AP cost for tickets 2 adults worth it?

[Minniekins]

Okay, wondering about buying an AP. First, can I buy an AP living in any state? I used to think that you had to be a resident of Florida to buy an AP, but from what I read from others here you can live anywhere, is that right? We usually have been going in Nov lately for 9 to 10 days. So last year we went Thu. Nov 7 - Sat. Nov 16. Will go this year Fri Nov 7 - Sun Nov 16. I know there is something about using it in the same yr if the 2nd trip starts within that yr. So, had we bought one last year, would we still be able to the AP tickets this year with the dates listed above?

It would be about 852.00 for two adult APs using a AAA discount I read about in another thread, if I can purchase in Illinois. If Illinois doesn't do this could I buy from an office in another state? Otherwise, a bit more. It would be about 580.00 I think to buy two 10 day hoppers(no waterpark). Meaning about 1160.00 for the two years if purchased seperately vs approximately 852. if I were to use an AP

Just wondering if it is worth it. What other reasons are there for buying an AP for each of us( Me and DD17) that would make the card worth it? And, what if I couldn't go next yr then? I'm just debating, wondering if the example of my dates would work. The next years my funds will be a bit different and I'm not sure we could go for that long then or within that year.

Did any of this make any sense? Anybody have any answers or thoughts for me to consider? Thanks so much!

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

We have APs and we live in TX.
Last summer we bought APs at the beginning of our trip and used them for 9 days in the parks. We went back in December and went to the parks 4 days. We are going again this August and staying for 16 nights before the APs expire so we will get A LOT of use from those passes.

The thing to remember is that the passes will expire one year from the day you use them the FIRST time. So if you enter the park on Nov. 7 then your pass will expire Nov. 7 of next year. Your trip next year would need to be a week earlier.

We used the APs to get a discount on our hotel in December, and we're HOPING to get an AP rate for at least part of the nights in August. For us it is definitely worth it.

 

[goofy4tink]

If you buy APs for your November trip, they will start on Nov 7...the first day you use them. They will then expire on Nov 7 '09. Only you can decide if they are worth it to you or not. My dh uses a 10 day non-expire hopper because he only goes to WDW every other year or so. Same with my 14 y/o dd...she can't miss that much school, so an AP doesn't make sense for her anymore. But I always have one. I go to WDW twice a year, so it makes sense for me to have one.

 

[disneyfan55]

We have had annual passes a number of times. It used to be that if you bought say a 5 day pass today, used the pass but returned within 1 year of when you first used the 5 day you could upgrade to an AP for the difference in cost. That WAS GREAT. We did this quite a few times. It actually made the annual pass and installment payment and if by chance you couldln't come back you didn't pay for the entire pass. Now you cannot do this unless you upgrade within the 14 days of first use. I have found that the AP is worth it if you go into the parks at least 11-12 times. We have also received great discounts on rooms with the pass. The best was the WL for 114 per night in 2003. I haven't seen such great reductions lately but they are there. We are going in 2 weeks, are purchasing an AP and received the AP rate for our hotel. We will be there again in Sept/Oct so it is worth it for us and we could always return prior to the expiration date next May. You also receive discounts in some stores in the village as well as some restaurants. Anyone can purchase the pass the FL benefit is that they receive the pass a little cheaper and they also can purchase a seasonal pass that is even less expensive but doesn't include free parking. AP includes Free Parking if staying out of WDW.

 

[danceintherain]

The only place you can get activated Annual Passes is at Disney World. You can go to a number of locations (Disney Stores etc.) to purchase Annual Pass vouchers, but then you have to activate them once you get there.

Also, for the dates you have listed you would not be able to use the pass for both trips, you would have to schedule the second trip a week earlier...or more(if that works better).

Really you have to decide if it's worth it. I'm planning on getting one for my next trip (in January) because I'm planning a second trip for the summer. I'm doing 10 days in January and I'm not sure how long the summer trip will be, but I only have to go for 4 days for it to be worth it, and the trip will probably be longer than that. Then... I might be able to squeeze in a third trip.

 

[Minniekins]

Aarrghgh! Well, it sounds like the pass would be a great thing to have if we were going to be able to go the second trip within the first yr, but don't that that will happen. I thought it just had to start by one year from the first day. Oh well.

Thanks for all your answers and help!

P.s. A 16 night trip!! how awesome!!