AP how does this work?

[RKB]

I am thinking about a trip to DL in 2005 - so just starting to research. We want to stay onsite. I have seen some posts stating that often an AP will save you enough money on resort rooms that it is worth purchasing. Now here is my question - do you have to be a CA resident to get an AP? If not is it more expensive for out of state people? Are there different levels - if so what level would I need? Also - will it actually save me money at the Disney Resorts....?! Thanks in advance for your replies!

 

[Disneyland_emily]

Okay as it is late I'll do my best to answer your questions correctly

Anywhoot there are currently 4 levels of APs available 2 of which non Californians can buy- From the bottom are the So Cal Select (I think thats the name) and the So Cal pass which are for locals only that have more blackout dates than non it seems like but for the price... Then comes the Deluxe which is about 180ish and the Premium which is 279. As for whether its worth it it really depends when you are going. If you are going off season then yes you'll usually find some good AP rates (I think right now you can get the Grand for 159 weekdays) If you will be traveling during the peak season then youll prob never find anything more than the 10% of Rack. Only one person in the group has to have an AP so not the whole group

All APs are elegiable for the hotel discounts and all APs have varing degrees of other discounts and blackout days (Prem has none) I know with my PAP I get 10% off purchases over 10 dollars (ie whenever I buy anything...) and 10% of some restaraunts (I know Rancheo and Plaza Inn but not Bengal or Tomorrowland Terrace (What *EVER* its called now)) etc

As an out of stater I keep my PAP for one reason is that I dont have to plan my vacation over blackout dates and jsut school and work... With the Deluxe it would be harder- Until the price hike I "paid off" my AP with my 5 day July vacation now it takes about 8 park days to make it equal to park hoppers.

-em

 

[RKB]

Thanks so much for the helpful reply - does it matter if you have the premium or the deluxe if you are wanting to use it to get good rates during off season at the GC? I want to make sure I make the correct purchase....

 

[iceskatejen]

So far as I know hotel room discounts are the same regardless of what kind of AP is purchased. Deluxe APs sometimes have Saturday/holiday blackouts, though (Disneyland.com would have blackout date info). If you plan on eating a lot or purchasing a lot of souvenirs, the Premium discount might more than pay for the price difference. You get 10% off $10 or more merchendise purchases and 10% on $10 or more of food in many (but not all) counter service places and 15% off in-park sit-down restaurants. You also get 10% at the hotel restaurants. I have a PAP and though I have yet to use it on a hotel discount (because I live close enough for day trips) it's really paid for itself in discounts on food and merch. and I don't have to even wonder if it's a blackout day or not when the urge to go to DL strikes.

 

[Disneyland_emily]

Nope it doesnt matter which AP you have for the discounts. I would check to see if and how many blackout dates you have for your vacation ( I believe they go through most of 05) If you have 0-1 a Deluxe would prob still be worth it but if its 2 or more then a PAP may be more cost effective (a Blackout ticket is 30)

-em