AP worth it for room discounts during black-out dates?

[vinotinto]

I've been toying with the idea of getting an AP pass for the room discounts. The main issue is that, while GP discounts are available and pins come, I want to go during times when there are pins black-out dates. For example, our Spring Break is the first week of April. I got a pin, but that date is blacked-out. If anyone can point me at an FAQ for AP, I would greatly appreciate it ;-)

I did a search on Mousesavers and I see AP rates have been consistently offered in the past, but it doesn't say what the discount is for deluxes and whether there are black-out dates.

1/1/10-6/3/10 Annual Passholder room-only rates 1/1/10, exp 6/3/10
6/4/10-8/14/10 Annual Passholder room-only rates 3/24/10, exp 8/14/10
8/15/10-10/2/10 Annual Passholder room-only rates 6/24/10, exp 10/2/10
10/3/10-12/25/10 Annual Passholder room-only rates 8/17/10, exp 12/25/10
1/2/11-4/16/11 32%-42% off Annual Passholder room-only rates 11/22/10, exp 4/16/11

So, here are my questions:
1. Are there AP offers for all dates? Or are there black-out dates?
2. Is it hard to book AP rates (is the availability very limited)?
3. What is the range of discounts for deluxe resorts (is it always 40-42%)?

TIA

 

[PureTcrazy]

I've been toying with the idea of getting an AP pass for the room discounts. The main issue is that, while GP discounts are available and pins come, I want to go during times when there are pins black-out dates. For example, our Spring Break is the first week of April. I got a pin, but that date is blacked-out. If anyone can point me at an FAQ for AP, I would greatly appreciate it ;-)

I did a search on Mousesavers and I see AP rates have been consistently offered in the past, but it doesn't say what the discount is for deluxes and whether there are black-out dates.

1/1/10-6/3/10 Annual Passholder room-only rates 1/1/10, exp 6/3/10
6/4/10-8/14/10 Annual Passholder room-only rates 3/24/10, exp 8/14/10
8/15/10-10/2/10 Annual Passholder room-only rates 6/24/10, exp 10/2/10
10/3/10-12/25/10 Annual Passholder room-only rates 8/17/10, exp 12/25/10
1/2/11-4/16/11 32%-42% off Annual Passholder room-only rates 11/22/10, exp 4/16/11

So, here are my questions:
1. Are there AP offers for all dates? Or are there black-out dates?yes, there are black-out dates (especially popular times. It always says, "most dates through..."
2. Is it hard to book AP rates (is the availability very limited)?Not necessarily hard, but availability is usually limited. We have have had to be flexible about changing resorts if the one we wanted was not available. Sometimes this is for the best!
3. What is the range of discounts for deluxe resorts (is it always 40-42%)? I am not sure about this, we usually do not stay deluxe

TIA

Definitely, do not view my answers as "an expert" opinion. We have had ap's for years, but I usually just look around at times we want to go. I can tell you that when we went in December 4-11, our room at WL was not covered uner the ap rate that was available during that time. It was also not available at Pop when we went a week ago, we changed to FW Cabin that was covered and I am so glad we did, it was AWESOME!! My new resort of choice!

I hope you are able to work your trip out and find a good rate!

 

[StrwLady]

I have been an AP holder since 2001. There has never not been an AP room only discount for when I went to Disney. Having said that I don't think I have gone during many days that now are typically blacked out. From my memory it seems like the black out times are more prominent then in the years past.

I suggest you wait on buying the AP until the AP discounts come out for your time. Then check to see if your dates are covered. If they are, in the same call you can book your AP room as well as purchase your AP Voucher. Disney will send you a voucher that you will activate when you arrive at Disney and your pass will then expire 1 year from when you activate it. I am almost positive you will be able to access the Passholder site once you receive voucher.

I love being a Passholder. There has been a couple of trips where I wasn't a passholder because my pass expired and there was a good GP package. I missed the few extra perks that Passholders get.

 

[Luv2Roam]

No one should buy an AP for room discounts. That is just a perk that may or may not work for you.
Of course the AP is for park admission.
After that it is just perks of being an AP-er.

 

[vinotinto]

I can tell you that when we went in December 4-11, our room at WL was not covered uner the ap rate that was available during that time. It was also not available at Pop when we went a week ago, we changed to FW Cabin that was covered and I am so glad we did, it was AWESOME!! My new resort of choice!

Thanks. It seems the same blackout dates apply to AP as other offers, making it less valuable for room discounts.

I have been an AP holder since 2001. There has never not been an AP room only discount for when I went to Disney. Having said that I don't think I have gone during many days that now are typically blacked out. From my memory it seems like the black out times are more prominent then in the years past.

I suggest you wait on buying the AP until the AP discounts come out for your time. Then check to see if your dates are covered. If they are, in the same call you can book your AP room as well as purchase your AP Voucher. Disney will send you a voucher that you will activate when you arrive at Disney and your pass will then expire 1 year from when you activate it. I am almost positive you will be able to access the Passholder site once you receive voucher.

I love being a Passholder. There has been a couple of trips where I wasn't a passholder because my pass expired and there was a good GP package. I missed the few extra perks that Passholders get.

These are good tips, thanks! It's a good way to check before taking the plunge. What are some of the extra perks? (I know the TIW card is one and I'm interested in it!).

No one should buy an AP for room discounts. That is just a perk that may or may not work for you.
Of course the AP is for park admission.
After that it is just perks of being an AP-er.

Interesting. In your opinion, is that because the discounts have blackout dates? Or very limited availability? The difference between a 4-day PH and an AP for one adult in only about $225. If the availability of AP room discounts is decent, I can save that much in less than 2 nights, depending on dates and room category.

 

[Luv2Roam]

My opinion is an AP is for multiple park entry uses. Anything beyond that is a perk.
I have read way too many posts over the years from AP-ers discouraged and/or upset due to feeling like second class citizens when it comes to room discounts, codes, etc.

 

[vinotinto]

My opinion is an AP is for multiple park entry uses. Anything beyond that is a perk.
I have read way too many posts over the years from AP-ers discouraged and/or upset due to feeling like second class citizens when it comes to room discounts, codes, etc.

Thanks, that's valuable information, since we only started going to Disney in 2009 and have not been around long enough to see trends. I've seen people disgruntled with AP rates, but usually is associated with not being able to trake advantage of free dining. Since we don't do free dining it's less of an issue for us.

 

[StrwLady]

These are good tips, thanks! It's a good way to check before taking the plunge. What are some of the extra perks? (I know the TIW card is one and I'm interested in it!).

This is the current list of discounts. As always the list is subject to change...

Dining Discounts
Discounts are valid for purchases made by the Passholder only and valid Pass ID is required for redemption.

DOWNTOWN DISNEY® AREA:

Fulton's Crab House – Downtown Disney® Pleasure Island
Enjoy 20% discount off of the regular price (excluding applicable tax and gratuity) of food and beverages daily during lunch (seated by 3:30 p.m.) and 10% discount off the regular price (excluding applicable tax and gratuity) of food and beverages daily during dinner. Valid for Passholder and up to three guests. Priority seating is available. Call (407) 934-BOAT (2628)† or (407) WDW-DINE (939-3463)†.

Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop – Downtown Disney® Marketplace
Delight in 10% discount on all chocolate purchases and fountain treats.

House of Blues® – Downtown Disney® West Side
Relish a 20% discount off of food and non-alcoholic beverages daily in the restaurant prior to 4:00 p.m. and 10% discount after 4:00 p.m. (discount excludes alcohol, applicable tax and gratuity). Valid for the Passholder and up to five guests.

Cap'n Jacks'– Downtown Disney® Marketplace
Enjoy a 10% discount off of the regular price of lunch. Discount excludes alcohol, applicable tax and gratuity. Valid for Passholder and up to three guests.

Planet Hollywood® – Downtown Disney® West Side
Take 10% off the regular price (excluding applicable tax and gratuity) of food and non-alcoholic beverages daily. Valid for the Passholder and up to three guests.

Portobello Trattoria – Downtown Disney® Pleasure Island
Enjoy 20% discount off the regular price (excluding applicable tax and gratuity) of food and beverages daily during lunch and 10% discount off the regular price (excluding applicable tax and gratuity) of food and beverages daily during dinner. Valid for the Passholder and up to three guests. Priority Seating is available by calling (407) 934-8888† or (407) WDW-DINE (939-3463)†.

Rainforest Café® – Downtown Disney® Marketplace
Celebrate with 10% off the regular price (excluding applicable tax and gratuity) of lunch and dinner entrées. Valid for Passholder and up to three guests. Priority seating is available by calling (407) 827-8500†.

Wolfgang Puck® Café – Downtown Disney® West Side
Enjoy 10% discount off the regular price (excluding applicable tax and gratuity) of food and non-alcoholic beverages daily during lunch and 10% discount off the regular price (excluding applicable tax and gratuity) of food and non-alcoholic beverages daily during dinner. Valid for the Passholder and up to three guests. Priority Seating is available by calling (407) 938-9653† or (407) WDW-DINE (939-3463)†.

Paradiso 37 – Downtown Disney® Pleasure Island
Enjoy 15% off food and non-alcoholic beverages (excluding tax and gratuity). Valid for the Passholder and up to three guests.

T-REX Cafe® - Downtown Disney® Marketplace
Enjoy 10% discount off the regular price lunch and dinner entrees (excluding applicable tax and gratuity) for the Passholder and up to three guests.

Epcot®
Enjoy a 10% discount off the regular price (excluding applicable tax and gratuity) of food and non-alcoholic beverages Monday through Friday during lunch hours at participating Epcot® Table Service locations. Valid for Passholder and up to three guests. Priority seating is available by calling (407) WDW-DINE (939-3463)†. Lunch hours vary by location; inquire at time of booking.

Participating Epcot® Restaurants Include:

* Biergarten Restaurant
* Nine Dragons Restaurant
* Restaurant Marrakesh
* San Angel Inn Restaurant
* Teppan Edo
* Tokyo Dining
* Tutto Italia Restaurant

Rainforest Cafe® - Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park
Dine with 10% off the regular price (excluding applicable tax and gratuity) of breakfast, lunch and dinner entrées for the Passholder and up to three Guests. Priority seating is available. Call (407) 938-9100† for reservations.

Disney's Hollywood & Vine - Disney's Hollywood Studios™
Enjoy a 10% discount off of the regular prices of breakfast. Discount excludes alcohol, applicable taxes and gratuity. Valid for Passholder and up to 3 guests.

Yak & Yeti® - Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park
Dine with 10% off the regular price (excluding applicable tax and gratuity) of lunch and dinner entrées for the Passholder and up to three Guests. Discount excludes alcohol and is not valid at Yak & Yeti's Local Food Cafes. Call 407-824-9384 for reservations.

Walt Disney World® Resort Hotels
10% discount off the regular price of food and non-alcoholic beverages (excluding applicable tax and gratuity) Monday through Friday during various meal periods at participating Walt Disney World® Resort hotel table-service locations listed below. Valid for the Passholder and up to three guests. Priority seating is available. Call 407-WDW-DINE (939-3463)† for reservations. Dining hours vary by location. Inquire at the time of booking.

Discount not available on the following: New Years Day 1/1/10, Easter 4/4/10, Mothers Day 5/9/10, Independence Day 7/4/10, Thanksgiving Day 11/25/10, Christmas Eve 12/24/10, Christmas Day 12/25/10 and New Years Eve 12/31/10.

Participating restaurants include:

* Disney's BoardWalk Resort – Kouzzina (Breakfast Only) and ESPN Club (Monday - Friday, Lunch Only)
* Disney's Osprey Ridge Golf Club– Sand Trap Bar and Grill (Lunch Only)
* Disney's Contemporary Resort – The Wave (Breakfast and Lunch)
* Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground – Trail's End Restaurant (Breakfast and Lunch)
* Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – Grand Floridian Café (Breakfast and Lunch)
* Disney's Old Key West Resort – Olivia's Café (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
* Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resort – Captain's Grille ( Lunch )
* Disney's Saratoga Springs & Spa– Turf Club (Lunch)
* Disney's Wilderness Lodge — Whispering Canyon Cafe – (Breakfast and Lunch )
* Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge — Sanna (Lunch )

Walt Disney World® Theme Parks
10% discount off the regular price of food and non-alcoholic beverages (excluding applicable tax and gratuity) during various meal periods at participating Walt Disney World® Theme Park Quick Service locations listed below. Valid for the Passholder and up to three guests. Dining hours vary by location.

Participating restaurants include:

* Magic Kingdom® Park – Noodle Station (Open Seasonally)


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Merchandise Discounts
Discounts are valid for purchases made by the Passholder only and valid Pass ID is required for redemption.

Arribas Brothers – Downtown Disney® West Side
10% discount off total purchase price of merchandise (subject to certain restrictions, exclusions and/or limitations including, but not limited to: Swarovski, and shipping charges). Discount cannot be combined with any other offer. Valid only at Arribas Brothers Downtown Disney® Marketplace Location.

Basin – Downtown Disney® Marketplace
Enjoy a 10% discount off select regularly priced merchandise.

Curl by Sammy Duvall – Downtown Disney® Marketplace
Enjoy a 10% discount off select regularly priced merchandise, excluding eyewear and watches.

House of Blues® – Downtown Disney® West Side
Get 10% off regularly priced merchandise purchased in the House of Blues® retail store (excludes books, leather, tobacco, jewelry and select CDs).

LEGO Imagination Center® - Downtown Disney® Marketplace
Receive 10% off all items. This offer cannot be combined with any other coupon or discount offer. Discount is available only at the LEGO Imagination Center® Lake Buena Vista.

Planet Hollywood® – Downtown Disney® West Side
Get 10% off select regularly priced merchandise purchased in the Planet Hollywood® shop.

Rainforest Café® – Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park
Receive a 10% discount off select regularly priced merchandise purchased in the Rainforest Cafe® retail store.

Rainforest Café® – Downtown Disney® Marketplace
Enjoy a 10% discount off select regularly priced merchandise purchased in the Rainforest Cafe® retail store.

T-REX Cafe®
15% discount off select non-discounted merchandise in the Dino-Store (does not include Build-A-Dino® by Build-A-Bear Workshop®)

World of Disney® Store – Downtown Disney® Marketplace
Get 10% off select merchandise. Offer is valid only at the World of Disney store at the Walt Disney World Resort. Discount is not valid at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique or on purchases of ticket media, gift certificates, Disney gift cards, videos, DVDs and CDs, Disney Dollars, sundries, periodicals, digital and video cameras, disposable cameras, film, consumer electronics (e.g., CD players, TVs, DVD players), tobacco, alcohol, Add-a-Dollar (Wildlife Conservation Fund), postage stamps, all Titleist and Cobra golf equipment, National brand fragrances, treatments and cosmetics, Personalization, Lladro, Armani, Hummel, Swarovski Crystal, Walt Disney Classics Collection, other collectibles and select merchandise. May not be combined with any other discount, offer or promotion. Not valid on previous purchases. A valid Walt Disney World Resort Annual Pass must be presented at time of purchase to receive discount.

Yak & Yeti® Retail Village – Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park
Receive a 15% discount off select regularly priced merchandise purchased in the Bhaktapur Market.

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Tours and Experiences
Discounts are valid for purchases made by the Passholder only and valid Pass ID is required for redemption.

For Tour and Experiences information and reservations call (407) WDW-TOUR (939-8687)†.

Receive a 15% discount off the regular price of the following Tours and Experiences:

Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

* Wilderness Back Trail Adventures (Segway Tour - age 16 and older)

Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park

* Backstage Safari (age 16 and older)
* Wild by Design (age 14 and older)

Epcot®

* Around the World at Epcot® (Segway Tour - age 16 and older)
* Backstage Magic (age 16 and older)
* Dolphins in Depth (age 13 and older, adult must accompany)
* Epcot® DiveQuest (age 10 and older, SCUBA certification required, ages 10-14 must be accompanied by an adult)
* Epcot® Seas Aqua Tour (age 8 and older, Guests ages 8-16 must be accompanied by an adult)
* UnDISCOVERed Future World (age 16 and older)
* Yuletide Fantasy (age 16 and older, offered seasonally)
* Gardens of the World (age 16 and older, operates Seasonally)

Magic Kingdom® Park

* Disney's Family Magic Tour (all ages)
* Keys to the Kingdom (age 16 and older)
* Mickey's Magical Milestones (age 10 and older)
* The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains (age 10 and older)


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Services
Car Rental
Rent from Alamo® Rent A Car and save up to 20% off your rental! For reservations, call Alamo® at (800) 354-2322† or book online at Alamo.com. Be sure to request ID #860292 when making your reservation**.
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Sports and Recreation
Discounts are valid for purchases made by the Passholder only and valid Pass ID is required for redemption.

Richard Petty Driving Experience
Get 20% discount off any Richard Petty Driving Experience package. Valid only at the Walt Disney World Speedway for Passholders. Not valid with any other coupon or discount. Call (800) BE-PETTY (237-3889)† for reservations and information.

BASS Nitro Fishing and Guided Excursion
Take 10% off of a BASS Nitro or Guided Fishing Excursion. Valid for the Passholder and the number of guests on the reservation. Valid only at Walt Disney World® Resort. Reservations can be made by calling 407-WDW-PLAY or 407-WDW-BASS.

Spa Treatments
Grand Floridian Spa & Health Club
Relax with a 10% discount off the regular price of one spa treatment each visit for the Passholder. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (407) 824-2332†.

The Spa and Health Club at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort
Enjoy a 10% discount off the regular price of one spa treatment each visit for the Passholder. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (407) 827-4455†.

Sammy Duvall's Water Sports Centre
Take 10% off parasailing, water-skiing, wakeboarding and personal watercraft for the Passholder at Sammy Duvall's Water Sports Centre after 12:00 pm. Take 15% off of all activities prior to 12:00 pm. at Disney's Contemporary Resort. Reservations required. Certain age restrictions apply. For more information or reservations call (407) WDW-PLAY (939-0754)†.

Marina Boat Rentals
Passholder receives a 15% discount off the regular price of boat rentals at any Walt Disney World® Resort Marina. Subject to availability. Certain age restrictions apply (excludes Specialty Cruises).

Golf
30% discount off Day Visitor Rates for the Passholder and up to three guests in the party. The discount is available on Day Visitor Rates for play anytime of day. Discounts cannot be applied to any other discount or special rate including, but not limited to, Twilight Rates. Tee times at this rate are limited and may be made up to 14 days in advance by calling 407-WDW-GOLF(939-4653)†. Advance reservations required.

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Ticket Discounts

AMC® Theatres Pleasure Island 24
Receive $2 off adult evening admission price. Offer is valid for the Passholder only and not valid with any other offer or discount.

Disney's Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf Course and Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course
Get a 50% discount for the Passholder and up to three guests.

Disney's Typhoon Lagoon and Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Parks
Enjoy a $4 discount off regular admission price for Guests ages 10 and older and $3 discount for Guests ages 3-9. Discount available for up to three Guests per visit.

DisneyQuest® Indoor Interactive Theme Park
Receive a $4 discount off regular admission price for Guests ages 10 and older and $3 discount for Guests ages 3-9. Discount available for up to three Guests per visit.


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Room Discounts

Periodically, a limited number of rooms may be made available at select Walt Disney World® Resort hotels and select Disney Vacation Club Resorts at discounted rates for Passholders. Visit disneyworld.com/passholder or see your Mickey Monitor newsletter for special offers.

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Annual Pass Entitlements
# Discover all that your Annual Pass entitles you to at Walt Disney World® Resort. Entitlements at Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park, Disney's Hollywood Studios™, Epcot® and Magic Kingdom® Park include: Theme Park admission during normal operating hours
# Theme Park parking (excluding special events requiring separate admission charge)
# Same-day multiple-park visits

Your Annual Pass is valid for one year from your Anniversary Date, which is printed on the back of your Pass.

Not valid for: special events requiring a separate admission charge, special events that are not open to the general public, any park commencing operations after May 1, 1998.

Persons under the age of seven years must be accompanied by a person over the age of 21 years when attending the Magic Kingdom® Park, Epcot®, Disney's Hollywood Studios™ or Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park.

Parks or attractions may change operating hours; close temporarily due to refurbishing, capacity, inclement weather or special events; and may otherwise change or be discontinued without notice and without liability to the owners of Walt Disney World® Resort.

In the past I have also seen, passholder pins for purchase, discounts on hard ticketed events such as Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. Passholder preview of new attractions (meaning only passholders are able to ride/see that attraction on that night(s). (Since I have been a passholder I have been fortunate enough to be there for Passholder preview of Toy Story Maina and Stitch. On a couple of occasions I have seen giveaways. One year the Animal Kingdom gave out passholder lanyards with a passholder pin. That was several years ago though.

As another poster did say the main perk is multiple park days. In the past I have done up to 4 trips a year on one pass. Saving a lot on tickets there. This pass I will get 2 trips. July 2010 and June 2011. That will be a total of 25 days for approximately $500.

If you do get an AP they will give you a little holder for it that has a booklet showing all current discounts. Carry that book around and read it every time you stop to spend money The 10% or 20% here and there can add up

 

[My2CrazyGirls]

No one should buy an AP for room discounts. That is just a perk that may or may not work for you.
Of course the AP is for park admission.
After that it is just perks of being an AP-er.

If the only way to get a room discount is to get an AP and you will save more money that way then why not get one?

 

[Luv2Roam]

Oh, I have nothing against APs. We use to be AP-ers when we lived in the midwest.
DH still has a seasonal AP. In the days of PI, he had a PAP, and I had a PI AP.
IF the discount is there for a room for AP-ers -- great.
However I read many posts every year from AP-ers feeling left out of the room discounts. Esp read them during times of free dine package bookings.
Don't get me wrong. There are a lot of good AP perks we have used over the years, from dining to tours.
Last year DH got to ride the 3-lap option of Richard Petty for free, due to being an AP-er. That was $109 value alone. (Of course we bought stuff at the end. )
Just saying the main reason for an AP is multiple park days. Anything after that is just a perk.