AP question...

[tchrrx]

I would like to go ahead & purchase my APs for this year. Would someone confirm that they will be good a year from the date that I first use them, rather than one year from now? I just want it confirmed yet again before I spend $1000. Thanks!

(BTW- Do you usually purchase from the DVC website?)

 

[DVC Grammy]

They are good for a year from activation date. I've either ordered them through MS (phone), in which case I was mailed vouchers, or I've gotten them at the entrance gate to the park (usually IG). I've never ordered them on the website.

 

[tiggerrr]

I would like to go ahead & purchase my APs for this year. Would someone confirm that they will be good a year from the date that I first use them, rather than one year from now? I just want it confirmed yet again before I spend $1000. Thanks!

(BTW- Do you usually purchase from the DVC website?)

Yes. Technically, they are valid for a year from the date you exchange the voucher (which is what you will receive if you order them today) for the actual actviated pass at one of the parks. I have used the DVC website to order ours with no problem. I chose to have the vouchers sent to me, instead of having them wait at Will Call.

I don't know how it works if you do Will Call. I assume that you would receive the actual activated pass, not a voucher which you would then have to exchange.

 

[tjkraz]

(BTW- Do you usually purchase from the DVC website?)

I don't.

Whether you have the voucher from a web purchase or are buying the passes for the first time, you need to wait in exactly the same line at WDW. You must go to Guest Relations at one of the parks (or DTD) to either buy the pass or to activate the voucher.

IMO, the only two reasons I can think of to buy the vouchers in advance are:

1. You want to get the Disney Dining Experience card. You can't order the DDE card without an active AP or voucher in-hand.

2. If you're convinced prices will go up before you arrive to purchase on-site. Prices just went up this past August, so I think we're safe for 6 mos or so. Websites like this normally have news of price increases a few days beforehand.

I guess I third semi-valid reason would be not wanting to carry that much cash around WDW. That's easily solved by purchasing with a credit card and paying off the bill later.

In lieu of the two reasons above, buying in advance just gives Disney use of your money weeks or months before you really need to. If you have the cash set-aside, put it in a money market account for a few months and you may earn enough interest to pay for a meal or a t-shirt on your trip.

The voucher also gives you one more thing to potentially forget / lose when departing for your trip.

 

[tchrrx]

Wow! Lots of good points to think about. For some reason I thought WDW usually increased prices around January each year. If it won't be for awhile though, I may just wait.

BTW- DH will be thrilled! He was trying to convince me that he needed new golf clubs first.

 

[DebbieB]

I bought my voucher through the website right before the price went up earlier this year (August?). The voucher came in the mail. I activated it on Sunday 10/14/07 at the Epcot entrance ticket window. It is good until 10/14/08.