I'm guessing the parent site of the DIS lists them, but I also like Mousesavers.com
The first poster is correct. First look for a general public discount, then if a better AP rate comes you you can switch to that.
It used to be that you could only get an AP more or less at a WDW park. Now you are also able to buy first time ones (so I've read) at the resorts. Last trip, however, I treid to buy a park ticket at a resort; the folks at teh WDW parks know better what they are doing, especially at DTD or Magic Kingdom.
Another option - if you go the AP route - is that you can buy Tables in Wonderland. Tables inWonderlnad costs about $65 or $70, and it gives you 20% off most table service meals, every day except major holidays. It also gives you 20% off at the value resort and Animal Kingdom park quick serve places (but not most quick serve places). It does not work at most DTD places. It does not work with
DDP, but unlike DDP, TiW works on appetizers and alcoholic drinks. when you use TiW, they automatically add 18% gratuity (on what the bill would have been ). So the discount sort of equals what you would have paid in tips. It is also limited to parties of, I think, 10 people, and they won't let you split the check.
IF you have a group of two - it will be hard to cover the cost ina week, but if you have a grouup of six or more- you can make up the $70 pretty quickly.
To get TiW, you need an AP (or live in FL). So that's where getting the voucher can be handy. I fyou get a voucher, you can also get TiW before you get to WDW. OThrwise, off the top of my head- if you want an AP and TiW then the easiest thing to do is to stop at DTD or a park GR window first.
I've run numbers, if you compared paying o.o.p. to TiW or DDP - they come out about the same - so long as you are eating at a TS place every day. If you are doing lots of Signature dining, and getting appetizers or drinks (or like to skip dessert) then TiW is a slightly better deal. If you do mostly buffets or have a high number of kids ages 4-9 - then DDP is a slighlty better deal.
One nice thing about AP rates as of late is that you can get DDP and an AP room rate.
The other time an AP really makes sense is if you are going to go twice within a year. You could go August 10 -17 in 2012, and August 1-9 next year and be covered with the same AP.
I can tell you from experience, if you have an AP - you WILL likely be tempted to go to WDW twice. It burns a hole in your pocket. In that sense it may end up costing you more.
One more thing....with all the new rides opening next year...I'll add SOMETIMES - Disney offers AP holders a preview opportunity to see an attraction before it opens. IF that should happen to occur when you want to go - it makes an AP a really nice plus.
A regular AP also lets you park for free if you stay offsite. An AP also gives you a small (10% discount) at some stores, especially if you spend over $50.You have to remember to ask for it though. The AP alone also gives you a very limited 10% discount at some dining, but mostly only at a few TS places at lunch for a small party, excluding alcohol. (TiW is much more comprehensive.)
