Talk me down... totally stressing about the AP rate

[bethclayton]

Help! We are booked for two rooms for the GF club level in April. I called and got the AP rate applied to both rooms.

I do not physically have an AP in my hand. I know I have to have one at check in for them to honor the rate.

I think I am really stressed about it being an ordeal when we arrive. We will have my parents (impatient and easily worn out from the long day of travel) and my two kids (same, lol) with dh and I. My understanding is that I will need to leave them in the hotel lobby or shops while I go to MK and purchase the AP for myself, then return so we can check in.... as opposed to being whisked away to the CL lounge upon our arrival, which I know is what everyone is looking forward to.

Is this correct? Is there any better way to do it? I emailed the concierge and they were no help at all.

The other question I have is, how does this work with the rest of the party having tickets? I thought if we are on a package, we all have to have the same park tickets. I know I could upgrade my ticket to an AP when I arrive at the MK to buy the AP... but will that even work, since I will not have checked in yet, so there is nothing to upgrade from?

I was really looking forward to this trip and ever since I got the AP discount I am so stressed. Help!

 

[graceesmom]

1st -- Don't stress out too much. Generally they will give you 24 hours to present your AP although the the official line may be to present your AP at check-in. If you are need to go get your AP before checking in, you have easy access to Guest Services at MK.

2nd -- Are you on a package now with tickets? If so, you'll need to get your KTTW with your ticket on it so that you can go upgrade it to the AP.

If you are using an AP rate, you don't need to do a package unless you it's just easier. With an AP rate, you can book room only with the discount then get your tickets form UCT to save some $$. With larger groups, this can add up. You can still add the dining plan even without park tickets on an AP rate room. This does make it a "package" and subject to package cancellation policies, etc. it's just not a package with tickets.

Enjoy. I just booked GF for June. It will be our first time to stay at the GF.

 

[vicki_c]

Third - you can actually purchase an AP right at the resort if you want. At the concierge desk. So you could go do that when you arrive, before you check in, if you makes you feel better.

 

[tinkerbell60]

Help! We are booked for two rooms for the GF club level in April. I called and got the AP rate applied to both rooms.

I do not physically have an AP in my hand. I know I have to have one at check in for them to honor the rate.

I think I am really stressed about it being an ordeal when we arrive. We will have my parents (impatient and easily worn out from the long day of travel) and my two kids (same, lol) with dh and I. My understanding is that I will need to leave them in the hotel lobby or shops while I go to MK and purchase the AP for myself, then return so we can check in.... as opposed to being whisked away to the CL lounge upon our arrival, which I know is what everyone is looking forward to.

Is this correct? Is there any better way to do it? I emailed the concierge and they were no help at all.

The other question I have is, how does this work with the rest of the party having tickets? I thought if we are on a package, we all have to have the same park tickets. I know I could upgrade my ticket to an AP when I arrive at the MK to buy the AP... but will that even work, since I will not have checked in yet, so there is nothing to upgrade from?

I was really looking forward to this trip and ever since I got the AP discount I am so stressed. Help!

I have used the AP rate many times, and have never been asked for the AP. Sometimes we have had it before we checked in and sometimes we have upgraded after check in. So, it does not seem to matter, and like someone else posted - if you explain what you are doing - they will usually give you time to present the AP.

 

[suedaisy]

Really no need to stress and I am a lunatic, intense Leslie- Knope- (ala Parks and Recreation) -type person.

I have had the same experience as everyone else replying to your concerns.

Two times out of a bunch, they asked to see my annual pass. These were some of the few times that I did not have my pass. One of the times, I simply explained that I was upgrading my ticket at the park the next day. The other time, I had lost my pass and was getting a new one reprinted- that time they told me that time not to either bother with swinging by.

The time that I was upgrading my ticket, I went few hours after the 24 hour window to show my pass. We had arrived a night early (but it was late) due to a snowstorm and we were too exhausted to get to a park- no biggy. I think they forgot I even needed to show it.

Grand Floridian is a great place and you will have such a fun and special time. I travel with my parents who are a little older. The cast members completely understand and accomodate families who are multi-generational and will not be sending your exhausted party to Magic Kingdom to prove that you are legitimate. You will be able to check-in and get the tickets for everyone in the party.

Hope that helps!

 

[bethclayton]

Omg, you have no idea how much better I feel now after reading this responses! I wish I had asked sooner! I can't thank you all enough.