AP questions and confusion

[SnowWhite33]

I have a few ?'s about the AP's and maybe you all knowing dis'ers can help me convince DH that AP is the way to go and maybe get me an extra trip in.

We are planning a trip 11/26-12/2/06. We have booked the Poly,gv, with 7 day PHs and the dining plan for myself, DH, and ds 11. Total cost is close to $3,700.

If we get the APs, I'm figuring ticket cost of around $1350 and what we could possibly save on the room, I'm thinking we could do the trip for an estimated $2800 room and tickets. That's a $900.00 savings, but no food plan and therein lies the problem. DH is a huge fan of the food plan. I've explained the DDE card and those savings and he's not impressed . I've tried explaining that 3 people do not need to eat $900.00 in food over 6 days-he's still not convinced. I think the APs are completely worth it and I think that having them would afford us an extra small trip to Disney. I mean if all of the stars, planets, AP rates, and dings are aligned properly, maybe I can get there sooner than November !!

OK, the ?'s:

Am I close to being right on my estimations?
I've read some people saying that they use their AP, purchase a 1 night base ticket at the resort, and get the dining plan. Are they getting an AP rate when they do this?
How would you convince him?

 

[DisneyGeek2000]

1) Only 1 of you needs to get the AP, the others should get 10 day or so non-expiring tickets, unless you think you will be spending more than 14 days in the parks, then each of you getting an AP may be worth it. You only need 1 to get the AP discount.

2) "I've read some people saying that they use their AP, purchase a 1 night base ticket at the resort, and get the dining plan. Are they getting an AP rate when they do this?" - no, no AP rate with this - they are doing this so they can get the dining plan only.

3) Do either of you drink alcohol with your meals? The dining plan does not cover alcoholic drinks, it makes it difficult to pay for them. The DDE covers alcohol.

4) 3 of you for 6 nights are going to pay $37.99 x 3 adults x 6 nights = $683.82 - and that won't cover all meals - only 1 table service, 1 counter service and 1 snack per nights stay - how will you pay for the other meals? With the DDE, you can pay for almost all meals and get the 20% discount.

Michael

 

[vbarry]

I agree.... we used the DDE card last trip and we saved a lot!!! Especially when you have drinks at dinner.

 

[labratinaz]

What does DDE mean? Cant find it on the abbreviation page.

thanks

 

[DLBDS]

DDE is Disney's Dining Experience. It'll save you 20% on the total cost of meals at select WDW restaurants. As an AP holder you can get 10-20% off lunch at select WDW restaurants. You must have an AP (Annual Pass) or be a FL resident to get the DDE membership. The cost is $60. More details in the link below.

http://www.allearsnet.com/din/dde.htm

I think it's totally worth it and I'm going to get it for my trip in Nov/Dec. I already have my AP voucher. You can save a TON of money on resorts with an AP membership! AP info. is below.

http://www.allearsnet.com/pl/apass.htm

 

[DLBDS]

I forgot to add.......When I say you save 20% off your total meal, I mean the TOTAL MEAL. Including alcoholic beverages!!! How cool is that?!

 

[Amyrlin]

If your husband likes good food, then the DDE will give you a lot more freedom, you can use it at V&A which isnnot on the dinong plan, and many of the 2 credit resturants will become a lot more affordable.