AP questions

[mikewdw]

planning on buying first AP so a few nuts & bolts kind of questions
1. what is best way to purchase, read something about upgrading on last day of trip to AP, how to do & advantage of it
2. how are wristbands & FP+ handled
3. how often are rooms discounts for AP issued & how much are they usually
4. other discounts
5. is spur of moment trip now just get room & go?\
anything else I need to know
2 adults, 3 kids (11, 9, 9)
been numerous times
thanks
mikewdw

 

[Robo]

planning on buying first AP so a few nuts & bolts kind of questions
1. what is best way to purchase, read something about upgrading on last day of trip to AP, how to do & advantage of it
2. how are wristbands & FP+ handled
3. how often are rooms discounts for AP issued & how much are they usually
4. other discounts
5. is spur of moment trip now just get room & go?\
anything else I need to know

1a. No need to wait until the last day of a trip.
In fact, the sooner in a trip that you update to AP, the sooner
you can get the AP benefits.
2. Just like regular tickets.
3. Various times during non-holiday (and other less busy) times.
4. HERE is a link to the extra benefits you get with an AP.
5. It certainly can be. You'll also want to make FP+ reservations.


1b. There is a way to buy AP's for Disney World and still get a "discount."
It's easy, but requires a few "steps" to accomplish.

Here's the deal:

First, find the absolute best deal you can on a multi-day MYW ticket from a reputable WDW ticket discounter.

You will want to choose a ticket to buy from the discounter that offers the most savings, but only on a ticket that costs
(at the WDW gate) LESS than an AP.

-----------------------------------------------------
Here are some popular, reliable links for info and/or tickets:

http://www.mousesavers.com

http://www.undercovertourist.com

http://www.ticketmania.com

http://www.mapleleaftickets.com

And, AAA travel offices can often be a good source.
-----------------------------------------------------

Buy your MYW ticket from the discounter.
(Likely the best deal will be on a ticket with a larger number of days on it.)

When you get to WDW, USE your discounted ticket to go into a THEME PARK at least one time
BEFORE you do the upgrade.

THEN, go to any Guest Relations or Ticket Window at the park, TTC, or DTD.

Upgrade to an AP.

Since you have USED a day of your discounted ticket, you will receive the CURRENT GATE PRICE when you trade in your discounted ticket.

So...

You will get to "keep the discount" you got on the MYW ticket, but you will then be buying an AP as if you had paid full current gate price for the MYW you are trading-in.

 

[bobtabin]

planning on buying first AP so a few nuts & bolts kind of questions 1. what is best way to purchase, read something about upgrading on last day of trip to AP, how to do & advantage of it 2. how are wristbands & FP+ handled 3. how often are rooms discounts for AP issued & how much are they usually 4. other discounts 5. is spur of moment trip now just get room & go?\ anything else I need to know 2 adults, 3 kids (11, 9, 9) been numerous times thanks mikewdw

1. If you're local (as I), go to Epcot's guest services and buy them on the spot as that's the least busy of all parks (maybe AK is less just too)

2. When you have AP's you can book 7 days worth of FPs up to 30 days in advance. However, if you book a resort on an occasion you can book 7 days worth (or the length of your stay, whichever is greater) up to 60 days in advance. If you book (for example) "next weekend" you can still now book FP's for future dates 60 days out. After you complete your hotel stay then it goes back to the 30 day AP timeframe but your 60 day out FP stays (nice benefit of the system as it works today). For MK, you can only usually get FPs for the 7 Dwarfs Mine Train 60 days out so use this to your advantage. I too have 3 Kids of similar age (6, 8, 10) and we always ensure we book 7 days worth of FP's for future weekends as I usually go spur of the moment and want to be sure I get good times if I choose to go. If I realize I can't go then I cancel the FPs for that day so others can grab them.

3. Often. As long as you've registered with My Disney Experience and linked your APs, when you choose to do an online booking it will usual offer you the best rate (Orida resident or AP). Or just call them. FL resident and AP rates are usually shown months in advance or enough time in advance that they last months.

4. Discounts on merchandise. Be sure to remember to show your AP and picture ID.

5. We always book spur of the moment resorts . Fun!!

Good luck! You'll enjoy it just as we have!!

 

[ConnieB]

Remember that the tickets have to be in MDE in order to book FP.

Even if it's a spur of the moment trip, you'll want to try for FP.