AP Question

[BabyFu18]

So I've been thinking more and more about an AP and I need some help because I'm pretty sure I don't understand much about AP's even though I've been reading all the threads (and getting more confused!).

First off, can I book a room/package with an AP discount even if I don't have an AP in hand? The reason why I would not be able to have the pass in hand is because we are military and I would want to buy my AP from SOG because it is cheaper than buying it from disney directly. Now I would of course go to SOG upon my arrival at WDW and buy the AP then go to my hotel to check-in (so by check-in I would have the AP in hand). In my mind this seems like it'd work out fine, but I'm not sure if that's allowed or if disney will book an AP rate for someone who has the intent (promise) to buy a pass but not a pass in hand.

Confused yet? I hope not.

Also can you combine AP rates with the Free Dining promos? Or is it one or the other?

If anyone is military maybe they can answer this, but can you buy Disney Annual Passes at the post travel agency? Because if that is possible I would do that instead of buying the passes at SOG. Last time I tried to deal with the post travel agency they seemed very confused as to what I was wanting to do, so I'm guessing you cannot buy disney passes there anymore (like you used to be able to do).

If anyone could give me any guidance I would greatly appreciate it.

Thank you so much!

 

[cobbler]

As far as I am aware there are no discounts for Annual passes unless you are DVC members. SOG may give out regular pass discounts but not annual passes.

As for your question yes you can book a room only with an AP discount IF one is available and not have it in hand yet. You will be asked to show your AP upon check in.

But I am 99% sure there are no discounts for AP's through SOG, so you would be paying the same price no matter where you bought it.

You can't combine AP rates with any other offer, no free dining or anything. In fact AP is room only discount, therefore you could not even add the dining plan.

 

[cgainer]

I can answer one of your questions - yes, it is okay to book an AP discounted room without an AP in hand. Their policy is that you must have the AP at check-in time. Last time we did this, they didn't even ask for my AP when I checked in. A few years ago, they DID ask to see my AP.

I do not believe that you could combine an AP with a free dining promo. I think you have to buy tickets to the parks to get the free dining promo which would not make sense since you already have an annual pass. You don't want to double dip on the park tickets. Check in to the Disney Dining Experience card if you are planning on buying an AP. It cost us $60 last year and it paid for itself in one meal at Victoria and Alberts.

 

[BabyFu18]

The reason I said I could buy the AP at SOG is because on the SOG website they give a discounted price (or atleast I think it's a discounted price at $426 for an adult AP) with your military ID. They say that is offered to SOG guest and disney resort guests with a valid military ID.

I will check on the regular AP price, I just figured the one SOG has on their website was the military discounted one. If not, then I'll just purchase my AP straighout and that'll be fine.

I'm just glad I can book a room without having the pass in hand. I guess you can only do that over the phone right not online?

Thanks guys for the info, I'll look into the DDE card too.

 

[mom1in99]

The reason I said I could buy the AP at SOG is because on the SOG website they give a discounted price (or atleast I think it's a discounted price at $426 for an adult AP) with your military ID. They say that is offered to SOG guest and disney resort guests with a valid military ID.

I will check on the regular AP price, I just figured the one SOG has on their website was the military discounted one. If not, then I'll just purchase my AP straighout and that'll be fine.

I'm just glad I can book a room without having the pass in hand. I guess you can only do that over the phone right not online?

Thanks guys for the info, I'll look into the DDE card too.

The regular price of an adult AP is $462.21 with tax. I never heard of any other discounts other than renewal or DVC. You cannot do packages of any sort with the AP discount codes. However, people have gotten creative. If you book a package (just remember the refund policy on packages is much different than room onlys) for example during the free dining, you can upgrade your magic your way tickets to AP's (if you haven't already purchased them) However, during that time you are paying rack room rates. So it is only beneficial if you plan on returning and want to use a discount room only code then.

We have the DDE card for our AP's this year. It is $65 and is good for about 13 months. We ordered it in April and it will expire 5/31/08. We needed it for our first trip on these passes which was May 20. We don't eat a lot and the kids were not with us that trip and we saved $55, so it has almost paid for itself. The kids will be with us in August and we plan 1-2 more visits before the passes expire next May. It's well worth the $65 if you stick to the places where they honor the discount.