AP vs. AAA

[waynedavis703]

I'm just curious about this, it seems that it makes to much sense to get an AP just on the discount for the hotel alone. In every calculation I do for any hotel, i come out ahead on savings with an AP. What would make you not get it?

 

[cobbler]

I wouldn't get it if I were relying on the discounts. It's a perk that can stop at any time.

There was a time frame last year - the black hole - where a lot of AP holders didn't get a discount.

You should really get it for the admission only. Besides that, there may not be a discount for your travel dates and/or hotel choice.

 

[tink_n_pooh]

But you can depend on the other benefits of having an AP like discounts on dining

 

[NYMomof4]

I think the key to an AP is to get 2 trips (or more) out of it. I called yesterday for a last minute reservation to add 2 days to our stay next week and the difference between AAA discount for POR (2 nights) $330 w/tax and AP $245 w/tax was enough for me to see to get the AP

 

[beth_cam]

Ap rates for my date would have saved me say 280 (I dont remember the exact amount but this is rack rate so only like 180 when compared to my AAA rate) maybe but I would have had to spend more than 300 extra dollars to get the discount and lose the dining plan. So for a value hotel It would have cost me more than an extra 100. However we did look at the fact that there were such big discounts at the deluxes we could have upgraded hotels from value to AKL for about 300. But for us we dont hop or get waterparks so i wasnt buying the pricier tickets. I havent looked at the current deals but am assuming they are inline with the old ones.

 

[cobbler]

But you can depend on the other benefits of having an AP like discounts on dining

No you can't count on those benefits either. They are subject to change and they may discontinue them at anytime. They roll out the new benfits - or perks - at the beginning of the year.

Really to do it economically take your vacation this year and next year move your vacation up one week and you can get 2 trips out of it. That will help save $$ on your admission. Also you won't feel like you are wasting a day if you go for a half day on the day of your arrival or departure. Anything else is just a bonus.