Looking at buying a AP

[monkey30]

So I am looking at buying a AP for just me but I have a few questions which I am sure have been asked but can't seem to find anwsers! So I have come the the best people I know

First if I purchase the AP before the price increase (which I am sure will happen soon!) will it become active right away or from the day I redeem it? We aren't going till September so I am hoping that I can activate the AP when we go on our trip, this way I have a full year to enjoy it and possibly go back.

Second, I understand that I will need to make the purchases to get the discounts (they make sure that CC match AP and such) will my DH get hasseled is he does not have one but I am doing all the purchases? I love discounts, and am planning to go back so that is the main reason I am getting one. (and the next trip is me and a few friends!!)

Third How much of a discount is usually used when booking a DLR with a AP? And can I book that discount even though my AP is not yet active, but I can do it before I check in. (if that makes any sense!)

With the AP there is special seating for some shows right (thought I had seen that but can be wrong!) ? If this is the case can my whole family sit with me or is it reserved for just the pass holder? I understand if not, but wanted to see what peoples experinces are.

I appreciate the help! I am trying to figure out if I should pull the plug and just do it. I figure if I only do 2 more days over the next year it will pay for itself, and if not, oh well!

 

[GrandBob]

So I am looking at buying a AP for just me but I have a few questions which I am sure have been asked but can't seem to find anwsers! So I have come the the best people I know

First if I purchase the AP before the price increase (which I am sure will happen soon!) will it become active right away or from the day I redeem it? We aren't going till September so I am hoping that I can activate the AP when we go on our trip, this way I have a full year to enjoy it and possibly go back.

It becomes active on first use. In your case, it will be good from Sept to Sept. So you're good. However, you need to make sure that the voucher is good until Sept. Usually, a voucher purchased at this time of year can be redeemed until Dec 31, so it should be fine. Still, I'd call and ask. For some reason, it's almost impossible to tell the "redeem-by" date from the Disneyland web site.

Second, I understand that I will need to make the purchases to get the discounts (they make sure that CC match AP and such) will my DH get hasseled is he does not have one but I am doing all the purchases? I love discounts, and am planning to go back so that is the main reason I am getting one. (and the next trip is me and a few friends!!)

As long as you actually do the purchase and hand your credit card to the CM, you'll be fine. It's OK if he actually picked out the item and hands it to you at the checkout counter. But he can't actually pay for it, or you won't get the discount.

Third How much of a discount is usually used when booking a DLR with a AP? And can I book that discount even though my AP is not yet active, but I can do it before I check in. (if that makes any sense!)

Yep, you can book the AP rate without having an active AP. Just call and ask for the AP rate. They don't ask for your AP until check-in. The only wrinkle is that you can't look up the discounted AP rates online until your AP is active; but you can still call and ask, and book it.

I think the "always available" AP discount for hotels is 10%. But there's almost always a better AP discount online. Those can be up to 30%. In fact, there's a 30% promotion going on now.

As far as discounts on food and merchandise, look here: http://disneyland.disney.go.com/passes/discounts/

With the AP there is special seating for some shows right (thought I had seen that but can be wrong!) ? If this is the case can my whole family sit with me or is it reserved for just the pass holder? I understand if not, but wanted to see what peoples experinces are.

I'm not aware of any special show seating for AP holders. They occasionally, but rarely, hold some special AP-only events, usually available only by email invitation. I haven't been able to attend any.

I appreciate the help! I am trying to figure out if I should pull the plug and just do it. I figure if I only do 2 more days over the next year it will pay for itself, and if not, oh well!

You're welcome!

 

[monkey30]

THANK YOU!!! I knew people here would be able to help me!

I guess I had better get off my butt here soon and get it! Or at least call and inquire, I love hearing them tell me to have a magical day, so its not something that will bother me!LOL

 

[GrandBob]

You're very welcome. BTW, I purchased APs for me, DW, and DGD, last year in early June, when I saw advance notice here on the DIS about last June's price increases (usually someone "in the know" finds out and posts here, but usually with 48 hours or less notice). Anyway, I bought them in early June, and the "redeem-by" date was 12/31. We redeemed them for our visit last Nov, so our APs are good until this coming November.

Enjoy!
Bob

 

[3DisMunchkins]

I have a trip planned for June 8-11 and plan to buy 4 day hoppers. Can I upgrade these to Deluxe AP on the last day of our trip and does it matter that one our days would have been blacked out?
Thanks!

 

[ArchOwl]

I have a trip planned for June 8-11 and plan to buy 4 day hoppers. Can I upgrade these to Deluxe AP on the last day of our trip and does it matter that one our days would have been blacked out?
Thanks!

You can upgrade to Deluxe APs on the last day, but they will be backdated to the first day of use. Also, if you wait until the last day, you will miss out on the discounts that come with the APs. However, you don't want to upgrade before you use your MM that comes with your park hopper tickets.

Most people use MM as soon as possible and then upgrade to use the discounts. You can upgrade on a day that your pass is blocked out and still get in the parks, but only on the day of upgrade.

So for you, I would use the MM on the 9th and upgrade that same day if using the discounts would be helpful. They will give you a blockout ticket that is good for that day only. HTH!