AP vs MYW

[matdamom]

I'm not sure if this is the place to post this, but I was wondering which would be the better ticket - AP or 10-day MYW. We won't be staying on property since my mother is a Sunterra member, and we can stay for free at Cypress Pointe. If we save our pennies for food, and can get deals on airfare, I think we could feasibly visit WDW two or three times per year. Based on this, is it wise to get the AP for all family members (2 adults, 2 kids under 9)? Especially since we could have free parking? Are there any other benefits, besides discounts on rooms?

Or should we get the 10-day MYW tickets with the No exp. option and just save our unused days?

It seems that the AP would be the way to go if we are going to visit the parks more than twice in a year.

I appreciate all of your input!

 

[FutureAshleyDukes]

I would buy an AP. I'm getting an AP for my honeymoon next January. Also we're going to try to fit in a trip the following May, but even if we can't it will be well worth the cost just because of our hotel discount. On top of a hotel discount (which I understand that you don't need) you get a discount on merchandise, and if you enroll in DDE (which only AP member can) you get 20% off of food at certain restraunts. I think it's about $50 to $70 to enroll, but I know that we're probably going to save enough to make up for the charge. In my 'Unofficial Guide to WDW' they suggested an AP for anyone who is staying more than 8 days. So I hope that helped!

Ashley

 

[ptrbryant]

I think that 8-day break-even rule applied to the old Park Hopper Passes. Now with the MYW, the break-even point is more like 13 days. I've been doing alot of research about the same issue. I've decided that our best bet is to buy a 7-day expiring Park Hopper pass...even if we go again next year, we can buy the same ticket again and it will be minimally more than the AP. The benefit, for us, is that if something unexpected comes up and we don't end up going again in 12 months from the initial trip, we're not out that money. Also, we've gone to WDW each year for the past 3 years (novices compared to most on the boards! ) and we've always used a great room discount code for WL (between $109 - $129 per night). I'm also a Disney Visa cardholder and the AP code rates seem to come our way shortly after the AP holders get them.
With the MYW plans, it really seems to take alot longer to figure out the best route to take. Initially, I was going to buy the 10 day non-expiring PH tix. Then, I realized for a little more per trip, we'd get an extra two days (2: 7 day trips vs. 2: 5 day trips).
It sure wears down a pencil!

Karla B.

 

[seashoreCM]

You can get two 10 day expiring non-hopping MYW tickets for less than the cost of an AP, both with and without plus(MYW)/premium(AP).

But if you want hopping, the AP is a better deal after about 13 theme park days in a year, not counting parking, discounts, etc.

I have found that from time to time, resort discounts within $10. of the AP rate for value resorts and within $20. of the AP rate for moderates, are available to different groups such as residents of a certain state, and occasionaly to everyone.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

<small>
9/65 Disneyland
3/75 World Inn (now Doubletree Club)
4/85 Kon-Tiki (now Econolodge Hawaiian)
'80s Disneyland once or twice
7/94 Dixie Landings (now Port Orleans Riverside)
9/97 All Star Music
11/98 ASMu & first premium annual pass
12/98 Knights Inn on 192
9/99 All Star Movies
12/00 All Star Sports & PAP#2
9/01 ASSp
11/01 ASSp
1/03 Motel 6 & ASSp & PAP#3
11/03 ASMu
8/04 Coronado Springs & PAP#4
8/04 again Motel 6 and Pop Century
1/05 PC
</small>

 

[lclark0621]

If you will without a doubt go back to Disney World, get the AP.

However if you are not going back, get the 10 day pass.

We have a small chance we will go back before next year, but it is not worth the extra money to me, because there is such a large chance we wont go back until next year (after the AP expires).

We will have 8 days in the parks. So we are getting the 10 day park hoppers that expire. Cheapest option for us.

 

[agnes!]

I would buy an AP. ...(snip)... and if you enroll in DDE (which only AP member can) you get 20% off of food at certain restraunts. I think it's about $50 to $70 to enroll, but I know that we're probably going to save enough to make up for the charge. ...(snip)...
Ashley

Actually, I just found out this week that *anyone* can buy a DDE membership, it's just that the rates to join or "re-up" vary:

New members...$75
AP-holders & Seasonal-Passholders...$50
DDE Membership Renewals...$60

Something to keep in mind - If you are thinking of buying a (new/non-AP)DDE membership of $75, the break-even point for food purchases will be $375.

Hope that helps,
agnes!