I am staying at the Contemporary or Polynesian Resort and I am flying to the Convention. How do I arrange my free Transportation? Please click HERE or on the image at right for information on Disney’s Magical Express.  If you would prefer to call, dial 1-407-827-6777 to make arrangements once you have booked your flight 

Parking at the Convention Center:
Attendees Staying at Walt Disney’s Contemporary Resort or The Polynesian Resort:

If you are staying at one of the Disney hotels and driving, enter through the main Walt Disney World parking entrance. Stay to the right hand side of the parking pay plaza. Tell the cast member (attendant) which hotel you are staying in (Contemporary or Polynesian) and they will direct you on how to get to the hotel in which you are staying. Once you get to hotel you will enter through a guard gate. Just provide the information requested by the guard and you will then proceed to the hotel registration.

What is the Convention Center Address? 4600 North World Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

When is the Convention? August 8 – 11, 2012

Can I still make hotel reservations? Yes. There are still rooms available. The main Convention Hotel (Walt Disney’s Contemporary Resort) is sold out, but the Walt Disney’s Polynesian Resort still has vacancy. This hotel is just a short monorail ride away from the Convention Center.
 

Disney’s Magical Express service is available for convention attendees who are flying into Orlando International Airport.  If you are staying at one of the convention hotels and want to take advantage of this service, you must book it in advance. Click the image above for more information.

Attendees staying off property and Day Pass admissions:

If you are attending the convention and staying at an offsite hotel you may still take advantage of parking at the convention center.  You will enter through the main Walt Disney World parking entrance. Stay to the right hand side of the parking pay plaza.  Tell the cast member (attendant) that you are going to the Contemporary Hotel. Once you arrive at the Contemporary Hotel, you will come to a guard gate. You must tell the guard that you are attending the IPMS/USA National Convention!

The parking at the convention center is first come, first serve for non resort guests and free of charge. If the parking lot becomes full they will close it to non resort guests and you will have to park in the main Walt Disney World parking lot for a fee of $14 a day.

You will not have to pay an admission to any of theme parks to get to the convention center.

If you have to park in the Walt Disney World lot the easiest way to get to the convention center is by taking the monorail that accesses the hotels.  

Can I get a reduced price on tickets to the Disney parks?  Disney is offering special pricing on park tickets for convention attendees that are  staying at a convention hotel.

Where can I find a place to eat at or around the Convention center?  Disney offers a number of great dining opportunities for every budget.  Click here to see what is available.

What does my Convention Registration get me? Your Convention registration includes name badge(s) for you and your family (Two (2) adults and minor children), convention decal sheet, convention pin, access to the Vendor Rooms, Model Rooms and Seminars and it will also allow going on the Tours (additional charge for tours). This is for the entire Convention.

How can I volunteer to help out at the convention?  We are gathering contact information for volunteers HERE.

What time does the convention begin each day? The convention kicks off on August 8, 2012 at 2:00 PM.  A schedule has been posted HERE (subject to change).

Can I ship models on site? Yes. There is a Business center located in the Convention Center located by the East Registration desk. Hours of Operation, Monday – Friday 7am – 7pm, Weekends 7am – 5pm.

How many models can I enter? With your Convention Registration you are entitled to an unlimited number of model entries. If you plan on bringing an unusually large amount of models (Over 30) please contact the Model Contest Coordinator Mike Hanson mikeh@ipms2012.org , so he can make accommodations within the categories.

What if I have an oversize model, or have special requirements? Please contact the Model Contest Coordinator, so we can try to accommodate your needs.  While we will attempt to accommodate everyone, we must strictly follow the rules and policies of the Convention center and the local regulations.

How can I speed up my Registration process at the Convention? There are two things that will help expedite this process. First, make sure that your IPMS membership is valid during the dates of the Convention. You must be a current IPMS member to register for the Convention. Second. Pre-register. You can do this online HERE.  If you prefer to mail in your registration, forms are available HERE on the web site, or hard-copies can be found in the IPMS/USA Journal.

Once you are pre-registered, upon arriving at the convention center proceed to the pre-registered queue at the West Registration desk and you will receive your Convention packet.

Registrations are available at a discount prior to June 30.  Register early to save money!

What if I want to register at the Convention? There will be a walk up registration area at the West Registration desk. The cost of registration during the Convention is $50. To speed up this process, please make sure that your IPMS membership is up to date, and fill out the convention registration forms ahead of time. The forms can be downloaded HERE.

What if I do not want to register, but would still like to attend the Convention?   Daily admission is available for a minimum charge of $5 for one Adult or $10 for Family (2 adults and minor children).