Annual pass or 14 day park hopper

[monte]

My husband and I are planning a 2 week vacation at WDW in Oct. 2004. We just returned and were on the deluxe package which worked well for us. We want to do a package again, but was wondering if a AP would be cheaper.I'm figuring that a 2 week stay on a package will run us $7,000 and I'm hoping to reduce that price w/out losing benefits. Any suggestions?
P.S. It's just the two of us, no children. Thanks for your help.

 

[Poohnatic]

The premium annual pass is cheaper than getting the 14 day unlimited park hopper with your hotel accommodations.

If you purchase the PAP, then book your room using an annual passholder code, you'll probably save tons of money. I usually do the other end of the spectrum (all stars to get two trips a year in), but I find that by doing the legwork myself, the trip can be much cheaper.

What exactly is in that Deluxe package? I know some have wishes, but if you net out those wishes it might cost you less to book those things on your own.

Mouseplanet or WDWIG has a page somewhere netting out a package plan versus the actual individual costs of the components.

Suzanne

 

[monte]

The deluxe package allowed us unlimited access to all parks (water parks included), unlimited recreation, such as parasailing, fishing excursions, etc..all meals, we used a gold choice for Cirque Du Soleil, I mean everything was included. It was great. Does having a AP allow us access to all that, or are there limitations.?

 

[Poohnatic]

Premium annuals give you the four main parks, the water parks and Disney Quest.

I don't know if you use those recreation features a lot, but if you don't, it's more economical to pay for them ''per use". I can see where you like the convenience of the meals being included. I'd suggest calling CRO and asking if you can do the plan with an annual pass and if there's a price difference if you use an AP rate.

I guess I'm a bit of a realist with the package plans. I did one for my honeymoon, and afterwards I realized I paid for things I never used. As a result, I now do all the planning myself and it's a hobby. Some people wonder why I waste my time on it, but if I enjoy it, it's not wasted time ! I also end up helping people plan their trips, and I get to live vicariously.

Suzanne

 

[mike07801]

I have a premium annual pass. It includes the 4 parks, the water parks, disneyquest and pleasure island. It also gives many discounts. We stayed at all star music late Oct. 2002 for $59.00 a night including all taxes and fees!!! That was a big savings off of the regular rate plus taxes. My freind who works at disney reservations says the best discounts go to the annual passholders. Make sure you ask when you book.

Hope this helps

 

[monte]

Thanks guys for the information. I'll check w/a CRO when booking, we like to use the recreational activities, such as parasailing and such. My husband went on 2 fishing excursions while we there and that's a big reason why we're staying 2 weeks next time. We want to make sure we take advantage of everything. I still have time to research and compare. Thanks.

 

[seashoreCM]

Most packages come with a hopper pass (unlimited magic aka length of stay) built in, so in order to use an AP, you have to book a room only, not a package.

For most packages, there is little or no savings over the cost of buying the components separately and depending on what wishes you make, the package may be more expensive. THe premium AP (@2001) breaks even with 12 or less days worth of any other kind of pass, and sooner if you take two short vacations instead of one long one. So for a 14 day vacation, buying the AP and buying all the extras you want, parasailing, horseback riding, character breakfasts, etc. separately will probably save you money.

Do the arithmetic just to be sure.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm