Annual Passes vs. MYW Tickets? Help!

[labdogs42]

We're going back to Disney in May with my dad and staying off-site. I know we will go back again within one year for another week. I'm trying to figure out what kind of tickets I should buy for this trip in May and the other trip at a yet to be determined time in 2007-2008. I know AP holders can get the DDE card and get free parking (good deals for my May trip), but I can't get the dining plan with an AP, which would be a bummer for my other trip (I plan on staying on site for that one). I also have two partially used tickets from a trip a few years ago. I think they have two days each on them for a total of four days (but I don't know for sure, they may only have one day each). I'd like to use those tickets up sometime, maybe on one of these trips? I've also heard great things about AP discounts on rooms, but I've also heard that those are less frequently offered now and package discounts can be greater. AAAGH -- so many variables!!



So, any advice on what kind of tickets I should get? Should we get two AP's? One AP and a 10 day MYW non-expiring ticket? No AP's? Some other combination? Suggestions, please!!

 

[labdogs42]

Any suggestions?

 

[erikthewise]

How many days total?
If you are going to be in the parks more than 10 days total, my generic advice is to buy APs. If not, a 10-day nonexpiring is probably what you want.

On the other hand, you say you are definitely going back but don't say when -- doesn't sound definite to me. My other generic advice is not to buy tickets for future trips unless you have definite, concrete plans, that don't involve a second decision maker. There are always posts about how people's relatives screwed up their plans by changing their mind.

As for all the variables you mention, no one can possibly help you with all of that. You will have to decide based on your parameters.

If it's a close call, or if you're still in doubt, I say go with the APs. There are some nice perks, and you just feel cooler putting an AP in the slot.

 

[robinb]

How many days on each trip?

This might help:
http://www.allearsnet.com/pl/breakeven.php

FWIW, I have APs and I have purchased the dining plan twice. I simply buy a one-day pass that I upgrade to an AP on my next trip.

 

[seashoreCM]

Can't help you with what tickets to buy next (need to crystallize and cast in stone your plans first) but one thing for sure: Don't use up the old ticket remains until a vacation with three or fewer days or until a vacation you can do wholly with old ticket remains.

 

[Bete]

One of your old tickets probably can be used to exchange and upgrade to an AP. You might be able to take the second ticket and get a 10 day new pass with it as an exchange and upgrade, too.

You only need one AP to get all the perks you mentioned. If your dates are flexible to a degree, you can probably count on a discount for your room with the AP. Your savings on a room can make up for the dining plan option.

I like the dining plan (especially the free plan time), but if I knew I was taking two trips there I certainly could skip it to take advantage of the AP. Also, the dining plan to me restricts you more if you want to take advantage of the best of the best Disney has to offer for it. What I mean here is you need more advance reservations and you need to plan your day around meals. In addition, we would never order dessert, but on the plan we do. In some ways I feel the plan hurts you on eating healthier. I can't skip it if it's part of the plan, but I certainly can skip dessert if I'm paying out of pocket.