AP or not in this scenario?

[pens4821]

I am very early planning for next year. Thinking of AP vs not. Going in January for sure. 6 day hoppers on site stay. Have always wanted to see Christmas so then was thinking of 3 day hoppers for mid December plus MVMCP and Jollywood.

December would most likely be offsite to save a little. So the parking for 5 park days and discounts for dining/shopping/parties would help get that number closer. Plus with AP we could go to a park before our party that evening if we wanted.

What’s your thoughts on AP vs not on this situation?

I have some other questions too. If I buy this year before the prices go up (maybe September ish), how long would I have to activate? Do I have to be at Disney to active? Can I activate others pass that isn’t there yet if we are linked? Three of us will be there three days before someone from our party in January. I could do some park touring then, but don’t want to risk not getting a reservation for a park later in the week (you can only hold 5 at once, correct?) and being split up.

Sorry for all the questions. If you don’t want to answer them all I don’t blame you. Just trying to get a good idea of all the possible scenarios.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Run the math, remember to include tax. If you wouldn't ordinarily buy a park ticket for the day don't include it. Don't include party discounts, you're talking like $5-$10 if your dates qualify and if it's offered. Include only what TS dining you would normally do recall the discount is on food not drinks. If you're not big on TS the dining discount is not going to help much. If the TS discount will have you buying more TS, this will actually be a negative budget wise. Only you know what your souvenier budget looks like, I don't include it because sometimes I buy merch, sometimes I don't because I don't like it. Then, look at the ticket cost and the AP cost. If the AP costs more ask yourself if that amount is worth the days of access you aren't willing to buy a ticket for.

You have one year to activate it, this happens in person when you enter your first park using the AP.

Park reservations are nbd. If you don't get the park you want, book another, tap in and then park hop where you want to go.

 

[scrappinginontario]

I'd be surprised if an AP would be worth it but run the numbers as suggested above. AP's for non-residents are A LOT of money. They're better suited for frequent, shorter trips rather than one or 2 longer trips.

 

[Shellyred8]

Another thing to think about is that when you have the AP, you can also get the AP discount on Room Rates if there are any available. So, that could play into your decision too.

One of the issues we run into when we have an AP is that we usually end up taking more trips because the park days are "free". Who cares if we have to pay to fly down there and rent a hotel room! The park days are free! LOL!!!

 

[gottalovepluto]

Another thing to think about is that when you have the AP, you can also get the AP discount on Room Rates if there are any available. So, that could play into your decision too.

One of the issues we run into when we have an AP is that we usually end up taking more trips because the park days are "free". Who cares if we have to pay to fly down there and rent a hotel room! The park days are free! LOL!!!

YES to you take more trips, definitely guilty of that!

However, I would not calculate room discounts into the math. Just like general discounts there can be no availability for what you want at the AP rate even when it's available at rack.