Annual Pass vs. something else ??

[chaznabby]

Here's what I'm planning on doing:

Disney World February 5-11, 2006. I've chose to stay at POP. I'm thinking about getting 10 day/park hopper/no expiration tickets. I'll use 5 days in February and 5 days for an October 2006 trip. I really would like the dining option. I have AAA and just applied for the Disney Visa card which should be approved. Traveling will be myself, wife, 4 year old, and 1 year old.

Here are my questions:

Would an Annual Pass be a better deal for me and allow me to do what I listed above?
If an Annual Pass is not the best thing for me, should I just book a package through AAA with the criteria in mind listed above?
Will it be the better deal to purchase everything separate - tickets through Ticketmania, rooms through AAA? If I do it separate, can I add dining to my room only reservations with AAA?

Thanks for the advice!

 

[A Mickeyfan]

You need to figure out the price difference in the AP or AAA deals. As far as a package, it is usually less expensive if you don't do the packages. You can get an AP then you will be able to get the Disney Dining Card for $50 & that will save you 20% off most sit down resturants & some food courts. The AP can also (at least as of now but you need to book 60 days out with a non-refundable deposit) get you a lower room rate... sit & do your figures. I don't know what the 10 day hoppers go for... but if you intend on coming back within the year, the AP ususally works out better....

 

[helenk]

If you buy the AP pass you will not be able to book a package, you can book a room only.
Before tax, the cost of the AP is 395.00 the cost of 10 day park hopper with no expiration is 332.00..pretty close in price, but you would get a discount on your room.
You need to decide if the meal plan is the way to go, or to book a room only trip and maybe get the DDE card to get a 20% discount on most of your meals.
As far as going through AAA, if you want a plan with dining, my understanding is that you have to book your package through AAA. You can call CRO and book a room with the AAA discount, but the package must be done through AAA.