AP-does it pay for itself?

[Wibess]

We are going to WDW the second week of Feb (8-15). I have done a great deal of reading about the AP. What I cannot find out is the estimated percentage you would save on a deluxe resort by purchasing an AP. I know I need to book soon, so I have got to make a decision. We have 2 sons and are looking at a 1 bedroom villa or WL deluxe room.
Also interested in hearing from someone about the AP dining plan? Does it really save you enough?

Thanks!!!

 

[ebyers]

We are going to WDW the second week of Feb (8-15). I have done a great deal of reading about the AP. What I cannot find out is the estimated percentage you would save on a deluxe resort by purchasing an AP. I know I need to book soon, so I have got to make a decision. We have 2 sons and are looking at a 1 bedroom villa or WL deluxe room.
Also interested in hearing from someone about the AP dining plan? Does it really save you enough?

Thanks!!!

The saving per night is about $75.00. But, how often do you plan on visiting the parks? AP are best used for people who go often to the parks, not for discounts on rooms!!! If you have read this forum lately you will see the BRP is, for at least now, the best way to go for dates that far out.

 

[tjmouse]

First, you have to compare ticket prices. AP's really only break even at 11 days in the park. However, you can buy one adult AP and still use it for the resort discount and the Disney Dining Experience. You can compare the price of a 7 day MYW ticket and the AP, I am thinking it's around $100 difference if you are getting the hopper option, but look it up because I am not sure of the exact amount.


WL Villa - Studio - 7 nights - Best Rate - $1756.16
WL - 7 nights - courtyard (deluxe not available at this time) Best Rate - $1483.02

WL Villa - Studio - 7 nights - RACK - $2302.58
WL - 7 nights - Standard courtyard - RACK - $2029.30

So, with the Villa, you would save $436.42. That would make up for the extra money you spend on the AP.

The DDE gives you 20% off table service restaurants, drinks included. It paid for itself in our 4-day trip, so now our 10 day trip is all savings. It costs $50.

 

[tjmouse]

The saving per night is about $75.00. But, how often do you plan on visiting the parks? AP are best used for people who go often to the parks, not for discounts on rooms!!! If you have read this forum lately you will see the BRP is, for at least now, the best way to go for dates that far out.

ebyers is correct, however since the Best Rate program is already out through your dates, you can actually see what the discount is before you decide. In the past, no one knew for sure if there were going to be good enough discounts to justify the purchase of the AP. I still think with a villa you are coming out ahead. It's not that much savings, but it's something. And if you think you might go back before your AP expires, you'll definately be ahead.

 

[Skroops]

You probably already know this, but if you rent points from a DVC owner, the price is usually lower than what you'll get with an AP discount, at least during the week. Check out the DVC board for more info.
Good luck!

 

[Wibess]

Thank you! I thought the best rate plan was for AP holders, not for the general public.

 

[Tissa]

Thank you! I thought the best rate plan was for AP holders, not for the general public.

The best rate program is for AP holders only. You can ask if a ap holder could check for you.

 

[tjmouse]

Sorry if I confused you. Best Rate is only for AP holders, that's how I was able to check rates for you. If you buy an AP (you only need one adult AP to get the discount) then you can use the Best Rate Program.

 

[plutospup]

Hmmm...depends on how you look at it. Certainly the resort discounts are a big savings. However, when we get an AP it's like it's burning a hole in our pocket and we have to plan a 2nd or 3rd trip within the year! We certainly enjoy going on vacation, but without an AP we could save a lot of money by not doing the "oh we HAVE TO GO AGAIN because we have AP's" trips.