Hi Alicia,
Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel, and thank you for your question. Welcome to the Walt Disney World Annual Passholder family!
Resort Cast Members are not able to activate your
Annual Passes; you're right that you'll need to visit a Guest Relations window outside any of the theme parks, or in Disney Springs. But never fear! Your
MagicBand has “magic” right in the name, and it will
automagically unlock your resort room door once you’ve checked in, and you’ll also be able to set up charging privileges so you can make purchases using your MagicBand. The resort Cast Member who checks you in will make sure everyone in your party’s MagicBands are in working order, and then you’ll be all set to enjoy your resort before your first theme park day.
Did you know you can take advantage of
Online Check-In and skip the front desk? You’ll see the option with your resort reservation information in My Disney Experience; go through the steps and then you’ll get a text when your room is ready and you’ll be able to head straight there. One of my favorite moments of any Walt Disney World Resort vacation is stepping into my resort room: my family has a goal of staying at every resort on property, and we get so excited when we see the theming and amenities in each room! Plus, I get all the magical feelings when I turn on the resort TV and hear the soundtrack. It really is like coming home.
I hope that helped, Alicia. Please come back and see us if you have any further questions as you continue to plan, dream, and count down to your visit.
Wishing you a magical vacation,
Robyn