Annual pass / ticket advice ...

[kkleiner]

Hi Folks!

Using some tickets we still have from past years, we have determined that for $95 more, we can get an annual pass with the other tickets we need for our April trip.

We MIGHT go before next April, but aren't sure.

That being the case, would it be a good idea to do this? I know we get free parking, and that is $60 in savings in itself for our 6 days this April.

Are the other discounts you get with the AP (like shopping) a good deal? I know we can also get the DDE card for $60 with the AP.

Also wondering, is Disney the only place I can buy an AP?

Thanks for any info you could send my way.

 

[Skylarr29]

You can save alot of money with the AP if you are staying onsite as they offers discoutns for AP holders so that is beneficial. Also if you are planning on going next April you can just move your trip up one week earlier than this year and use it twice. Also the only way to know the true value of your tickets is when Disney looks at them and figures out what the diiference will be for the AP.You do get a 10% discount on shopping at the World of Disney store in downtown disney and discounts on food etc. even tours. In your case since you are trading in tickets the only place you could buy the AP would be Disney.

 

[jjbescher]

You do get Free Parking with either the regular AP or the Premium AP.

jon

 

[hercamore]

I have gotten free parking with the regular AP.

You can buy an AP (you get the voucher) at a local TDS. However, it has to be a outright purchase, no upgrading with froom old tickets.


herc.

 

[kkleiner]

Thanks for the replies so far.

I won't be upgrading tickets, just my wife using some older ones with newer ones, buying some new ones for the kids and buying an annual pass for me.

Is the consensus that free parking is available with the regular AP?

If we do again next year, it will probably be at a Disney resort (offsite this April) if we have the AP and can get a room discount.

Are the AP room discounts active year round or just in certain windows like general public codes, etc.

Any other thoughts?

Thanks.

 

[jjbescher]

Parking IS included with either level of the AP.

jon

 

[ImagineEar]

Free parking does come with the regular annual pass - I use it all the time.

 

[MelanieC]

I have always got (but never needed since we stay onsite anyway) free parking with a regular AP.

Here is the info off Disney's Website:
Disney's Website
Annual Pass
Includes:
• 365 days of magic in all four Walt Disney World® Theme Parks
• Same day admission to all four Walt Disney World® Theme Parks
• Theme Park parking
• Special Passholder discounts and offers

 

[SnackyStacky]

Room discounts are never guaranteed. I usually try not to factor them into my decision to buy an AP UNLESS there are discounts out for the time frame I want to go.

And as others have said, the parking is free with an annual pass.

 

[rayzke]

When does the use year for the annual pass start? At first use or at time of purchase?

 

[seashoreCM]

The annual pass should start on the date it is printed. If you order one by mail you get a voucher that you turn in at Guest Relations and then the AP is printed.

If you buy the AP at Orlando Airport you get the printed AP that starts right away.

Heads up! Double check the expiration date on the back, sometimes that date is incorrect.

Regular MYW passes used more than 14 days ago have a severely short rated (not prorated) value if traded towards an AP. Pre 2005 passes may not be traded up.

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

 

[kkleiner]

Does this mean that I can get through the ticket turnstile with the voucher and then see guest relations in the park? I.e. how do I get through the ticket turnstiles to get to guest relations?

Thanks.

 

[wdwguide]

Does this mean that I can get through the ticket turnstile with the voucher and then see guest relations in the park? I.e. how do I get through the ticket turnstiles to get to guest relations?

Thanks.

You do that outside the park, at either the ticket booths or guest relations window. If you are not sure where to go, the CMs will direct you.

 

[las3888]

We found that the best surprise of all with our AP was the dining card that we purchased. We save 20% on food and alcohol at most restaurants. It is really a big savings for us. It has well paid for itself many many times over.

I think AP's can be purchased through the outlets described on Mousesavers.com. If you sign up for the mousesavers newsletter they offer a discount off tickets every month in the newsletter that is slightly lower than anything we have seen. Again, I'm not sure if that includes AP's or not, but it might be worth checking out mousesavers to be sure.

We also really love how we can go to the parks for just maybe an hour or 2 in a day and not feel guilty for using a whole park day from our park hoppers.

Also, the AP discounts on resorts are offered at various times of the year. General public codes are almost non-existent, so if you do want to stay in a Disney resort on a code AP is your best bet. Just keep your eyes peeled on mousesavers.com for discounts and hop on them when they come out.

Good luck!

 

[BigKidAtHeart]

Sorry to jump on the thread but I had a similar question/confusion.

I understand that the AP holder has to be present at time of checkin to get an AP Discount on a room. However, the confusion is with making the reservation.

On various sites/boards I've read that as long as you have the voucher for the AP you can book a room with the AP discount, then before check-in stop at the guest relations desk at the resort and get the AP, then check-in.

However, the CM at the local TDS said, no you couldn't do it that way, that they require the AP code number (on the back of the AP) at the time of making the reservation.

Anyone have experience with this to tell me which is correct?

 

[SnackyStacky]

Sorry to jump on the thread but I had a similar question/confusion.

I understand that the AP holder has to be present at time of checkin to get an AP Discount on a room. However, the confusion is with making the reservation.

On various sites/boards I've read that as long as you have the voucher for the AP you can book a room with the AP discount, then before check-in stop at the guest relations desk at the resort and get the AP, then check-in.

However, the CM at the local TDS said, no you couldn't do it that way, that they require the AP code number (on the back of the AP) at the time of making the reservation.

Anyone have experience with this to tell me which is correct?

The Disney Store employee is incorrect. Last year, they introduced the Best Rate program. You had to book 60-90 days in advance, AND provide your voucher or Annual Pass number. They discontinued that this year.

You no longer need the annual pass to book the room.

 

[byoung]

I have booked with my AP a lot. Have never had to give a code number. Only had to show the AP at checkin.

 

[BigKidAtHeart]

Thank you SnakyStacky and BYoung.