Questions for Upgrading AP

[jlindley9]

We're looking to visit 9/4-9/7 and buy APs for this trip. Deluxe APs are blocked that first day, so I wanted to know how much of a hassle is it to upgrade hoppers to APs. Does everyone need to be present, or can I upgrade the passes for DW and DD?

Also, we might want to use the AP discount on a hotel stay. If we don't have the APs when we check in, can we still get the discount if we upgrade during our stay?

Thanks!

 

[gokdog]

We have a similar issue this weekend.

Not sure if everyone has to be there to do it, but it has to be done at the Park I was told by the AP hotline.

We originally booked a Costco vacation and afterwords decided to upgrade to AP, but were trying to figure a way out to use our Magic Morning, but also get the AP discount on our reservation. Since we are also going to San Diego, we just decided to show up early and do Disneyland on both ends.

Since we are arriving really late on our first day, we booked a good neighbor hotel at a really cheap rate, (Hilton, $84 for this Friday) literally just to crash at. Then Saturday morning after Magic Morning we are going to convert 1 of our hoppers to a Premium AP, to maximize the discounts and get included parking. Then we will go check into the Disneyland Hotel (Made the reservation with AP rates, but require AP to check in) and enjoy the rest of the weekend before heading down to San Diego Sunday night.

We will be returning on Friday to continue our Disney leg and then on Sunday we will convert the rest of our hoppers to Deluxe AP. Seems complicated, but we got 2 free days at Disney!

 

[pixiewings71]

It's not a hassle at all. We've done it more than once. You just take your hoppers to the AP processing center, yes everyone does need to be there because they do take your photo. It takes about 5-10 minutes depending on the line....they will have a wait time posted. If it's long just come back later.

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

Also if you purchase/activate/upgrade to an AP on a blackout day they will still let you use it that day.

 

[skiingfast]

Also, we might want to use the AP discount on a hotel stay. If we don't have the APs when we check in, can we still get the discount if we upgrade during our stay?

Thanks!

This may be a problem.

You need the AP in hand at check in. You can reserve at the AP rate without one. So you could arrive, purchase your AP and check in. No problem.

You will get the MM benefit anyway since staying onsite. But still suffer the blockout day. Unless...the day you buy or upgrade an AP you are always allowed to enter, even if your AP would normally be blocked.

So unless your first day is the blockout day too, it won't all work out.

 

[jlindley9]

Also if you purchase/activate/upgrade to an AP on a blackout day they will still let you use it that day.

This may be a problem.

You need the AP in hand at check in. You can reserve at the AP rate without one. So you could arrive, purchase your AP and check in. No problem.

You will get the MM benefit anyway since staying onsite. But still suffer the blockout day. Unless...the day you buy or upgrade an AP you are always allowed to enter, even if your AP would normally be blocked.

So unless your first day is the blockout day too, it won't all work out.

The day we arrive, 9/4 is the blackout day I was trying to avoid. So, if we purchase our APs that day, we can use them even though it's a blackout day? Do they have to be purchased that day, or can we purchase them ahead of time and activate them that day?

Also, we had APs that expired in Feb. Do we need to take new pictures or can they use those existing?

Thanks everyone!

 

[Disney Dreams]

We're looking to visit 9/4-9/7 and buy APs for this trip. Deluxe APs are blocked that first day, so I wanted to know how much of a hassle is it to upgrade hoppers to APs. Does everyone need to be present, or can I upgrade the passes for DW and DD?

Also, we might want to use the AP discount on a hotel stay. If we don't have the APs when we check in, can we still get the discount if we upgrade during our stay?

Thanks!

The day we arrive, 9/4 is the blackout day I was trying to avoid. So, if we purchase our APs that day, we can use them even though it's a blackout day? Do they have to be purchased that day, or can we purchase them ahead of time and activate them that day?

Also, we had APs that expired in Feb. Do we need to take new pictures or can they use those existing?

Thanks everyone!

If you upgrade a regular ticket to an AP on a blockout day, you can go int the park on that day. So... don't deal with first purchasing an AP. Purchase a park ticket for everyone (it really doesn't matter what ticket you get). Then, upgrade to the AP of your choice. If it is a blockout day, you can use it that day since you upgraded from a ticket.

As for pictures, you shouldn't have to take new ones, but you never know. They could ask you to for whatever reason. We did not have to the last time we each renewed.

So, to your original question...
Go first to the Park. Get your tickets. Go into the Park. Upgrade to your APs. Go check-in at the hotel as an AP holder.

- Dreams

 

[jlindley9]

If you upgrade a regular ticket to an AP on a blockout day, you can go int the park on that day. So... don't deal with first purchasing an AP. Purchase a park ticket for everyone (it really doesn't matter what ticket you get). Then, upgrade to the AP of your choice. If it is a blockout day, you can use it that day since you upgraded from a ticket.

As for pictures, you shouldn't have to take new ones, but you never know. They could ask you to for whatever reason. We did not have to the last time we each renewed.

So, to your original question...
Go first to the Park. Get your tickets. Go into the Park. Upgrade to your APs. Go check-in at the hotel as an AP holder.

- Dreams

Thank you for your help!