AP questions

[Fantasmic303]

Good morning!

We're planning our summer visit to DL and I'm looking at our options for tickets. I'm actually considering getting an AP for our visit, since we'll be at DLR for 8 days and even if we leave to visit other area attractions, we'll still be spending several days in the parks. I'm wondering if anyone could provide guidance as to where I could find details about the AP perks - I'm thinking it could possibly pay for itself, but I don't have numbers to work with. Basically, we're looking at this:

1) If buying a regular pass, I would be getting a 6 day hopper through ARES for $211. If considering an AP, it would likely be the Deluxe with a DVC discount for $309. Now, I know that the DAP has a blackout date on the first full day we're there, but that would be the only day affected - is it possible to purchase a regular pass for use that day and then upgrade to an DAP and pay the difference?

2) We're staying at one of the Disney resorts, which would mean we would be paying to park our rental car. I've searched and seen there is an AP parking add-on for additional cost, but I've read conflicting reports about an AP parking perk - can anyone clarify as to what (if anything) an AP entitles you to in terms of parking?

3) Can someone provide a sample price in terms of hotel room discounts with an AP? I'm wondering if an AP could pay for itself on the discount at the hotel alone.

4) Any additional significant discounts that could impact my decision?

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[skiingfast]

1) If buying a regular pass, I would be getting a 6 day hopper through ARES for $211. If considering an AP, it would likely be the Deluxe with a DVC discount for $309. Now, I know that the DAP has a blackout date on the first full day we're there, but that would be the only day affected - is it possible to purchase a regular pass for use that day and then upgrade to an DAP and pay the difference?

2) We're staying at one of the Disney resorts, which would mean we would be paying to park our rental car. I've searched and seen there is an AP parking add-on for additional cost, but I've read conflicting reports about an AP parking perk - can anyone clarify as to what (if anything) an AP entitles you to in terms of parking?

3) Can someone provide a sample price in terms of hotel room discounts with an AP? I'm wondering if an AP could pay for itself on the discount at the hotel alone.

4) Any additional significant discounts that could impact my decision?

Thanks in advance for your help!

1. I don't quit understand this part. If you buy a 6 day PH then you could use it to get in that day. Then upgrade your PH to an AP that day. Also note if you don't stay in a disney resort it's highly recommended to use the MM a PH comes with before upgrading to the AP.

2. It won't help. AP parking perk is for the park parking not the hotel parking.

3. This varies a lot. You can expect at least a 10% discount or about that much less than a general discount if there is a special running. On some occasions the discounts are much better but it tends to be for off season.

4. Other Discounts are 10% off most food, like at WDW if you are familiar with the TIW cards it doesn't often apply in DTD. A permium AP gets 15% off food.

Also there is a 20% off tours.

Also for shopping, it like wise most applies to the parks and hotels and not DTD is currently, as a promotion not standard perk.



Sometimes the best option is to only have the person who pays for everything be the one who gets an AP.

 

[Disney Dreams]

...

1) If buying a regular pass, I would be getting a 6 day hopper through ARES for $211. If considering an AP, it would likely be the Deluxe with a DVC discount for $309. Now, I know that the DAP has a blackout date on the first full day we're there, but that would be the only day affected - is it possible to purchase a regular pass for use that day and then upgrade to an DAP and pay the difference?

If you buy your first day's ticket at the ticket booth, you could then upgrade to a DAP. You would pay the gate price of the DAP minus the price you paid for the one day ticket. I do not know if you would get your DVC discount on the DAP. Do you have to order that through DVC or can you get it at the gate?

If you went with the 6 day PH from ARES, on the day you decide to upgrade, they will subtract $211 from the cost of the DAP - so essentially you lose the benefit of purchasing through ARES (unless you aren't sure if you want to upgrade).

There are discounts for AP holders. You will want to look at disneyland.com to see those and determine if they will benefit you.

- Dreams

 

[GrandBob]

Yes, you can purchase a PH, use it the first day, and then upgrade to an AP. But I suspect you won't get your DVC discount that way.

But, IIRC, you don't need to do it that way. I believe that the first day you activate your AP, you can use it for admission even on a blockout day! Call to make sure, but I think it's correct. So you can just buy your AP with DVC discount and start using it immediately!

-Bob