Hi there, Andrew! Welcome to planDisney and thanks for stopping by with such a great question!
I couldn't be more excited to see that the magic of Walt Disney World is calling and you're answering the call by becoming an
Annual Passholder. Nothing will bring joy and magic to your everyday life than knowing you can head back to the Most Magical Place on Earth time and time again. Let me be the first to welcome you to the Passholder family, Andrew, and let's get this planning party started!
Before making
Theme Park Reservations, you must purchase park admission (your Annual Pass), and you're absolutely correct that you can make as many park reservations as days staying at a Disney Resort Hotel. So, I suggest putting Theme Park Reservations last on your to-do list. However, it really does not matter which order you make your Disney Resort Hotel reservation or purchase your
Annual Pass.
I do, however, recommend purchasing your Pixie Dust Pass before you make your Resort reservation to take advantage of any awesome Resort room Passholder discounts. The room discount is my favorite Passholder benefit, and a lot of times, the Annual Passholder discount on rooms is even better than the Florida resident discount. You'll definitely want to take advantage of this new Passholder perk!
Since your new Annual Pass will not yet be activated, you will have to
call a Cast Member with Disney Resort Hotel Reservations to search availability and book a discounted room. Just let the Cast Member know that your Pass is not activated yet, but you'd like to book a room using the Passholder discount. Then, just be sure to activate your Pixie Dust Pass at Guest Relations before you check in to your Resort. I love a good excuse to head straight to the parks when I arrive. Pixie-dusted perks already!
To re-cap, I recommend purchasing your Annual Pass, calling to book your discounted Disney Resort Hotel room and then making your Theme Park Reservations for your stay (including check-in and checkout days!). It's going to be a magical year ahead, Andrew!
One more thing, Andrew! Be sure to check out the
blockout dates for the Pixie Dust Pass before you purchase. You will be blocked out of the parks on the weekends and during peak times, such as spring break, Thanksgiving and the holiday season. If this doesn't work for your plans, I recommend choosing another Pass or adding the Water Park and Sports Option. If you add this option, you pay one price to visit the water parks, golf, mini golf and more for the entire year, and there are NO blockout dates! Woohoo!
I hope this helps, Andrew, and I'm wishing you a year full of magical memories! I'm so happy for you. Please feel free to stop by any time with any planning questions you may have. You've got a friend in me!
Adventure is out there!
Mandy