Just back...GAD upgrade tip

[surfsidesindy]

Went to EPCOT Sat. to upgrade GAD ticket to FL Res. Dream Pass. (We had already turned in our vouchers 5/9 for one day passes to MK and thus had 14 days to do an upgrade). Got there before RD, planning to get our FP to Soarin' asap. Went to Will Call, but then were directed to a regular ticket window. Handed nice CM our already used GAD tickets and asked for FL res. $99 4-day dream pass upgrade. After much number crunching, questioning etc., CM says, "okay, that will be $403.00". Watched my DH roll his eyes and almost faint, after I promised him we could do this upgrade for just $20pp! Proceeded to tell the CM that I was told we could upgrade for $20 pp. since our one day passes were valued at $79. Much more number crunching, call to manager, 40 minutes later, got our 4-day dream passes (one day already used of course), $80 out of pocket (3A and 1C). Moral to the story, go to will call, even if there is a small line. Good news is we all got a fastpass for any ride that day (because I asked) and BOY did we need it because EPCOT was packed, with what looked to be A LOT of FL residents.

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

Glad it worked out for you! There have been a few reports of some ticketing CMs not knowing what to do with the GAD tickets - glad you knew your stuff and were able to get it worked out.

 

[dustysky]

I called Disney and was told this upgrade was not an option. The only upgrade that was possible was the season pass. What do I need to know or SAY to be sure I can do this??
Thanks for your help

 

[surfsidesindy]

First be aware that you must upgrade when you redeem your voucher or within 14 days of using your ticket after you redeem you voucher, second the last date you can upgrade to the FL RES. Dream Pass is May 21st and third, the Dream passes expire 5/25, but you can use them on 5/25. That may be why they are not mentioning it? Also, it sounds like not all CM's are aware this upgrade is available, as was our case, but when our CM got the manager, he then instructed the CM how to do the upgrade. What our CM had to do was to "re-ticket" our GAD tickets into tickets that had value, and THEN do the upgrade. Hope that makes sense.

 

[doconeill]

The people who answer the phones don't deal with upgrades, etc. Their answers are often different than reality.

You can in general (I will not say always) upgrade to any ticket so long as you are eligible to get that ticket.

 

[pixarmom]

Having heard various reports about GAD upgrades, I think we were very fortunate!

We upgraded from GAD to APs at the international gateway ticket window about 45 minutes before rope drop. A CM named Craig assisted us very quickly and efficiently - and we had 4 GADs and needed to purchase an AP at full price for our pre-schooler. We also bought TIW right away. He was very knowledgeable and very organized. As a previous poster mentioned, he printed our 1-day tickets and had to upgrade each of those. (But we did not have to go through the turnstiles or get back in line - he did this all at once.)

 

[doconeill]

They are generally allowing direct upgrades to APs because the APs are active when they issue them, and it doesn't matter whether you enter the park or not. Other tickets which have a limited number of days have to be upgraded after using the 1-day ticket.

 

[pixarmom]

Our friends did a direct and immediate upgrade from GAD to a 5-day park hopper outside the turnstiles at MK in February. They didn't ask to upgrade on the spot without going through the turnstiles. When they presented their GADs, the CM just asked whether they wanted an upgrade, they said yes, and they got their 5-day park hoppers right there. So I bet it's worth a try to at least ask!