Trying to avoid the GS line

[jpeka65844]

DH and I have AP's and while we bought them in advance of our last trip, we had to wait in a horrendous Guest Services line at Epcot to get them activated before going in to the parks and getting them on our MB's.

For our March trip, our kids will need regular tix, not AP's. If I buy those in advance, will it be the same situation where I have to stand in line AGAIN at Guest Services? Can the CM's at the hotel do this when we check in before we hit the parks?

If not, then this doesn't sound very Magic to me. :-( I hate that Guest Services line.

 

[Msmithmd]

You don't have to wait in the GS line at all, even for your last trip. Any standard ticket booth can activate AP or regular will call ticket vouchers and link them to MB. Sorry to tell you now, but you waited in that horrible line for nothing.

I just activated my AP vouchers (at Epcot, ironically enough) at standard line a few weeks ago. No problem.

 

[jpeka65844]

You don't have to wait in the GS line at all, even for your last trip. Any standard ticket booth can activate AP or regular will call ticket vouchers and link them to MB. Sorry to tell you now, but you waited in that horrible line for nothing. I just activated my AP vouchers (at Epcot, ironically enough) at standard line a few weeks ago. No problem.

Them it wasn't guest services, I guess. I suppose it was just a regular ticket booth. Whatever it was though, the line was long, hot, and no one was happy. I'd like to just tap my band and stroll into the parks.

 

[JessM]

Once you buy tickets, either in advance through UT, the ticket window or concierge desk you can link them to your magic band yourself either on the MDE website or app. You don't need guest services to link your tickets for you.

 

[Robo]

Them it wasn't guest services, I guess. I suppose it was just a regular ticket booth. Whatever it was though, the line was long, hot, and no one was happy. I'd like to just tap my band and stroll into the parks.

You can pick up an AP at any ticket booth -or- Guest Relations (or Will Call window) outside any theme park (including Epcot's International Gateway,) outside any water park, or at TTC, or at two locations at DTD.

Waiting in a long line for tickets or AP's is generally not the norm.
You were a bit unlucky with your timing.

 

[Robo]

Once you buy tickets, either in advance through UT, the ticket window or concierge desk you can link them to your magic band yourself either on the MDE website or app. You don't need guest services to link your tickets for you.

The concierge desk (resort) cannot issue AP's.
A guest must have a physical AP in addition to the MagicBand to take advantage of the other AP perks (like discounts on shopping and meals, free parking, etc.)

 

[TDC Nala]

I renewed an AP at MK this month, and the line was only 15 minutes. Everyone expected it to be a whole lot longer.

From what I understand a resort concierge may be able to issue NEW annual passes. But they cannot do renewals.

And yes, you need to carry the physical AP. No discounts will be issued unless you show the AP, the parking booths are not yet set up to read Magic Bands, and you need it in case your band doesn't work.