GAD upgrade question

[pam931]

Quick question about upgrading the GAD ticket to a multiday ticket. Do we use them first and then upgrade or can we just upgrade as soon as we redeem our vouchers?

Thanks,
Pam

[Cheshire Figment]

The requirement is they must first be used as they are valid only on day of issue. You do have 14 days from date of first use to do the upgrade. So you will get your ticket and then enter the park. You can do the upgrade inside the Park or on your way out, or even the next day.

[jekjones1558]

I have read all of the stickies and my head is spinning. Since my current AP does not expire until Feb. 2011, it sounds like there is no way for me to use my GAD certificate towards a renewal, correct? So perhaps an option for me would be to use the certificate to buy a non-expiry ticket that I could save for some year when we won't be getting an AP. I would just use the one day off the non-expiry when I cash in the certificate and then save the ticket for whenever. Is that feasible?

[Robo]

I have read all of the stickies and my head is spinning. Since my current AP does not expire until Feb. 2011, it sounds like there is no way for me to use my GAD certificate towards a renewal, correct?

1- So perhaps an option for me would be to use the certificate to buy a non-expiry ticket that I could save for some year when we won't be getting an AP.

2- I would just use the one day off the non-expiry when I cash in the certificate and then save the ticket for whenever.

3- Is that feasible?

1- Nope.

2- Won't work.
Because, once you USE the ticket on the day of the voucher exchange, then you UPGRADE
to a Non-expiring ticket, that ticket will be ACTIVATED (with one day used.)
And, you can't upgrade or trade-in a ticket after 14 days following its first use.

3- Sorry.

[jekjones1558]

1- Nope.

2- Won't work.
Because, once you USE the ticket on the day of the voucher exchange, then you UPGRADE
to a Non-expiring ticket, that ticket will be ACTIVATED (with one day used.)
And, you can't upgrade or trade-in a ticket after 14 days following its first use.

3- Sorry.
Sorry for being obtuse, but I'm not following something. If I use my GAD (during my Oct. trip) and upgrade that same day to a 10 day non-expiry, wouldn't I still have 9 days on my non-expiry that I can keep indefinitely? Again, I apologize for being so dense.

[Robo]

Sorry for being obtuse, but I'm not following something. If I use my GAD (during my Oct. trip) and upgrade that same day to a 10 day non-expiry, wouldn't I still have 9 days on my non-expiry that I can keep indefinitely? Again, I apologize for being so dense.

Yes.

I'm sorry. Of course you can do that.

I thought you intended to (later, after your AP expired) wanted to use the remaining days on the Non-Expiring ticket to Renew or buy a new AP.

[jekjones1558]

Thanks, Robo. I don't know how you keep all of this stuff straight in your mind and then are willing to be patient with folks like me who can't!

[Cheshire Figment]

Actually, Robo and I are plotting and conspiring to get rid of a lot of people. When we do, it will make DisBoards much easier to get along and understand!

[doconeill]

Actually, Robo and I are plotting and conspiring to get rid of a lot of people. When we do, it will make DisBoards much easier to get along and understand!

Hey!

Actually, I've been thinking that Robo is the original Mr. Lincoln animatronic secretly enhanced with AI, kept stored in the utilidors and became self-aware in November 2001, found an internet connection and has been luring people to the DISboards ever since...

Hence, the name...

[mousefan1972]

Not to hijack the thread, but do we still have to use on one day ticket prior to upgrading to an AP renewal? We're renewing our AP's in late April (they expire May 13) and are using our Give a Day, Get a Day tickets towards their renewal. So would we still have to use them to enter a park, then renew our AP's?? Thanks. :goodvibes

[doconeill]

Not to hijack the thread, but do we still have to use on one day ticket prior to upgrading to an AP renewal? We're renewing our AP's in late April (they expire May 13) and are using our Give a Day, Get a Day tickets towards their renewal. So would we still have to use them to enter a park, then renew our AP's?? Thanks. :goodvibes

Yes. To upgrade the GAD ticket to any other ticket or renewal, you have to use it first.

[mousefan1972]

Good to know, thanks!

[stacieps]

I'll jump in here with a question too. Can you use the credit of the GAD ticket towards the purchase of the Military special ticket (the 4 days for $99)? I've signed up for a GAD activity, but an also eligible for the military ticket; I'm still trying to decide what to do (use the GAD day and have 5 days, buy the military and use the GAD for the fast pass option, etc).

Thanks!

[Robo]

I'll jump in here with a question too. Can you use the credit of the GAD ticket towards the purchase of the Military special ticket (the 4 days for $99)?

A great question.








,

[happymommy]

I'll jump in here with a question too. Can you use the credit of the GAD ticket towards the purchase of the Military special ticket (the 4 days for $99)? I've signed up for a GAD activity, but an also eligible for the military ticket; I'm still trying to decide what to do (use the GAD day and have 5 days, buy the military and use the GAD for the fast pass option, etc).

Thanks!

I was wondering the same thing. My DH is reserves, so we have ID's, and I don't think he needs to show orders for this ticket (like you do for the Seaworld one).

But, I don't know if they'll let you do an upgrade like that? Since the $99 ticket is so limited already, I don't know if you can use anything to upgrade to it (like even if you had a package with a one day ticket). It would be like getting a 4 day ticket for less than $20, so I don't know if Disney would let you do that.

We're still not finding anything the kids and I can do here feasibly before our trip in March for the GAD anyway!

[goofy4tink]

So...if I use my dd's GAD voucher, towards her new AP, do I just use the voucher or do I have to turn it in for an actual pass?? I know that when I have used the one day, one park pass I get from booking a pkg, I just hand my room key (with the pass on it) to the CM and they take it off there and put it towards the AP.

[doconeill]

So...if I use my dd's GAD voucher, towards her new AP, do I just use the voucher or do I have to turn it in for an actual pass?? I know that when I have used the one day, one park pass I get from booking a pkg, I just hand my room key (with the pass on it) to the CM and they take it off there and put it towards the AP.

you have to go to the will-call window to turn in the voucher and get the 1-day ticket, and use it that day. Anytime (within 14 days) after you've entered the park that first day, you can then go back to any ticket or GR window and perform the upgrade.

[Jen414]

Can I purchase just a one-day ticket with my free dining package, use that one-day by itself, then use my GAD ticket on day 2 of my vacation and use it to upgrade to a 10-day ticket? I think if I read everything correctly, I can, but I want to make sure. Thanks.

[doconeill]

Can I purchase just a one-day ticket with my free dining package, use that one-day by itself, then use my GAD ticket on day 2 of my vacation and use it to upgrade to a 10-day ticket? I think if I read everything correctly, I can, but I want to make sure. Thanks.

Sure, that works...you can do it the other way around as well - upgrade the package 1-day and just use the GAD day by itself. You won't really save anything more either way.

[Robo]

Can I purchase just a one-day ticket with my free dining package, use that one-day by itself, then use my GAD ticket on day 2 of my vacation and use it to upgrade to a 10-day ticket?

Sure, that works...you can do it the other way around as well - upgrade the package 1-day and just use the GAD day by itself. You won't really save anything more either way.

Well, it COULD waste about $85.

We are just talking about saving MONEY, here. ;)

The more economical thing to do is to just KEEP (save for a future trip) the one-day ticket you bought with the package and only upgrade the GAD ticket to 10-day.

Using two separate tickets in the same trip can be very, very costly.

You are free to do so, if you really need 11 theme park days in one trip,
but it will be a costly venture, and again, we are discussing saving MONEY, here.

[doconeill]

Well, it COULD waste about $85.

We are just talking about saving MONEY, here. ;)

The more economical thing to do is to just KEEP (save for a future trip) the one-day ticket you bought with the package and only upgrade the GAD ticket to 10-day.

Using two separate tickets in the same trip can be very, very costly.

You are free to do so, if you really need 11 theme park days in one trip,
but it will be a costly venture, and again, we are discussing saving MONEY, here.

Well, sure...but I interpreted the question as needed 11 park days...if you can get away with only 10 park days, then save the 1-day package ticket for a future trip.

[Jen414]

Well, it COULD waste about $85.

We are just talking about saving MONEY, here. ;)

The more economical thing to do is to just KEEP (save for a future trip) the one-day ticket you bought with the package and only upgrade the GAD ticket to 10-day.

Using two separate tickets in the same trip can be very, very costly.

You are free to do so, if you really need 11 theme park days in one trip,
but it will be a costly venture, and again, we are discussing saving MONEY, here.

Turthfully, I don't really NEED 11 days in the park since we'll do the water parks as well, but who can't ever find a use for another day. :goodvibes So, what I could do is get the one-day ticket and save it for another trip and when I get there, use the GAD ticket the first day I go in and then upgrade to a 10-day ticket. Question--if the one day ticket is on my room key, do I just save those for a future trip, or do I ask them to put them on a different thing? Also, shouuldn't it save more than $85? Shouldn't it save me $79 + $79 +$68 + $68? ($296--the cost of 4 one day passes)

[doconeill]

Question--if the one day ticket is on my room key, do I just save those for a future trip, or do I ask them to put them on a different thing?

Your choice. Sometimes it is hard to find someone at the resort who can do it. You need to go specifically to the concierge desk to get them to split it to a different ticket, but sometimes the CMs there don't seem to know how.

Also, shouuldn't it save more than $85? Shouldn't it save me $79 + $79 +$68 + $68? ($296--the cost of 4 one day passes)

Well, sure - IF all four of you have a GAD voucher and do the same thing...

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Your choice. Sometimes it is hard to find someone at the resort who can do it. You need to go specifically to the concierge desk to get them to split it to a different ticket, but sometimes the CMs there don't seem to know how.

but there is no need to do this, right? If we get a 1 day base ticket with our package but don't use it b/c we are getting homeschool tickets, we can just hang onto the room cards/ticket for a future trip? :confused3

Sorry if this is slightly off topic, we will have GAD tickets as well but will probably use them for the FP's but the 1 day base ticket we have to get for (free) dining is the one I'm concerned about saving for the future.

[doconeill]

but there is no need to do this, right? If we get a 1 day base ticket with our package but don't use it b/c we are getting homeschool tickets, we can just hang onto the room cards/ticket for a future trip? :confused3

Sorry if this is slightly off topic, we will have GAD tickets as well but will probably use them for the FP's but the 1 day base ticket we have to get for (free) dining is the one I'm concerned about saving for the future.

You do NOT have to get them separated. Some find it easier to remember they have an old ticket if it looks like a ticket, and not like a room key with an expiration date.

Unused ticket entitlements, even on at KTTW card, do not expire, even though everything else about the KTTW card does.

[Twoboysnmygirl]

Thanks! :goodvibes

[DisneyCrazyMom22]

How much will it cost to upgrade the GAD to a 3 day ticket(for a total of 4 park days) with and without hopper?:thanks:

[Robo]

How much will it cost to upgrade the GAD to a 3 day ticket(for a total of 4 park days) with and without hopper?:thanks:

The rule of upgrades is pretty simple.

1- Subtract the price of the ticket that you HAVE from the price of the ticket that you WANT.
2- Pay that difference.

The GAD ticket is worth $79 (adult) and $68 (age 3-9)
so just subtract $79 (adult) or $68 (child) from the cost of any tickets that you want to upgrade to.

You must USE the GAD ticket to go into a theme park on the day that you upgrade it.

HERE (http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=33009006&postcount=18) are the current ticket prices.

[dd50]

I'll jump in here with a question too. Can you use the credit of the GAD ticket towards the purchase of the Military special ticket (the 4 days for $99)? I've signed up for a GAD activity, but an also eligible for the military ticket; I'm still trying to decide what to do (use the GAD day and have 5 days, buy the military and use the GAD for the fast pass option, etc).

Thanks!

I would like to know that also.

[bellaphia]

sooo confused-sooo sorry to ask-BUT what is my best option? getting GAD voucher for myself, DH, DD6, DD9...going to the World in Feb, have AP's that expire in May 2010, going again in Oct 2010 but probably won't return again until after May of 2011..
doesn't really make sense to upgrade to renew AP's, but will need tickets for Oct..

[Robo]

sooo confused-sooo sorry to ask-BUT what is my best option? getting GAD voucher for myself, DH, DD6, DD9...going to the World in Feb, have AP's that expire in May 2010, going again in Oct 2010 but probably won't return again until after May of 2011..
doesn't really make sense to upgrade to renew AP's, but will need tickets for Oct..

It's kind of like the "Free on Your Birthday" promo was last year-
It's great if you can use it. It's not so great if you can't.

If you can use GAD worked into your travel and ticket plans, have at it.

If not, you can choose one of the other GAD offers, or change your plans to suit the GAD program.

[doconeill]

sooo confused-sooo sorry to ask-BUT what is my best option? getting GAD voucher for myself, DH, DD6, DD9...going to the World in Feb, have AP's that expire in May 2010, going again in Oct 2010 but probably won't return again until after May of 2011..
doesn't really make sense to upgrade to renew AP's, but will need tickets for Oct..

You will not be able to use the GAD to renew your APs anyways, as you will be too early (can't renew until 30 days before expiration).

So it makes perfect sense to hold on to them and upgrade them to the tickets you will need in October - which could be brand new APs if your next trip fits in.

Or you can use them for one of the other options.

[bellaphia]

ok so I can hold onto the GAD until say our Oct trip and put them towards tickets then? wasn't sure how it worked or if the voucher expired...
thank you for your responses:goodvibes

[doconeill]

ok so I can hold onto the GAD until say our Oct trip and put them towards tickets then? wasn't sure how it worked or if the voucher expired...
thank you for your responses:goodvibes

The vouchers expire at the end of the promotion, after Dec 15th, 2010.

[HHSTigerFan]

So confused.. We are doing our GAD next month, going to the world in June..

We have 4 people in our family, will be getting 3 vouchers as our 3 year old DS is too young.. So I want to buy one childs 10 day pass before we leave, then on our first day at the parks take the 3 vouchers to the window, use them and our sons 10 day to get into the park.. Then later that day, upgrade the 3 1 day tickets to 3 10 day passes?

[doconeill]

So confused.. We are doing our GAD next month, going to the world in June..

We have 4 people in our family, will be getting 3 vouchers as our 3 year old DS is too young.. So I want to buy one childs 10 day pass before we leave, then on our first day at the parks take the 3 vouchers to the window, use them and our sons 10 day to get into the park.. Then later that day, upgrade the 3 1 day tickets to 3 10 day passes?

Yes.

[KJ Luvs Pluto]

So confused.. We are doing our GAD next month, going to the world in June..

We have 4 people in our family, will be getting 3 vouchers as our 3 year old DS is too young.. So I want to buy one childs 10 day pass before we leave, then on our first day at the parks take the 3 vouchers to the window, use them and our sons 10 day to get into the park.. Then later that day, upgrade the 3 1 day tickets to 3 10 day passes?

Wouldn't they only need to upgrade to 9 day passes since they already used one day (the GADGAD) and the one day off the childs pass and now there are 9 days left of the childs pass and the other three need 9 days? I'm asking because when we go down we will be upgrading as well and I need to know how many days to upgrade after using them. I was only going to upgrade to the number of days that we had left in the parks - not the total number that were needed including the day we entered with the GADGAD voucher. Am I looking at this incorrectly?

[doconeill]

Wouldn't they only need to upgrade to 9 day passes since they already used one day (the GADGAD) and the one day off the childs pass and now there are 9 days left of the childs pass and the other three need 9 days? I'm asking because when we go down we will be upgrading as well and I need to know how many days to upgrade after using them. I was only going to upgrade to the number of days that we had left in the parks - not the total number that were needed including the day we entered with the GADGAD voucher. Am I looking at this incorrectly?

You need to communicate clearly what you want with the CM when you do it. You would as for "9 additional days" added, which would make the original ticket a 10-day ticket. There is a distinction, as no MYW ticket can be extended beyond 10 total days, used or unused. Around here we refer to the tickets by the total number of days, so when we say "upgrade to a 10-day" we mean "add additional days such that the total used and unused is 10 days".

[Robo]

Wouldn't they only need to upgrade to 9 day passes since they already used one day (the GADGAD) and the one day off the childs pass and now there are 9 days left of the childs pass and the other three need 9 days? I'm asking because when we go down we will be upgrading as well and I need to know how many days to upgrade after using them. I was only going to upgrade to the number of days that we had left in the parks - not the total number that were needed including the day we entered with the GADGAD voucher. Am I looking at this incorrectly?

You would need to upgrade to the total number of days in the park that you will be using.

(EXAMPLE)
If you need 9 days in the park:

Use the GAD at the park (day-1) and upgrade it to a 9-Day MYW ticket.

That new ticket will (in effect) already have one day USED (because you upgraded a one-day USED ticket.)
You'll then have the 8 days left on the ticket that you will need.

[KJ Luvs Pluto]

Thank you - I understand now - it's a difference in how the terminology is understood by Me (the WDW newbie) and those in the know and the CM's. Quite a wide gap of understanding :lmao:. Thanks for clearing it up though - I get it now - I think. :)

[ireland_nicole]

Here's another stupid question- sorry if I don't explain it right.

We are a family of 6; my Dad is a FL. resident (we're bringing him with us).
We are all doing the GAD promo. So we were planning originally on getting 4 adult 8 day tix, 1 child 8 day tix, and then a FL resident AP because (gasp) we're staying offiste, and were planning on using that for parking, and getting a TIW card for the dining discounts.

Now, we're planning to use our GAD vouchers and upgrade to all of those. The stupid question part is, we're going to have to pay to park the first day and just eat the cost, right? Because we can't get the AP in advance and stil get the discount on the AP using the voucher to upgrade.

I know it's not that much money to park, but if there's a way around it, I could use that money on Mickey bars instead:goodvibes

[Cheshire Figment]

Normally with the purchase of (or upgrade to) and Annual Pass or Premium Annual Pass if you turn in your parking receipt at the time of purchase you will receive a credit for the amount paid for parking.

Note that the purchase must be an AP or PAP. Florida Resident Seasonal Pass or Weekday Select Pass do not qualify for the free parking and so will not get a credit for the amount paid for parking.

[ireland_nicole]

Normally with the purchase of (or upgrade to) and Annual Pass or Premium Annual Pass if you turn in your parking receipt at the time of purchase you will receive a credit for the amount paid for parking.

Note that the purchase must be an AP or PAP. Florida Resident Seasonal Pass or Weekday Select Pass do not qualify for the free parking and so will not get a credit for the amount paid for parking.

Thanks CheshieFigment; we're going in June so we'd need to buy him the full resident AP. I really appreciate your response, we'll be sure to bring the parking receipt.

[Mrs D]

Wow! Major kudos to Cheshire Figment and Robo for so diligently answering these questions. :cheer2:

Tell me if I'm right here on the best cost savings for 4 days in the parks. I get a 1 day ticket with a package - I use my GAD to enter a park, upgrade it that day to a 4 day MYW ticket. Save the 1 day for later. Is this the most cost effiecent solution?

Let me throw something else into the mix. I have an old 1 day ticket (pre-MYW so I can park hop should I choose). Is it a better saving to use that ticket, use the GAD ticket and upgrade it to a 3 day MYW? Or do I hang onto this ticket another 13 years? :rotfl:

Thanks so the help!

[enn]

Thanks for all the answers so far. Here's my situation. We already have 1-day park hopper tickets with our wdw package (staying on-site at a wdw resort). The question is how to use a GAD voucher. This is likely to be our only wdw visit for a very long time, so the choices about saving tickets for future use aren't going to work for us.

First, I understand that the fastpass GAD option would not be available because our package tickets are not "multi-day." That would have been our first choice.

If that's so, I think there are 3 things we could do:

1) First, upgrade existing 1-day PH's to 2-days (using money); then it should be possible to get the fastpass option with the GAD voucher because we'll be holding multi-days. We were already on the fence about adding a second day (our arrival day).

If we did that, could we use the GAD fastpass on the second (last) day of 2-day MYW tickets? That is, would our tickets still be considered "multi-day" when there's just one day remaining? I would also be interested to know whether the GAD fastpass for a given park, once obtained, could be used later on in the day at that park (after leaving and returning), even after ordinary fastpasses would be gone for the rides in question.

2) Treat the GAD as a totally separate single-park entry ticket to use on the arrival day, then use the MYW PH package ticket on day 2. Here are my questions about that: Would I be able to use/show the resort key to park for free on that first (GAD) day without accidentally deducting the MYW PH ticket that will be stored thereon? Similarly, would I be able to get into EMH's to use the GAD ticket, or would that require a scan of the resort key that would cause it to automatically deduct the MYW PH ticket?

As these questions may suggest, I have not been to WDW since the 1980s, so I am unsure how the technology works.

3) The third choice would be to donate the GAD ticket, which should be simple.

Thanks in advance for any help! I also apologize for mixing together fastpass and other GAD questions, if this isn't the right thread for that (this is my first time posting on here).

[doconeill]

Wow! Major kudos to Cheshire Figment and Robo for so diligently answering these questions. :cheer2:

sniff... ;)

Tell me if I'm right here on the best cost savings for 4 days in the parks. I get a 1 day ticket with a package - I use my GAD to enter a park, upgrade it that day to a 4 day MYW ticket. Save the 1 day for later. Is this the most cost effiecent solution?

It's the only way to get monetary value for the GAD voucher, which you HAVE to use or lose it after Dec. 15th. The 1-day is good forever. Assuming you can make use of the 1-day in the future that is...if you are never planning on visiting again, that's different :)

Let me throw something else into the mix. I have an old 1 day ticket (pre-MYW so I can park hop should I choose). Is it a better saving to use that ticket, use the GAD ticket and upgrade it to a 3 day MYW? Or do I hang onto this ticket another 13 years? :rotfl:

You can't upgrade the old ticket in any way. You could trade it in for purchase value, but you'd have to pay MORE. It's best value is to be used for the admission. However, when used in conjunction with another ticket, its "value" only becomes that of an extra day on the total. The difference between a 3-day ticket and a 4-day ticket is $6+tax, so that is all you really save vs. upgrading the GAD ticket to 4 days.


Thanks for all the answers so far. Here's my situation. We already have 1-day park hopper tickets with our wdw package (staying on-site at a wdw resort). The question is how to use a GAD voucher. This is likely to be our only wdw visit for a very long time, so the choices about saving tickets for future use aren't going to work for us.

First, I understand that the fastpass GAD option would not be available because our package tickets are not "multi-day." That would have been our first choice.

If that's so, I think there are 3 things we could do:


If I understand correctly, you re only going for 2 days total...


1) First, upgrade existing 1-day PH's to 2-days (using money); then it should be possible to get the fastpass option with the GAD voucher because we'll be holding multi-days. We were already on the fence about adding a second day (our arrival day).

Correct. This would cost you $77+tax though, just to get what is a limited Fastpass option.[/quote]

If we did that, could we use the GAD fastpass on the second (last) day of 2-day MYW tickets? That is, would our tickets still be considered "multi-day" when there's just one day remaining?

Yes...disney won't force you to "lose" a day on your tickets. The reason they require they be multi-day is that a 1-day ticket can never expire if not used, so you don't "lose" it - and it makes you come back again :)

I would also be interested to know whether the GAD fastpass for a given park, once obtained, could be used later on in the day at that park (after leaving and returning), even after ordinary fastpasses would be gone for the rides in question.

Assuming they didn't change anything with respect to how the Birthday FPs worked, yes. They are good for the rest of the day until at least the regular park close time. I've heard that at TSM you may have to beg to get access to the kiosk, however - they've closed them all at times.


2) Treat the GAD as a totally separate single-park entry ticket to use on the arrival day, then use the MYW PH package ticket on day 2. Here are my questions about that: Would I be able to use/show the resort key to park for free on that first (GAD) day without accidentally deducting the MYW PH ticket that will be stored thereon? Similarly, would I be able to get into EMH's to use the GAD ticket, or would that require a scan of the resort key that would cause it to automatically deduct the MYW PH ticket?

Free parking is based on the sheet of the paper they give you to put on your dashboard, which you get at check-in. If you have your Key To The World card, you should already have the parking pass. You don't give them your KTTW card for parking.

For EMH, you use whichever ticket you want to use, you only need to SHOW them your KTTW card to show you are a resort guest.

[Mrs D]

[QUOTE=doconeill;35015753]sniff... ;)[QUOTE]

Foolish mortal! How could I have excluded the incredible doconeill?!?! :scared1:

Thanks for taking the time to answer!

[enn]

Thank you doconeill for your excellent answers to my questions! Now another idea has occurred to me on how to use the GAD, given an existing one-day ticket as part of a package. My situation again is that I'm going to wdw for just 2 days and am uncertain if there will be time to get out to the parks on the first of those days (our arrival day). It's just me and my husband, and I'll be the only one with a GAD voucher.

Right now our one-day package tickets have the parkhopping feature. But suppose we "unhopped" them -- I believe this change is still possible because we are more the 45 days out. This would save around $104, I think ($52 X 2).

My question is whether we could then do the following on a single day: use our package tickets (nonhopping) to go to Park #1 (say, AK). Then use the GAD (plus a new single park admission ticket for my husband, around $80) to do a separate single admission on that same day at another park (say, Epcot). Or vice versa. I am well aware from the various ticket FAQs that it is not possible to enter two parks in the same day using a multi-day pass. But is it possible to use two totally separate entry tickets to enter two different parks on the same day? My instinct is "yes" but with all the fingerprint recognition and such, perhaps there is a ban on doing this.

Admittedly, the money savings are small for us under that scenario, but we would still have flexibility to use the GAD instead in the other ways already discussed if we did arrive early enough to make use of 2 days in the parks. I also thought it might be valuable for others holding existing tickets if this were possible. For example, if an entire family or group were holding nonhopping tickets and everyone had GADs as well, that would let everyone go to a second park on one day (something that would normally require adding the PH feature for $52 a person). It's not quite the value you can get from the GAD under ideal circumstances, but some might prefer it to the fastpass or earhat if they already have their tickets.

Thanks again for all the help on these questions!

[enn]

To follow up on my post above: I just realized that if the GAD does work for a second park entry on the same day, people in the group without GADs (such as my husband) could just add the park hopping option to an existing ticket (for $52) rather than pay for a whole new single-entry ticket. Or at least that's my understanding.

Thanks again to all who are reading and answering!

[CleveRocks]

Thank you doconeill for your excellent answers to my questions! Now another idea has occurred to me on how to use the GAD, given an existing one-day ticket as part of a package. My situation again is that I'm going to wdw for just 2 days and am uncertain if there will be time to get out to the parks on the first of those days (our arrival day). It's just me and my husband, and I'll be the only one with a GAD voucher.

Right now our one-day package tickets have the parkhopping feature. But suppose we "unhopped" them -- I believe this change is still possible because we are more the 45 days out. This would save around $104, I think ($52 X 2).
My question is ... why did you book a package as opposed to a room-only reservation?

Or rather, unless there's some other reason that I don't know about, I think you should consider canceling your package and instead booking a room-only reservation. That will save you about $80 each ... you won't need to buy a 1-day ticket from Disney, and instead can just use the free GAD ticket. And if you really want to, you can upgrade the free GAD ticket for $52 to a park hopper, so you can go to 2 parks on that one day.

I hope I'm getting my point across here, and I apologize if I'm not. Booking your very short stay as a room-only (as opposed to a package) will save you money inthat you won't need to purchase a 1-day ticket as part of a package. You'll already have your 1-day ticket through the GAD promo.

Thoughts?

[doconeill]

Yes, you could use the GAD voucher to get a second 1-day ticket at a different park. Value wise you are losing some since adding PH to an existing ticket is only $52+tax, vs. the value of a 1-day ticket of $79+tax. But then again if you are not going to use the GAD voucher otherwise, you are at least getting some value out of it.

But I do agree with CleveRocks that to get the maximum value of the GAD voucher you should book room-only and use the GAD voucher for the 1-day ticket. You aren't really receiving any savings on that 1-day by having it in the package.

[enn]

My question is ... why did you book a package as opposed to a room-only reservation?


Originally, it was just ignorance, but now (after many changes I won't bore you with to get various discounts) I have an AAA package I'm happy with that offers special parking (I know parking is already free with the resort stay but apparently they have some area that is closer). I will look into the total rebook and I do understand your point about the cost advantage but I think there are some disadvantages too (some of these I'm not sure about and need to check): I think I lose the AAA parking; I might have to pay a fee to AAA for a total rebook; I'd have to spend time switching over some existing reservations to a new reservation number; on arrival, we wouldn't have tickets waiting for us and might have to stand in long lines to get in initially, as opposed to being able to go right in and deal with ticket issues later (this is during a busy mid-March period), and the cancellation policy is somewhat less favorable for us (we'd potentially lose a full night's stay, which is more than the $200 we could lose on the package if we had to cancel).

Note that I'm the only one with a GAD, so the marginal savings (over the approach above) would be $80 minus $52, or about $28.

[Melani]

I read thru this thread & CF's sticky, but I didn't find this exact scenario:

Can I "stack" tickets for an AP upgrade?

I was planning to purchase online 5 day no exp. passes. And we are scheduled for a Give Day next week.

We go to WDW in Nov. I wanted to upgrade our 5 day passes to APs then. Can we use our 1 day pass & then "stack" the 2 for a (DVC) AP upgrade?

[MomOf2DisneyKids]

Another question, if you don't mind.... can a FL resident upgrade a GAD ticket for a 1 day ticket w/hopping for the discounted hopping price (26 instead of 52 is (I think) what I saw)?? That would be great for my brother's family! And if so, would that be done all at once when redeeming the voucher to get the ticket? Thanks!

[doconeill]

I read thru this thread & CF's sticky, but I didn't find this exact scenario:

Can I "stack" tickets for an AP upgrade?

I was planning to purchase online 5 day no exp. passes. And we are scheduled for a Give Day next week.

We go to WDW in Nov. I wanted to upgrade our 5 day passes to APs then. Can we use our 1 day pass & then "stack" the 2 for a (DVC) AP upgrade?

No, you cannot combine tickets at all. Per CF's sticky thread, an upgrade is taking one ticket, plus cash, and getting a new ticket.

Another question, if you don't mind.... can a FL resident upgrade a GAD ticket for a 1 day ticket w/hopping for the discounted hopping price (26 instead of 52 is (I think) what I saw)?? That would be great for my brother's family! And if so, would that be done all at once when redeeming the voucher to get the ticket? Thanks!

I believe the answer is yes, but you can only do it if you are not on a blockout date for the Dream Pass.

[GraceLuvsWDW]

Question:

Where is the blackout days list? Is there a sticky for the GAD info?

DD and I will have GAD vouchers. We are AP holders. Our AP expiration date is 3/23/10. We will be at WDW 3/19-26/10. On 3/23 (or before) we redeem our vouchers for one day passes, go into the park on the one day tickets, and then go to Guest Services to use the one day tickets for our AP renewals?

So the Adult AP renewal rate is $449 less the one day of $79 = $370 + tax per adult and $397 less the one day of $68 = $329 + tax per child?

Am I calculating that right?

Thanks!

[doconeill]

Question:

Where is the blackout days list? Is there a sticky for the GAD info?

DD and I will have GAD vouchers. We are AP holders. Our AP expiration date is 3/23/10. We will be at WDW 3/19-26/10. On 3/23 (or before) we redeem our vouchers for one day passes, go into the park on the one day tickets, and then go to Guest Services to use the one day tickets for our AP renewals?

So the Adult AP renewal rate is $449 less the one day of $79 = $370 + tax per adult and $397 less the one day of $68 = $329 + tax per child?

Am I calculating that right?

Thanks!

Yes, I believe you have all that correct.

Post 16 of the Everything About WDW Tickets (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1452684) sticky has all the info.

[riu girl]

I will be using our GAD tickets at AK. If I decide to upgrade the GAD ticket to a 2 day ticket do I have do it on the same day that I use our GAD tickets at AK? Or can I upgrade our by then used GAD tickets a day or two later at the disney resort we are staying at?

Thank you

[doconeill]

I will be using our GAD tickets at AK. If I decide to upgrade the GAD ticket to a 2 day ticket do I have do it on the same day that I use our GAD tickets at AK? Or can I upgrade our by then used GAD tickets a day or two later at the disney resort we are staying at?

Thank you

You can upgrade anytime within 14 days of first use.

[revrob]

Yes, yet one more question to add in the mix.

We are DVC members. We have GADGAD vouchers, and are contemplating purchasing APs during our trip in March. Will we be able to redeem our vouchers for 1 day tickets and then upgrade to APs and pay the DVC member rate? Will we be able to use both discounts?

[doconeill]

Yes, yet one more question to add in the mix.

We are DVC members. We have GADGAD vouchers, and are contemplating purchasing APs during our trip in March. Will we be able to redeem our vouchers for 1 day tickets and then upgrade to APs and pay the DVC member rate? Will we be able to use both discounts?

In short, YES.

Disney Ticketing does not consider the DVC "discount" a discount at all. It is just another class of ticket, like a FL Resident ticket, and has its own price. That price just happens to be $100 cheaper (for the standard AP) that the regular "Tourist" price.

[fan1080]

GADD question time for me...... :)

I've read that the GADD ticket must be used before you can upgrade it. Does that include ANY upgrades? We want to add hoppers to our GADD ticket, no other upgrades. Can we upgrade the ticket at time of handing in our vouchers, or will we still have to use the ticket first before adding hoppers?

[revrob]

In short, YES.

Disney Ticketing does not consider the DVC "discount" a discount at all. It is just another class of ticket, like a FL Resident ticket, and has its own price. That price just happens to be $100 cheaper (for the standard AP) that the regular "Tourist" price.

Thanks so much! That's exactly what I needed to know!

[doconeill]

I've read that the GADD ticket must be used before you can upgrade it. Does that include ANY upgrades? We want to add hoppers to our GADD ticket, no other upgrades. Can we upgrade the ticket at time of handing in our vouchers, or will we still have to use the ticket first before adding hoppers?

According to what Cheshire Figment says, you must use it before doing anything to it. It apparently does not become a valid ticket until it is used.

[fan1080]

According to what Cheshire Figment says, you must use it before doing anything to it. It apparently does not become a valid ticket until it is used.

Thanks, Doc.

I figured that was the case, but wanted to find out for sure. It does seem silly though, not sure I understand the logic behind it, but it is what it is.

Not a big deal actually, waiting in line twice for a free day really isn't much trouble.

[a1tinkfans]

I came looking for an answer....my head is SPINNING :rotfl2:
But, I think I got it!

[momof2disprincesses]

Okay. I've read all of these posts and want to also express my deep appreciation to the ticket experts who are helping us all sort out all of the confusion that is Disney tickets!

Here is my situation.

We (family of 4) have old (pre-MYW) park hopper tickets with 1 day left on them.

We also have one day base (MYW) tickets from free dining last year (we were AP holders at the time, so we saved those).

We also have GAD vouchers from volunteering.

We are also DVC members.

We are going to Disneyland in March and want to park hop for one day.

So I'm thinking we use our WDW "old" park hopper tickets (the ones with 1 day left on them). We did this once before at DL and were able to use them. I'm assuming you can still do that.

Then we are going to WDW in June and back again in Aug. Dec. and next year in March. Our 2009 AP's expired in Dec. 2009. So in June 2010, we planned to use our GAD tickets and upgrade them to the DVC annual passes.

Then we will continue to save the one day MYW base tickets we got last Aug. with free dining and eventually upgrade those to DVC AP's in 2011 or later.

Is this the best use of the tickets we have?

[Cheshire Figment]

Yes. Everything you said will work. The WDW tickets can be used at DL, the GAD passes can be upgraded to DVC APs, and you can hold unused MYW tickets forever until used.

[happymommy]

Does anyone know yet about the military ticket?

I am still wondering if you can apply the value towards that one after you use the ticket.

[jthornton94]

If I had to guess about upgrading to military tickets I would say no. One of the descriptions I read about the military offer explicitly says, "This offer may not be combined with any other offer."

[happymommy]

If I had to guess about upgrading to military tickets I would say no. One of the descriptions I read about the military offer explicitly says, "This offer may not be combined with any other offer."

I was thinking that as well - I mean if we do our volunteer work and get the free day, then upgrading it would only cost $20 or so. Disney isn't making money on that, and they are in the business to make money.

I am actually tempted to upgrade to an annual pass, but may just buy the extra military ticket, so we'd have 5 days for this trip.

[doconeill]

Certainly not any sort of official word, but I would believe that if you can take a regular used 1-day MYW ticket and upgrade it to the Military Salute pass, then you should be able to do it with the GAD ticket as well.

However, according to CF's sticky on the Salute tickets, you can only upgrade an unused ticket (contrary to most other upgrade advice), and the GAD ticket isn't valid until it is used, so they seem to have mutually exclusive requirements.

[manhattan]

Does anyone know yet about the military ticket?

I am still wondering if you can apply the value towards that one after you use the ticket.

I was also hoping to be able to use my GAD and upgrade it to the Florida resident special of 4 days for $99. If it can't be done, I guess upgrading to a Fl Seasonal Annual pass would be the next best thing, or could we not do that either? :confused3

[doconeill]

I was also hoping to be able to use my GAD and upgrade it to the Florida resident special of 4 days for $99. If it can't be done, I guess upgrading to a Fl Seasonal Annual pass would be the next best thing, or could we not do that either? :confused3

I don't believe that either of those have any sort of upgrade conditions (other than blackout dates), so there should not be a problem.

[Cheshire Figment]

The ticket can be upgraded to any ticket which you are entitled to purchase at a Theme Park Ticket Window as long as the value is more than that of a one-day, one-park ticket. It cannot be used at a water park or DQ.

[Marc A.]

Kind of confused:

We have current AP vouchers that we are going to activate into AP's in October.
3 out of 4 family members are participating in the GAD program prior to October.
We are all DVC members.
Can we use the GAD vouchers towards the purchase of 3 more AP's (DVC discount)vouchers for the future? Or will we need to purchase actual AP's that day for immediate use and then just keep the old AP vouchers for the future??
Not sure what the difference really will be but very confused.

Thanks

[doconeill]

Can we use the GAD vouchers towards the purchase of 3 more AP's (DVC discount)vouchers for the future?

No. The GAD voucher cannot be used directly towards any sort of ticket. It can be used to get a 1-day ticket, and THAT ticket can be upgrade (after it is first used, as the ticket is not actually valid until you enter the park). But you cannot "upgrade" to an AP voucher (aka Exchange Certificate), only another active ticket.

Or will we need to purchase actual AP's that day for immediate use and then just keep the old AP vouchers for the future??

That would work.

[Marc A.]

No. The GAD voucher cannot be used directly towards any sort of ticket. It can be used to get a 1-day ticket, and THAT ticket can be upgrade (after it is first used, as the ticket is not actually valid until you enter the park). But you cannot "upgrade" to an AP voucher (aka Exchange Certificate), only another active ticket.



That would work.

Well, since the vouchers technically never expire I might as well just purchase new AP's with the DVC discount and GAD tickets to use that day and keep the old vouchers.

Disney better not change that voucher rule anytime soon (at least for a year after October)!!

Thanks for the help
:thumbsup2

[mgsmom]

We are coming to the park in July and will need 3 days of park tickets.
We are planning to use a GAD ticket the first day, then upgrade it to add the other 2 days as parkhoppers.
This will save $$ right?
Also, the stupider question - we can go and come in one day on that ticket right? Like we can leave and take DD back for a nap and return the same day to the same park?

[doconeill]

We are coming to the park in July and will need 3 days of park tickets.
We are planning to use a GAD ticket the first day, then upgrade it to add the other 2 days as parkhoppers.
This will save $$ right?

Yes - $79 per adult per GAD ticket, not including taxes.

Also, the stupider question - we can go and come in one day on that ticket right? Like we can leave and take DD back for a nap and return the same day to the same park?

Yes, you can always return the the same park the same day on any standard ticket.

[loveysbydesign]

Alright...here I was all excited to get FP's and now I'm thinking maybe we should save $ by using it to upgrade our tix.
We generally buy our tix. ahead of time from undercovertourist through Mousesavers so we do get a discount. Just wondering how much tix. prices will go up this August as our trip isn't until Nov. Now if prices go up then the GAD vochuer credit towards the tix. would go up along with it, correct?
Perhaps we will use mine and dh's to upgrade and use the 2 kiddos for FP's. That way we save some extra money but can still get FP's at 2 of the parks.

[horselover]

Add me to the list of people with their heads spinning! Maybe one of you kind people can help me work this out.

I have a trip planned beginning 3/11. DS & I have GAD tickets for each of us. I know I will need at least 4 park days, if I could have another 1/2 day for arrival day I would probably use it. I am a DVC member & had an AP but it expired in Jan. so no chance of using the GAD towards a renewal. DS has a 10 non-exp. ticket so he's all set. I have a 5 day non-exp. PH ticket with I think 3 days left, but I'm not 100% sure. It could possibly just have 2 days left. No way to know for sure until we get there.

I have another tentative trip planned for 4-5 nights in Oct. But that is tentative right now so that is what is throwing me.

Here are my questions. I could take my GAD ticket & apply it towards a new DVC AP. I believe that would cost me $310 (not incl. tax). That option would also allow me to purchase a TIW card which is very appealing. However, if I don't end up going in the Fall I will have wasted that $$. If I get a new AP I can then save my existing non-expiring tix for another year. Another possibility would be to upgrade the GAD to a non-expiring 8 day PH ticket. That I believe would cost $362 (no tax). That is more $$, but at least if I don't end up going in Oct. I haven't lost anything. I just want to be sure I choose the best option.

Any advice?

TIA.

[dlann03]

Once I use my GAD voucher and upgrade it to a multi day ticket, can the ticket be put on my room key so I don't have to carry both? I'll be in ASMu.

[doconeill]

Once I use my GAD voucher and upgrade it to a multi day ticket, can the ticket be put on my room key so I don't have to carry both? I'll be in ASMu.

Yes, as long as you don't already have a ticket entitlement on the KTTW card (like if you bought a package for free dining or anything like that), and you didn't upgrade to an annual/seasonal pass (or possible any other ticket that they don't normally handle at the resorts).

[Mom23Disneybelievers]

So many great questions and answers! I got an answer to my question, and answers to questions that I didn't even know I had. You all are terrific. Thanks!

[matterninhburg]

Hi,
New here. This will be our first Disney trip! My hubby, myself and our oldest child are eligible for the GAD. We were planning on purchasing the 5 day park hopper pass w/ free day (6 total) from undercover tourist for $279.95 (adult). It looks like it may be more cost effective for us to use our GAD tickets to enter the park on day 1 and then use those to upgrade for a 6 day PH passes w/ the GAD ticket. From the WDW website, it appears this price would be $301.40 inc tax -$79=$222.40. Am I correct? Thanks for any help!

[doconeill]

Hi,
New here. This will be our first Disney trip! My hubby, myself and our oldest child are eligible for the GAD. We were planning on purchasing the 5 day park hopper pass w/ free day (6 total) from undercover tourist for $279.95 (adult). It looks like it may be more cost effective for us to use our GAD tickets to enter the park on day 1 and then use those to upgrade for a 6 day PH passes w/ the GAD ticket. From the WDW website, it appears this price would be $301.40 inc tax -$79=$222.40. Am I correct? Thanks for any help!

Close, but you don't pay tax on amounts that you don't actually pay. So your final total should be $217.26.

The GAD program is definitely the biggest way to save on tickets because they are giving your the free FIRST day of a ticket, which is the most expensive. Other "free day" discounts are giving you days on the tail end, which are cheaper (as little as $3).

[matterninhburg]

Close, but you don't pay tax on amounts that you don't actually pay. So your final total should be $217.26.

The GAD program is definitely the biggest way to save on tickets because they are giving your the free FIRST day of a ticket, which is the most expensive. Other "free day" discounts are giving you days on the tail end, which are cheaper (as little as $3).

Thanks so much for the fast reply!!

[pam931]

OP here. Just thought I'd share my experience with upgrading last week. We chose to upgrade 3 of our 4 tickets and keep one for FPs. We went to the will call window at AK around 3 in the afternoon on our arrival day. The CM was able to not only issue our 1 day tix, but she then upgraded them on the spot to 7-day base tickets just like we wanted. No needing to use the ticket and then deal with it later. The entire process took about 15 minutes and was well worth it.

Pam

[pixarmom]

Thanks for reporting back!! Our friends just returned from WDW, and they reported the same kind of experience. Last week, they went to the MK will call first thing in the morning, presented their GAD vouchers, and the CM immediately asked them if they wanted to upgrade before they even had a chance to mention it! They upgraded to 4-day tickets on the spot. They also reported that, even with the short wait at park opening, it only took 15 minutes.

[mousefan1972]

OP here. Just thought I'd share my experience with upgrading last week. We chose to upgrade 3 of our 4 tickets and keep one for FPs. We went to the will call window at AK around 3 in the afternoon on our arrival day. The CM was able to not only issue our 1 day tix, but she then upgraded them on the spot to 7-day base tickets just like we wanted. No needing to use the ticket and then deal with it later. The entire process took about 15 minutes and was well worth it.

Pam

Thanks for the report! We are upgrading our GAD vouchers to AP renewals, so it will be nice to not have to be issued one day tickets, use them, then go back to guest relations to upgrade them to our AP renewals. :cutie:

[riu girl]

Can I upgrade a one day GAD ticket to a water park and fun type ticket (don't want to have extra theme park days just want to see if I can tie it into a couple waterpark visits)?

If so, how much would it cost and how many waterpark visits would I be entitled to with a one day GAD ticket?

Thank you

[doconeill]

Can I upgrade a one day GAD ticket to a water park and fun type ticket (don't want to have extra theme park days just want to see if I can tie it into a couple waterpark visits)?

If so, how much would it cost and how many waterpark visits would I be entitled to with a one day GAD ticket?

Thank you

Sorry, but no, you cannot use it for a water park/etc. only ticket. It can only be used for a major park ticket.

However, if all you wanted two water park days, you could turn the GAD voucher in for the 1-day park ticket, and add the WPFM option to it for $52+tax. That option on a 1- or 2-day ticket gives you two WPFM admissions, which is cheaper than two separate water park admissions.

[PIRATEGIRL007]

Ok I thought I had it then I read this thread.......:confused:

We are getting 3 GAD tickets, one for me, DH and DD8. I think I have this right but we can NOT use my adult ticket for DS4 (who is disqualified from GAD) to enter the parks or upgrade in any combination, right?

DH and I are AP holders, we are going in May our AP's are good till September. We will be back in September (for free dining we hope) and will renew our AP's then. Can we turn in our voucher in May and get our 1 day tickets and hold them to rewnew our AP in September when we come back?

Can any renewals with a GAD ticket exchange (assuming I already have the ticket in my hand from our May trip) be done over the phone? The 15 month deal expires on 8/31 and if we have to I can back up our Sept trip so we can get there to renew and get the deal but I really don't want to move it if I can avoid it.

Another unrelated but related question. I have several 1 day MYW ticket at home at least 1 that I know where its at. It's never been used was an adult ticket (to get free dining), can I give that ticket to DS4 to get him in the park and then upgrade the ticket?

Thanks

[doconeill]

Ok I thought I had it then I read this thread.......:confused:

We are getting 3 GAD tickets, one for me, DH and DD8. I think I have this right but we can NOT use my adult ticket for DS4 (who is disqualified from GAD) to enter the parks or upgrade in any combination, right?

Correct. The ticket is only good for the person in whose name the voucher is printed (i.e. the volunteer).

DH and I are AP holders, we are going in May our AP's are good till September. We will be back in September (for free dining we hope) and will renew our AP's then. Can we turn in our voucher in May and get our 1 day tickets and hold them to rewnew our AP in September when we come back?No, the ticket is only good the day you get it...but why not just hold your vouchers until September and then use them to renew? The vouchers are good through December 15th.

Can any renewals with a GAD ticket exchange (assuming I already have the ticket in my hand from our May trip) be done over the phone? The 15 month deal expires on 8/31 and if we have to I can back up our Sept trip so we can get there to renew and get the deal but I really don't want to move it if I can avoid it. No, but see answer above. Unfortunately, if you can't get to WDW by August 31st (and it being within your 30 days), you wouldn't be able to utilize the GAD ticket value AND get 15 months.

Another unrelated but related question. I have several 1 day MYW ticket at home at least 1 that I know where its at. It's never been used was an adult ticket (to get free dining), can I give that ticket to DS4 to get him in the park and then upgrade the ticket?

ThanksHmmm...I don't SEE a problem with this, although the CMs may pause when a finger scan is required for a 4yo, and then trying to upgrade said ticket...but you CAN simply take the ticket and upgrade it at book (purchase) value to a child's ticket so long as the resulting ticket is worth at least as much - just adding a single day would be sufficient to meet that requirement. Cheshire Figment might have a more definitive answer on trying to use it first though.

[PIRATEGIRL007]

No, the ticket is only good the day you get it...but why not just hold your vouchers until September and then use them to renew? The vouchers are good through December 15th.



You know I never even thought of that and it definately makes the most sense.
Thanks for your help!

[Cheshire Figment]

If you have an unused MYW adult ticket it can be upgraded to a child multi-day ticket. However, you will only get the price Disney originally sold it for, without price bridging, sol if it was purchased at less than the current gate price you will only get that amount as the value.

If you go to the locked sticky Everything About WDW Tickets in this Forum, especially Post #15-D, you can get a lot more information. An easy way to get to the sticky is by clicking on the link in my signature.