AP worth getting for discounts?

[Chereya]

I am going to be going to DL for 5 days with a group of extended family: 7 adults and my 2 kids under 5. We're staying off-site at the HoJo on the Ent and mousesavers rates. I think most of the adults have AAA membership - whether we'd remember to use it or not is another story! I was debating whether it'd be worth it to purchase 1 AP pass ($259) instead of a 5 day ticket ($199) to utilize for restaurants and shopping.

On one hand, in order to fully realize the disounts for the whole group, we'd have to stay together for all meals and shopping. This may be true anyway because the adults may want to stick close to my kids. On the other hand, if we stick with utilizing AAA cards, which we all have, we're not dependent on calling over the AP holder to make the purchase.

We might make reservations for 1-3 TS meals but otherwise will probably eat on the fly.

I could use some helpful insights and personal thoughts - thanks!

 

[Mom2micayla]

I'm assuming you're not planning another trip in less than a year and are considering the AP strictly for the benefits on your current trip, right?

A Deluxe AP does not get you any discounts on shopping so you'd not have to stay together for that. The only real discount you get is the 10% off food purchases (excluding the ODV carts). So the only way it'd be worth it would be if you spent at least $600 together (so $60 saved with your 10% off) to break even. Also keep in mind that whoever has the AP cannot go in for any possible early entries that your party might have on their park hoppers.

So IMO the only way it'd be worth it would be if you're sure you'll spend at least $600 on food and you'll all be together for each time you eat. (Unless of course you're planning a second trip in the next 12 months and then it'd definitely be worth it!).

Oh yeah, also make sure if you do decide to get an AP that you check the blackout calender. There are a lot of blackout days during the summer so that may or may not affect your trip.

 

[jemilah]

I agree if you only go once a year it is not worth it.

 

[hlbtimes2]

A Deluxe AP does not get you any discounts on shopping so you'd not have to stay together for that.

Actually, there are some shopping discounts in downtown disney. They are not Disney discounts, but they are shopping discounts.

In general, NO the pass is not a good idea if you are just looking discounts.

 

[pixiewings71]

It is only worth it if you go more than once a year.

We have the deluxe AP and we do get discounts at some stores, not all of them but at some. AAA would probably be easier for you guys. If you're likely to go back within 1 calender year then yes upgrade, but if not then don't.

 

[JenDisneylandlver]

Unless you're going again within the year, no I wouldn't say it's worth it.

 

[audrabolster]

Yea, if you don't plan on going again, you probably won't get enough of a discount. Plus you have to make sure you won't be there during a blackout date?

You would get some discounts in downtown disney too (build a bear, AMC, lunch at rainforest cafe discount is a couple of them)