AA Mom and daughter in GOTG - Guardians of the Galaxy; EPCOT
  • On Mar 24, 2026
    Sally from FL Asked Please note that experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    When does an annual pass start? On the day of purchase or activation? Planning on getting one soon. Thank you!

    Hiya, Sally! Welcome back to planDisney! 

    I purchased my first Walt Disney World Annual Pass last year, so I’m happy to help with your question. The Annual Passholder benefits and perks, which you can read about here, really help make each trip even more magical. 

    Your Annual Pass starts from the day of activation (the first time you use it to enter a Walt Disney World theme park), and you have one-year from the purchase date to activate it. You can activate your Annual Pass by visiting Guest Relations outside any of Walt Disney World’s four theme parks or at the Disney Ticket Center at Disney Springs. 

    If you have any questions about Walt Disney World Annual Passes, you can always talk with a helpful Cast Member on the Annual Passholders phone line. You can also find a list of the current Annual Passholder discounts here (subject to change). 

    You’ve picked a great time to visit Walt Disney World. Along with all your new Annual Passholder benefits, you’ll get to enjoy all sorts of new shows, attractions, and some beloved rides returning from refurbishment this summer. You can find all the details about Cool Kids’ Summer here, as well as on the Disney Parks Blog

    I hope you have a wonderful visit to Walt Disney World, Sally. Pop right back if you have any more Annual Pass or vacation planning questions. Your planDisney pals are here to help! 

    Magical travels! 

    Matt 

thumbnail image for Matthew

Meet the Panelist: Matthew, Minnesota

Hey there! I'm Matt, a husband, dad of three, and amateur Disney Parks historian. When I'm not enjoying the sights and sounds of Adventureland, you'll find me back home in Minnesota developing exhibits for children's museums and science centers. I've been visiting Walt Disney World since I was a kid and now I plan awesome Disney vacations for my own family and friends. Whether it's your first trip or 100th visit to the Vacation Kingdom, I'm sure you have some questions. So let's get you some answers!  Learn More About Matthew

Didn't find what you were looking for? Click the Ask a Question button to open the Ask a Question dialogue box. If you are not logged in a dialogue box will appear to signin in order to ask a question.

To submit your question, please log in now if you have not already done so.

Ask a QuestionOpens the Ask a Question dialog box.
x

Update Browser

For a better experience browsing this website, please download an updated version of Internet Explorer.


Or you can continue browsing without updating.