When do annual passes start?

[maui22]

We haven’t purchased WDW APs since before the pandemic. We are thinking of buying now, but not using them until October, then January and February working remotely, followed by another trip September or earlier October.

Can you still purchase today, but not have them start until first use (within a year)?

Do I understand correctly that you must now reserve days with AP and can only book 5 days at a time?

Can APs park hop? Could we reserve MK for the morning and go to Epcot for the evening?

Before DVC we would buy APs, book discounted rooms prior to using them the first time. Can something like this still be done? Can the purchase be used to save $1000 on a DVC add-on even if we haven’t scanned into a park yet?

 

[PolyRob]

We haven’t purchased WDW APs since before the pandemic. We are thinking of buying now, but not using them until October, then January and February working remotely, followed by another trip September or earlier October.

Can you still purchase today, but not have them start until first use (within a year)?

Do I understand correctly that you must now reserve days with AP and can only book 5 days at a time?

Can APs park hop? Could we reserve MK for the morning and go to Epcot for the evening?

Before DVC we would buy APs, book discounted rooms prior to using them the first time. Can something like this still be done? Can the purchase be used to save $1000 on a DVC add-on even if we haven’t scanned into a park yet?

Can you still purchase today, but not have them start until first use (within a year)?: Yes, the voucher is good for one year. Then the value is retained and you can apply it towards the purchase of a new voucher after a year if you didn't activate it.

Do I understand correctly that you must now reserve days with AP and can only book 5 days at a time?: Yes, but it depends. Incredipass and Sorcerer passes can book up to 5 reservations with no resort hotel. Pirate passes can book up to 4 reservations with no hotel. Pixie passes can book up to 3 reservations with no hotel. If you have a WDW resort stay (including DVC) the limit is then based on length of stay. You can have multiple length of stay reservations PLUS 5/4/3 additional separate days based on your pass type.

Can APs park hop? Could we reserve MK for the morning and go to Epcot for the evening?: Yes. There is no longer a limit to hopping. You can do it at any time of day as long as you tapped into the park you reserved first. APs actually no longer need a reservation if you're only going to the park after 2pm M - F. On Sat and Sun this only works for Epcot, DHS, and AK. MK needs a reservation on the weekends OR you can hop to MK after booking a reservation and entering a different park.

Before DVC we would buy APs, book discounted rooms prior to using them the first time. Can something like this still be done? Can the purchase be used to save $1000 on a DVC add-on even if we haven’t scanned into a park yet?: You can absolutely access room discounts. It's hit or miss whether a voucher will show you the prices online, but you can always call if it doesn't. I am not sure about the DVC incentive. That would be something I would confirm with a guide unless someone else here has already done so.

 

[Sandisw]

I can add that I was told that just having the voucher would allow me to get the AP discount off the direct purchase.

 

[John C Parke]

It's my understanding that the pass benefits, ie dining discounts, merchandise discounts, etc. don't start until you activate the pass by using it to enter a park. Is that correct?

 

[WDWfantasy]

It's my understanding that the pass benefits, ie dining discounts, merchandise discounts, etc. don't start until you activate the pass by using it to enter a park. Is that correct?

I’m not exactly sure. I purchased my AP yesterday and won’t activate it until November. When I look at my Disney Magic Mobile Pass it now says ANNUAL along with Y and BY for DVC benefits and Membership Magic Beyond. I would assume I could get discounts right now.

 

[WDWfantasy]

I’ll also add that I can now see and book rooms with the AP discount through the WDW website.

 

[John C Parke]

I’m not exactly sure. I purchased my AP yesterday and won’t activate it until November. When I look at my Disney Magic Mobile Pass it now says ANNUAL along with Y and BY for DVC benefits and Membership Magic Beyond. I would assume I could get discounts right now.

Read the fine print on the terms and conditions. I did a while back, and thought it said the extra bennies didn't take effect until activated. I could be wrong, and am too lazy to go back and read the terms.

 

[Merida1]

We haven’t purchased WDW APs since before the pandemic. We are thinking of buying now, but not using them until October, then January and February working remotely, followed by another trip September or earlier October.

Can you still purchase today, but not have them start until first use (within a year)?

Do I understand correctly that you must now reserve days with AP and can only book 5 days at a time?

Can APs park hop? Could we reserve MK for the morning and go to Epcot for the evening?

Before DVC we would buy APs, book discounted rooms prior to using them the first time. Can something like this still be done? Can the purchase be used to save $1000 on a DVC add-on even if we haven’t scanned into a park yet?

Your AP purchase can be used to save $1000 on a direct DVC purchase. I added-on at Poly 2 weeks ago and since I have a couple of longish trips planned in the fall and winter it made sense to buy the Incredipass. That same day I provided a screenshot of the pass in MDE to my guide. A screenshot of my D23 membership card was used to get the D23 discount. I won’t be activating the pass until late October.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Just to verify-"been there, done that". Bought my AP voucher in July, but first use wasn't until October. Double-checked-my AP expires one year from the first use, October 13.

 

[maui22]

Thank you for all the responses. Just bought our Sorcerer AP passes.