Annual Pass-Should we or not? Help!

[need_a_Disney_fix]

Okay, this is the scoop for the following year. DH and I will be venturing to Orlando at least three times during the course of the year. This gives us a once in a lifetime chance for annual passes.

Trip 1 - company paid trip to Orlando in April staying at Caribe Royale Resort with plenty of chances to head to the parks.

Trip 2 - Family trip to WDW Pop Century for Thanksgiving 2006 week.

Trip 3 - DH and I are cruising on the DCL Magic next February, 2007 with possible stay at WDW before the cruise.

As you can see we could make use of an annual pass this year. I ran the numbers several different ways and it appears it would pay off. It also opens up a chance for possible further resort discounts.

What have been your experiences with annual passes. Any devil's advocates out there?

 

[airtime]

We love them! In fact, they're the only tix we buy for WDW anymore. We have an annual vacation in Orlando every January, and every other year we buy APs. We just book our vacation one week earlier in the year that we don't buy the APs, and that way we get two vacations for the price of one and a half. Also, we try to book an additional mid-year trip during that time as well.

Since APs give you complete flexibility on park visits, you're happy to visit as little or as much as you like. The one drawback is that when we do a WDW vacation, that's what it is. We don't do USF or SWO or anything else of that sort. Considering how great WDW is, we consider that a small loss.

Also, if you're big on Disney dining, you may want to get the DDE. It might save you a TON on those expenses. Just make sure to time everything right so that it stays in force for all the times you will be at WDW.


Tim, who loves APs!

 

[chrome64]

The only negative that I have found to owning an annual pass is that it is very addicting! We have the complete freedom to go when ever we want. I just got back from a business trip in Orlando and now DH and DD are itching to go back so, I called a booked a short trip for a few days weekend after next! We have gotten our money's worth so now every time we get to go it's just gravy! I honestly don't know if I can live without an AP next year, I'm so spoiled to the discounts and freedom of going all day or just for a few hours if that is what we want to do! So far during the last 6 months I have been to the parks 29 days!!! I will break 40 before 12 months is up!

So, my opinion is that as long as you know that you are going to get your money's worth out of them then go for it!! You won't regret it!

 

[ajleone]

Once we started using AP's we haven't stopped. They are great for so many reasons. But for me the best thing is I feel I can relax more when at WDW- I used to feel like I was waisting a day by not going all day every day- now we truly enjoy our stay. Also the room discounts are Incredible.

 

[disneyaggie]

This is the first year I have ever bought and Annual Pass and have already noticed a difference! I don't have to "count" how many days I will be at WDW so I don't run over and have to buy another pass (more money). I now can take some short trips to just "get away" for a few days and not have to once again, count the days that I used on my 5 or 10 day park passes. I also have heard that the AP discounts are great -- looking forward to taking advantage of that! And I also heard that you get a discount on next year's tickets. Whee!

 

[missymagic]

I just bought my first AP and after figuring out 2 trips I will be saving over $150!! I am so excited. Addiction yes I see that my first mistake was buying into DDVC and becoming a freak on how to save enough points to go as many times as possible!!!!!! I LOVE IT!!

 

[helenm29]

Well...there are 5 of us going and we've dicided on Premium passes so that we can get into everything unlimited amounts of time and get decent parking too. We priced out Disneyworld hoppers that include all water parks, MGM, DW and Epcott and it came out to $6500.00! for season passes it comes out to around $2750.00 so you see the savings AND it's a good excuse for going back a second time which makes it worth while to get one. It's TOTALLY up to your budget though...I'd rather have more money to spen on other fun things.

 

[Karnak]

I use my annual pass for two December visits each year. The first during the second week of the month, and the second visit during the first week of December. In addition, I visit the parks while staying at WDW for a couple of spring training baseball games, so I actually use the annual pass three times.

The following Dec. I will again buy an annual pass, visit the parks during the second week of December, and the whole sequence starts all over.

Works for me.

Enjoy.

 

[TDC Nala]

I have had a premium annual pass for five years. I visit often, so I need one.

Last year, between the discount for DVC members and my use of Disney Visa reward dollars, my out of pocket expenditure for premium annual pass renewal was $146, so there's not much chance I will stop getting them. If PI goes under I won't need a premium anymore.

The AP pays itself off if you use it enough days out of one full year to offset the price of hopper passes. You can also get good room discounts if they're offered and buy a DDE card, which will save you 20% off all your food and drink purchases in most Disney restaurants and lounges, except on major holidays.

If you're going to spend enough days at WDW in the parks, definitely get them. Keep in mind, though, that if you decide to book extra trips just to use the AP it might not save you much money in the long run... but it'll be fun.

 

[DizznyChick]

annual passes are addicting
my family thinks im nuts
i always have a trip in the planning stages and i tell them
well the park tickets are free and the room discount is so great i cant resist
that was my argument for the jan trip $109 at AKL
i ended up not going but it was still a great rate
and forget it if i get a DING