Have ticket prices influenced your planning?

[WDWDad]

We are in the minority in that we prefer the 10 day PH plus type tickets rather than the AP method. This is largely because we do not go to the parks more than 2-3 days on a ten day trip. Our vacation habits are pretty laid back. Whenever it becomes necessary to replace a expired 10 day ticket ( we usually stagger them to avoid having to buy 5 at once) I am shocked at the prices. If anyone would like a better investment consider buying non expiring disney passes. I would hazard a guess that they have outperformed most investments over the last 10 years.

My question is; Have you changed your park habits over time? And has this change been due to the fact that the parks become less of a draw with repetition, or has it been due to the economics of a day at the parks ?

Yes I am using this as a way of letting Disney know that we would like a better park option....... So what do you think?

[mufasa0505]

I would take more weekend trips if ticket prices were more economical. We spent close to $300 in February for 2-day base tickets. It's ridiculous. We've thought about doing the 10-day NE but it's a lot of money to shell out at once.

We don't usually do APs because my husband always says he wants to go "somewhere else" for our next vacation. We inevitably end up back at WDW, though.:rolleyes1

[Chuck S]

Of course tickets have gone up, every operational cost has increased...wages, insurance, energy.

We've gotten APs since 1992, as we used our DVC Free Passes for our guests. They's gone up in price, too...the DVC discount helps.

But aren't the current MYW park hoppers with non-exp option still cheaper on a "per day" average than the old pre-MYW park hoppers?

[kjkelley]

WDWDad, I completely agree with you on the park tickets. Our family does exactly the same thing on vacation that you do. I would like to have more flexibility to enter & leave the park, especially for dining. We are on the lookout for an improved park ticket option as well.

[Maistre Gracey]

I'm an AP'er, so no change here! :smokin:

MG

[Mickmse2002]

We do AP's as well. Do the AP vouchers have a redemption period or can you purchase in advance and not redeem them for several years? If there is no redemption period stipulated you could buy vouchers at today's prices and redeem several years down the road to stave off price increases.

[JimMIA]

We're looking at the options as well.

We've had APs and DVC APs (which only save us $5 because we live in Florida), but we're looking at the Florida resident seasonal pass. It's $120 less than the DVC AP and there is no difference to us because of the times of year we visit. DD's seasonal is $110 less than her DVC AP, so that's a total savings of $350 over APs for us.

[keishashadow]

Influenced; but not dictated.;) Last year we squeezed 3 trips out of the APs. :cool1:

Within the next year (in deference to my family wanting to do "something on vacation besides Disney") we're doing a split stay @ WDW/Universal, then a cruise & finally DL:banana: . Bit of a ding to the budget; may elect to use days on MYW in lieu of buying DL tix.
Sure would be swell to get a DVC discount perc on MYW tix ala the current perc for AP:wizard:

[bobbiwoz]

I've been checking prices, to perhaps buy some family members non-expiration tickets, and it seems that 10 day, hoppers, non-expiration are well above $400. I was floored because I thought the multi day tickets brought the daily price down to something reasonable. I know $40+ may seem reasonable to you, but, that doesn't fall within my definition of reasonable!

Bobbi

PS. We go often enough that AP's work. No wonder I talk to young families who are planning their "once in a lifetime" trip to WDW. I hadn't looked at ticket prices recently.

[MdmMim]

I'm an AP'er, so no change here!

I'm an APer, too. I was before DVC, and now I'm happy with the discount we receive. :)

[edk35]

I've been checking prices, to perhaps buy some family members non-expiration tickets, and it seems that 10 day, hoppers, non-expiration are well above $400. I was floored because I thought the multi day tickets brought the daily price down to something reasonable. I know $40+ may seem reasonable to you, but, that doesn't fall within my definition of reasonable!

Bobbi

PS. We go often enough that AP's work. No wonder I talk to young families who are planning their "once in a lifetime" trip to WDW. I hadn't looked at ticket prices recently.


The nice thing about the MYWP is if you get expiring ones....and say something comes up...you can add the non exp. to them before you leave Disney. The only bad t hing...you pay the non exp. fee based on the original days on the ticket vs say one or two days But it is better than losing those days especially if there are several days left.

[jco_direwolf]

We mostly go down to "entertain", we'll invite friends/family down with us. So my wife and I have APs. Most of our friends get day passes. But we love the parks, and the freedom to walk into a park for one thing is wonderful.

We've done things like fly into MCO, heading to Gainesville, and stopped at Epcot just to get Fish and Chips. Okay okay okay we went shopping at Mouse Gear too...

Also it allows us to say this park is too crowed, let go back to the resort and go swimming, or another park or whatever. We never feel like we have to "get the most out of this day since we have already burned it on the ticket."

johno

[DVCLiz]

No, the ticket prices don't really have any affect on my WDW habits. I always renew my AP, and I've gone to the 10 day non-expiring tickets for my daughters, because they are on different school schedules now and not always able to go the same amount in any year. It works really well to have those options.

I don't think the cost of the tickets will ever be a big factor in our vacation decision, but that may be colored by the fact that we own DVC and will be going back again and again and again....

[dianeschlicht]

We love the APs because of the flexibility it gives us. WHen we have family or friends down, we not buy them hoppers, but do NOT add the nonexpiring option. It would sometimes seem to make sense to have it (our "kids" could have made good use of nonexpiration last trip and next one), but the cheaper 3, 4, 5 day non expiration options seem more ecconomical now.

As for us...We'll keep getting our APs and hope DVC never does away with the great AP discount perk!!

[tmk0730]

I certainly wish Disney would discount the MYW tickets to DVC members. AP's don't make sense for us since we will only being going once a year. I do think we would spend more time in the parks though if the MYW tickets were discounted.

[kdzgon]

We'll be purchasing APs for the first time this year. I'd say the MYW ticket prices will affect how often/when we bring (and treat) other family, but we'll see if this pans out this way. :confused3 Maybe I'll win the lottery and buy APs for everyone! (hmmm, if I gift 25 pt contracts to ea family, they'll then qualify for the AP discount, too...) In the meanwhile, I'll probably try to cluster our trips a bit to take advantage of the APs for us at least, rather than spend the $$ for non-expiring tix. Plus, we have a few old single-day and some partially used tix left to use yet (pre-scan days) to use as "fillers".

The MYW park tickets are twice as much as the airline tickets for our upcoming family trip. IMO the shorter-stay passes are especially expensive, in particular if it is for a toddler that is too short for many rides (remember, they're our grands, not our kids).

The prices (at all the parks, not just WDW) also make me want to choose "either-or" - I'm not willing to shell out the prices for SeaWorld or Universal etc for splitting the same trip to WDW. As the grands get older, I envision trips to one or the other unless we're there for >2 wks (not the normal length of time for us). Seems to make sense to stay onsite at Universal when visiting there, though grands are too little right now to worry about it much.

[JTimber]

I'd like to start by saying that ANY perk given by DVC is a huge bonus. I appreciate all of them I really do. I would also like to see a blanket discount on park tickets. Penalizing those that don't do the AP seems a little silly. AP's don't work for the majority of DVC owners. I was told the average DVC owner has around 180 points. At 180 points I can't see where the AP would make sense even with staggering the trips each year by a week. Besides staggering isn't an option for many with the school breaks/holidays. Lets not lose the AP discount just add say a 20% discount to the MYW tickets.

Now ticket prices, I for one don't believe that the ticket prices are bad at all. Lets get real, they could charge much more if they wanted to. I pay $80a day to ski, sometimes more. Ski Resorts don't offer anywhere near the bang for the buck that WDW does. I respect that WDW isn't gouging guests for tickets and food. Both are reasonable when you consider the prices you pay at luxury resorts. I've paid $25 for a hamburger at a resort before. Kudos to WDW for not gouging us.


Jay

[DisneyDVCdad]

I hope it was a good hamburger!

[Chuck S]

. I was told the average DVC owner has around 180 points.

Jay
I think the average is much higher than 180, especially considering for several years the minimum purchase was 230 points.

[corpcomp]

Has only affected my wallet!!!:rotfl:

But we did buy APs for the first time since we knew we would go twice this year.

[corpcomp]

I think the average is much higher than 180, especially considering for several years the minimum purchase was 230 points.

Take a look at the point ownership discussion today to see what owners are saying about what they own.

Sorry but I can't figure out how to attach the link.

[dianeschlicht]

I certainly wish Disney would discount the MYW tickets to DVC members. AP's don't make sense for us since we will only being going once a year. I do think we would spend more time in the parks though if the MYW tickets were discounted.

BUT, even with going once a year, if you are able to or willing to shift your dates by a week one way or another on consecutive years, you can still get two trips on 1 AP.

[mjy]

Actually, I have an annual pass and hardly ever hit the parks on my vacations. But, at the same time, I am in the parks almost every day and that's why I consider the annual pass to be the most cost-efficient way for me to go.

How can I say that I hardly "hit" the parks but go every day? Well, I really enjoy many of the restaurants that are inside the parks, or the shows, or the end-of-the-day fireworks displays. So, while I may be other places throughout the day, I'm usually in the parks in the evening to enjoy things other than the rides.

[Chuck S]

Take a look at the point ownership discussion today to see what owners are saying about what they own.

Sorry but I can't figure out how to attach the link.


Here's a link Point Ownership (http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1371140&highlight=points)

But the poll really doesn't say 180 points, but 101 to 300. That's a big gap, and a substantial number of people own 301 to 500 as well.

[HockeyKat]

We have APs this year, and as we just bought DVC, will likely continue to get them. Yay for the discount!

However, we have already taken 2 trips on them and plan on taking 2 more. We have already used 11 days, and plan on 6 in May and 10 in Sept, so a total of 27 days.

We live 8.5 hours away, have no children, DH works a non-traditional schedule, and I have 3 weeks vacation, so like to take our vacations at least twice if not three times a year, and have bought points accordingly.

But for those who have to fly down here and work around school schedules, this isn't as possible. I think they should give 10-20% on MYW tickets, once a year, with the same restrictions as on AP discount.

[ebenmax]

We are considering the APs this year. But I have a question. . .are you permitted to buy them for your children too or does their name have to be on the contract in order to receive the discount? How does that all work?

TIA

Ellen

[DVC Grammy]

We've always gotten APs. Now, with DVC, we squeeze at least 4 trips in a year. It's our way of kidding ourselves that WDW is the least expensive vacation we can take.:rotfl:

[bobbiwoz]

Today I just booked Behind the Seeds tour at Epcot for next Thursday afternoon. With AP's we're able to do things like that, eat at Le Cellier and just call it a day without feeling we're wasting a ticket. I hope to spend next Thursday morning and early afternoon enjoyed the amenities of VWL! The DVC AP discount is wonderful.

Bobbi

[rigsby25]

We bought the DVC discounted AP's last January and got 4 vacations out of them. Now I don't know when we will go next because we justified the trips on the AP. I LOVED having the AP and the DDE! So I would say the price of tickets definitely dictates my vacations.

[diznycrazed]

I buy AP's for my family of four. We live in NJ and with the terrific air fares out of Southwest we are going down for a couple of days Easter week, the second weekend in June for Star Wars and then an extended family trip in August - will be using a GV at BWV for first time, can't wait!

Sure would be nice to get a discount on multi day tickets but I surely don't want to lose the DVC member AP price.

Terry
:earsboy:

[CarolMN]

We are considering the APs this year. But I have a question. . .are you permitted to buy them for your children too or does their name have to be on the contract in order to receive the discount? How does that all work?

TIA

EllenMembers may buy DVC-discounted passes for immediate family members who live with them. If your children live with you, you may buy discounted passes for them.

There is additional information on the Members website re maximum number and who qualifies as immediate family member.

[WDWDad]

I hope they never take the AP discount away either because I believe that it is the clear choice of a majority of DVC owners.

However, those of us for whom the AP clearly does not work would appreciate a multi day ticket discount that works for us. There are many reasons why an AP does not work for everyone. I will say that there have been times when we would have increased our use of the parks but declined to for monetary reasons. At times we just didn't feel appreciated for the committment we have made to Disney for our future vacation choices. Let me say right now that I do not believe that Disney owes me a park benefit. Only that if Disney expects me to continue to return to the same area over and over and Disney does not either reward me for my continued patronage, or, continually challenge my level of enjoyment of their parks why should I continue to return as frequently.

[simzac]

BUT, even with going once a year, if you are able to or willing to shift your dates by a week one way or another on consecutive years, you can still get two trips on 1 AP.

This is a good point, but if you don't go to the parks a total of 10 times between the 2 trips, the 10 day non exp MYW ticket is still a better deal. I know, because we only go once a year and only average 4 days per trip in the parks. This is why we will continue to purchase the 10 day ticket. JMO

[BWV Dreamin]

I am a very new owner (only 2 days! Just passed ROFR!). So not having gone to closing yet, can't call MS. Can anyone tell me the prices?:surfweb:

[Tiger926]

I'd like to start by saying that ANY perk given by DVC is a huge bonus. I appreciate all of them I really do. I would also like to see a blanket discount on park tickets. Penalizing those that don't do the AP seems a little silly. AP's don't work for the majority of DVC owners. I was told the average DVC owner has around 180 points. At 180 points I can't see where the AP would make sense even with staggering the trips each year by a week. Besides staggering isn't an option for many with the school breaks/holidays. Lets not lose the AP discount just add say a 20% discount to the MYW tickets.

Now ticket prices, I for one don't believe that the ticket prices are bad at all. Lets get real, they could charge much more if they wanted to. I pay $80a day to ski, sometimes more. Ski Resorts don't offer anywhere near the bang for the buck that WDW does. I respect that WDW isn't gouging guests for tickets and food. Both are reasonable when you consider the prices you pay at luxury resorts. I've paid $25 for a hamburger at a resort before. Kudos to WDW for not gouging us. Jay

Why do you make the statement that, "APs don't work for the majority of DVC owners"? What is this statement based on? Most DVC members I know, buy APs, and love the DVC discount. For us, it's the most economical way to do Disney as we spend a ton of time in the parks and do a lot of park hopping for meals and shopping. We spend a minimum of 12 days per year (park hopping almost each day) in the parks, so for us, it's great. Even if we only spent 8 or 9 days, we would still buy an AP as we love the freedom it affords us. By the way, we only have 175 points, and this allows us 12 days at SSR each July - so 2 weeks in Disney with our APs are great for us, plus, it allows us to buy our DDE card.

Tiger :)

[Maistre Gracey]

AP's don't work for the majority of DVC owners. I was told the average DVC owner has around 180 points. At 180 points I can't see where the AP would make sense even with staggering the trips each year by a week.
Don't forget to add the hidden AP benefits such as resort discounts, and the ability to purchase the DDE card.

Many folks here pay cash for weekends, and the resort AP rate alone can cover the cost of the pass.
Depending on your dining choices, the DDE can also be a huge money saver. The DDE savings can tip the scales in favor of an annual pass.

My favorite benefit of the AP?...
Freedom of coming and going without even considering days burned off my pass. :thumbsup2

MG

[Maistre Gracey]

As I reread my post above, I see Tiger is saying essentially the same thing! :)

MG

[Tiger926]

My favorite benefit of the AP?...
Freedom of coming and going without even considering days burned off my pass. :thumbsup2 MG

This is our favourite benefit too as it has so changed the way we vacation now.

Tiger :)

[KirstenB]

OP, we do exactly what you do. We usually just go to WDW once a year, then a trip to HH. I know what you mean about the 10 days passes being $$. I hadn't thought about staggering them out, that makes sense. We've been members since 12/93, so for many years we got free passes. We can get 3 yrs worth of parks out of the 10 days passes, since we only go 3 or so days per trip.

Has it affected us? Absolutely. If tix were cheaper, we'd spend more days in the WDW parks. We have platinum Busch Gardens passes so we usually spend a couple of days at Sea World and BG Tampa. This is a neat bonus for us, since we always go to BG Williamsburg and Water Country in the summer here. Being able to get into Sea World and BG Tampa for "free" is a neat side benefit.

[JTimber]

I hope it was a good hamburger!



It wasn't but thanks for the thought. As a reference it was at the Grand Wailea Resort in Maui.


Jay

[JTimber]

I think the average is much higher than 180, especially considering for several years the minimum purchase was 230 points.



You certainly could be right Chuck. That number sounded very low to me as well but my guide spit out the number like it was fact. Who knows?

I will say that regardless of the minimum buy in through DVC, resales lower the average considerably with those low contracts many buy to get started with DVC.


Jay

[JTimber]

Why do you make the statement that, "APs don't work for the majority of DVC owners"? What is this statement based on? Tiger :)




What is it based on? Well I thought I was clear but I'll try it again. My guide has told me that the average DVC member has about 180 points. Using those 180 points as my reference, an AP would work if they staggered the trips by a week each year to include 2 trips in a 12 month period. Even with the 2 trips in 12 months you'd need to be commando through the parks to make it worthwhile. The DDE could tip the scales though.

Short of concrete evidence we'll have to agree to disagree. This board is not reprentative of DVC as a whole and I'd bet dollars to doughnuts that more DVC members do NOT purchase the AP. I'd consider this board more "hard core" DVC'ers, doesn't surprise me that many here get the AP. I do not use the AP and of the 8 families I know personally that own DVC NONE get the AP's.

No sense to argue, I don't really care one way or the other. Take it as my opinion and guess and I'll note you feel differently.

Do YOU have any evidence to the contrary?

Good Day,

Jay

[Anal Annie]

I've been debating this AP thing too. We're new DVC members so this would be the first time we can buy them. We usually do a day or two at the water parks - but that REALLY piles a lot onto the cost to buy the A/P w/ the water park opt. - so I think we'll just buy the reg. A/P & then if we decide to go to a water park then we'll just pay that admission fee at the gate for the day - it works out to be less I think. What I was wondering is since we're going in mid-Aug this summer and have booked a 4 n cruise for July '08 (will add days at WDW later) then when it's up for renewal does that keep us on an Aug renewal for as long as we we keep up with the A/P?! I'm not sure if we'll want to do the renewal next Aug or probably just let that one expire & wait for the following summer & buy a new one in 2009 & start the process over...that way we'd have our trips in 2009 & 2010 covered. Is there a big cost savings to keep up with the renewals and not let them expire? :confused:

[Anal Annie]

Don't forget to add the hidden AP benefits such as resort discounts, and the ability to purchase the DDE card.

Many folks here pay cash for weekends, and the resort AP rate alone can cover the cost of the pass.


Wait a minute - have I missed something here? Does having an AP give you access to a diff. cash discount off the resorts compared to the reg. DVC member discount of 25%?!?!??!?!:confused: We just used our points to book a cruise on the Wonder for next summer so we just figured we'd use the DVC discount to book a few n at WDW...but is there a different discount option with the AP? That would be a good thing!

[Tiger926]

What is it based on? Well I thought I was clear but I'll try it again. My guide has told me that the average DVC member has about 180 points. Using those 180 points as my reference, an AP would work if they staggered the trips by a week each year to include 2 trips in a 12 month period. Even with the 2 trips in 12 months you'd need to be commando through the parks to make it worthwhile. The DDE could tip the scales though.

Short of concrete evidence we'll have to agree to disagree. This board is not reprentative of DVC as a whole and I'd bet dollars to doughnuts that more DVC members do NOT purchase the AP. I'd consider this board more "hard core" DVC'ers, doesn't surprise me that many here get the AP. I do not use the AP and of the 8 families I know personally that own DVC NONE get the AP's.

No sense to argue, I don't really care one way or the other. Take it as my opinion and guess and I'll note you feel differently.

Do YOU have any evidence to the contrary?

Good Day,Jay

Ummm, I'm not trying to argue at all :confused: I just commented on your statement that APs don't work for the majority of DVC users. As I said, we only have 175 points, and we are the farthest thing from commando at all in the parks - sometimes we just sit at World Showcase on a bench for an hour and people watch - we do this because of our AP. I'm not sure what going 'commando' through the parks has to do with having an AP? We sometimes only average one trip on an AP, but still find it worthwhile. I can see from your 'commando' comment and the fact that you feel that you need 2 trips per AP to make it worthwhile, that we have different ideas of how the AP is of value to the way we each vacation.

Thanks for your explanation. I just don't like generalizations, and since I fit into your 180 point scenario, I asked for clarification.

Tiger

[Chuck S]

Wait a minute - have I missed something here? Does having an AP give you access to a diff. cash discount off the resorts compared to the reg. DVC member discount of 25%?!?!??!?!:confused: We just used our points to book a cruise on the Wonder for next summer so we just figured we'd use the DVC discount to book a few n at WDW...but is there a different discount option with the AP? That would be a good thing!


Depending upon availability and seasons the AP discounts can be very good. But they are on par with DVC cash discount at DVC resorts..the saving are good if you want to stay at a regular WDW resort. We often spend the first night at POP, and have gotten an AP rate there, depending on season, as low as $59 plus tax.

[Anal Annie]

Cool :thumbsup2 It's good to know that we'd have another discount option available - thanks, Chuck!

[Maistre Gracey]

Wait a minute - have I missed something here? Does having an AP give you access to a diff. cash discount off the resorts compared to the reg. DVC member discount of 25%?!?!??!?!:confused: We just used our points to book a cruise on the Wonder for next summer so we just figured we'd use the DVC discount to book a few n at WDW...but is there a different discount option with the AP? That would be a good thing!
I have recieved up to 50% off the Poly rack rate in the past, and 30% was pretty common.

I haven't used an AP discount lately so I'm not sure of the current discounts, but it certainly was a great deal a few years back! :thumbsup2

MG

[DVCPAT]

I hope they never take the AP discount away either because I believe that it is the clear choice of a majority of DVC owners.


I think DVC annual pass discounts are a win/win for DVC members and Disney. Since we purchased PAP approx. one year ago, I have planned four trips to Disney and haven’t spent 1 dollar on off-site meals. I don’t mind spending more money at Disney when they show members a little appreciation.

[roadtripper]

We never purchased APs until the discount was offered. Now, we plan an extra midweek trip in the summer that feels almost "free" b/c we use our DVC pts, APs, and wait for a Southwest DING.

We also like to stroll around World Showcase without feeling like we should be doing more with our passes-- especially if we have a late arrival.
I LOVE the freedom of the APs, the room discounts, and the DVC discount!:banana:

[mbhoxsie]

We stopped going to the parks as much... In a two week trip, we used to go four or five days... No we only go for one or two...

This year would have been one, but we're going to be down there for SW Weekends and DS wants to go to WDW Studios...

[phyllisnnj]

Yes ticket prices along with onsite dining prices have influenced our planning.

We initially purchased with the plan to go every two or three years but loved the family experience so much that we’ve been going every year with extended family members. However due to Disney park ticket prices and table service prices, we’re going back to our original plan of every two or three years.

This year we’re actually staying onsite at Universal Orlando for the first time due to the 7-day park tickets for $85pp. We might actually stay offsite and explore the other Orlando attractions during our off years from Disney. We’re looking forward to SeaWorld’s new Aquatic Waterpark ( http://www.aquaticabyseaworld.com/) which opens next year. :thumbsup2

[goofy4tink]

We own 200 pts....I always have an AP. The whole family used to, in fact, dd's is expiring in May. But it won't be renewed. My dh now has a non-expire. 10 hopper. He only goes every 18 months or so, so an AP is not a good deal for him. Dd is now 13, so can't miss school and is off at camp for 3 weeks each summer, so only goes to WDW once a year tops. Me? I head down at least twice a year, so the AP works quite well for me. But, if you have to juggle dates too much, it may be a better choice to go with a 10 day non-x rather than an AP.

[doubletrouble_vb]

I have to agree with JTimber...most of the DVC members I know dont buy APs unless they know in advance they'll be able to put them to good use. However I have to infer/derive/conclude from J's post that he believes that members also routinely use their points for weekend stays as opposed to avoiding them like the plague. I only have 150 points and can easily make multiple trips to DVC if thats what I want to do.

Back to the original question. I will buy an AP if I know I'll be there for more than 10 days over the course of the year. However I've been hard pressed to make having it be cost effective in and of itself. With room discounts its a no brainer but you have to have planned to get a room along with or instead of DVC to make that work. Right now I have 14 days on hoppers. I'll use those along with my 2 year universal pass for the next year or so. Although I havent ridden EE yet Disney doesnt otherwise have anything must do for me to stop me from going off property. At the same time Sea World is looking enticing.

What I wish Disney would do is create an evening pass for EPCOT. I'd buy a pass that was good from 5pm until closing quite happily..that's mostly where I get the additional park benefit from the AP when I have it.

[WDWDad]

That is actually an interesting idea doulbetrouble.

How about a ticket that allows you to enter a park within 1 hr of the evening show, or two hours if you have a dining reservation.

Not originally what I was thinking of when I started this thread ,but an interesting idea.

[diznyfanatic]

We've been struggling with what to do about our AP's as well as it's time for renewal.

Since joining DVC, we will definitely be going at least twice a year but we'd really like to spend more time enjoying the resorts such as the pool and other activities.

Additionally, we'd like to venture to some of the off site attractions <gasp> that my grandchildren will enjoy.

How does the 10 day Hopper with no expiration compare in price to the AP?

In truth, we would LOVE a pass that would only allow entry after 4:00 PM as that would fit our needs and vacationing style perfectly.

[keishashadow]

I have recieved up to 50% off the Poly rack rate in the past, and 30% was pretty common.

I haven't used an AP discount lately so I'm not sure of the current discounts, but it certainly was a great deal a few years back! :thumbsup2

MG

AP rates were not offered in June last year (other than partial 1st week).

In Oct @ CR they were only $5 less a night than AAA rate.

Assume it just depends on occupancy levels as to rate & whether they feel the need to release them at all.:confused3

[owensjro]

I actually love the 10day everything passes and prefer to use those over the APs. To me an AP comes with a lot of pressure to get the most for your money and to make sure you have multiple trips planned so you get the most days. A 10 day ticket on the other hand lets me plan my trip so I'm not going to the parks every day and can worry about the next trip after we get home :)

I have a savings account online (ING) that I put money in every month. I can then use that to buy tickets once a year. Right now we actually have a surplus of days which is fine by me. I know we're going to keep going and buying them now has reduced our costs in the future. (And yes, I know that price increases in tickets would be offset by the interest I could be earning on the money...but I like having the tickets in my hand :).

Jim

[Mickmse2002]

I actually love the 10day everything passes and prefer to use those over the APs. To me an AP comes with a lot of pressure to get the most for your money and to make sure you have multiple trips planned so you get the most days. A 10 day ticket on the other hand lets me plan my trip so I'm not going to the parks every day and can worry about the next trip after we get home :)
Jim


For us it is the exact opposite. If we got the 10-day passes instead of the AP's I would feel compelled to get the "most" out of each of the ten days. As it stands now, with AP's, we may head in to a park like Epcot for just a glass of wine and evening parade, I would never "burn" a day of a 10-day pass for that.

[SuzanneSLO]

We have 175 points and do one 10 or so day trip per year. This year, we decided to go in Oct and April so that we could go to both the F&W and F&G festivals and benefit from APs. By the time the April trip is finished, we will have been in the parks 20 days.

But I must admit that we have always been willing to use days on MYW passes for visits to a park, no matter how short. We used to purchase length of stay passes when we stayed on-site and also purchased the Fun in the Sun passes in the past as well. Both worked well for longer stays.

We really appreciate the DVC discount on the AP, but the best deal we ever got on an AP was at DL last Dec. We bought a 3 day PH to take advantage of early entry, then unpgraded on our last day to APs. With a special then offered by AAA, we received SoCal APs and a $10 Disney gift card for the upgrade price of $5! Gotta luv it when they pay you to buy the AP. Talk about no brainer!

-- Suzanne

[kdzgon]

We've been struggling with what to do about our AP's as well as it's time for renewal.

Since joining DVC, we will definitely be going at least twice a year but we'd really like to spend more time enjoying the resorts such as the pool and other activities.

Additionally, we'd like to venture to some of the off site attractions <gasp> that my grandchildren will enjoy.

How does the 10 day Hopper with no expiration compare in price to the AP?

In truth, we would LOVE a pass that would only allow entry after 4:00 PM as that would fit our needs and vacationing style perfectly.

Non-expiring 10-day tickets range from approx $40 - $100 more than the DVC prices for annual passes.

Advance purchase from Disney:

10-Day MYW Ticket w/Hopping & No Expiration 10+ $435.59
10-Day MYW Ticket w/Hopping & No Expiration 3-9 $398.31

10-Day MYW w/Hopping & Water Park Fun & More w/ No Expiration 10+ $478.19
10-Day MYW w/Hopping & Water Park Fun & More w/ No Expiration 3-9 $443.04

DVC Annual Passes:

Regular Annual Pass 10+ $334.00; 3-9 $294.00

Premium Annual Pass 10+ $434.00 3-9 $382.00

[LakeAriel]

WDWDad, I completely agree with you on the park tickets. Our family does exactly the same thing on vacation that you do. I would like to have more flexibility to enter & leave the park, especially for dining. We are on the lookout for an improved park ticket option as well.


I was just talking about this last night..Most of the reservations we enjoy are in Epcot. I wish there was a dining pass that would enable dining without a theme park pass. I just got a Universal 3 month 2 park pass..for $85 at Costco. It was even better then the buy one adult, get one child free deal. When you start factoring in the ticket prices, a deluxe on- property resort in Universal is looking like a much better deal and you get fast passes to every ride. May have to separate from the mouse. :eek:

[tubtruck]

To the OPs question, No.
Though any DVC discount on tickets would be happily recieved

[CarolA]

Take a look at the point ownership discussion today to see what owners are saying about what they own.

Sorry but I can't figure out how to attach the link.
Contrary to DIS Board Myth, any thread on here is not a representative sample of anything that could be extrapolated to the population as a whole...... All you know is what those who CHOSE to post tell you. (I for example chose not to open a lot of "how many points did you buy, do you own " threads, I don't really care) And if your guide says the AVG is 180 then there are LOTS of members who own over 180 points.


And the great thing about this thread is that before we got AP discounts folks were on here whining 'the ticket discount doesn't work for me, I want an AP discount' Now it's the opposite. (I wonder sometimes why Disney gives us anything?)

[WendyinNC]

Non-expiring 10-day tickets range from approx $40 - $100 more than the DVC prices for annual passes.

Advance purchase from Disney:

10-Day MYW Ticket w/Hopping & No Expiration 10+ $435.59
10-Day MYW Ticket w/Hopping & No Expiration 3-9 $398.31

10-Day MYW w/Hopping & Water Park Fun & More w/ No Expiration 10+ $478.19
10-Day MYW w/Hopping & Water Park Fun & More w/ No Expiration 3-9 $443.04

DVC Annual Passes:

Regular Annual Pass 10+ $334.00; 3-9 $294.00

Premium Annual Pass 10+ $434.00 3-9 $382.00

It appears that you have included tax on the MYW tickets but not on the Annual Passes.

[dianeschlicht]

I certainly wish Disney would discount the MYW tickets to DVC members. AP's don't make sense for us since we will only being going once a year. I do think we would spend more time in the parks though if the MYW tickets were discounted.

Why not skew your vacation dates by a week each year and get two trips on one AP? That's how we used to do it before the DVC discounted APs came out. Now we throw caustion to the wind and keep our APs and go 2-3 times EVERY year instead.

[diznyfanatic]

Non-expiring 10-day tickets range from approx $40 - $100 more than the DVC prices for annual passes.

Advance purchase from Disney:

10-Day MYW Ticket w/Hopping & No Expiration 10+ $435.59
10-Day MYW Ticket w/Hopping & No Expiration 3-9 $398.31

10-Day MYW w/Hopping & Water Park Fun & More w/ No Expiration 10+ $478.19
10-Day MYW w/Hopping & Water Park Fun & More w/ No Expiration 3-9 $443.04

DVC Annual Passes:

Regular Annual Pass 10+ $334.00; 3-9 $294.00

Premium Annual Pass 10+ $434.00 3-9 $382.00

Thank you very much for the helpful information. I think we're leaning towards simply renewing our AP's. We appreciate the simplicity and value, especially when you consider the DVC discounts. :)

[tfc3rid]

There is a Florida resident Epcot After 4 pass that entitiles admission to Epcot after 4 PM... I would love this pass to be offered to us DVC'ers as well....

My case is interesting... My gf does not like the parks (think's it's childish) but enjoys coming down and straying at the resorts, going to the water parks, etc... I don't want to spend the $$ on passes for a few days as I don't think they are cost-effective... I would get an annual pass for both of us because the one park she dopes appreciate is Epcot... the last few trips down to WDW we haven't gone to any park and I am ITCHING to go on Soarin' and Everest but not willing to get a MYW ticket to do it...

[Maistre Gracey]

My gf does not like the parks (think's it's childish)
Perhaps you should think about renewing your girlfriend... :teeth:

MG

[tfc3rid]

After 5 years, no plans to at all!!! WDW theme parks are just not her thing...

[CarolA]

After 5 years, no plans to at all!!! WDW theme parks are just not her thing...

They aren't my boyfriends thing either.
We have been dating for 15 years. I go to Disney he goes fly fishing. Life does not have to be a three legged race. If you want to go... GO, and leave her at the pool.

[JTimber]

Contrary to DIS Board Myth, any thread on here is not a representative sample of anything that could be extrapolated to the population as a whole...... All you know is what those who CHOSE to post tell you. (I for example chose not to open a lot of "how many points did you buy, do you own " threads, I don't really care) And if your guide says the AVG is 180 then there are LOTS of members who own over 180 points.


And the great thing about this thread is that before we got AP discounts folks were on here whining 'the ticket discount doesn't work for me, I want an AP discount' Now it's the opposite. (I wonder sometimes why Disney gives us anything?)



I just wanted to add that I posted that a guide stated 180 is the average points owned by DVC members. I'm certainly not willing to stand behind that just relaying what I was told. I saw information in another thread that leads me to belive that it is incorrect. According to that thread they took all the owners and divided by the total number of points. I believe they said the average was in ther high 200's.


Jay

[tfc3rid]

CarolA... I'd love to but I know I'd be in deep doo-doo if I did...

[BWV Dreamin]

I found the best way is to buy some tickets online thru legitamate ticket sellers. They have some great prices with some one day free tickets.

[BroganMc]

We do APs and are looking forward to enjoying the DVC discount this year. We let our existing AP's expire in March so we'd get fresh ones in May and adjust our AP schedule to our travel schedule (we stopped going in March 2 years ago).

The major pain is figuring out what to do for our guests. We've used up days on old PHP tickets and have been playing out the Plus options for PI for us. (We don't do waterparks.)

In some ways the new MYW ticket system makes for a more complicated planning trip. It forces you to decide how many days you'll actually visit a park before debating the various options. And it drives our guests mad when we have the ability to hop or go for a short park stay and they blow an entire day on a pass. (One guest blew an entire PHP day on a 3pm entry to MK on a Christmas Party ticket day. Senseless for an hour's sake.)

Now I'm debating what best to recommend to my sister this Fall. She'll be with us 6 days, with one of those days Halloween Party tickets and another her anniversary (my babysitting day of her kids). So I'm thinking it best she just get a base ticket for X number of days. Her oldest is 9 this year and so it doesn't make sense to get non-exp for him. Cheapest I can go for their tickets is $704. As it is the more sensible thing for them is not to add the water parks but buy single day tickets and just plan one day at Typhoon Lagoon. At least she only has 4 in her family. My SIL has 6 in hers (3 adults and 3 under 10's). It'll cost them around $1200 next year for them to just do 5 days in the parks.

[keishashadow]

Undercovertourist thru mousesavers link (via signup for newsletter) has had the lowest prices (including S&H/tax) over the last year.

Knocking off the PH option saves $48 pp (certainly an viable option unless you'll be using the same MYW tix @ DL). Why not try the tix w/o the PH option for a day or two, you may find you don't really need them. If you do, can always add it on @ guest services.:thumbsup2

Sample prices
10 day MYW no expir option = $367 ($28 less than gate price)
10 day MYW w/PH & no expir = $412 ($31 less than gate price)

Little known fact, currently you can purchase the discounted tix, and trade them in (unused) for full current "rack" value @ guest services (along with DVC discount) towards purchase of an AP.

Still don't see why so many posters seem to be so protective of an AP only discount, an across-the-board discount % on all Tix media would be more inclusive imo.:confused3

[hrsmom]

We bought into DVC in October, haven't even made our first trip home yet, but we purchased our APs and have already used them! We have 3 trips already booked at SSR within the next year and we're also planning to try to get down there around my birthday, so that will be 4 trips within a year. For us it makes perfect sense to have the APs, it really saves us money and gives us the flexibility we want. I'm also excited to hear that we'll get room discounts with it.

[BWV Dreamin]

Here is the link for discount park tickets. Also, there is a plan that if you buy 4 days, you get the 5th one free.
http://www.mapleleaftickets.com/
Every little bit helps! :yay:

[dsneygirl]

We will manage 4 trip this year on our APs. Dec, May, Aug and Dec. Our DS is still young but when he is 3 and we have to buy passes I think we may change our habits. Especially if we drop down to only 1 trip/year.

[colleenc]

We're FL residents and buy the seasonal annual pass. When our kids were smaller we would buy the "Play 4" pass - when it came out, it was only $100 for 4 days of parks. As our kids got older, and that Play 4 price went up, we decided to do the SAP. Our last year of doing the Play 4 we went to Disney in the summer and we were MISERABLE. I'm used to the heat, having lived in Florida my whole life, but the heat was insane. After that we decided we'd never go back in the summer and that the SAP was the way to go for us. We don't mind not going during the big holiday weeks either, so it's win win for our family.