AP - when is it a good idea?

[Nana2Callie]

I'm still confused on the discounts of the AP and whether it would benefit us. We are planning 2 trips this year - the first one for 7 parks and the second one for 4 park days. We aren't interested in water parks or park hopper options. Please share your experience - trying to save where we can. Thanks,

 

[Marionnette]

I'm still confused on the discounts of the AP and whether it would benefit us. We are planning 2 trips this year - the first one for 7 parks and the second one for 4 park days. We aren't interested in water parks or park hopper options. Please share your experience - trying to save where we can. Thanks,

What will APs cost you vs. 7-day base tickets + 4-day base ticket? The total that comes up lower is your best choice.

AP (adult or child) = $ 648.59
7-day MYW base ticket (adult/child) = $329.09/$308.85
4-day MYW base ticket (adult/child) = $297.14 /$276.90

AP discounts and perks are never guaranteed. They can be rescinded at any time. If you're going to purchase APs, do so because you feel that you will save money on admission to the parks. A lot of DVC members were pretty upset when they purchased PAPs last fall only to learn that Disney reduced the merchandise discount perk from 20% to 10%. They felt that they would not have bought the passes had it not been for the extra merchandise discount. But, Disney doesn't have to offer those perks at all and it is even stated on the Passholder documents that they are not set in stone.

 

[WIDisneyFan]

One other thing to keep in mind is the AP is good for a year from the time you activate it. We take advantage of this by getting 2 summer vacations out of one AP (only by the AP every other year)

 

[trinchick]

WRT the discounts associated with the AP, can you take advantage of them if there is only one person in your party with the AP? For instance, dining at the restaurants that offer discounts - can the entire table get the 10% off if only one person has the AP?

In that instance, would it make sense to get an AP for one person in the family and then buy separate tickets for the rest of the family?

 

[Marionnette]

WRT the discounts associated with the AP, can you take advantage of them if there is only one person in your party with the AP? For instance, dining at the restaurants that offer discounts - can the entire table get the 10% off if only one person has the AP?

In that instance, would it make sense to get an AP for one person in the family and then buy separate tickets for the rest of the family?

It's for the AP holder and up to 3 guests at participating restaurants. It is not for the total bill. Alcohol is not included. There can also be blackout dates and certain peak dining hours may be excluded at some restaurants.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/p...2013-benefits-and-discounts/dining-discounts/

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Yes, you do save about $22 by purchasing the separate tickets (provided there is no price increase after your first trip). But then of course there are the merchandise and dining discounts available. There is also the ability to purchase the Table in Wonderland Dining Discount Card which is much better than just the limited number of AP discounts. And if you decide that you do want to park hop, for any reason, the AP is automatically a hopper while it costs $59 (plus tax) to add it to a regular ticket.

 

[nalajms]

Isn't there also some discounts for other stuff like the Halloween or Christmas party? I typically ignore the emails since DVC usually has a better discount.

And I know they run room-only discount for AP. But I don't know that it's better than the discount codes.

Another thing to keep in mind is if you do free dining. You'll end up having to buy a few days worth of tickets to get the free package.