Any good/bad exp. buying AP @ MCO?

[Condorman]

We're debating whether to get the vouchers at a local Disney Store and validating them at the park, or getting the real passes at the Earport in MCO. Has anybody purchased them at MCO, and can you tell me how long it took? Was it relatively painless? Is that place usually crowded? Do they know what they're doing?

We will also have a limo waiting for us, that's why time is a factor. In addition, we may or may not have to show the APs at check-in because we reserved the rooms with AP rates.

Thanks in advance!

 

[bunnyfoo]

I bought them at MCO for my boyfriend and I in May. The store wasn't crowded at all ... but ... it was staffed by lots of elderly CMs on that particular day. They were very sweet and helpful... but hard of hearing. So we had to repeat ourselves many times for her to enter the info. I think the whole process took about 20 minutes.

If you're worried about keeping the limo driver waiting, you could always schedule the pickup 20 minutes or so after your flight arrives. Or if you don't need them right away, you could wait until you get to the parks to purchase them.

Hope that helps

 

[mazzarafe]

I just did this on December 18th!

Would have been very quick and painless had I not sent DH and DD9 off to get our luggage with the carryon that had my wallet in it!!!

When I ran back with my wallet it took about 5 minutes total. The CM asked for my name and address to put in the computer. I did only need 1 AP, it was just to get the rate at the hotel. IMHO it was worth even the extra work to me than having to go to get a voucher activated.

I was not even asked for it at check in.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Why not just buy them on line, select the "will call" option and pick them up at any park window? Unless you plan to use the pass from MCO the day you buy it, you will have wasted a day as they sell activated passes.

 

[Condorman]

Thanks for all of your replies!

I think I may have the limo show up a half hour after we land, and in the meantime buy the APs. If they don't ask for them at check-in, that's fine -- it's still one less thing I have to do at the parks. I'm also not too worried about activating them too soon and loosing any time, as we won't do WDW again in a year. We're buying the APs because we go once every ten years, and this time will be for three weeks!

Come to think of it, it may just be cheaper to fill out an application and become a CM. Oh, maybe next decade.

 

[tjkraz]

Condorman:

You might want to check out this thread:

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=481485

 

[KathyTX]

I wouldn't COUNT on getting the APs at the airport.

I tried to do this last year. The CMs told me there was only one CM on duty who could sell the APs, and she was on a break. We waited, waited, waited for her to return... and when she did return, she spent a good deal of time attempting to find everything she needed for the passes.

I can't remember the details now, but we wasted a good 45 minutes or so there and STILL left without our APs. Our limo driver was frustrated with our delay, and what I had thought would be an easy transaction just started the trip on a frustrating note.

I have always been able to check in without the AP, easily and quickly purchase it at a guest services location at the parks, and just run it back by the hotel desk later.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by KathyTX
I wouldn't COUNT on getting the APs at the airport.

I tried to do this last year. The CMs told me there was only one CM on duty who could sell the APs, and she was on a break. We waited, waited, waited for her to return... and when she did return, she spent a good deal of time attempting to find everything she needed for the passes.

I can't remember the details now, but we wasted a good 45 minutes or so there and STILL left without our APs. Our limo driver was frustrated with our delay, and what I had thought would be an easy transaction just started the trip on a frustrating note.

I have always been able to check in without the AP, easily and quickly purchase it at a guest services location at the parks, and just run it back by the hotel desk later.

You can also use the will call receipt they email you when you purchase on line to check in. Bet you can't tell I LOVE this new feature.

 

[KSgirl]

Both my husband and I purchased our AP's at the MCO Earport Labor Day Weekend. We had no trouble at all....no wait....and it took, maybe, 10 minutes total.

 

[Condorman]

Once again, thank you all — and keep 'em coming!

tjkraz — The FITS does look very interesting. Although I'm a bit concerned about the "technical difficulties" people have run into (or will) when they exchange the vouchers for the actual passes at guest services. But the price and the time are right. Thanks!

Gail Hayden — Your option is looking more appealing the more you mention it. Obviously you've done this before. And I wouldn't mind accidentally losing an e-mail, which I can always photocopy and which is something they should have on file, rather than losing the actual voucher or pass itself.

My third option is to run as fast as I can through the front gates and totally ignore the need for a pass. But I don't think I'll be hearing from people who have experience doing that.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by Condorman
Once again, thank you all — and keep 'em coming!

tjkraz — The FITS does look very interesting. Although I'm a bit concerned about the "technical difficulties" people have run into (or will) when they exchange the vouchers for the actual passes at guest services. But the price and the time are right. Thanks!

Gail Hayden — Your option is looking more appealing the more you mention it. Obviously you've done this before. And I wouldn't mind accidentally losing an e-mail, which I can always photocopy and which is something they should have on file, rather than losing the actual voucher or pass itself.

My third option is to run as fast as I can through the front gates and totally ignore the need for a pass. But I don't think I'll be hearing from people who have experience doing that.

No, actually I have not done this before. This is a new option with Disney and from what I have read here, it sure beats waiting for the mail to be delivered, worry about leaving it behind, etc. Should I lose the email, no worries, I can have someone read it to me from home. I have it copied/printed and it is in my travel folder. They give you an order number, which they say they need. I think this is a GREAT idea on Disney's part. I have been doing this type of thing with SeaWorld for a year or two with SeaWorld and just love it, my guests love it too.
I just wish Disney would follow SeaWorld's monthly payment plan for annual passes, makes life so easy. Well, maybe that is next.