Buy AP's now or wait until we arrive?

[BC]

I bought my AP at the airport last year and it is still good, but I need to get 3 more for the rest of my family. I leave on the 30th of November, which is only 26 days away. I was thinking of going ahead and ordering them now, but wanted to make sure I would get them in time. It would save us having to do it all when we get there. Anyone know how long it usually takes?

 

[MELSMICE]

Not sure how long they take by mail, but do you have a Disney Store near you. You can purchase them there.

Or - what time do you arrive? Sometimes if we arrive later in the afternoon or early evening we will go & take care of our tickets first & then be ready for the parks the next morning. Of course, if we are getting AP's, then we head into the park the evening we have purchased them.

Hopefully someone else can answer your question about how long will take via mail. Good luck.

 

[DebbieB]

If you buy the vouchers ahead of time, you still have to go to a park window to activate them. So you really don't save much time when you get there.

Anytime I've had tickets mailed, they are usually here within a week.

 

[SnackyStacky]

If you order from DisneyWorld.com, after you add all your tickets to your shopping cart, it will ask you what day you're leaving your home town. Based on that date, it will give you shipping options that are available only in that time before you leave.

If it's too late for standard mail, you can have them express shipped (pretty pricey) or you can do them Will Call.

While there is no discount for buying in advance, and no time saved either, I prefer to purchase in advance just to have one more expense out of the way.

Have a fantastic trip!!!!

 

[kfeuer]

I plan to get mine ahead of time at the Disney Store simply to get the extra Disney reward dollars before we go (of course the principle is the same if you have any kind of credit card that gives a reward). I'm hoping that with Xmas coming up they'll have some kind of double rewards offer, but even if they don't I'll have at least an extra $11 reward dollars for our trip. Every little bit helps!

 

[donaldbuzz&minnie]

I think I will get our new AP's at the Disney Store in the Orlando airport as soon as we arrive. My understanding is that they sell the actual AP's and not vouchers. It seems like a fun way to start our trip.

Also, technically, we'll need to have our AP's when we check into the hotel to claim our AP room discount, and I thought I'd heard some people say that the hotel is supposed to ask for an activated pass, not just the voucher. I wouldn't want to try to check in to the hotel, and then have to run to one of the parks just to buy an AP or activate a voucher before we could complete our check-in. Not very likely that the front desk would be that hard-nosed, but you never know.

 

[05ChristmasSurprise]

I just ordered mine last week and they are here...regular mail.

They don't take long and if they don't arrive in time, you can always call and let them know that and they'll probably just keep them at will call.

 

[seashoreCM]

I have always purchased passes including annual passes right at WDW when needed. One fewer item to lose or forget or not arrive in the mail in time.

Yes I would give thought to buying in advance if I get airline miles or reward points or rebates or a discount.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[tjkraz]

One reason to buy them in advance: last time we purchased from the Disney Store we were given information with a toll free number to call for PS or other reservations. That may save you a few bucks over those 407 calls.

Aside from that, I'm with kfeuer: If they have a double-rewards offer at the Disney Store, we'll buy early. If not, we'll just get them at the gate.

 

[thedisneymom]

Ok help I'm confused. I want to get an annual pass and not have to wait with a voucher upon our arrival at the parks. Where can you get the actaul pass not the voucher before you arrive. Thanks so much!

 

[SnackyStacky]

Originally posted by thedisneymom
Ok help I'm confused. I want to get an annual pass and not have to wait with a voucher upon our arrival at the parks. Where can you get the actaul pass not the voucher before you arrive. Thanks so much!

That's not possible. The only way to purchase an active pass is someplace in Florida. Aside from Walt Disney World property, the Belz and Premium outlets sell active passes, as does the Ocala Information Center.

Other than that, with all advance purchases, you will have a voucher.

 

[tjkraz]

Originally posted by SnackyStacky
That's not possible. The only way to purchase an active pass is someplace in Florida.

Just want to add that this typically works to your favor. When you buy an AP voucher, the clock doesn't start ticking on your year's worth of admission until the voucher is activated at an eligible location.

When you buy an activated AP, it expires exactly one year from the purchase date.

 

[thedisneymom]

Ok ,so I go to a regular ticket sales window with my voucher from the online purchase or do I go to a guest service window? Do they take your picture? How long does all this usually take? I'll be traveling with a group and don't want to hold everyone up . I will arrive early if necessary. Also, we will be checking in a dawn and have them store our bags-will they accept my voucher for an AP rate? Thanks for your patience with all my questions.

 

[SnackyStacky]

Originally posted by thedisneymom
Ok ,so I go to a regular ticket sales window with my voucher from the online purchase or do I go to a guest service window? Do they take your picture? How long does all this usually take? I'll be traveling with a group and don't want to hold everyone up . I will arrive early if necessary. Also, we will be checking in a dawn and have them store our bags-will they accept my voucher for an AP rate? Thanks for your patience with all my questions.

You can go to a Ticket Window, but my reccomendation is to go to Guest Relations at the parks. There's usually less of a line, and they have more experience in dealing with Annual Passes.

There is no picture involved. They will take photo ID, and enter name, address, and other pertinent information into the system. Once you actually get to the window, the whole process takes about 5-10 minutes, depending on how many are in your party.

The official policy is that you must have an active AP. More likely than not, you won't be asked to show ANYTHING for your AP rate. If they do ask, 9 times out of 10 the voucher will suffice. If not, they'll give you 24 hours to activate the AP, and bring it back.

No need to thank for patience! Hope I answered your questions!!

 

[thedisneymom]

Thank you very very much! Now I just have to find out when the AP rates come out for June and I'll be all set.