Any tips or advice for a new AP holder?

[TwincessInspirations]

Hi! I was an active member of the Disboards before I had my twins 6 years ago. We had to limit the amount of trips we took once we had our twins. We are getting the SoCal AP for our family of 5 this year and I have already checked school calendars against the available dates so it should work out pretty well. We are in San Diego, so not too far for a day trip. I would love to know if any one has any tips or advice that you think would be helpful. I am not sure if we should purchase our e-tickets online tonight or if it's better to go to the ticket booth tomorrow as we want to go to Disneyland tomorrow to celebrate our twin's birthdays. I am expecting it to be crowded, but not too worried about it. Thanks for your time and Happy Holidays!

 

[CassieF]

It will be very crowded (it was crazy today!) and ticket lines are long, so go with patience. If you do purchase online I'm pretty sure you can get in the parks with your printed voucher so if you wanted to take advantage of slightly lower crowds if you will get there first thing you could do that. Either way, doing it online should save you time since you should just be getting the card at the ticket window instead of the entire process.

As for the parks, you are pretty local so relax, enjoy the parks, go slow and take it all in because you always have another trip to see everything!

 

[tarheelalum]

The SoCal AP have been discontinued unless you already have one but the SoCal Select AP is still available.

 

[theluckyrabbit]

Yes, your choices now would be the SoCal Select or (if it fits your dates better) the Deluxe AP.

 

[TheDoleWhipper]

Yes, do buy them online before you go, as it will save you lots of time since you do not have to wait in the line to buy them. Get there as early as humanly possible to take advantage of lower crowds, get as much rides done as possible in the first couple hours, then relax and enjoy the christmas atmosphere all around the resort. If you need a break from the crowds, visit downtown disney or spend some time at the resort hotels for a change. Or you can visit some attractions or shows that hardly ever build up long lines, such as tom sawyers island, tarzans treehouse, great moments with mr. lincoln, mickey and the magical map, etc. And try and stay until park closing to maximize time, as the crowds die down a bit around closing. It will be a fun-filled, rewarding day. You won't get everything done, but since you are now an AP holder, you have the luxury of returning any day (non blockout) without having to pay full price admission.

 

[goldmay]

Yes, your choices now would be the SoCal Select or (if it fits your dates better) the Deluxe AP.

I recommend the deluxe or premium if you're planning on visiting a lot during the summer. I had the select pass for a bit but upgraded when I realized it blocked out most of June and all of July.

 

[juliamollymama]

Buy online tonight and get there early. Beyond that just relax and know that you will be back. You will be back more than you think too! I live in San Diego and my car has magically made it's way to DL for dinner and a couple rides on may occasions. Once you have bene there a few times and do not feel like you are rushed anymore, take time to think about the rides you have never done, the little things you have overlooked and actively seek them out. It makes every trip unique, fun and memorable! Have fun tomorrow!