AP and ticket strategy advice needed.

[holcomb-mania]

We just joined DVC and are planning trips in Dec '06, June '07, and Dec '07. The players: me, wife, 11yoD, 9yoS. We've never been to IOA/UO. We meant to in January after our Wonder cruise, but family health problems forced us to cut our trip short. Now, no FOTL, but what are you gonna do?

My wife isn't a coaster/simulator person, so I'm just going to get her a regular ticket in Dec '06. She may not even go to IOA/UO with us the next two trips. Here's what I'm thinking: a Pfd AP for me, and Power Passes for the kids. They can't use the discounts, and there isn't a reason to pay for them to have the Pfd's. We won't be going during the black-out periods (using the '06 info as a guide) as long as they don't move them into earlier June. I can justify the extra $60 for the Pfd for me thru the discounts on merchandise and food. We'll hit that easily.

Is this strategy sound? When should I buy the APs? TIA.

 

[disneyfreakk]

You can buy your APs anytime. They will send you vouchers that will be good up until you go get your pictures made, and then your actual APs will be good for a year ( and I think 1 day, not 100% sure tho. )

 

[holcomb-mania]

Pictures? They put your picture on the APs?!?!? <puts down ice cream>

 

[Future Guy]

I heard that new annual passes will no longer have pictures. Universal is using a WDW paper like pass and using a biometric finger scan.

Does anyone have more information?

 

[phamton]

Soon Future Guy--soon.

 

[disneyfreakk]

Pictures? They put your picture on the APs?!?!? <puts down ice cream>

Oh yes, they such great pictures too! I think they hire the DMV rejects!

 

[phamton]

There's a rule of thumb: If you ever start to look like your AP picture then it is time for another vacation.

 

[freediverdude]

You mean Universal doesn't even use the biometrics yet, and still has a laminated pass with a picture?? Even Busch Gardens uses a hand scan with a paper pass now.