Hello, hello there, Alesia! You're as welcome as can be here at
planDisney. Thank you so, very much for stopping by with your question!
First and foremost, let me offer you the warmest welcome to the
Walt Disney World Annual Passholder family. Being a passholder is an absolute treat, and I just know that you're going to have the most amazing year ahead!
To answer your question, there are no fundamental differences between your allotted Annual Pass reservations and your
Disney Resorts Collection hotel reservations. Essentially, your Annual Pass will let you hold a specific number of Theme Park reservations at a time, but if you're staying at a Disney hotel, you will be able to make Theme Park reservations for those dates without having to use up your allotted Annual Pass reservations.
If you'd like to use your five Annual Pass reservations in December, that's totally fine! Just know that you won't be able to make any additional reservations with your pass until you redeem those. But if you decide to use your Disney hotel reservations instead of your Annual Pass reservations, you'll be able to make an extra five reservations using your original allotment! In the end, it all depends on you and your particular travel style. Rest assured that there are absolutely zero drawbacks!
I hope this helps, Alesia. If you have any other questions, you know just where to find us! Have an absolutely magical day. Again, welcome to the Annual Passholder family!
Warm hugs,
Ana Paula