not going to the parks again until July, so we are in no particular rush, but will obviously want to start handling FP reservations, etc., pretty soon (60-day window as we're staying on property). Our APs have already shown up on our MDE account/app but the operator said we would still actually need to go to a physical guest services office when we arrive (e.g., at DTD or one of the parks) to get our actual AP cards before attempting to enter a park on the APs for the first time. While that seems like an unnecessary pain in today's electronic world, we're arriving sufficiently early the night before to allow us to do this with no problem. But will they be sending us some sort of paper certificate to take with us to prove who we are? Is the combo of our DVC membership card and the fact that the APs are on our MDE account a sufficient approach? Any thoughts on how I can avoid messing this up would be most appreciated! Have tried to call a couple of times today, but the wait times are longer than I really want to deal with today.

 

[nalajms]

I'd print the confirmation number and bring your DVC card along with whatever form of payment you used. 2 years ago they could not find the AP I purchased online. It was not showing up with my DVC card. They ended up having to look it up via my CC. Good thing my CC didn't expire between when I bought the ticket and when I claimed it!

 

[Betty X]

Don't forget your picture ID!

 

[drusba]

The number that is added as an AP to your MDE account is not your AP number but the receipt/confirmation number for it. With that you can make FP+'s but you cannot get into the parks until you have an actual AP and AP number which you will get at Guests Services after you arrive and will then be connected to your MDE account; note, you should make sure that they make that connection when you get the AP.

If you intend to use any AP discounts, you need to carry the actual AP card and not just the Magic Band while at WDW

To get the AP at Guest Services, you usually do not need anything other than your DVC member card and personal ID (including IDs for other adults in your party who are also getting an AP) because your purchase will be in their system. However, as mentioned above, it is advisable to have the receipt/confirmation number just in case something has gone wrong (we have never needed it).

 

[SuperRob]

But will they be sending us some sort of paper certificate to take with us to prove who we are? Is the combo of our DVC membership card and the fact that the APs are on our MDE account a sufficient approach? Any thoughts on how I can avoid messing this up would be most appreciated! Have tried to call a couple of times today, but the wait times are longer than I really want to deal with today.

You actually get a hard, green card that says "EXCHANGE CERTIFICATE" on it. You'll take that to Guest Services at the parks (or Downtown Disney), they'll check your ID, and issue you your RFID AP card. However, as soon as they activated it, your existing Magic Bands will be able to use them as well. You'll still use the card to get your discounts.

When you get back, you can customize the MagicBands you're granted for being a Passholder, which are for all intents and purposes identical to your current ones (but they'll come with a Passholder "slider" and a card you can show for your discounts).

As drusba mentioned, you will see your green cards in MDE under "Tickets", so that you can make FastPass selections. However, it won't show up in your profile as an "affiliation" until it's activated. Technically, you are not an annual passholder until the card is activated. Of course, this is really what you want, so that your membership only starts the first time you walk into a park, not when they send you the card (which could be months early).

 

[Msmithmd]

One thing to mention- you don't need to go to guest services to redeem your voucher for the pass. Any ticket window at any park (including Epcot international gateway) can do this for you.

Might save you some time, if there is a line at the guest services window (as there always seems to be since everyone went on FP+...)

 

[daisyx3]

I bought ours in February and we arrive in June. It is on MDE. I was told to have will call #, the credit card I purchased with, photo ID and DVC card. So that is 3 cards. Hopefully it goes quickly.
Daisyx3