Disney Annual Pass Questions

[Tinkerbell 2000]

Thinking about ordering an annual pass but first I have some questions...
When you order an AP are they activated immediately?
Also if I buy an AP can I book Fastpasses before I activate it?
How long is an AP good for?
What sort of discounts are available with an AP?

 

[sxeensweet]

Thinking about ordering an annual pass but first I have some questions...
When you order an AP are they activated immediately?
Also if I buy an AP can I book Fastpasses before I activate it?
How long is an AP good for?
What sort of discounts are available with an AP?

No it's not activated until first use at a park. And yes you can make fast passes even if not activated as long as it's in your MDE account.

 

[Tinkerbell 2000]

No it's not activated until first use at a park. And yes you can make fast passes even if not activated as long as it's in your MDE account.

Thank you

 

[sxeensweet]

Thank you

You're very welcome!

 

[StarWarsGirl]

Thinking about ordering an annual pass but first I have some questions...
When you order an AP are they activated immediately?
Also if I buy an AP can I book Fastpasses before I activate it?
How long is an AP good for?
What sort of discounts are available with an AP?

1. No. They can be used at any time, but they are activated from the first day you enter the park. So if you go in the park on January 1, 2017, it will expire on January 1, 2018, even if you bought it December 1, 2016.
2. Yes. Just link your pass to MDE and you're good to go.
3. Unless they are running a promotion, one year from the day you enter the park. Sometimes they'll run a promotion where you'll get 13 months.
4. I believe 20% for merchandise and 10% or 20% at certain dining locations, plus the option to buy a Tables in Wonderland Card, which is 20% off most TS locations and certain CS locations. Here is a full list of benefits: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/passholder-program/passholder-benefits-and-discounts/

Let me know if you have any more questions!

 

[Tinkerbell 2000]

Let me know if you have any more questions!

Is it worth it for only one member of a party to get one? Also how do you find out if they are running a 13 month promotion?

 

[dreamfinder]

Is it worth it for only one member of a party to get one? Also how do you find out if they are running a 13 month promotion?

Depends on your party and spending habits. I always recommend buying an AP solely for the purpose of park admission, as that is the only thing you are entitled to. Everything else is a perk and is subject to change at will. So discounts might be nice, but they can and do often change, and in many cases aren't much better than what you could get by having DVC or a Disney Visa. Even the resort discounts are often at best 5% better for AP than the general public right now, so may not be worth it. That said, run the numbers. if you are staying offsite for a week, then you could easily save over a hundred dollars on parking alone. IF you buy alot of merch, and IF you dine at the restaurants that currently offer discounts, or IF you normally buy Memory Maker, then the single AP could pay for itself, or at least break even in a week long trip.

The promotions are relatively rare, I think only once every few years, and when announced end up all over the forums and news sites. Just poke around and you should see information.

 

[BigRedDad]

The 13 month deal is only valid if you purchase by Jan 3, 2017. It ends after that and not sure when it starts again.

 

[StarWarsGirl]

Is it worth it for only one member of a party to get one? Also how do you find out if they are running a 13 month promotion?

If they are running the promotion, it will say that on their website.

It really depends on your situation. If you're doing a good bit of shopping, are not staying on property and will be parking, and/or will be doing a lot of TS meals, especially expensive TS meals, you should consider the AP. If you're planning to go to WDW again before your pass expires, you should definitely look into it.

 

[Tinkerbell 2000]

Do I have to activate the pass before I receive a Magic Band?

 

[21stamps]

Do I have to activate the pass before I receive a Magic Band?

No. You will receive 2 magic bands..or you can wait to customize your pass holder one if you have resort reservations. I bought an AP for myself but not my son. It allowed me to get 30% off of 5 nights out of a 9 night stay. The room discount, photo pass, and food and merchandise discounts paid for the AP in that one trip. I actually came out a few $ ahead.

I knew that I would be staying at a Disney resort pre cruise next year (hoping to get an AP discount with that) and that I will be doing a couple of park days during F&W. worked out perfectly.

 

[Tinkerbell 2000]

No. You will receive 2 magic bands..or you can wait to customize your pass holder one if you have resort reservations. I bought an AP for myself but not my son. It allowed me to get 30% off of 5 nights out of a 9 night stay. The room discount, photo pass, and food and merchandise discounts paid for the AP in that one trip. I actually came out a few $ ahead.

Doing 5 nights on Hotel Points at the Swan, but we buy a lot of merchandise normally plus photo pass and parking. Trying to convince the rest of the family now that it is a good idea to buy a pass.

 

[Tinkerbell 2000]

We bought one AP for our family so that we can take advantage of the discounts.

 

[Tinkerbell 2000]

We don't live in the US so we won't be able to receive Magic Bands in the mail, where do we pick up our AP Magic Bands?

 

[raven]

Be warned. If there is any automatic billing issues with your pass your pass will be blocked immediately until it's resolved. Also, at times they will take the monthly payment days earlier than scheduled.

 

[Kristamouse]

We just purchased AP's, is there a list of places that are offering 20% off dining? I was looking around Allear.net and didn't see anything.

 

[networkpro]

We just purchased AP's, is there a list of places that are offering 20% off dining? I was looking around Allear.net and didn't see anything.

Yes, go the the Disney website, my Disney experience on the far right hand side (sign in of course) and then passholders

 

[Kristamouse]

Yes, go the the Disney website, my Disney experience on the far right hand side (sign in of course) and then passholders

Thanks!

 

[danyoung56]

Be warned. If there is any automatic billing issues with your pass your pass will be blocked immediately until it's resolved. Also, at times they will take the monthly payment days earlier than scheduled.

I don't believe there are any monthly payment choices for a WDW AP.

 

[Cmdr_Crimson]

I don't believe there are any monthly payment choices for a WDW AP.

There is..But, it's for Florida Residents only...https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/passholder-program/monthly-payment/