AP Questions?

[Sydnie]

We are going to Disneyland this December and are planning to go again in September of 2012.

It obviously makes sense to buy and AP since we will be going there twice within 12 months. My questions are

1. Do APs ever go on sale, and if so...
2. Are they valid for a year from the date of purchase, or a year from their first use?

Thanks so much

 

[sonnyjane]

1) No, they don't go on sale.
2) They are valid one year from the first day you use them in the park, not the day you order them.

 

[Disney Dreams]

... and in case you did not know, since you are CA resident (as I am guessing from your DIS info), you are eligible to pay for your APs via a monthly payment plan instead of in one lump sum. There are no interest fees or additional charges to do so.

- Dreams

 

[Sydnie]

Two more questions

I want to buy APs and I hear I get a discount on Disney hotels if I am an AP holder. If I get an AP now and use it to get a discounted hotel room does that activate it or does it literally not activate until the first time you walk through the turnstiles?

Also ordering online doesn't seem to give me an option to buy a child's AP. My son just turned 3 and when I enter his information it still shows the full priced AP. Is it the same cost for a 3 year old as an adult?

Thanks again for the help

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

Two more questions

I want to buy APs and I hear I get a discount on Disney hotels if I am an AP holder. If I get an AP now and use it to get a discounted hotel room does that activate it or does it literally not activate until the first time you walk through the turnstiles?

Also ordering online doesn't seem to give me an option to buy a child's AP. My son just turned 3 and when I enter his information it still shows the full priced AP. Is it the same cost for a 3 year old as an adult?

Thanks again for the help

It doesn't activate until you actually walk through the gates. You can reserve a room at an AP rate before you actually have one in hand (though you will need it at check in).

Disneyland doesn't have child APs.

As far as discounts: the CA teachers union has APs and tickets at a discount.

 

[Disney Dreams]

Two more questions

I want to buy APs and I hear I get a discount on Disney hotels if I am an AP holder. If I get an AP now and use it to get a discounted hotel room does that activate it or does it literally not activate until the first time you walk through the turnstiles?

Also ordering online doesn't seem to give me an option to buy a child's AP. My son just turned 3 and when I enter his information it still shows the full priced AP. Is it the same cost for a 3 year old as an adult?

Thanks again for the help

Okay, second question first: Yes, APs are the same price regardless of age.

As for the hotel: You can book the AP rate for the hotel. You will need to show your AP upon check-in. So... go to the Park first, get your AP (and activate it), then check-in. Then go have fun and enjoy your new AP!

- Dreams

ETA: LOL 3Minnies1Mickey must have posted just as I started to write a reply. Didn't mean to basically repeat.

 

[Hwyprincess]

Check out the dates you will be going and see if it would save you some money to go with one of the lower ap's with blackout days. And yes you can pay monthly now for all CA residents not just SoCal like last year. I have NEVER seen a discount on AP's except the renewal $20 off. Even Cast members discount is only $20 off.

 

[Sydnie]

Anyone have any idea how much you save on the hotels if you are an AP holder?

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

Anyone have any idea how much you save on the hotels if you are an AP holder?

It depends. They release special AP pricing a couple of months ahead of time at the most. Most non-AP discounts through Disney are just as good unless you re only wanting to stay one or 2 nights, since many public hotel discounts are for 3 nights or more.