Annual Pass Activiation

[cleocat30]

I'm still obsessively planning our trip...in 23 days. :)

We have purchased annual passes with the DVC discount and have our vouchers. I will have to activate them before we check into the hotel since our first 3 days will be at all-star sports with the AP discount before moving to BCV. They require an activated AP or they will charge me the regular rate.

I know that free parking at parks is a perk of the annual pass. If I plan to activate at a park, will they still give me free parking with just the vouchers?

We'll be driving in from NC and it's a LONG ride with a 6 year old. We hope to go right to MK, activate the passes, get Small World out of the way (daughter's favorite ride) grab a bite to eat and then head back to check in.

I don't want to pay for parking and in the interest of time, don't want to wait for buses when we'll only be at the park for a short time.

Thanks for all your help! This board is AWESOME!!! :clappingh

Lisa

[tomandrobin]

Stop at DTD and go to guest services to activate your passes. Shorter walk from your car to DTD guest services, then stopping at Epcot. Also, there usually is not a long line at DTD guest services.

[JimP]

Lisa,

In my dozen's of times checking into a hotel with the AP discount... I have never once been asked for my AP. CRO has told me that I would every single time... but the front desk never has asked.

/Jim

[ggatorgirl]

I didn't think you could activate APs at any place other than the parks. Where else can you activate them? Can you also add the DDE at the same time?

[WDWfan]

I've heard different things about paying for parking with an AP voucher. When I went in last December I showed them my voucher and they let me through without paying. I've also heard that you might be charged, but they would reimburse you at Guest Services.

I used the AP rate this past May and wasn't asked for my AP at check in.

You can get your AP activated at Guest Services in DTD. I don't know if they will issue a DDE at DTD. I know they will at the park entrances. I bought mine at the same time I had my AP activated at the front of Epcot.

[carolina_yankee]

I'm still obsessively planning our trip...in 23 days. :)

We have purchased annual passes with the DVC discount and have our vouchers. I will have to activate them before we check into the hotel since our first 3 days will be at all-star sports with the AP discount before moving to BCV. They require an activated AP or they will charge me the regular rate.

I know that free parking at parks is a perk of the annual pass. If I plan to activate at a park, will they still give me free parking with just the vouchers?

We'll be driving in from NC and it's a LONG ride with a 6 year old. We hope to go right to MK, activate the passes, get Small World out of the way (daughter's favorite ride) grab a bite to eat and then head back to check in.

I don't want to pay for parking and in the interest of time, don't want to wait for buses when we'll only be at the park for a short time.
Lisa

You might want to try checking in to your resort before going to the park. As others have reported, I've never been asked for an AP to verify eligibility. However, if the check-in CM did ask for verification, they usually give you 24 hours. They recognize that people come with the AP voucher and need to activate it. As long as you show them a valid pass before check-out time the next day, you won't be bumped up to the rack rate.

Then, you've got your parking pass and can go to park of choice for your "We're finally at Disney!" visit.

Dirk