When they are scanned at the parks. But i think there is a scan by date as well. - ImAlwaysCrazy  646.1 #172 8:28PM

I believe they're active at the usage date (meaning if you buy one now, your year starts at first usage). - John  312.0 #567 8:29PM

They email you a ticket to print, it is activated when you use it the first time. And there is an expiration date, but its a long way out. I bought my niece and nephews in February and we used them the first time this month. The esp date was in December if I recall correctly. - kerbear  207.7 #1562 8:40PM