Originally Posted By Kidz-n-k9s With the new ticket pricing, I am considering upgrading to AP and hitting the parks a few times over the next year. I did some searching on these forums and I ask that you experts confirm what I've learned based on my search. I've bought 3-day park hoppers for $169 (gonga-deal now, eh?) that we'll use in Sept, so the difference between that and the current Deluxe AP ($379) is $210. So on my last day of hopper use (which is not a black-out day) I need to go to the ticket booth before we enter and pay the upgrade difference. Then I head to the AP center, which is now at the Plaza Pavillion for processing. Now I think there is also an AP center now in DCA, Stage 12 (former Hollywood and Dine), which I would assume could have a shorter line. Is that an AP center? Did I get all that right?
Originally Posted By tashajilek Yupp sounds like you got it right to me. For some reason when i went to the DL ap center a few months ago there was no wait at all.
Originally Posted By berol I upgrade during the last blockout day after I'm done park hopping. You can upgrade first thing that morning, but occasionally someone at the turnstiles delays entry while they get their brain in gear.
Originally Posted By berol ...unless a magic morning or some other perk hasn't happened yet. Then I wait until that is done to upgrade.
Originally Posted By Mickeysbestfan I have never gone to the ticket booths to upgrade. I just go to the AP center and they do it right there. When I did it last time the AP center in DCA was in the Greetings Store.
Originally Posted By Kidz-n-k9s <<I upgrade during the last blockout day after I'm done park hopping>> Oh, I thought I had to wait until a non-blockout day to upgrade (which is my case is the last day of my trip). That isn't the case? I'd rather do that because then I'll get the AP discount on food & stuff for more of the trip. << I have never gone to the ticket booths to upgrade>> Perfect! I don't want to wait in two lines anyway. Thanks folks.
Originally Posted By hondo75 If you upgrade on a blackout day ask for a blackout pass so that you can still parkhop.
Originally Posted By Kidz-n-k9s <<If you upgrade on a blackout day ask for a blackout pass so that you can still parkhop.>> As in this is free? Or $59?
Originally Posted By berol If I remember and I might not, when the first day of an AP is on a blockout day, park hopping is the only benefit. I'm hazy on fast passes, seems like no, could be yes. It saves potential hassle and AP processing lines to do it at the end of the last block out day and it's one less thing to do the next day.
Originally Posted By gardenrooms Just double checking because I have gotten wrong info from CM's in the past. Want to be sure this sounds correct (it does sound consistent with what I am reading here). I was told today that we can upgrade park hoppers to AP's on a blockout day and get a free blockout pass which would include parkhopping for that day. What did berol mean about fastpasses? Is there some AP fastpass benefit? Apparently by 8/6 the inside DL AP center will be shut down so we have to do it outside. I'm afraid to wait till the end of the day as I don't know how late the ticket booths stay open, though I assume (but you know what they say) at least some stay open till park closing. Anyone know? Is the above consistent with what you know? Thanks.
Originally Posted By Malcon10t Re Fastpasses .... Sometimes, if you are blocked out, they need to give you a "fastpass card" because your AP won't work in the machines.
Originally Posted By raer We just upgraded on a blockout day in June, no problems with fastpasses or using the blockout pass. Just keep in mind that your ap will be valid from the first date you used your hopper, not the date you upgraded.
Originally Posted By gardenrooms Thanks raer - I did not know that. Interesting about the date. So - why do people do this instead of just buying an AP straight off - I always thought it was to get a couple of extra days on their AP's. This time, the Magic Morning makes it worthwhile - but why otherwise? Just curious.
Originally Posted By Mickeysbestfan Many people, me included wait until we are done to prevent having to pay for a blocked day. I usually arrive on thursday in June or July and stay until monday. If I got an AP on thursday, I would have to pay for a block out ticket on saturday. By waiting I avoid that charge. Trips after that are planned when saturdays aren't blocked.
Originally Posted By gardenrooms Of course - don't know why I didn't realize that - and we're facing exactly that situation. Thanks for clarifying. Now I can go ahead and buy those parkhoppers without thinking I've forgotten about something. Thanks to all of you answering questions on this thread.
