AP: I've done the research, but...

[aaylasecura]

I live about 9 hours away from WDW and I'm looking to purchase an annual pass. I've done my research but I'm still left with a lot of questions.

1. Can an AP holder make an online resort reservation including people who aren't AP holders?
2. Can AP holders add the disney dining plan to their online resort reservation or is tables in wonderland their only dining option?
3. From existing passholders, pros and cons of not having to pay for tickets every time?
4. Out of state AP holders, pros and cons of making the investment?
5. And the big question, all AP holders, pros and cons of the transition to magic bands?

I really appreciate any opinions I get!

 

[china mom]

I live about 9 hours away from WDW and I'm looking to purchase an annual pass. I've done my research but I'm still left with a lot of questions.

I live 2 hours by plane, 13 by car and have had annual passes for the past few years

1. Can an AP holder make an online resort reservation including people who aren't AP holders?

Yes, you are allowed to include anyone in your room that you want and just have them get tickets to the park. Also, you can use your Annual Passholder room discount to book other room(s) for others traveling at the same time as you. I can't remember if it is one extra room or two.

2. Can AP holders add the disney dining plan to their online resort reservation or is tables in wonderland their only dining option?

This is the tricky one. You cannot get the packages they offer to non passholder guests but apparently there are certain times you can add dining. I am a new travel agent and had been told that it cannot be done but, while playing with the reservation system, I was able to quote it once. It was not a good deal, though. I think it was something like $1,000 for the week for a family of four

3. From existing passholders, pros and cons of not having to pay for tickets every time?

HUGE pro - you have no excuse to not go all the time. Slight con - you feel obligated to "get your money's worth"

4. Out of state AP holders, pros and cons of making the investment?

I did a whole complicated matrix recently but don't have it handy. But, not including the Annual Passholder room discount and other minor discounts, it is cheaper to get an annual pass than to book two separate two week stays. So, if you plan on going once every year, buy APs and go 11.5 months apart and buy APs every other year. I think my break even point was 12 days in the park but, again, would have to find my notes.

5. And the big question, all AP holders, pros and cons of the transition to magic bands?

We bought one AP voucher and booked a hotel stay with the AP rate. We then changed it to a pass and bought three other passes upon arrival. We were able to get our custom magic bands based on our room reservation and then link our APs to it. Now, we are back and I am able to book 7 days of FP+ in a 60 window regardless of room reservations. No cons

Edited to add: You should still carry your annual passes with you to use as a discount card. There is nothing about the magic band that indicates it is an AP.

 

[vicki_c]

2. AP holders may add a DDP without the purchase of tickets if they are in an AP discounted room or a rack rate room. It's called the pass holder ticketless package.

 

[lhall7]

So I can book 2 rooms with AP discount? We have APs and are traveling with another family who do not. Can I book my room and room for them under their name and they get own reservation number?

 

[dalayney]

What is the annual pass discount rate? This sounds interesting...