AP and check in question

[44disney]

I just booked the All Star Sports for 3 nights in May at the AP rate (wanted Pop but N/A). We will be getting to the hotel at around 3:30pm and then plan to buy our APs at the park later that afternoon.

Will I still be able to check in, or do I actually need the AP? I could get the vouchers ahead of time if that helps, but we really would like to check in before we head off the AK. Actually, we need to check in first because the AK has EMH that night so we'll need our resort IDs to be able to stay.

THanks!!!

 

[momtomatthew]

We had the same issue when we went earlier this month and stayed at ASMo with an AP rate. We bought the vouchers at our local Disney Store (same price as the park) and had them all ready to show. We were NEVER asked for any proof that we had the APs... Both DH and I thought this was odd. I've been told that it's OK to just have the voucher when you check in, though.

 

[mousefan1972]

The "official" answer is that an adult AP or voucher must be presented at check in. However, I have used an AP discount 4X (CR, WL twice, and Pop) and have never been asked to show my pass. If you have a voucher, you are supposed to return to the front desk within 24 hours showing an active pass, but I have seen others post that they have not been asked to do this. I was in the same situation as you last May, and ended up running around like crazy to buy my pass and get it activated prior to check in (bought the voucher at Shades of Green, went to MK guest relations to activate it, then checked in at CR) only to not be asked for it. But I didn't want to take the chance that they would ask for it and I wouldn't have it yet. So, it's up to you.

 

[snykymom]

I just did this in January - I was upgrading already-purchased tickets to an AP. Checked in at POP before I got the pass; wasn't asked for it at check-in or at check-out.

 

[DisTwix]

We just did the same thing... and refused to kill ourselves getting vouchers (and because we bought discounted park tix to convert to AP's)... and thought we'd have to show proof of AP at some point before checking out and it never happened (first week o' Feb, POFQ).

 

[Tissa]

I checked in first then went and got my AP. People are saying they never check but I didn't want to take the chance and not purchase one. I have been asked to show my AAA card at POP before.

 

[DWFan4Life]

I just wanted to say have a great time, have fun and enjoy your upcoming trip. Looking forward in hearing more from you after you came back.

Have a nice day everyone.

 

[n2mm]

We had the opposite experience. We were checking in and the family next to us was checking in. The CM asked the other family for his AP and he looked confused and said he hadn't gotten it yet. The CM calmly said, no problem. I will change your rate to rack rate and after you get your AP please stop by and show us and we'll honor your room discount. The guy got all red in the face and was speechless. I'll remember this forever because it seemed so odd for a person to act like this. I always wondered, was he trying to get the AP rate without an AP and just got caught! This was at the Beach Club, so we were taking big bucks. Yes we have been asked to show our AP about 50% of the time when checking into Pop. Almost always at delux resorts. And ALWAYS if the CM is earning their ears.

 

[tekmom]

The OP has plenty of time to buy her AP now, she's not going until May. In this economy, I wouldn't take a chance of not having my AP or voucher at checkin. WDW is hurting and if you are not willing to pay rack, then get your voucher now.

 

[mousefan1972]

We had the opposite experience. We were checking in and the family next to us was checking in. The CM asked the other family for his AP and he looked confused and said he hadn't gotten it yet. The CM calmly said, no problem. I will change your rate to rack rate and after you get your AP please stop by and show us and we'll honor your room discount. The guy got all red in the face and was speechless. I'll remember this forever because it seemed so odd for a person to act like this. I always wondered, was he trying to get the AP rate without an AP and just got caught! This was at the Beach Club, so we were taking big bucks. Yes we have been asked to show our AP about 50% of the time when checking into Pop. Almost always at delux resorts. And ALWAYS if the CM is earning their ears.

Wow, now I don't feel like a nut for running around getting my AP before we checked into the Contemporary last May! That is exactly what I wanted to avoid: being asked for the pass and not having it yet. I'm still surprised that I haven't ever been asked to show mine. Well, at least I have it if they do.

 

[rt2dz]

Knock on wood, we have never paid rack rate. Half the time we use pins or general codes and half the time we use AP rates (since we go every year). I'd say about 90% (maybe more) of the time I'm asked for my activated AP. I frequently hear that they will take a voucher, but every time we are asked for an activated pass.

Once I was asked if I had my AP and when I replied yes, they just took my word for it. Once I wasn't asked at all, and that time we booked online through the AP website. Then there are a few times I just can't remember.

I always say better safe than sorry. Then again, the worst they will do is ask you to come back (like the pp experience) or say go activate it and come back (while they hold your luggage). If you're honest, I wouldn't worry too much about it.

On a side note, since someone else brought it up, we generally stay deluxe. I wonder if that has anything to do with it. The cost difference is quite a bit at those rates. When I haven't been asked, it has been the times we haven't stayed deluxe.