AP lounges?

[The Sybah Shelstah]

I keep seeing this mentioned on many threads but I'm wondering if someone can give me more info on this please?

I have a PAP and had no idea about anything concerning an AP lounge and now I'm kicking myself for not finding out before my last trip. But I do have another trip coming up when I can still use my PAP and so I might want to check these out! So what is the deal with the AP lounges?

Where are they?

If only one member of the family has a PAP- is only THAT member allowed in or the immediate family that is with them that have PHPs?

And most importantly- WHY wasn't I told or this mentioned in the pamphlet that comes with the PAP?
*cry*

 

[kevind65]

as far as I know, the PAP lounges are all now closed. Whether or not they will bring them back again later in the year, I don't know. We only visited the one that was in the land in EPCOT when we went last year. It was really cool; free soda & coffee and the characters would come up there and spend all kinds of time with the kids. It was overlooking the land ride. When we went it was another one of those official policy things at disney: only for passholders, but they would let you bring someone in with one if wanted.

 

[Eljay]

I think the Lounges are a thing of the past. There was a cool one at The Land in Epcot. It was right above the Garden Grille Restaurant. You needed a special elevator code to access it. They had free soft drinks, couches & TVs. Nothing fantastic, but a nice cool, quiet place to rest. I think it ended in Sept. '02. The other one was at AK, not as nice & very noisy. Kids everywhere. The Land lounge was nice, but kind of out of the way. Lots of us emailed to keep the lounges, but it didn't help.

I never tried to bring non-AP holders in, but I understand they were gracious & wouldn't make non-AP family members wait outside.

I'm going Sunday, I'll ask when I'm there about future plans for Lounges.

 

[The Sybah Shelstah]

Well, how could this be a thing of the past? I had just learned about it from reading trip reports on the reports forum that were RECENT and comments were made about enjoying the AK AP lounge.

Now I'm really confused. How did they use the lounge that no longer exists?

Why would Disney stop this? *cry*

 

[Eljay]

I'm not sure, but I'll ask Sunday. If you're desperate to know now, call them & ask!

 

[The Sybah Shelstah]

Would they tell me?
I think it's weird that it's not mentioned ANYWHERE that I have seen so far- except for people talking about it here on this board.

 

[CarolMN]

Originally posted by The Sybah Shelstah
Would they tell me?
I think it's weird that it's not mentioned ANYWHERE that I have seen so far- except for people talking about it here on this board.

Information on the lounges (and other special perks/activities for passholders) is provided in the Mickey Monitor (newsletter for annual/premium annual passholders). The lounges were a special perk for a limited time. As far as I know, they are now closed/no longer available.

The next issue of the MM should be mailed out soon. Some kind soul posts an online version shortly after people report receiving it.


HTH.

 

[The Sybah Shelstah]

Thanks, that does help.
But it doesn't help people that get PAPs when the newsletter doesn't come for what.. months I guess? LOL

What a bummer that they are no longer available. I guess it just stopped recently after the dis members recently got back from their trips?

 

[CarolMN]

Actually, I think the lounges were a special summer-time deal. Since we usually go in December, we missed them, too. Oh well.... always lots of other things to keep one busy at WDW!


Found a link to the current (February, 2003) issue of the MM for you:

February 2003 Mickey Monitor

 

[Eljay]

Honestly, they weren't all that great. I'm more upset about losing the Pass Holder viewing area for Illuminations. That, I miss!

 

[The Sybah Shelstah]

Oh, when did that end?
All the yummy stuff when you have an AP has to end when I finally get one eh? LOL Such is life.

Thanks for the link CarolMN!

 

[Eljay]

I think the AP viewing area ended with the lounges. It was cool, the little island on the lake by Italy. They roped it off & you showed your AP to enter.
They also had an AP viewing area for the parade in AK. I think that's gone too.
It's kind of disappointing to have these perks & then have them taken away.

 

[Pig Pen]

AP lounges closed at the end of September. We were there the final week and the CM told us they were closing.

We were also told by the same CM that we could flash our APs and watch Illuminations in the private area at Italy. So we strolled over there, flashed our AP and were told that perk had ended.

However, they were letting people into the viewing area...maybe it had been reserved for a private VIP party or something?

We enjoyed the Land lounge. It was cool and quiet. Big glass windows overlooked the Land ride (although people riding could not see us). We took some pictures and felt very pampered.

I would certainly love to see more of this type of thing at WDW for AP holders.

 

[mad4themouse]

I think that those special viewing areas have now become a perk of the "Dream Makers" packages that you can purchase along with your stay at a WDW resort.

The Dream Maker's Silver Package includes the following options:
Preferred Viewing locations for each of the following:

• Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park
• Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks at the Magic Kingdom Park
• IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth at Epcot

Looks like they borrowed from Peter to pay Paul.

 

[bobcat]

Although isn't the dream makers package only available with LOS passes? Doesn't help those frequent visitors.

The lounge at the land was a great retreat in the middle of the day. Hopefully it will return this summer.

 

[Eljay]

I was at Epcot yesterday & asked at Guest Relations about AP Lounges or Viewing Areas. Currently none.

 

[karenfm]

Thanks for checking !

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

It's kind of disappointing to have these perks & then have them taken away.

It's even more disappointing to have the perks discontinued before I even had a chance to take advantage of them! *whine cry pout*
LOL