Free parking to pick up Annual Pass?

[wdwendyd]

Hi everyone!
This will be our first time going to Universal and we are going to get annual passes so we can go a few days this year and a few days next year just before our passess expire. My kids (20, 18, & 10) are very excited about going. I think it will be fun, too -as long as I still get to go to WDW!
We are thinking of getting one Preferred Annual Pass (to get the free parking, etc.) and the rest of us will get 2 Park Power Passes.
If we order these to have the pick-up at the ticket window, will we get something to show the Parking Lot person so they will let us park for free that first day?
Thanks!

 

[momof2inPA]

.

 

[robvia]

It's been mixed.

Some say they show their receipt for the passes and are let in.

Others are denied.

If you can't get in, here is my page which will show you the way for free.

http://www.nogodforme.com/offsite.htm

 

[lovetheparks]

Hopefully they'll let you. We have done it twice with no problem, just showed them the temporary ticket we had.

 

[dsanner106]

I had no problem, just explained what I was there for, and they let me in.

Drew

 

[lawgs]

we were there in june and wanted to get the annual pass....but they would not let us into the parking area without paying the parking fee which we declined.......

it seems to depend on who you get at the parking gate...???

 

[lovetheparks]

I think the difference is that the OP was saying they were going to pre-order so like in my case, I had a temporary ticket for an annual pass that they physically saw.

 

[Momto4]

Just back. We had no problem getting into the parking garage with just our confirmation printout.

Good luck!

 

[buzz2400]

After a certain time they stop collecting at the gate. I can't remember what time it was. I think it was around 6 p.m. We went around 7 p.m. the night we arrived just to get the pass without paying the parking fee. I would call and ask them if they know what time.

 

[lawgs]

lovetheparks...

in our instance we had the confirmation print out to show them and it was still NO go.....

so it definately depends who you "happen to get" at the parking gate...

 

[travelin' tigger]

On Oct. 23 I pulled up to the gate and told the gatekeeper I was picking up my AP and showed her my confirmation - was let through no problem!!

 

[Muushka]

Originally posted by travelin' tigger
On Oct. 23 I pulled up to the gate and told the gatekeeper I was picking up my AP and showed her my confirmation - was let through no problem!!

I did the exact same thing and they made me pay .

 

[seashoreCM]

But can you get a refund of the parking fee for the day after using the annual pass you just picked up?

Another idea, park at one of the on site hotels(?). Then with the AP you can get into the parking garage.

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