AP discounts, worth it??

[wright1baby]

o-kay...I know I am not the only person who has thought of this so I am sorry if I am repeating another thread.
We are currently doing the 7 day base MYW package 6/10-6/17 @ POR
ME, DH, DS9, DS7, DD5. The total package is roughly $2090 (i am not revealing any secret here, anyone can get on disney site)
I guess the question I have here is this...If one member of our party springs for the AP are the discounts enough to actually come out saving money.
AP is $395
1 adult 7day MYW $199
we are currently paying $165 a night at POR.
Any help would be appreciated...

 

[Colinsmom]

Depends. You really need to call WDW and see if they have any AP discounts available when you will be there; if not (or if only at hotels you don't want), then it isn't worth it. The AP rates seem to be in limited supply these days.

 

[Took]

Try looking at www.mousesavers.com--she has a "comparison" chart that puts an AP discounted vacation up against a MYW package vacation. She notes where purchasing an AP could save you money and when it might not. Certainly, the deal-breaker really is if WDW has AP discounted rooms during your vacation. THe AP discount is being offered but only for a limited number of rooms, so WDW may have some left for your dates and may not. If they do, the same room you're paying $165 for could cost $109/night (w/o tax). That kind of savings does add up...

Took

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Don't forget that your AP would automatically be a park hopper. To add the PH option to the base tickets would be $35 each.

In addition to the room discounts, there are many other benefits (about 2/3 of the way down the page at the link). And the ability of buying the DDE card also.

The only down side to holding an AP is when they are in your drawer at home they tend to scream "Use Me" very loudly.

 

[weluvpluto]

Here's the link to mousesaver's comparison:
http://www.mousesavers.com/packagevsap.html

But I'd wait to buy an AP until you actually have the discounted room booked if that's the main reason you're buying it.

 

[wright1baby]

You guys are amazing!! thank you so much....but alas...one more question still lingers. (for now) With a ressie that is PAID, can I still cancel and try to reserve a room at POR? (and not loose any of the $$ I am so dearly trying to save)

 

[wright1baby]

bump...any one know?? btw I have done the math and I stand to save around $200 just on the room, not counting any other discounts or savings with the DDE card.

 

[MemoryMakers2669]

You guys are amazing!! thank you so much....but alas...one more question still lingers. (for now) With a ressie that is PAID, can I still cancel and try to reserve a room at POR? (and not loose any of the $$ I am so dearly trying to save)

Yes, you still have time to cancel this I am pretty sure. Call them, ask for a AP ressie, and see if they have it. IF they do, reserve it, THEN cancel the other one. If you are going to save $50 a night, times 7, that is almost twice what you will spend on your base ticket vs. the AP.

 

[weluvpluto]

If you booked a package, you have to call to cancel before you're 45 days out, so as not to have a penalty. I would call ASAP to see if you can get the AP rate for your dates in June, but like the other poster said - don't cancel your old ressie until you've booked the new one!

 

[wright1baby]

on the phone as I type...I'll let you know!

 

[dizcrazy]

I just wanted to say Good Luck and Pixie Dust!

I hope getting an AP will save you money!

Although, as Cheshire Figment pointed out, "The only down side to holding an AP is when they are in your drawer at home they tend to scream "Use Me" very loudly."

Truer words were never spoken. Having APs made us take three vacations instead of just one. Not that I am complaining!!!!

 

[wright1baby]

well, I had an amazing CM that took some time and did a very thorough job. She informed me that all the AP rates were gone for POR, but next time she would do the same thing and check before I bought the AP. She was very nice and encouraging about our wonderful choice of a resort. She did say the only resort that still had AP dsicounts was Coronado, but it will only accom. 4. Anyway, thanks all you DISERS, I feel much better just checking and knowing that I am not missing any potential savings.

BTW I also checked for Fantasmic openings...antoher GREAT CM!
she again was very encouraging and told me not to "freak out" if there wasn't any because they will open up more.

 

[amshowers]

I think the Ap is the way to go. I bought an Ap for my daughter and saved 100.00 a night at AKL. She will be returning to WDW (MIL is planning a trip)before her AP runs out so it was well worth it for us. I think it depends where you want to stay if you want to stay Value MYW probably would work better.

 

[cocowum]

We think it's worth it. We purchased AP's and we will use them for this trip and next years trip. As well as room discounts and DDE.

The only down side to holding an AP is when they are in your drawer at home they tend to scream "Use Me" very loudly.

LOL. That is so true!! Now I'm planning a side trip for DH's b-day (Dec) and trying to convince him to plan one for mine (Sept)

 

[grodgers49]

AP has sure worked for us. We saved well over $200. last year and will be able to use the AP again in July. No regrets.

 

[speedyf]

You have one more option....

Call Disney back and ask if there is a AAA discount available on your package.

AAA discount is usually 15% off on your room rate....no discount on the tickets. Instead of paying $165 per night, you would pay $140 per night and basically save about $175 over 7 days.

You can then join your local AAA club for usually $40 or $50 and come out about $125+ ahead just for making a phone call (could be used for a character meal...lol).

It works just like the AP discount in that you don't have to be a member of AAA to book the discount...but, you must have a valid AAA membership at check-in.

Also...you will have the benefits of being a AAA member for other discounts within that year including hotel rooms, road-side towing, etc.....

Speed

 

[Gymbomom]

Also, call back ever so often and ask them to check on AP discounts again. Sometimes plans change and people cancel their reservation.

 

[itrek]

The best reason for getting an AP is so you can get your better half to agree to a second trip within a year before your pass expires! "But honey we have to go again. Look how much we'll be saving by not having to buy tickets."

 

[Miss Kelly]

I just switched our reservation last week (and we leave in a couple days!) to the AP rate and saved 311.90!! My travel agent was even able to get a water view room at POR at such a late notice.