In less than a month I will be doing this, like you said, but with one more step:
1. Going to activate my AP renewal. I will fight the fight. First show my digital download blue card, which is not expired, so why in the world wouldn't they accept it? I will pitch a fit if they don't accept my non-expired card, which I have validly obtained for being a DVC member for many years. When they ask, I will show my DVC ND on MM. Then I will pull up the email I have from DVC stating that the "ND" on mine is a known issue erro and they are working on it, and I am eligible for discounts.
2. If after all this fighting, I still can't activate my AP renewal (Socerer) at the DVC price (like some posters above could not). Then I will pay full price for the AP renewal and use my AP for further discounts.
3. When home and not standing in line at guest services I will email over and over until I get my money back. I won't need it back for dining or merch, since I will have had the AP for those discounts which are usually similar. But I guarantee you I will get my money back on the AP if I have to pay full price instead of DVC price, since I have emails saying I'm eligible for the discount.
Question: I am not worried about step 3, getting my money back. I'm pretty sure, with the emails I have stating that I am eligible for discounts, I will get my money back. BUT I AM a little worried about step 2. Since they are not selling AP at all, if I can't activate my renewal (Gold to socerer renewal), will I be able to pay full price (which I guess would be incredipass) or will they not even sell me the more expensive pass because they aren't selling new passes anymore (and I am now out of my renewal timeclock)? Thoughts?