AP Question(s)

[mickeyfan1]

OK experts, I am planning on 15 to 18 days in Orlando in Auguest. For Drum Corps Int'l Finals and WDW. What is the crossover point for AP vs multi day park hoppers? And will I actually save enough on the resort cost at that time of year to make it worth buying? I do plan to go 2 other times in 2003, but I already have unused 4 day hoppers (2) that I would use for those (maybe). For August, it will be me, one sister, 2 nephews (10 and 12) for the 2 weeks, and possibly my DS 25 for the first week. And I may stay the extra days just to relax after all that. I will only buy one AP, and everyone else will get PH Plus or something. Oh, is there a Disney Club discount on AP? My DC is good till 12/31/2003.

Who would have thought that going to WDW could be so much of a panning headache? The more I go, the more ways of saving money, resort hopping, etc come my way.

So what's the best advice? And I am thinking of the first week in All Stars (2 rooms), second at CB or POR (2 rooms), and then the solo splurge at GF or Poly Concierge - if there are AP rates for those times, etc.

Oh, another question - I think I read something about A/Ps and timinging. if I was to order one in January, it would run Jan to Jan, even if I don't activate it until March or August? So I should wait to order it until right befor the trip that I need it for????

 

[Luv2Roam]

I figured the cost out once, and have read it, and doesn't recall the exact numbers. But I think basically if you are at the parks for 7 - 8 days, then you start saving money by buying AP's.
That is VERY debatable thouigh. Once you have those AP's, you keep on going back when you normally wouldn't! You get AP room rates (usually, not guaranteed) and you think well -- the parks are paid for! So back you go....
Currently, the AP's should be good for 366 days from ACTIVATION, not purchase.
We purchased AP's December 2001 through the DS. We activated them the first part of January, a month later.
We recently renewed the AP's, which take effect a year to the day when our others expires. We did save some $ for renewing. For now, the renewal rate is slightly less than the initial AP purchase.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Aren't DCI finals in Orlando at the Citrus Bowl? Are you staying at WDW and going to DCI finals? We don't know our way around too well, but assumed that WDW wasn't too convenient to the Citrus Bowl, otherwise maybe we'd go. Are we wrong? I hope so!

 

[mickeyfan1]

Yes, they are at the citrus bowl, but we plan to be there for the entire week of semis and finals, and then another week at least, and with the 2 younger boys it will probably be easier to be "homed" on property. That way, if they get bored, they can go back to the pool or into the parks. I had thought I would rent a house for 2 weeks, but I am still in that comparing rates stage. I am not 100% familiar with the area, but I figure that I can get a map and find my way. Besides, how far can it be, maybe 30 miles one way? I think that's not too far. WDW is south west of Orlando proper, and I don't remember where the Citrus Bowl is, but it's too much to pass up, DCI Finals and WDW, together again!!

Ah, trip planning.......

 

[GoldenOldie]

http://wdwig.com/breakeven.htm should help you

 

[Pinnie]

Kewl, Kewl, Kewl!!!

Someone ELSE is also going to be there for DCI FINALS!!!! We are going to start out at Vero Beach early in the week, and then we are staying at OKW in a 2 bedroom for Finals!!!! Our dear friend bought us finals tickets for Christmas and we are going down with a substantial group!!!

Finals have been at the citrus bowl before, and the ride isn't too bad and staying at Disney is a real treat.....parks during the day, corps later in the evening! Life is good!!!!

We have bought APs the last few yrs, and don't regret it. We usually go down 3-4 times a year, so it is more economical for us to buy the APs. Besides, there are discounts available with those passes, too!

I do know that some of the corps will be performing at EPCOT during the week! I will also be attending the corp show in Toledo, Ohio and Murfressboro, TN before finals!

GO CADETS!!!!

pin
remember the magic
DVC/BCVs 2002

 

[mickeyfan1]

More DCI Fans!!!!!!!!!!!!Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have never been in person, DS has seen Drums Over the Rockies, twice, we have been to SE Finals in Ga once. This will be too fun. I have an ulterior motive, my nephew (12) has played Trumpet and is now on French Horn, I want to keep him interested and maybe he will be in a corps one day.

Still gotta plan a lot, 2 weeks may be cheaper in an exec house...but this will be a great time, no matter where I stay.

 

[Pinnie]

Mickeyfan.

I hope your nephew gets the opportunity to play with the Corp. What one would he lean toward? My oldest DS had a friend who aged out of the Madison Scouts and the youngest DS as a college roommate that marches with the Cavs. Our best friend is a rabid SCV fan...we got him the SVC Hockey Jersey for Christmas!

I just got done watching our local PBS station and the finals from '02 from Madison were on. If you looked close, you could find me in the audience.

What a Christmas! The WDW parade in the morning and DCI later on the day on TV. It doesn't get any better than this!!!

We booked at OKW as soon as we found out finals were coming to Orlando. Now I am waiting for the 7 month window to book at Vero Beach. I think we will be down at WDW for about 12 days total in Aug...so an AP is the only way for us to go. In addition, we are already booked at the BCVs over Easter week, so we get a lot of mileage out the those APs.

Have you decided on an AP yet? There may be some room discounts available around that time, so be on the lookout.

pin
remember the magic
DVC/BCVs 2002
GO CADETS!

 

[tjmw2727]

For a stay of over 8 days a regular AP starts to save you money, if you need options the savings starts at 9 or 10 days. We always do the regular AP and pay for any options separate. Learned this lesson after many stays with UPH's and unused plus options.

I will now have to seriously consider an August trip as I wasn't aware that DCI finals were so close this year. Anyone remember 27th Lancers - ok now I am dating myself. Haven't been to a show since the finals were here in MA 1994 I think.

We usually don't rent a car as I travel alone with my 2 young girls and WDW tranpsortation makes more sense. I will have to check around to see the logistics of getting from WDW to the show. Ok I can dream can't I??

TJ

 

[mickeyfan1]

It's not the number of days that I was really asking about, it's the hotel rates. I know that an A/p is a good value for the admission price, especially since I don't use the add ons (water parks, PI) and I have only once had an UPH. But as that is high season, I really wonder if historically, there are "good" A/P room rates.

ANy A/P holders have 2002 August rates?

 

[tjmw2727]

Hi
Sorry I misunderstood your questions. You really can't tell what, if any AP rates will come out for August. You can book a room at the AP rate even if you don't have one at the time of booking. Just be sure and have the AP when you check in to qualify for the rate you booked or the CM will revert your booking back to rack rate. If you have a good cancellation policy - I would go ahead and make the best deal you can now to be sure you get what you need. If AP rates come out for your dates and you can get one (they go fast) then change to the rate and buy the AP.

HTH
TJ

 

[mickeyfan1]

I will probably go ahead and book through DU, plan on getting the A/P, then they will continue checking the rates for me. (I hope!). I think I will start a new thread on the Orlando attractions board and see how many of us will be at DCI, maybe will we have to do a DISDCI Meet????