AP discount question at the parks

[SunDevilFanAZ]

Am considering getting an AP for out visit in a few months. However I want to make sure I am understsanding the discounts and how they work versus what my friends and family can get with their Disneyland AP.

Are food and merchandise discounts only applicable at WDW at specific locations? At Disneyland there is a blanket minimum discount at all dining locations (counter, service and tables) and shopping. This does not appear to be the same at WDW from what I am reading.

Ultimately this will have huge ramifications on whether I get one as our trip was budgeted with these expected discounts in mind.

Thanks.

 

[TDC Nala]

Far more limited than at Disneyland. Yes, only certain food outlets - no blanket discount on food. There is a 10% merchandise discount at most WDW merchandise sellers though. (And to get the discount you must have the physical pass on you - not just your magic band.)

You may find them even further limited, such as some restaurants allow the discounts only at lunch on weekdays. Yak & Yeti allows an AP discount only on entrees.

You should decide on whether or not to get an AP based on whether it will pay for itself in park admittance - perks or discounts are a secondary consideration at best.

 

[ucfknight]

You can get an overview of all of the available discounts straight from the mouse's mouth:

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

Overview:
Dining discounts are very limited. There is no counter service discount. Table service discounts are quite limited (like only being at certain restaurants in Epcot for lunch only and only Monday through Friday). You do get an opportunity to buy "Tables in Wonderland" for $100 if an annual passholder. That gives you a bigger discount at more table service restaurants.

Merchandise discounts are generally 10% at all Walt Disney World owned locations. Many locations aren't owned by Disney, so look at the details in the link above for restrictions.

 

[SunDevilFanAZ]

Wow that really stinks. Looks like that option is out to save a few bucks.

When I started our budgeting I put in expected AP room discount which has come in much lower than last year. Combine that with the reduced dining and merchandise discounts and it is definitely not worth it.

I appreciate the help.

 

[Dan Murphy]

http://allears.net/pl/apass.htm

 

[CassieF]

Yep, WDW discounts are low compared to DLR. Depending on the length of trip and amount you plan to spend on food and merch a DLR AP might serve someone better, but not WDW