What are the APs like? visually

[newtowdw1]

Ok, so to get into the parks, I put my AP in to the ticket turnstile thing, put my first two fingers into the scanner, squeeze gently, but not really...but what am I putting in?

What will my AP look like? It's not plastic like a credit card is it? How sturdy is it? What's the best way to keep it in the parks? How indestructible is it? Does anyone have a picture of it?

Deb's site says not to get to comfy with the plastic voucher, because I'll get a mylar strip...well, gee. What are the mylar strips dimensions? How big is it?
I feel really dumb right now. I tried to image search on google, but nothing came up.
I'm sure this has been asked and answered, but I don't know what to search for. Can anyone help me?
Oh, and I see no reason to purchase a voucher/AP 'til I get down there. Seems more efficient just to buy the real thing, since I'd have to go somewhere to trade in the voucher anyway.

 

[Tinkaroo]

I don't have a picture, but if you've purchased a park hopper or MYW ticket within the last few years, it's made of that same paper. I'm sure it would take a lot to destruct it (or Disney wouldn't issue them), but they basically look the same as the Parkhoppers I bought in 2001 & 2003, and the same as the MYW tickets my family bought in April (have a character on the front). The only difference - there is a lot of information (numbers, your name, signature area, etc.) on the back.

Hope this helps!

 

[Mr.BsMom]

No, it's not plastic like a credit card, but it is about the same size as one. It's made out of mylar paper that is very difficult to rip, so it is pretty sturdy. On one side, there is a picture of a character. (Mine has Donald, and my husband's is Goofy. ) The other side has your name and some numbers and a magnetic strip.

We got them in December, and it came in a little paper folder-type thing that has pages of info about discounts you can get with it at different places. (I assume it still does...?) The folder is just a tiny bit bigger than the card itself, so it fits pretty well in a wallet. I always keep mine in there to protect it. It does have a magnetic strip on the back, so it's possible that it could get de-magnetized. (I've not had this happen, but I've heard of people that have.)

Enjoy being an AP holder!!

 

[oogieboogie]

It looks just like a park hopper ticket, kinda like this:

except it has a picture of the new attractions of WDW now. On the back it has a magnetic strip on it, some disclaimers and your name and expiration date. It's made out of Tyvek, so it's very hard to rip apart. Keep it in the passholder sleeve

and it'll last for a long time (or until you renew... )

Just be careful with those APs... they're addicting!

 

[MickeyMouseGal]

While we're asking AP questions... how long does it take to activate it?
I'm leaving my family at CBR, hopping to Epcot or MGM, activating my pass, and then hopping back to CBR to present them with an activated pass for check in.
Do I go to the turnstile area or the place where day guests buy their tickets?

 

[Feralpeg]

I just renewed mine a couple of weeks ago. It has Lights, Motors, Action picture on it. DD's has Soarin.

 

[jenjen212]

you can either go to a ticket booth, or to guest services at any park. they can activate them at either park. however, i am not sure about this, but i think that they need to see the id of each person that the id belongs to. so if everyone in your family is getting one, you may be able to just bring the id of each person and that would work for you. i am not sure.

the tickets look exactly like regular tickets do, except it has each persons name on the back of them.

for the 50'th celebration, they changed the tickets. they no longer have mickey, minnie, goofy, or donald on them. they now have a picture of each of the 'new' things at the parks. one has happiest celebration on earth, cinderellabration, soaring, expedition everest, and something else can't remember?

good luck

 

[newtowdw1]

I feel much better now that I know what I will be feeding into FP machines.

Glad to know that they're basically indestructible. We're a fairly 'destructing' crew.

 

[WillCAD]

They feel like paper, but they actually have a mylar substrate, so they are pretty tough.

However, there has been an increas in the number of de-magnetized passes at WDW lately, so there are a few things you should do to keep ANY pass safe.

1) Don't store it up against credit cards, bank cards, or anything else with a magnetic strip.
2) Don't store it in a pocket with anything magnetic - referigerator magnets, magnetic screwdrivers, etc.
3) Don't put it in any pockets near cell phones! Cell phones seem to be the prime culprit in de-magnetized park passes these days.
4) Don't leave your pass sitting on top of any electrical device, such as a TV, radio, referigerator, or computer.

It's also a good idea to keep your pass clean, dry, and flat. A secure wallet will do, but you can also do what I do and buy an ID badge holder on a neck lanyard. I keep my park pass, PhotoPass card, room key, and FastPass slips in one, which not only keeps them flat, dry, and safe, but keeps them convenient and easy to locate. You can get a good ID badge holder at WalMart for $0.97 - look on the rack with wallets and wallet accessories.