All you Disney pros out there

[midlander]

I am not a pro. This will be our first and probably only trip to "the World". I currently hold a reservation for POP Century at rack rate. 1458.48. When I look at the AP rate and add the increased cost of one AP, I save exactly 58.48. Big deal. Not much of a savings on two rooms. I keep reading about DVC and buying points, but I don't understand. Can anyone recommend a site where I can find a good explanation of these points and what I can realistically expect to spend for them? Our trip dates are March 7 - March 13, the week before the real spring break begins, although March 11 and March 12 might be difficult because families may begin arriving to begin the next week. If anyone can help me, I would appreciate it. I'm not sure why we waited until we were down to two children to take this trip, but I'm looking forward to it. But only if I can get out of this "I must have every detail nailed down" mode. Thanks.

 

[Chuck S]

If your trip is in March, near Spring Break, it would be difficult to book a DVC trip so close to your date. THere is a DVC rent/trafe board here http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=29 where you can get more info and post your dates to see if anyone could help.

Remember, that by renting points, you do not receive daily housekeeping, but can pay extra for it.

 

[KIRSTIN'S MOMMY]

Also, do you have AAA? They offer discounts as well. All you have to do is call Disney and ask for the AAA rate to be applied to your reservation. As far as points go, if this is to be your one and only trip to WDW, you wouldn't want to buy into DVC, just rent points for the week, although I don't think it would lower your cost much, if any. Everytime I've looked at it, it winds up being more expensive to rent points than to just pay cash for the room.

 

[midlander]

Thank you. That's the answer I was looking for. Do you know if you can upgrade a MYW ticket to an annual pass at DisneyWorld by just paying the difference, or is there a penalty? Appreciate your help.

 

[glo]

Unless things have changed...there is no penalty to upgrade or charge, you just have to pay the difference in price.

 

[Disney Fool]

One other thing; AP rates are substantial especially at Value season. You don't necessarily save a lot on your first trip simply because you are buying the pass along with getting the room. The major savings come from using your AP for a second trip within the year, (thus not having to pay again) and utilizing AP discounts for resort rooms, which can be up to 40% off.

 

[jillhou]

Our Spring break is at the time you are going to be there....so some breaks have already started by first week in March.

 

[eeyore45]

wait, am I reading it wrong?

can you apply an AP rate and a AAA discount? Or is it one or the other, best rate? (I know I've read that one rate you can get 15% - 20% depending on the time and the resort...)

tia

 

[KIRSTIN'S MOMMY]

Only one discount can be applied, unfortunately! There is no charge or penalty to upgrade to an AP, although with the price increase, I think the "breakeven" point for buying an AP went up a couple of days. It used to be you would break even at 8 days, I think it's 9 or 10 now with the basic AP. If you won't use it again before it expires, I wouldn't incur the expense of it. We're getting our 4th trip out of ours in May, so ours has been well worth the money...although my dh keeps asking "tell me again how these save us money?" lol....

 

[ktglads]

Don't forget about the other benefits of the annual pass like the 10% off at World of Disney, dining discounts, and the option to get the Dining Experience card for $50. You may be able to save more than that $60. Plus, if you plan your next trip within a year of this trip, your admission will be paid for, so you can save that money too. Oh yeah, you can get discounts on car rentals and tours too. I don't have my booklet with me so I can't list out all the benefits right now.

 

[Deesknee]

BE fore warned the first time we took our kids we thought it would be the"one and only" time we took them to disney. Guess what 6 trips later we bought into DVC. No regrets yet. LOL

 

[spiceycat]

at OKW your time in a studio
11 points Sun-thurs - so at $10 a point - $110
the weekends however are horrible
27 points fri/sat - $270 PER NIGHT.

so total for the 6 days - $980 for a studio at oKW during this time.

OKW has 2 queen bed - no extra bedding - you must bring some yourself.

the problem with 5 in any room at WDW (value and Moderate) is that if someone complaints - security will come to your door (there have been cases). and you will pay to stay in a moderate POR if there is availability - otherwise I think it is FW cabins????

also as has been mentioned they are now asking for all the names for all the parties.

DVC does not do a bed check.

 

[eeyore0062]

OK, here is the deal.... with the AP, you can park hop, so you are not tied to one park per day. If you or anyone else in your party is into pin collecting, you can buy the Annual Passholder exclusive pins. You can use it for discounts toward dining... if you wish, you can buy the Disney Dining Experience card for $50 to save 20% off of all sitdown restaurants, some counter services and it does include discounts on any alcohol you have with those sit down meals. Usually pays for itself in a couple of meals. You also can get discounts on your resort... but as someone else already mentioned you see more of savings the next time you visit, if it is within the same year. You will receive a merchandise discount at World of Disney, Virgin Megastore and Arribas Brothers at Downtown Disney. You can discounts on miniature golf, the water park tickets, and Disney Quest Tickets.

As for applying your MYW ticket toward the purchase of your AP, if you haven't used any of it, or if it is within the first 7 days of purchase and you have used some of it, you will get the full credit toward your AP, if not, you will only get the credit for what hasn't already been used, unless that has changed.

Good luck with your decision!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Since this is your first and only trip to WDW I wouldn't buy APs. You are going to be so overwhelmed you will probably only do one park per day anyway, and the main reason to buy an AP is to make additional trips which you've already said you aren't doing. Also it's a very busy time of year and the crowds will be heavy.

As for paying rack rate at Pop Century that would bug me. I hate paying rack rate. Did you price out doing a package with tickets and/or meals? That could save you a little bit. Or if you have AAA you could get a little bit off.

Enjoy your trip!!