Upgrading ticket to AP - do I have this right?

[kwdw]

Okay - I paid for a 6-day parkhopper ticket (purchased through Disney) already in my MDE account for a confirmed trip in April 2015 (staying on-site with room discount offer).

I just found out I am going to Orlando in March 2015 for a conference - and I *may* be able to go to the parks for 3 days (but staying off-site).

That's pretty much the break even point for buying an AP.

Due to ALOT of factors - I'm not going to know for sure how many park days I'll get in March until after I arrive in Orlando.

So - here's the question - if I am indeed able to do 3 days in March - can I go to Guest Relations at DTD to do the upgrade to an AP - or do I have to do that at a PARK Guest Relations window? I could likely swing by DTD a day or two before my first park day - hence saving me time and a parking fee the first day I hit a park. If I buy the AP - I will also buy a TiW card - as I already know would save me a bit of money based on ADR's for April trip.

Note - not concerned about booking FP+ in advance for March trip. And from other messages I've read - this shouldn't mess up my FP+ selections for my April trip (staying on-site).

Is getting around/parking at DTD really that bad? I'd be doing this either on a Tuesday evening or Wed morning. I'm normally comfortable driving around Disney property - but I haven't seen the mess at DTD. I do big city congested driving everyday!

Also - I have magicbands from prior resort stays. In this scenario - can I bring one of those with me for my off-site March and link it to my AP after I enter a park? Then use that band? Do AP users get a free band?

 

[Robo]

Okay - I paid for a 6-day parkhopper ticket (purchased through Disney) already in my MDE account for a confirmed trip in April 2015 (staying on-site with room discount offer).

I just found out I am going to Orlando in March 2015 for a conference - and I *may* be able to go to the parks for 3 days (but staying off-site).

That's pretty much the break even point for buying an AP.

Due to ALOT of factors - I'm not going to know for sure how many park days I'll get in March until after I arrive in Orlando.

So - here's the question - if I am indeed able to do 3 days in March - can I go to Guest Relations at DTD to do the upgrade to an AP - or do I have to do that at a PARK Guest Relations window? I could likely swing by DTD a day or two before my first park day - hence saving me time and a parking fee the first day I hit a park. If I buy the AP - I will also buy a TiW card - as I already know would save me a bit of money based on ADR's for April trip.

Note - not concerned about booking FP+ in advance for March trip. And from other messages I've read - this shouldn't mess up my FP+ selections for my April trip (staying on-site).

Is getting around/parking at DTD really that bad? I'd be doing this either on a Tuesday evening or Wed morning. I'm normally comfortable driving around Disney property - but I haven't seen the mess at DTD. I do big city congested driving everyday!

Also - I have magicbands from prior resort stays. In this scenario - can I bring one of those with me for my off-site March and link it to my AP after I enter a park? Then use that band? Do AP users get a free band?

You can upgrade at DTD.

You can use any MB that is issued to you for any ticket or AP
that is issued to you.
You will ALSO be sent ANOTHER MB because you have an AP,
but you won't get that AP MB until after the trip that you activate your AP.
(Yes, it makes no sense.)
But your current MB will work great with you AP for THIS trip, anyway.

You'll be OK at DTD.

 

[2girlsmom]

And yes, AP's get a band, but not till after you have activated it, and then they will have you personalize it in MDE and will mail it to your home, so you'll likely get your AP band in April or May.

 

[winthropf]

Be aware that upgrades, be it change to AP or adding days, can only be done within 14 days of first use of the ticket.

 

[kwdw]

Thanks for the responses! I've now got a plan!

 

[MinnieGirl33]

Just to clarify, the ticket that you would like to upgrade that is attached to your April trip, was it purchased as part of a package or separately?

If it was part of a package you can only do "early pick up" 3 days (5?) ahead of time so unless your March trip will run into your April trip I don't think you will be able to get it early & upgrade it

 

[kwdw]

Just to clarify, the ticket that you would like to upgrade that is attached to your April trip, was it purchased as part of a package or separately?

If it was part of a package you can only do "early pick up" 3 days (5?) ahead of time so unless your March trip will run into your April trip I don't think you will be able to get it early & upgrade it

Nope - not part of a package - but that's good to know for future reference.

 

[MinnieGirl33]

Nope - not part of a package - but that's good to know for future reference.