Hello Barbara! Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel.
As a fellow first time Walt Disney World Resort Annual Passholder, I wondered the same thing about the renewal process: Is the process easier during renewal?
After speaking with a Cast Member with the Annual Passholder Program, the good news is that it does seem (slightly) more straightforward to renew. As you mentioned that you have already made a
purchase to renew your Annual Pass, you should have received an email with a confirmation number. Using that confirmation number, you can
link your renewed Annual Pass to a Guest after signing into the My Disney Experience App. That was the efficient part!
During your next visit 60 days prior or 30 days after the expiration date (your renewal window), you can activate your renewal at any Walt Disney World Theme Park ticket window or
Guest Relations location. Be sure to bring your expiring Annual Pass, personal identification and a MagicBand for every Guest renewing their Annual Pass.
Linking a confirmation number to your My Disney Experience account foregoes the need for a voucher.
Hopefully, this clarifies the renewal process (slightly) for you. If you have any further concerns or cannot locate the confirmation email for your renewal, you may contact the Annual Passholder Program directly at (407)560-7277.
I hope you
continue having Endless Magical Walt Disney World Resort Vacations as an Annual Passholder!