How does annual pass free parking work?

[Jross34]

I just purchased an annual pass online and I’m going to the park tomorrow. Can I just have them scan my magic band and they will let me park? Or do I have to pay for parking the first time I go and then have to go to customer service to get some type of parking pass?

 

[CampbellzSoup]

You might have to pay until your pass is active and validated you then can go to guest services to ask for the money back. You also must have valid identification when they scan your band

 

[Jross34]

You might have to pay until your pass is active and validated you then can go to guest services to ask for the money back. You also must have valid identification when they scan your band

So how do I activate my pass? I have to go to guest services? Or can I activate it online? I’ve already reserved a park for tomorrow

 

[elevatorgeek]

So how do I activate my pass? I have to go to guest services? Or can I activate it online? I’ve already reserved a park for tomorrow

You can activate it at a ticket window at any of the parks. When I activated mine they asked if I had paid for parking that day (I didn't have a car on that trip) but I assume they would have refunded the charge if I had.

 

[CampbellzSoup]

I had to have mine activated at guest services the very first time. Afterwards for renewals never again.

 

[Grumpy92]

You have a couple of options for activating your AP. Go to Disney Springs GS or to a Park GS. If you choose the park option, go to the parking booth of the park, you will be ask to provide your AP Voucher and your DL. After your AP has been activated the Parking gate host will scan your AP Card/magic band. Sometimes they request your DL too. If you have any issues at the parking book pay the parking fee and bring the receipt with you to GS so they can refund you money when you activate your AP.

 

[Jross34]

So when I got to the park today I told the parking attendant I had just bought my season pass and I didn’t know if it was activated yet. He scanned my magic band a few times and then he let me through for free. I’m not sure if he just gave up and let me through or if it gave me the free parking without being activated.

Then I went to guest services and they activated my membership and gave me my membership card

 

[woodjo282]

If your pass is active then it should be free if not they might make you pay