Does it matter when/where you buy your AP?

[luvthatduke]

Here's the story:
I originally intended to order 2 AP's
over the phone for DH & I before our trip in April.
Because of some payroll holdups at work
due to the new year we're not getting
what I thought we would in time to have
all the $$ together that I would like,
until right before we leave for WDW.

We will definitely be buying AP's
(our discount depends on it, anyway),
but I've not read on the DIS of anyone
actually waiting until they arrived to go
to Guest Services (any park) and get them?
I mean without a voucher or 'will call' or anything?

We're driving down, will arrive on a Saturday by noon,
and I guess after checking in we could just take
the bus or drive over to Epcot and buy our AP's that afternoon?
I just feel nervous not having a voucher or something.
Not that I think they won't have enough AP's to go around
(they will, won't they?? - nervous laugh),
but I haven't read of anyone else doing this lately.

I guess I'm just freaking a little because I don't
want to get there & not be able to just walk up
and buy them ASAP.

Thanks for any help

 

[shellybaxter]

We bought our APs in DTD right by the entrance to Pleasure Island at Guest Services on our first night in Orlando. It took less than 10 minutes. From what I could tell there was no "advance purchase discount" and we had unused days on park hoppers to credit so we waited until we were in Orlando.

It actually worked out great. Because we were flying in so late (8:30PM) I had decided to get on offsite hotel for the first night. We arrived at the Doubletree Club about 10:00PM and it was nice enough hotel but I'd never stayed off disney property and it just didn't feel right. I cried when we got to our room. DH immediately put me back in the car and drove us to DTD to buy our APs and have ice cream. Really made me feel better and put me in a Disney state of mind. We checked out of the Doubletree first thing the next morning and were able to check into the BWI abou 1:00PM with our APs in hand for our AP discount.

Shelly

 

[luvthatduke]

Thanks Shelly, good to hear.
I'm hoping the front desk at check-in will
be OK with me showing my AP to them
when we return from buying them??
I keep reading conflicting info on that.

Your story was sweet, BTW.
Your DH is a keeper for sure!

 

[Cassi]

We had purchased three of our four APs in advance at the Disney Store, but when we returned to purchase the last one, they had stopped selling them there. So we got the last one at the MK Ticket and Transportation Center when we validated the others. It really was no hassle at all.

And BTW, no one checked our APs when we checked into Pop Century. I actually checked in before I had the passes validated. Also, I think you only need one AP to get the resort discount.

Have fun!

Cassi

 

[arazamataz]

We had AP's and my CDS wanted one.We got it at the Epcot Ent. from Broadwalk it took 5 min. and he was done.

 

[luvthatduke]

Thank you!

Cassi, that's what messed up my plans,
the fact that the Disney Store doesn't
sell the AP's anymore.
I was going to get my vouchers there
right before we left.
I asked at our local DS the week the MYW tickets
were "unveiled" and she said that they had
to send back any unsold AP's as soon as
the MYW's went on sale *sigh*.

 

[Tinkaroo]

To be extra safe, you might switch your itinerary around and go buy your AP's before checking-in, particularly since it sounds like you'll have a car. It would be a shame to go through the motions of check-in, and then if they do ask to see your AP to verify your room rate, then have to explain your situation, possibly get turned away, etc. Just stop at DTD on your way in and buy them there, that's what I'd do.

Good luck!

 

[G&J's Mom]

I agree with Tinkaroo. If you got an AP discount on your room, you will need to have an AP voucher or the actual AP in hand at check in, or your room could revert to rack rate. I have not been asked once to show my AP at check in, but I would not take that chance that they won't ask for it or they will let me return with it later.

Have a great trip!

Denise

 

[Chuck S]

If you're driving down I-75, you can purchase fully activated AP at the Ocala Disney Welcome Center, however, I was told that discounted APs (DVC, etc) could not be purchased there.

 

[luvthatduke]

Hey guys, thank you very much for the good insight!
Exactly what I was concerned about,
and why I needed to hear others' advice.
I'll look up the Welcome Center Chuck,
but in case we can't stop there,
Tinkaroo - is DTD easy to get to by car?
Where did you park, etc?

Thanks again everyone!