Hiya there, Briana. How splendid it is that you found us here on planDisney and asked your question. We hope you keep them coming as you plan your
spring vacation at the
Walt Disney World Resort!
The joys of being an
Annual Passholder are great. There are the
benefits, the
discounts, and the fact that every once in a while, a special treat or piece of
merchandise is available exclusively for you to purchase! Sometimes, magnets are even available for you to pick up at certain locations at various times of the year. But the best part for me is the ability to visit more frequently and its flexibility. Before becoming a Passholder, I actually rarely bought my
theme park tickets with the
Park Hopper Option attached. After all, I know there are so many details and experiences in each park to explore and enjoy that I didn't always see the need to hop between parks on the same day. But now that I have it and visit more often, I love just being in one park in the morning and hopping somewhere else for the afternoon! And I highly recommend adding
Memory Maker...it's well worth it!
If you purchase an Annual Pass, you are typically eligible to book stays at a
Disney Resorts Collection Hotel using a discount for Annual Passholders, even before the pass is activated. However, your pass must be activated by the time you check into your hotel, or you will be charged the full, non-discounted price for your hotel room stay. So, book it, and just be sure you activate it at the beginning of your trip! After all, the magic of an Annual Pass has the power to transform your vacation plans into something truly extraordinary.
You'll also want to ensure it's activated before you try to use any discounts on merchandise at the resort. On my first trip as an Annual Passholder, I went to
Disney Springs for some delicious
dining and plentiful
shopping, but also to activate my pass at the
Disney Ticket Center. Then, I was able to shop around Disney Springs with all of the discounts available to me! Of course, you can also activate it at one of the ticket windows or
Guest Relations locations outside the theme parks, but who doesn't want to treat themselves to a DOLE Whip from
Swirls on the Water at Disney Springs to celebrate just activating a year of magic? With the sweetness of pineapple and the charm of some of the mahogany accents around Disney Springs, it feels like stepping into a world where dreams really do come true.
Briana, enjoy your spring trip and a year of wonderful memories thereafter!
Reach out again if you have any other questions.
Have courage, be kind, and may your magic never run out,
Matt