AP vs. park hopper

[dizney1]

I've read a lot of posts from people who get huge discounts on Disneyland Resort Rooms using their AP. My family will be going to Disneyland September 6th-10th & I was wondering if it would be worth it to just get one AP (for the discounts) & then park hoppers for the rest of the family. Also, does it make a difference as far as discounts which type of AP you get? Any input on this would be greatly appreciated!!!!

 

[Bete]

discounted resort rooms may or may not be easy to get. It's not guaranteed to get a discounted rate just because you have an AP. There's a limited amount of offers out there to be had. It seems Paradise Pier goes pretty fast because it's the most reasonable.

There are two kinds of APs. The better one offers some extra restaurant discounts, no block-out days*, and free parking. Of course, there's a $100 difference in ticket prices.

We are going for a trip in June and it's been about twenty five years for us since we last were there. We plan on taking two trips this coming year where we will be spending at least 4 days each time at Disneyland parks; so, for us it's worth it to get at least the regular AP. I'm in debate about opting for one deluxe AP and one regular one because we are staying off-site for our first visit. I got a $49/night rate at a 3-star resort through Expedia and we are walking distance to the parks. I couldn't say no to that rate. I gave up Paradise Pier for $79/night and $119/night for weekends because they couldn't accomodate a date change I needed. That was an AP rate. They were offering GC for $249/night instead and I said no thanks. I will add for the savings I'll be dining very nicely at the Disney parks and the Disney resorts; so, I will catch the ambiance of it all, anyway.

What it boils down to is you need to do the math for your customized vacation plans. If you have your heart set on staying on property and can catch a good rate then it's probably a no brainer to get at least one AP.

*There's talk that May 4 or May 5 may be a block-out day for all APs next year for the start of the 50th celebration because the parks may be closed one of those days. Also, the regular AP blocks-out a lot of weekends and holidays; so, you have to be careful you are not in conflict with your dates. You can pay $40 add-on fee for parking on the regular AP and you have an option of paying an additional $30 to get in on a block-out day if the park is not closed with a regular AP. Hope this helps a little.