Annual Pass...does this make sense?

[wdw&sonny]

To receive the APH rate at the resorts, does each person in the room need to be an APH or just one person?

Thanks.

 

[damo]

Just one person.

 

[wdw&sonny]

Thanks Damo.
Then, wouldn't it make sense for me to become an APH, even though I know I will only visit once this year, in order to receive the discounted resort rate? By my quick calculations, RPR is $219 w/out APH and $197 with APH for a $22/night savings. The basic APH is $150 vs $99 for 7 day pass. So, if staying 7 days I would save $22 x 7 = $154 on the resort but spend $51 more on my ticket for a net savings of $103. Even for 3 night stay this would save $15.

Is my thinking correct? Or am I missing something...b/c I haven't read this as a tip on this forum before.
Thanks.

 

[leeann32]

Isn't the Super saver rate better than the APH rate? Do they always offer the super saver rate?
I might have to look into the annual pass if I can't get a regular discount

 

[patster734]

Thanks Damo.
Then, wouldn't it make sense for me to become an APH, even though I know I will only visit once this year, in order to receive the discounted resort rate? By my quick calculations, RPR is $219 w/out APH and $197 with APH for a $22/night savings. The basic APH is $150 vs $99 for 7 day pass. So, if staying 7 days I would save $22 x 7 = $154 on the resort but spend $51 more on my ticket for a net savings of $103. Even for 3 night stay this would save $15.

Is my thinking correct? Or am I missing something...b/c I haven't read this as a tip on this forum before.
Thanks.

You're looking at the price of the Power Pass which doesn't offer discounts on hotel rates. To get the hotel rate discount, you need to have either the Preferred or Premier Annual Pass, which cost $229.99 and $289.99 respectively.

 

[damo]

Patster is right. The only thing to remember though, is that renewals are half the original price. So the first year is is over $200 but after that it is just over $100.

And yes, people have purchased an AP just to get the discounts because it worked out to be cheaper that way.

Make sure that you actually have a great rate before you buy the pass though because the AP rates aren't always great!!! This month they sure were though. I am getting PBH for $159 and RPH was $129.

 

[wdw&sonny]

Thanks Patster and Damo...great info. I will keep that in mind.

I just want to say how impressed I am with the people on this board...knowledgeable, informative, friendly and quick to respond. Frankly, you are generally more experienced than the customer service reps at the resorts.
Thanks.

 

[patster734]

Thanks for the complement!

I also wanted to let you know that if you do buy either the preferred or premiere annual pass, to keep it handy when visiting the parks and Citywalk. There's a 10% discount on souveniers and food at most stores and restaurants at the parks, Citywalk and the Universal hotels. The month of May has also been AP appreciation month where discounts are even higher and other benefits become temporarily available.

Also, every now and then, Universal offers special promotions when buying their preferred annual pass, such as buy one year, get additional months free. When we bought ours several years ago, we received buy one year, get one year free. I haven't seen that one for a few years, but last year, I seem to remember a buy one year, get 3 months free. Sometimes, there are restrictions on the purchases of these passes such as a requirement to be a FLA resident; Other times, they are available to all.