Annual pass question!

[Jbennett2015]

Looking into getting an annual pass for my wife and I. Here is a little info, looking at going October 30-November 1 then we go for 7 days around marathon weekend. With just ticket prices I'm not sure if the annual pass makes sense but if we do receive any discounts on our resort we for sure come out ahead. Add on 2 memory makers we wouldn't have to buy since it's included in annual pass. I'm pretty sure we will buy AP but just making sure I'm not doing something stupid. Thanks in advance.

 

[CAS239]

Also take into account that if you stay offsite you get free parking with your AP

 

[china mom]

I don't factor in the AP discounts into my decision because the room discounts are limited and, since I usually travel last minute, they are most often not available. I don't factor in the merchandise discount either because I don't buy much.

I base my decision solely on ticket prices and the break even point. Break even is usually around 11 days but I have not done the math since the recent price changes.

 

[Jbennett2015]

Merchandise isn't a big deal for me as we don't buy much at the parks. The big thing would be photopass and hotel discounts. We can't make last minute trips so we will have time to monitor hotel discounts a few months out.

 

[DebbieB]

Looking into getting an annual pass for my wife and I. Here is a little info, looking at going October 30-November 1 then we go for 7 days around marathon weekend. With just ticket prices I'm not sure if the annual pass makes sense but if we do receive any discounts on our resort we for sure come out ahead. Add on 2 memory makers we wouldn't have to buy since it's included in annual pass. I'm pretty sure we will buy AP but just making sure I'm not doing something stupid. Thanks in advance.

For the photopass and hotel discount, you would only need 1 annual pass, the other could buy MYW if it's cheaper.

 

[soniam]

Plus, don't you get free Photopass for the half marathon events?

 

[HopperFan]

If you do stay onsite, hotel discounts can be quite nice and I certainly do factor that into my decision.

 

[loves to dive]

I'm another one who only factors in price of ticket and memory maker if you were planning on buying it. As others have pointed out, you would only need one memory maker so it might not make sense to buy the AP, or to just buy it for one person. I've had mine for about 5 years, go at least twice a year and have used my AP discount on rooms maybe twice. The other times I either get the room for less with the general discount or with booking on Ortiz with the general discount then stacking their discount if offered on top. Room discounts are never a guarantee, merchandise discounts are pretty consistent, food discounts can be hit and miss.

 

[summerlvr]

I just switched my 4 night AKL reservation from the Fun & Sun discount to AP discount and saved about $200.

 

[Jbennett2015]

I just switched my 4 night AKL reservation from the Fun & Sun discount to AP discount and saved about $200.

Wow that's a good savings

 

[summerlvr]

Yes, I was shocked when the CM on the phone told me the difference in price. Made me very happy that I went ahead and got an annual pass!

 

[Jennny]

Yes, I was shocked when the CM on the phone told me the difference in price. Made me very happy that I went ahead and got an annual pass!

Once you get your AP are you able to see the room rate options online or do you have to call to enquire?

 

[Wood Nymph]

Once you get your AP are you able to see the room rate options online or do you have to call to enquire?

You should be able to see the AP discounted rooms once your AP is linked to your MDE account.

 

[Jbennett2015]

You should be able to see the AP discounted rooms once your AP is linked to your MDE account.

That was another question I had. Being I live out of state, does the AP have to be activated before being linked to MDE or can I link it after I purchase it and I receive my magic band?

 

[CMNJ]

That was another question I had. Being I live out of state, does the AP have to be activated before being linked to MDE or can I link it after I purchase it and I receive my magic band?

Unless something has changed you can't order your magic band until the AP has been activated (used once). They only sell AP vouchers (unactivated AP) over the phone/online. They are not activated until you arrive on site and activate them at a Disney Park (or at Disney springs guest services). You can link the pass to MDE in order to make advance FP. You will receive a magic band if you are staying onsite that will be able to be used on the initial trip. Otherwise the AP card they give you when you activate the pass will serve as your ticket for admission and redeeming your advance FP until you can order your magic band.

 

[ddluvsdisney]

Looking into getting an annual pass for my wife and I. Here is a little info, looking at going October 30-November 1 then we go for 7 days around marathon weekend. With just ticket prices I'm not sure if the annual pass makes sense but if we do receive any discounts on our resort we for sure come out ahead. Add on 2 memory makers we wouldn't have to buy since it's included in annual pass. I'm pretty sure we will buy AP but just making sure I'm not doing something stupid. Thanks in advance.

I haven't read all of the replies but I think if you go more than once a year it's worth it. We've had APs for 3 years and it's the best thing we've done.
We have a vacation home off property so the parking is a huge plus for us!!
You might also want to look into TiW. The 20% off dinners has been awesome!

 

[CAS239]

That was another question I had. Being I live out of state, does the AP have to be activated before being linked to MDE or can I link it after I purchase it and I receive my magic band?

You link the AP to your MDE (it's automatically linked if bought through Disney) and you don't have the option to customize your AP magic band until after you're at the park and activate the pass

 

[bumbershoot]

Plus, don't you get free Photopass for the half marathon events?

No.

If you have photopass/memory maker then you can link your pix from the runs to it but you don't get it for free just because you're doing the runs.

You link the AP to your MDE (it's automatically linked if bought through Disney) and you don't have the option to customize your AP magic band until after you're at the park and activate the pass

Some have been able to order the AP band with a purchased, linked, but not activated ap.

 

[CAS239]

Some have been able to order the AP band with a purchased, linked, but not activated ap.

Very small percentage as that's not suppose to happen. Wish it did for me though when we got ours a few weeks ago. Had to wait like usual to customize until passes were activated

 

[HopperFan]

Wow that's a good savings

I'm saving $122 on just a 4 night trip to POP in April. Other trips I have saved MUCH more.

In looking at POR Royal Room in April, I can save $500 over 6 night trip.

That one trip, one hotel savings goes a long way in paying for our AP.

Royal Guest Room - Garden View

Standard Room Rate
Standard Room Rate $325.17

Passholder Kick Off Your Spring Room Offer
Passholder Kick Off Your Spring Room Offer $243.88