A big planDisney welcome to you, Patricia! As a fellow Floridian and Disney Pixie Dust Passholder, I'd love to help you with your upcoming visit. Isn't living so close to the magic fabulous? And you'll enjoy the
benefits of being an annual passholder. Let's look at how you can take advantage of a big perk: free parking!
When you arrive at the theme park entrance, you must show your annual pass credentials for complimentary parking. I typically let the Cast Member at the gate scan my
MagicBand, and they occasionally ask for a photo ID. You could also pull up your annual pass on your
My Disney Experience mobile app or
MagicMobile service on your phone.
When I renewed my annual pass a few months ago, I was given a physical annual passholder card, but I was told those are being phased out. That card and a photo ID are still accepted at some dining and merchandise locations, but I've found that more places are asking to see the expiration date on my mobile app. You can show your physical pass at the gate, but I recommend having a backup like your MagicBand or MagicMobile service.
My biggest tip is to activate your annual pass before you head to a theme park. I like doing this at the
Disney Ticket Center at Disney Springs. Bring your
proof of Florida residency, and stick around for a treat at
Ghiradelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop to celebrate!
If you haven't activated your pass, you will probably have to pay for parking the first time you enter a theme park. But when you activate your pass at the park entrance, you can show Guest Services your parking receipt for a refund, typically in the form of a Disney Gift Card. This will also hold true if you've used a passholder discount for your Disney Resort Hotel; be sure to activate your pass before checking in to avoid losing that rate.
Once you've got everything activated, it's smooth sailing! During this visit, you can enjoy the Annual Passholder Lounge at
EPCOT and pick up your new Stitch magnet at Creations Shop. You'll feel like a VIPassholder!
Patricia, I'm wishing on a star that your year ahead is full of magic and memories. Enjoy every second of that annual pass! Stop by
planDisney anytime!
Magic awaits,
Elaine