Upgrading parkhoppers to AP's

[mommyof2boys1girl]

Ok, I am looking for some feedback from you experts!

We are planning a *possible* trip (**'s added so as to not jinx my luck while waiting to hear back from accountant regarding how much income tax we owe - too much, and no DL! ) for the end of May this year. I am also heavily campaigning for a short 4 day type trip again at the beginning of December (desperate to see Christmastime Disneyland!!), hence my "upgrade to AP" question.

Now for those of you who could follow that confusing opener, here's the question(s):
We think we may still be able to get 8 day ph's through a canadian supplier (will be checking this out for sure next week when we know whether or not we can actually go!). So a Deluxe AP will cost us about $100 CDN over and above what we will pay for our Ph's for the adults, $134 CDN for the kids passes.
As our last 2 days would be blackout days if we upgraded early, I am proposing that we upgrade our passes on our way out of the parks the day our flights leave for home. Assuming that dh goes along with my DSE plan, how long should I budget for the whole process of upgrading, and where exactly would I go to begin? Ticket booth, City Hall????

And here's another thing - this year, our DD is 2. At Christmas, when we would like to return and use the AP's for the first time, she will be 3. So what would be the best thing to do? Just buy a 4 day PH pass for her, and use the rest of our AP's? I don't really know if I want to deal with AP's which expire at different times/dates - too confusing! Are there any disadvantages to the rest of us having AP's and her having a PH?
I am sure I could find out all this info with in depth reading and research, but I am far too busy typing up our daily itinerary! Dh is still teasing that I don't have the minutes and seconds included - he's so funny! Didn't hear him complaining when everything went off without a hitch last trip!!

Thanks AP experts!

 

[pixiewings71]

For your DD2, I would just buy her a park hopper when you go back in December, no need to get her an AP unless you will be going back again with that year with her. For the rest of you, upgrading times can vary based on how busy the park is. It really depends, I've seen days that are pretty much dead at the bank and days where the line is simply huge. If you get to the parks and see a huge line just check back later. You can always ask the CM how long the wait is as well. Good luck with your DSE plan, I like it!

Oh I forgot, after you get in just go to the bank, they will process your upgrade there. You could upgrade at the ticket booths but then you'd still have to go to the bank to have your pictures done so why wait in 2 lines?

 

[bumbershoot]

In agreement with pixie!

Since you're upgrading on your last day, just anytime that day go to the Bank and upgrade there. They'll take your money, your pictures, and your info, and you'll leave with the APs.

And yes, just get hoppers for the little one in December, and either just get her an AP on a future trip once your APs expire, or just deal with one person being "off" from the rest. Makes it easier financially, at least, to not do the whole bunch at once. 3 is hard enough, let alone 5!

Have fun! Crossing fingers that your taxes aren't too high!