AP Room Discount Worth Purchasing AP for?

[lasmickey]

From what I understand, only one person in your party must be an AP holder to get a room at a discounted rate. Is this correct? If so, would it be worth it for me to purchase one AP for someone in my party before making reservations at CBR for 9 consecutive nights. I would have no plans of returning to WDW before the AP would expire. If you think it's worth it, must I purchase an adult AP, or can I get away with purchasing a child's AP? TIA for the help!

 

[Pugsley]

Yes, only one person needs the AP, and yes, it would be well worth it. I’ve saved more than $50/night on a moderate with an AP discount. But you don’t have to have the pass when you make the reservation, so you shouldn’t buy it until you’re sure that there will actually be an AP discount available on the room. On the other hand, if you plan to be in the parks for 8 days or longer, you’ll break even on the AP anyway even if you don’t get a room discount. (P.S. I don't think a child's AP would work for the room discount since the AP would need to belong to the person making the reservation.)

 

[JayCT]

We booked our room at the Poly (LV Concierge) last year with a CHILDS AP and saved about $50 per night. It was the cheapest way to go. The savings on the 7 nights we were there more than paid for the extra cost of the AP. We purchased a voucher for the pass at the Disney Store near our house, but did not receive the actual pass until he day after we arrived. The hotel never even asked to see the pass.

 

[MelissathePooh]

Although it is a technicality and they rarely ask for your pass when you check in - the pass is supposed to be in the name of the reservation holder (someone over the age of 18). I understand its the cheap way out, but you never know if you will be asked to show it at check in or not and if the name doesn't match up you'll either pay rack rate or have to buy another AP - which is the appropriate/honest thing in the first place.

As to whether or not its worth it just for the discount - that depends on your traveling habits - do you like to plan way in advance or short notice - AP rates don't typically come out until a few months in advance and are NOT guaranteed to come out at all.

Personally I would purchase the pass if you are making an extended trip or plan to return more than once a year - the rest will just be a bonus.