Just checking my DVC annual pass facts . . .

[inky dinky doo]

We leave for the Beach Club in just 11 days, and I've been thinking about waiting till we get there to buy my annual pass. There isn't any financial penalty for doing that, is there?

[DebbieB]

Originally Posted by inky dinky doo

We leave for the Beach Club in just 11 days, and I've been thinking about waiting till we get there to buy my annual pass. There isn't any financial penalty for doing that, is there?

The only possible financial penalty is if the price goes up. But since there was just an increase in August, you should be OK. You can't buy it at the resort, the closest place would be the International Gateway.

[wendydarling826]

I thought I remembered from prior years that there was a reason to buy it in advance, but when I called MS to buy my AP they said I could just buy it at
any of the parks for the discounted price. I'm pretty sure it used to be you had to buy Tables in Wonderland cards in advance too, but MS said I can buy that when I get there too.

[DebbieB]

Originally Posted by wendydarling826

I thought I remembered from prior years that there was a reason to buy it in advance, but when I called MS to buy my AP they said I could just buy it at
any of the parks for the discounted price. I'm pretty sure it used to be you had to buy Tables in Wonderland cards in advance too, but MS said I can buy that when I get there too.

It used to be you had to order TIW over the phone. Now they have them at the windows.

[robertdangelo]

I bought our Annual passes online using my Disney Visa card, so we get points. We'll be at BCV same time as you & will be exchanging our vouchers at International Gateway.

Bob

[inky dinky doo]

Thank you all for confirming what I suspected. I used to always buy in advance. I thought there was a (small) discount for doing that. My memory could be (must be?) faulty, though.

This time, I want to buy Tables in Wonderland and figured I might as well do both (buy AP first and then TiW) at the International Gateway. I'm glad to know I'm not losing anything by doing that.



Happy Thanksgiving, all!

Pat

4 work days . . . and counting!!

[DebbieB]

There used to be a small discount on regular park tickets if bought in advance. I don't think there was ever one for AP's.

[jdg345]

Originally Posted by inky dinky doo

We leave for the Beach Club in just 11 days, and I've been thinking about waiting till we get there to buy my annual pass. There isn't any financial penalty for doing that, is there?

Nope, no penalty. If there's a price increase between now and then though, you have to pay the higher prices. Considering the recent hike, that's not likely imo. I usually pick up my passes, TIW card, etc, at Guest Relations in DTD since we like to swing by Earl of Sandwhich on arrival anyways.

[inky dinky doo]

You sound just like my daughter, jdg345! I think Earl of Sandwich is her favorite place to eat, in all of Walt Disney World!

[CarolMN]

The only advantages to buying APs or PAPs (incl the DVC discounted pass) in advance now that you can buy the TiW cards on-site are:

1. Lock in the price if you think it may go up before you arrive (as DebbieB already mentioned, not likely until next year sometime)

2. To spread the cost over several months if you have more than one to buy.

3. To access the annual passholders' website. (This is of little to no value to me, though).

Can't think of any others.

[jdg345]

Originally Posted by inky dinky doo

You sound just like my daughter, jdg345! I think Earl of Sandwich is her favorite place to eat, in all of Walt Disney World!

There's just something about their Artisan Bread!

We stumbed across it a few years ago, and absolutely love the Tuna Melts. It's part of our tradition now to swing by and pick one up. Pretty funny how that stuff works out.

[toniosmom]

I bought my annual passes just prior to the price increase this past August and all I got was a confirmation number. No voucher. Is that a problem? MS told me that I just need to bring the confirmation number with me when we activate the passes.

[jdg345]

Originally Posted by toniosmom

I bought my annual passes just prior to the price increase this past August and all I got was a confirmation number. No voucher. Is that a problem? MS told me that I just need to bring the confirmation number with me when we activate the passes.

Hmmm ... we typically receive little plastic cards in the mail. If there isn't enough time to mail them, we will pick them up onsite.

I would call ticket services and confirm with them what you need to do.

[DebbieB]

Originally Posted by toniosmom

I bought my annual passes just prior to the price increase this past August and all I got was a confirmation number. No voucher. Is that a problem? MS told me that I just need to bring the confirmation number with me when we activate the passes.

There are 2 options when buying a pass. You can have it mailed to you (for a $5 charge) or do "will call" (pick it up at WDW). What you did was "will call". Just go to any ticket window or guest relations to pickup your pass. If you got the voucher mailed, you still have to go to a window to exchange it for the actual pass, so you may as well save the $5.

[CapeCodFam]

I like to buy it when we arrive and incur the cost then. Since it expires 12 months from first use, we always plan our next years trip to end just prior to their expiration. Then we let it expire and buy a new one again the next year. This allows us to go every year while only buying DVC APs every other.