Annual Pass - is it worth it?

[merlin307]

Annual Pass Questions

We will probably be visiting WDW three times in the next year so we are considering buying the AP for the first time.

I’ve done some searching through the wonderful world of the web but I am getting a bit confused with the information (maybe it’s a bit of information overload)

I’ve a couple of questions which hopefully I can get some definitive answers to:
When is the AP activated – when you purchase it or the first time you use it at the turnstiles?
Are there any blackout dates with AP (I know that the additional events aren’t covered) but are busy times – like Christmas etc included?
Do we need photo id to purchase? Do we need to provide photos when we purchase?


Finally, a bit of feedback on whether or not the AP is worth it would be appreciated.

Cheers

 

[Elise79]

If you are going three times within the 365 period then yes it will be good value.

The date you purchase the pass at guest relations is the date it starts and will expire the same date the following year. There is no point buying in advance as you only get a voucher and you still have to go to guest relations to collect the actual pass.

Everyone over 18 had to present photo ID the photocard of a driving licence is fine.

No blackout dates

Remember there are 2 passes - the basic AP which only covers the 4 main parks and then the Premium AP which covers everything that a UK Ultimate ticket does. The premium is only good value if you are looking to go to the waterparks and Disney Quest otherwise buy a regular AP and a waterpark AP (if you want to do the waterparks)

 

[wayneg]

We had basic AP's for a couple of years, great value when we had them but last 3 years we have been staying onsite for our main trips each August with free DDP, then other trips like last month not doing Disney.

Premium passes were not worth it for us as we rarely do a water park.

Also consider free parking, discounts etc, with 3 trips within the 12 months you should get good value.

 

[irenep]

I would say it would be really worthwhile for 3 trips. We usually get the premium APs as we do use the water parks and Disney Quest.
Another perk of the APs is that you can then buy a Table in Wonderland card which gives you 20% off at most restaurants.

 

[penlanspice]

We've had annual passes for around 6 years and usually have a minimum of 2 trips out of one otherwise it isn't worth it.

We always buy in advance, for this trip my mum bought mine for xmas, the pass gets activated when we arrive at disney and take it to the guest relation window, there isn't a photo on the pass you just need your id to pick them up. (your names will be on them).

It's worth getting pass especially if your staying off site, for the free parking.
The pass has no blackout dates unlike universal annual pass.

 

[wayneg]

The pass has no blackout dates unlike universal annual pass.

Only the Power pass has blackout dates(which is supposed to be aimed at FL residents). Preferred or Premium are valid all year.
http://www.universalorlando.com/Tic...s.aspx?ComponentId=12956&SourcePageId=13636#8

http://www.universalorlando.com/Tic...ass.aspx?ComponentId=9239&SourcePageId=7805#3

 

[penlanspice]

Only the Power pass has blackout dates(which is supposed to be aimed at FL residents). Preferred or Premium are valid all year.
http://www.universalorlando.com/Tic...s.aspx?ComponentId=12956&SourcePageId=13636#8

http://www.universalorlando.com/Tic...ass.aspx?ComponentId=9239&SourcePageId=7805#3

We usually got 1 power pass and one prefered for the free parking.