Hey, James and welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel.
What a Fantasmic! question.
Annual Passholders have some seriously magical benefits including, discounts on Disney Resort hotels, food and beverages, merchandise, free theme park parking, tours, and exclusive events. In addition, you get to visit all four theme parks without having to negotiate the ticket selection process. Some annual passes even include visits to miniature golf locations and Disney Water Parks.
Your Walt Disney World Annual Pass activates at the first use. So if you purchase your annual pass in August of 2019 you may activate it at any time from the date of purchase until the current expiration date in 2030 (expiration date subject to change). February 2020 will be perfect to activate your annual pass.
Disney Dad Tip: Always carry your Annual Passholder Card around with you when at Walt Disney World Resort. When you go to pay for food, beverage, and merchandise they will ask if you have an annual pass. Bring out your card and receive the discount. Easy peasy. Your
MagicBand does not have that information linked in a way to receive the discounts as of this date but that may also change.
James, please let me know if you have any other questions to help make your Disney vacation spectacular.
Enjoy making many Magical Memories.
~Jason