Epcot International Gateway Guest Services

[dxdpfan]

I'm going to Disney at the end of August. I have reservations at Beaches & Cream the day we arrive. I'm planning to upgrade my tickets to an annual pass. I've read that I should use my ticket first (purchased through undercover tourist) and then go to guest relations to upgrade to the AP. I'd love to get the AP first before going to Beaches & Cream so I can take advantage of the AP discount there. Here are my questions:

1. Can I park at the Beach Club and walk over to Epcot to activate my ticket and then go to Guest Relations at the International Gateway to do the upgrade? How long is the walk? Is Guest Relations inside or outside the park? Can I upgrade to the AP at this guest relations location or would I have to go to the one near the main entrance?

2. How much time do you think it'll take? Walking over, going into the park, guest relations line, walking back. Do you think an hour is enough? I'm afraid they won't let me park at the beach club until it's closer to my reservation time. Our reservations is at 2:20 so I'm thinking of getting to the beach club around 1:30.

Any suggestions or helpful hints are welcome. Thank you.

 

[Liz Z]

Hi,

Yes. You can park at the Beach Club with a reservation to dine at Beaches and Cream. Just let the guard know at the gate you have a reservation and he/she will point you in the direction to where guest parking is.

The walk over to International Gateway is tops a 10 minute walk. Go out the main doors that lead you out towards the water take a left and Guest relations will be there on the left adjacent to the friendship boat entrance before you enter the park.

You should have plenty of time to walk there and back and purchase your AP.

Have a great time

 

[Fangorn]

And just so you know, you do not have to use your ticket first before upgrading it to an AP. That used to be the suggested process, but it's no longer necessary. Just go straight to Guest Relations and do the upgrade.

Steve

 

[Maverick]

I'm going to Disney at the end of August. I have reservations at Beaches & Cream the day we arrive. I'm planning to upgrade my tickets to an annual pass. I've read that I should use my ticket first (purchased through undercover tourist) and then go to guest relations to upgrade to the AP. I'd love to get the AP first before going to Beaches & Cream so I can take advantage of the AP discount there. Here are my questions:

1. Can I park at the Beach Club and walk over to Epcot to activate my ticket and then go to Guest Relations at the International Gateway to do the upgrade? How long is the walk? Is Guest Relations inside or outside the park? Can I upgrade to the AP at this guest relations location or would I have to go to the one near the main entrance?

2. How much time do you think it'll take? Walking over, going into the park, guest relations line, walking back. Do you think an hour is enough? I'm afraid they won't let me park at the beach club until it's closer to my reservation time. Our reservations is at 2:20 so I'm thinking of getting to the beach club around 1:30.

Any suggestions or helpful hints are welcome. Thank you.

1. The walk from the parking lot of BC to the Epcot entrance at the International Gateway is probably 15 minutes for the average walker depending on where you park in the lot. Guest relations is just outside of Epcot at the IG - Literally steps away from the Epcot entrance turnstiles. Yes you can upgrade your ticket at Guest Relations outside the IG. I suspect you would go through the IG turnstile at Epcot to 'use' your existing tickets, turn around, exit Epcot and walk a few steps back to Guest Relations. It's right there outside the turnstiles. Can't miss it.

2. Hard to predict how long your entire adventure will take since there's no way to tell how many people may be in line to do something at Guest Relations. We upgraded two 5-Day PH tickets to a DVC Gold AP at this very location in about 15 minutes with no wait in line. The walk back to Beaches and Cream from the IG is probably 10 minutes for the average walker. I'd say an hour should give you enough time assuming no lengthy delays at Guest Relations.

Hope this help!
Mav

 

[ravenclawtrekkie]

Just so you know, you don't need to do your upgrade at GR specifically unless you want Tables In Wonderland as well. The ticket booth at IG is usually staffed by two very bored ticketing CMs who virtually never have a line and would love something to do.

And as said above, you don't need to use the tickets first, although you certainly can if you want. Make sure to bring your photo ID and any applicable documentation (DVC card, FL resident proof, whatever applies to you) in order to make the process easier.

 

[bowtie7]

Can you just do the upgrade at the Beach Club? I would think can handle most ticket requests including upgrades, then you would have to walk to the International Gateway (though it is a lovely walk).

 

[BillFromCT]

I second the notion about looking to the right at the ticket booths if there is a line at Guest Relations. When I upgraded there in April I had a great experience there because there was no line. The next day I noticed there were 5 groups in line for the one open guest relations window. Yet no one in line at the two open ticket booths to the right.

 

[TinkLoverSam]

Can you just do the upgrade at the Beach Club? I would think can handle most ticket requests including upgrades, then you would have to walk to the International Gateway (though it is a lovely walk).

APs can only be obtained at parks, water parks or DS guest services (or ticket booths)

 

[Robo]