Do I need to bring my iPhone 4S to the Apple store to upgrade to a iPhone 5?

Do I need to bring my iPhone 4S to the Apple store to upgrade to a iPhone 5?

It is unnecessary

No, your old phone is yours to keep, they don't want it back. All you need to do is buy the iPhone 5 and have your carrier switch your number over to the new one. You will also have to buy a new SIM card for about $10 as the old one won't fit the new phone apple changed it in the new phones. They also changed the chargers so none of your old phone accessories will work on your new phone without at least an adapter.

If you sign a contract you can get a discounted price up front if not you need to pay full price immediately.

Some carriers will buy back your old phone for a small amount and recycle it but not all. Apple won't do anything they don't care, all they care about if selling you the new phone.