Annual Passes worth it in our case?

[amymgould]

I purchased 6 day park hoppers from Boardwalk Ticketing for our upcoming trip the week before Easter. We have decided we are likely going again next year at Easter. Since Easter is earlier next year, we would technically be doing 2 trips within one year.

First - Am I even able to upgrade our tickets we purchased already to Annual Passes? If so, I am looking at about $3800. I paid $1818 for our tickets this year. If we were to get the same price next year, it would be less than an annual pass. However, we could then go as often as we want, have the memory maker (we buy that every year) and other discounts. I'm just trying to determine if it's even worth it since it seems as if we'd break even, unless ticket prices really increase for next year.

Any thoughts, suggestions, things I'm not thinking of?

TIA!

 

[CarolMN]

Be sure you are looking at the DVC price for the Platinum passes. (I can't easily tell from your post and am too lazy to figure it out, lol). Gold pass is blocked out for the week before Easter and the week after Easter.

 

[Chuck S]

Looking at the website, it looks like you paid $500+ per ticket for a 6 day hopper. making it $1000+ for two 6 day hoppers for both trips. A platinum DVC pass is $749 plus tax. Purchasing annual passes should save you about $300 per person over both trips.

 

[amymgould]

Be sure you are looking at the DVC price for the Platinum passes. (I can't easily tell from your post and am too lazy to figure it out, lol). Gold pass is blocked out for the week before Easter and the week after Easter.

I’m resale DVC - I thought I don’t get the discount?

 

[amymgould]

Looking at the website, it looks like you paid $500+ per ticket for a 6 day hopper. making it $1000+ for two 6 day hoppers for both trips. A platinum DVC pass is $749 plus tax. Purchasing annual passes should save you about $300 per person over both trips.

Even for resale owners?

 

[CarolMN]

I’m resale DVC - I thought I don’t get the discount?

You might. Depends on when you bought your points. You would get the discount (and other Membership Extras) if you bought before 4/4 2016. If not, then you would not be eligible for any of the discounted passes available to DVC members.

 

[Chuck S]

If you paid more than $500 for your 6 day hopper, and will do so again next year (and prices may increase before then) even at $894 + tax for a platinum, it may be worth it, but it will be close.

 

[CarolMN]

Annual pass comes with Memory Maker. If price is close, that might tip the decision towards the annual ( for at least one of you).

 

[amymgould]

You might. Depends on when you bought your points. You would get the discount (and other Membership Extras) if you bought before 4/4 2016. If not, then you would not be eligible for any of the discounted passes available to DVC members.

unfortunately we were after that date.

 

[amymgould]

Annual pass comes with Memory Maker. If price is close, that might tip the decision towards the annual ( for at least one of you).

What would be the benefit to getting an annual pass for just one of us? The memory maker itself?

 

[crvetter]

What would be the benefit to getting an annual pass for just one of us? The memory maker itself?

With an AP yes you get the memory maker, but don't forget the dining/shopping discounts as well.

 

[siren0119]

What would be the benefit to getting an annual pass for just one of us? The memory maker itself?

Memory maker, and any AP discounts (room, merchandise, dining), plus free parking at the parks if you drive down.

 

[amymgould]

With an AP yes you get the memory maker, but don't forget the dining/shopping discounts as well.

Thank you! Is there a list of the restaurants where there would be a dining discount somewhere?

 

[crvetter]

Thank you! Is there a list of the restaurants where there would be a dining discount somewhere?

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/passholder-program/passholder-benefits-and-discounts/

 

[James Romano]

If you plan on going twice in any calendar year, its always worth it IMO.

 

[sleepydog25]

Like most others, I think two trips in one year would likely spin us toward the APs if for no other reason than once you have them, there's no need to worry over yet again purchasing tickets. Further, with SWGE opening, I'm firmly of the opinion there will be two more price increases before next Easter. You do get dining and shopping discounts which are nice (though if you spend enough on food, the TIW also might work for you). Parking at the parks isn't an issue since you'll be staying in a Disney resort, and resort parking is also free since you'll be staying on points (I assume). It's a tough call, and we ran the numbers for our particular situation (I'm also retired military) a few months ago. We opted to go for the Platinum to avoid blackout dates even though it cost a little more for the APs than our usual tickets. Doing so left us worry free for our most recent trip and the one we're planning in December. Plus, we've been known to spontaneously zip down to the World when we can't take the cold in southwest VA any longer. If we do that, then again we are covered. Sometimes, extra cost is worth it for satisfaction's sake. I'm reminded of advice a good friend of mine once shared. He had been a car salesman before joining the AF, and he told me the least happiest customers he ever had were those who compromised their car purchase just to save a few dollars. The happiest? Those who paid a little extra but got what they wanted.

 

[amymgould]

Like most others, I think two trips in one year would likely spin us toward the APs if for no other reason than once you have them, there's no need to worry over yet again purchasing tickets. Further, with SWGE opening, I'm firmly of the opinion there will be two more price increases before next Easter. You do get dining and shopping discounts which are nice (though if you spend enough on food, the TIW also might work for you). Parking at the parks isn't an issue since you'll be staying in a Disney resort, and resort parking is also free since you'll be staying on points (I assume). It's a tough call, and we ran the numbers for our particular situation (I'm also retired military) a few months ago. We opted to go for the Platinum to avoid blackout dates even though it cost a little more for the APs than our usual tickets. Doing so left us worry free for our most recent trip and the one we're planning in December. Plus, we've been known to spontaneously zip down to the World when we can't take the cold in southwest VA any longer. If we do that, then again we are covered. Sometimes, extra cost is worth it for satisfaction's sake. I'm reminded of advice a good friend of mine once shared. He had been a car salesman before joining the AF, and he told me the least happiest customers he ever had were those who compromised their car purchase just to save a few dollars. The happiest? Those who paid a little extra but got what they wanted.

Thank you for this! You make some great points. I’ve got 25 days to make a decision

 

[jbh275]

Plus, with an AP, you might get a wild hair and run down for a long 3 day weekend. You never now when a $99 round trip flight might pop up.

 

[starry_solo]

With the AP, the photos last longer than Memory Maker

 

[Matty B13]

With the AP, the photos last longer than Memory Maker

I think you only have 45 days after your visit to download your photos when you use Memory Maker. AP gives you access for the length of your AP.