Hello, there Kimberly, and welcome back to planDisney. It is so good to see you here again with another question because that means you are planning a future trip to the "Most Magical Place on Earth."
Annual passes expire one year after you buy them if you do not activate them unless you apply that purchase towards the purchase of a new annual pass. You have one year from the date of purchase to activate your annual pass and one year of use of your annual pass from the date of activation. For example, if you buy an annual pass on October 5, 2023, you have until October 4, 2024, to activate it however if you activate it on October 3, 2024, then you have until October 2, 2025, until it expires. Amazing!!!!
If you do not activate the annual pass 12 months from the date of purchase, and you still want to use that annual pass, you will just have to pay the difference between your original cost and the price of a brand new annual pass at that current time. So essentially an annual pass never expires, unless it is used. There are no refunds so if you choose a future annual pass that is less than the unused original annual pass it will be a straight trade. The
Walt Disney World Resort Annual Pass Terms and Conditions spell it out nicely.
planDisney Pro Tip: What we find most helpful are the
Disney Passholders benefits. The discounts we receive for staying at
Disney Resorts Collection Hotels, on food and beverages, as well as, souvenirs are enough to pay for at least one annual pass. Always have your Disney Passholder Card on you to show as proof of ownership.
Kimberly, again I am so glad that you stopped by planDisney. Please do not hesitate to ask us more questions about tips and tricks for planning your next Disney vacation. Also, please feel free to
write me back directly with any follow-up questions.
Enjoy making many Magical Memories.
~Jason