Annual Passes - Should we get them?

[nderh2o]

My family and I are planning our first trip to WDW since buying DVC. We will be goinf 1/15-1/21/08 and staying at BWV.
We will be going again for a wee to 9 days in June 2008. It looks as if the AP is the way to go if we are planning 2 trips in a year.
Am I correct? Does this really make the best money-sense if we plan on getting theme park tix for both trips?
Thanks.

 

[Checkers]

I would definitely go for the AP. Don't forget that as a DVC member you get that discount! If you decide to purchase the AP, you will also be eligible to get the Disney Dining Experience card which is a very good deal (imho), especially if you are not going with the DP.

DH & I love the flexibility of having an AP -- parkhopping and sometimes just taking impromptu trips to WDW! Good luck with your decision.

 

[OKW Lover]

I'd think the AP (especially with the DVC discount) is your best bet. Keep in mind that if you can also plan a trip in early January 2009, you could get 3 trips on one AP.

 

[I'mNoPrince]

WWe started and are getting APs every other year.

This way we will get at least 8 days late June and 8 days Early June on them . Any other smaler trips (2 last years) will just be that much better.

With the DVC discount it comes out to about 12 days hopping and 13 if you get the PAPs compaired to hopping with the waterparks and more.

 

[flyerron]

AP's are the best for your situation. The break even point is 11 days iI think.
The members discounted price is $370 The max for regular tkts is 10 days & is $270 then your 11th day is $117. I think I have that right. We are comparing the Park Hopper prices.

 

[disneybride96]

I like the flexiblity to know that I am not burning a day just to go to Epcot for dinner. It makes our trip much more relaxed.

 

[Safari Queen]

Our APs definitely make us more relaxed about where we go and when. It's so affordable with the discount and we never have to think about how many days we have left.

 

[Mike©]

My family and I are planning our first trip to WDW since buying DVC. We will be goinf 1/15-1/21/08 and staying at BWV.
We will be going again for a wee to 9 days in June 2008. It looks as if the AP is the way to go if we are planning 2 trips in a year.
Am I correct? Does this really make the best money-sense if we plan on getting theme park tix for both trips?
Thanks.

Simple! If your going to be at WDW for more than 8 days in any one year, the APs will be cheaper.

 

[roselark]

I have another question about APs. If I buy and AP to use in 2008, and I do not renew in 2009, can I get the renewal rate for my 2010 renewal, or would it be considered a new pass and be at the higher rate?

I am planning ALL the costs of my future DVC ownership...I like to be prepared.

 

[Mike©]

I have another question about APs. If I buy and AP to use in 2008, and I do not renew in 2009, can I get the renewal rate for my 2010 renewal, or would it be considered a new pass and be at the higher rate?

I am planning ALL the costs of my future DVC ownership...I like to be prepared.

The renewal rate only applies if the AP is renewed before expiration.

 

[speakupjc]

A new pass at a higher rate. In order to qualify for the renewal rate your AP will be activated the day after your old AP expires.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I concur with the AP suggestions. We never renew our passes, because with the distance we live from WDW, it is just more economical to buy a new discounted pass after one runs out than to renew and lose the time.

 

[goofypooh]

So, is the AP just like the Park Hopper? You can use it at all the parks?

 

[OKW Lover]

So, is the AP just like the Park Hopper? You can use it at all the parks?

That's right - any park and you can hop.

 

[Lesley]

Yes, the AP acts like a park hopper. There is also the Premium AP that also allows you to visit the water parks, etc... as well as the 4 major parks.

I don't think the 8 day figure is accurate any longer, at least for non-DVC pass purchasers. I've noticed that the prices for the AP's have steadily increased over the past 5 years. Right now the DVC discount price for a regular AP is close to the full price from 2002. Its something you want to watch out for and just do a quick comparison of prices at the time you are purchasing.

We have been using annual passes for 2 or more trips in a calendar year, then letting them expire...then getting another set for our next round of trips, usually anywhere from 12-18 months later. We're taking a long break right now. Our record so far is 32 days in the parks over the course of a year. We have 15 days planned for the passes we'll be getting in October 2008... and my dh also has to work in Maitland occasionally so we may fit in a couple more days.

I will give one warning though....when you have annual passes you tend to fall victim to the "hey, let's go to Disney" bug. You'll see a good room rate somewhere for a weekend you're available (or a really low airfare deal, for those who fly) and its hard to not just whip out the credit card for another quick trip! After all, the major expense of going to Disney- tickets - just isn't a problem!

 

[Anal Annie]

If you already have 2 weeks planned you'd definitely be ahead to go with the AP's!

We're also new DVC members and I am a spreadsheet fanatic! I calculated so many different ways for us this yr. before deciding to buy an PAP. We knew DS (now 10 so adult price) would want to go to the water parks and he also wanted to go to Disney Quest - expensive options on their own so that's why we did the PAP. We just went in Aug. for 7 n. and are planning 3 more n. next July pre-cruise - so when I caluclated buying tickets for this summer + what NEXT years tickets would cost us (just park hoppers, no water parks) it still worked out to be more expensive in the long run than if we bought the PAP. Of course, purchasing tickets for this yr. and then next yr. would've spread out the expense a little... We also used the AP discount to buy the Disney Dining Experience card - we ALMOST broke even on that over this trip - will recoup the rest on our other 2 trips 'cuz now that we're back, we've decided we'd be nuts if we don't try to squeeze another trip with our AP's - so we just booked a quick trip in January over MLK for 4 n.! I see the logic of letting it expire and then just getting a new one the following year - unless you really are able to plan multiple trips per year.

(PS) Where in Maryland are you? We're in Montgomery Co. and there's no school on 1/21 or 1/22

 

[OKW Lover]

I will give one warning though....when you have annual passes you tend to fall victim to the "hey, let's go to Disney" bug. You'll see a good room rate somewhere for a weekend you're available (or a really low airfare deal, for those who fly) and its hard to not just whip out the credit card for another quick trip! After all, the major expense of going to Disney- tickets - just isn't a problem!

Got to agree with this. And if you're a DVC member and have the extra points it almost becomes a "free" vacation.

 

[Mickey'n'Me]

What is the Disney Dining Experience card? Is it different than the Disney Dining plan? We are looking into getting annual passes also and was just wondering what this Dining card is and if it is something we should consider.

 

[dianeschlicht]

What is the Disney Dining Experience card? Is it different than the Disney Dining plan? We are looking into getting annual passes also and was just wondering what this Dining card is and if it is something we should consider.

We have used both, and sometimes at the same time. The DDE card gives a 20% discount at many WDW restaurants. We have been using the DDP most trips this year, but use the DDE card to supplement things that aren't covered on the DDP, or for that "extra" signature meal. Next year, when the DDP no longer covers the tip, we will just use the DDE card and forget about the dining plan. THe DDE card costs $65, but is easily recouped in one meal if you do a signature restaurant with 4 people. Also, DDE covers drinks while DDP doesn't.

 

[2tink4u]

The DDE card does this apply a 20% discount to all signature restaurants? What about Victoria and Alberts. Is it hit or miss and you get a list??