AP first-timer needs help!

[IndyWDWfan]

DH and I are hoping to make a trip in November with DD-3 and DS-2. We are considering AP for the first time, with the intention of going a few weeks earlier in 2003. We need some experienced AP holders to help us make our decision:

1) How far in advance do the resort AP rates come out? 1month, 6 months????

2) I've read about the Ocala Visits Center. Do they sell APs there? ( hoping to wait til the last minute on APs so we don't waist days for next Oct/Nov and maybe get a room deal in the process!!!) If not, where in The World do we go?

3) If we join DC, will we get a discounted AP when we get to Florida or only if we "order" them?

Your knowledge would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!!

 

[drusba]

AP rates have come out anywhere from 20 days to 11 months but most common is 2 to 3 months before. You do not need to have the AP to make the ressie; you just need to have one when you check in (even if you don't then, most will let you check in as long as you bring back the AP that day after you get it). You actually cannot buy the AP itself anywhere but at the parks or Guest Services at Downtown Disney. What you can get in advance (by calling CRO or from some Disney Stores, but not by going to Ocala) is a voucher to get your AP (which itself can be used to check in). You then exchange that voucher at the parks or DD for the actual AP. You can use your DC discount when buying the AP at WDW or when getting the voucher in advance.

 

[christianweecare]

Just wanted to note that DH & I did purchase the actual AP (not a voucher) at the Ocala Visitor Center last December!

 

[DebbieB]

If you buy a voucher in advance for a new AP, the year doesn't start until you exchange it for the actual pass.

I've heard that the Orlando Airport Disney Store sells actual passes too.

 

[joyful1nh]

We did the same thing you are doing for the first time this year -- bought our AP's with the plan of going back two weeks earlier in 2003.

WARNING -- the AP is as addictive as these boards! We are now planning a Dec trip, a Feb 2003 trip & I'm drooling over the low airfares in May -- long weekend maybe?

We loved the freedom the AP gave us -- no worries about "wasting" an ex*****ve hopper day on a two hour park visit because DD was grumpy -- no worries about hand stamps when park hopping -- discounts on resort lunches.

 

[Ricola]

I recommend the AP also; I agree it can be addictive, but we've really enjoyed the relaxed park touring we do when we don't feel like we just gotta get our fifty+ bucks worth out of the park every day; sometimes we just go for an hour or two in the morning and go off and do something for the rest of the day. Hard to do if you just blew a day on your hopper for those coupla hours.

A bit of perspective on the AP discounts; the past year has been exceptionally good when it comes to AP discounts; some were even available during previously "untouchable" periods like Christmas. I wouldn't recommend anyone go out and buy an AP just because they think they might get a great discount. Try to get the discount first, then get the pass, or get the pass if you know you're going to use it at least 8 days before it expires! (and if you're anything like us, you'll use it WAY more than 8 days )

 

[SamSam]

Just wanted to second Ricola's advice on not getting an AP pass just to get room discounts. The discounts are terrific when they happen, but the AP itself is a great deal if you plan on being at WDW at least 7-8 days during the year.
If you can be a little flexible in the time of year you travel then you are likely to be able to take advantage of some AP hotel discounts.

 

[IndyWDWfan]

Thanks for all the information and insights! We've always enjoyed the fall, but maybe the AP will give me a reason to try May....

I'm already addicted and I haven't even got my AP yet!!!