Annual Pass Question

[Linda67]

Oops sorry double post - real post below

 

[Linda67]

Hi everyone

I think I already know the answer to this but I thought I would check with the experts

When we originally booked out trip for May this year we didn't expect to be going back again in 2011 but now we are taking another trip in October

The May trip was booked with VH and we also bought 14 day 'Ultimate' tickets and got the free dining as well

The October trip has been booked direct with Disney (flights booked direct with VA) and again we took the 14 night 'Ultimate' as even though we are only there for 7 nights the price for the 14 was the same. We also got free dining through Disney

On top of this we will definately be heading back in May 2012

So basically I think I am wasting a lot of money on buying seperate tickets when I should probably have bought an AP.

How does an AP work if you want to either get free dining or buy the dining plan?

Also, is there anyway of upgrading one of the tickets I have already bought for an AP and paying the difference or would this just mess up the reservations and free dining that I already have

Thanks in advance everyone

 

[london75]

I think your tickets are essential to get the free dining, if you had AP it would be a different set of offers that you'd use and generally they are nowhere near as good as the free food.

As for upgrading the ticket, I'm sure I've read that some people have but someone will be along shortly to confirm either way.

 

[Elise79]

You can upgrade your tickets in October to Premium AP's if you want.

As for the dining plan and AP's - well you can't get free dining without buying a ticket.

You can book an AP holders package through Disney US and buy the DDP without need for a ticket and these can be combined with any AP discounts.

With an AP you can also buy TIW which gives you 20% of most TS meals including alcohol and some CS locations (Values resort food courts and POFQ food court).

We have found this to be more cost effective than free dining esp as we stay deluxe and got 42% in May!

 

[Linda67]

Thanks for the info

So basically I should leave my May 2011 tickets alone and when I am actually in WDW in October I should go to guest services and upgrade my ticket to an AP in preparation for my May 2012 trip?

Have I got this right?

 

[Elise79]

If you have already booked October with free dining then you may as well wait till then to upgrade as the Ultimate tickets are only good fo the year purchased ie 2011. By waiting to do the upgrade you will have a later expiry on the APs and may be able to get another trip in

 

[Linda67]

Thanks again for the info

I have May and October already booked and paid for, both with free dining and both with Ultimate tickets

If I just take my tickets to guest releations in October do you have any idea how much it would be to upgrade to an AP?

If it's less than £500 then it's obviously worth doing as I wouldn't have to buy two tickets for the May 2012 trip

 

[Elise79]

The current price on a premium AP is $659.24 (inc tax). I am not sure what value you will get for your Ultimate's - probably somewhere is the region of $350 (sorry I can't tell you exactly as there is no US direct comparison).

To upgrade you will need to go to a guest relations office at one of the parks or DTD.

It is suggested that you don't do it until the last day as it can affect your DDP credits sometimes.

 

[Linda67]

Thanks loads for your help

I will hold fire until the last day of my trip in October when I will still have 7 days left on my ticket and see what guest relations can do for me