When can I purchase AP tickets?

[JBinORL]

My Florida resident Platinum Plus pass expires 11/7. I have family coming to visit and they want to go to the parks for a few days starting on 11/8. Our original plan as to let our passes expire, purchase three-day tickets and then figure things out later. With this, I'm wondering if there's a better option. I can renew (at either Platinum or Gold levels) today, but I wouldn't be able to join them at Hollywood Studios since it's booked up for APs.

Should I let my pass expire, purchase a three-day Florida resident ticket so I can get the park reservations I want that match what my family has, and then use the value of that to pay towards a "new" annual pass (likely gold)?