Hi there, Jennifer! Welcome to
planDisney, and thanks a bunch for reaching out with your question! Annual Pass timing can definitely feel confusing, especially when a pass hasn't been activated yet. I'm really glad you asked before making any assumptions, because the way Disney handles this is actually much kinder than most people expect.
Here's how it works. When a
Walt Disney World Annual Pass is purchased, there is a full one-year window (365 days from the original purchase date) to activate that pass by using it to enter a theme park for the very first time. Until that first park entry happens, the pass is considered inactive, and the official usage year has not started yet.
Once an Annual Pass is activated, the 365-day validity period starts immediately and runs continuously from that first use. However, if the pass is never activated within that initial one-year activation window, it doesn't just disappear into the void, but it also doesn't automatically roll over into another year of validity. Instead, the value paid for the pass can be applied toward a new Annual Pass or even
a different type of ticket in the future.
Since you mentioned that you're not planning to renew his pass this year, there's nothing you need to do right now. The pass itself won't suddenly activate or extend on its own, but the money paid isn't lost. If down the line your son decides he'd like to visit again, a Cast Member can help apply that unused value toward whatever ticket option makes sense at that time.
Jennifer, I know it's frustrating when plans don't line up the way we originally expected, but rest assured that Disney won't penalize you for an unused, unactivated Annual Pass. You still have options, and nothing goes to waste. If you ever want help figuring out the best next step when he's ready to return, I'm always happy to help.
Warm hugs,
Ana Paula