Mari-Jean,
Thank you for your question!
Becoming an
Annual Passholder opens you up to a world of magic at Disney! You will find that while the discounts are great, it is as much about giving yourself 'mental permission' to go to Walt Disney World again, and again, and again!
The effective start date of your Annual Pass is the date that you
activate it, not the date that you purchase it. So if you buy it at home in June, but use it in July, that date in July is your start date for a year filled with fun and excitement. You can activate your pass at the ticket window of any of the four Walt Disney World theme parks, or at the Guest Services building at Disney Springs. Make certain to have on hand your exchange certificate that you received in the mail after purchase, along with a valid photo ID.
I hope that this helps! Be sure to investigate all of the
Passholder Discounts that are available before you arrive, so you are ready to take full advantage of the program.
Have a Magical Vacation!
Doug