Annual Pass

[lynzi2004]

DH and I are thinking about getting annual passes, with the plan to do 2 years worth of trips off of them. We also can occasionally get super cheap flights so we might be able to do a weekend or two with them as well.

1. If we buy now or sometime before Christmas, they don't actually become active until we first use them, right? I'm just thinking we would like to purchase before the annual price increase around February, but probably wouldn't plan our first trip until around March or April when we usually go.

2. Are plan is to schedule a trip the following year, right before they expire, but if we decide to just renew immediately, what type of discounts are offered? Is it a decent percentage?

3. How soon do AP room discounts become available vs. to the general public? Are AP discounts any better than the average room offer discount available?

I would also love to hear others experience with buying APs even if you don't live especially close. Was it worth it, was it not? I realize that we will likely spend more in the long run by doing this, but if our vacation time is going to be spent as Disney either way, it would be nice to have some of the extra perks. We are a fan of short trips as we are self-employed and can't always take long stretches of time off. The way Disney does pricing, short trips aren't always really economical with their tickets.

Thanks!

 

[Shmily1]

DH and I are thinking about getting annual passes, with the plan to do 2 years worth of trips off of them. We also can occasionally get super cheap flights so we might be able to do a weekend or two with them as well.

1. If we buy now or sometime before Christmas, they don't actually become active until we first use them, right? I'm just thinking we would like to purchase before the annual price increase around February, but probably wouldn't plan our first trip until around March or April when we usually go.

2. Are plan is to schedule a trip the following year, right before they expire, but if we decide to just renew immediately, what type of discounts are offered? Is it a decent percentage?

3. How soon do AP room discounts become available vs. to the general public? Are AP discounts any better than the average room offer discount available?

I would also love to hear others experience with buying APs even if you don't live especially close. Was it worth it, was it not? I realize that we will likely spend more in the long run by doing this, but if our vacation time is going to be spent as Disney either way, it would be nice to have some of the extra perks. We are a fan of short trips as we are self-employed and can't always take long stretches of time off. The way Disney does pricing, short trips aren't always really economical with their tickets.

Thanks!

1. You are correct. The date starts when you activate it at the parks.
2. It's a decent discount. Right now, the Platinum pass is renewing for $662
3. It varies. I've always found the AP discount to be better.

I live in GA and have an AP. We go for several short trips and several longer ones. We got ours in November and have been 5 times on them so far this year. I'm working on a couple more before they expire in December though. We have had APs several years and we love having them.

 

[manning]

Did I read wrong? Thought read somewhere that the AP has to now be activated within a year of purchase.