Pick up AP @ EPCOT or TTC? AP Magic Bands?

[FrankieWinthrop]

Howdy folks! We upgraded our tickets to annual passes on our trip in September. We did this at Heritage House in MK and were offered Magic Bands for the APs right there. We didn't take them because we already had ones for that trip and would customize them online before returning.

We're going back in December and have talked my in-laws into joining us by upgrading their tickets from this coming Spring Break (with my bro-in-law's family). We have purchased their APs, but from what I understand, they have to physically pick up the APs by showing their driver's licenses. Would it be better to do this on our first day at the TTC and ride the monorail to EPCOT or at the EPCOT entrance? We'll be there on a green park day on an overall green day.

Also, has anyone been offered Magic Bands when they pick up APs like this or was that an anomaly for us at Heritage House? I've told my in-laws to start digging out their bands from our last trip in 2015 just in case. They're Magic Bands 1.0, but they'll still work for FP+ and all without having to pull out a paper ticket. We are staying off property this time, so they will not have those bands.

 

[NH-to-FL]

When we have renewed our AP's at a ticket counter we were not offered Magic Bands. If you have already purchased the AP's then I would expect you could order the MB's through MDE before you travel. And yes, they have to pick up their AP cards at a ticket counter or Guest Relations with their photo ID's

As far as where to do the upgrade, I don't think it will matter. Over the years we have used both the TTC and Epcot ticket counters for our AP renewals and had short waits. Of course this was early in the morning. I suspect they staff the ticket booths based on expected attendance so I would expect the waits to be reasonable at either location.

 

[srwarden1928]

Even getting the first AP, I had to order the magic band from Disney after I got home.

 

[FrankieWinthrop]

Thanks for the replies! We bought the APs online, so they’re paid for, but the haven’t been verified with their IDs yet, so can’t order magic bands ahead of time. I guess they’ll be using cards or the old bands if they can find them!

Our first FP+ day is Monday, so it’s getting real!

 

[NH-to-FL]

Truth be told, neither DW or I like things on our wrists so we don't use our old magic bands. You need to have the AP card with you to get the discounts so they are always in our pockets. Sometimes I will put my MB in my pocket in case we ride an attraction that takes pictures. I got a good picture on 7DMT once.