April, 2014 - peak time, AP vs Magic Your Way?

[beanner]

Booked a "Magic Your Way" package yesterday for April, 2014.

7 nights, POR - royal garden, 4- day passes, dining plan (dining plus). 4300.00.

We are planning to return within the 12-months.

Would it make sense to buy AP's and book the same room, etc. at AP rates? CM said they can do a dining add-on to a room for AP's?

CM also told me they will only price out room/dining at AP rate if you've already purchased AP's?

Thoughts/experiences, please? Thanks in advance.

 

[AOSIG]

Maybe they have changed how they book AP rates. In the past I was able to book AP rate room without my pass (I bought our passes on Arrival). You had to show your pass within like 24 hours to front desk or they would bill you rack rate. I would also buy packages like you have booked but would upgrade our tickets to AP. You would just have to add the costs each way. You may be better off to upgrade your ticket at guest services. With AP remember they also have Tables in Wonderland that gets you 20% off table service and a few counter services.

 

[wendybeth75]

I am in the same boat. We are going in April and October. October I booked a BB with FD so I would still have to at least have the 2 days. I think we have decided to do the AP. The CM told me on the phone while booking the BB that if you plan on doing more than 10 days in a year then the annual pass becomes the best option. It just makes it more complicated when booking packages that require tickets.

 

[thisismyusername]

If you plan to go back, it makes sense to buy the AP.

For your dining, you really need to sit down and look at the menus and do the math, but it almost always pays to buy a TIW for a 7 day vacation since you'll hit the "break even" point of $500 if you dine like you would if you had the signature dining package. Plus, if you have the TIW card, you get a discount on alcohol, and you are not limited to just ordering entrees and desserts. If you're not as hungry, you can order an appetizer, salad and glass of wine and skip dessert, and it's all OK with the TIW card. Plus, it really gives you a lot more freedom to eat what you want when you want as opposed to the rigid credits and ordering rules of the dining plan.

You should be able to book an AP room without an AP in hand--just be prepared to show it first day. I did this back in June and had no problems at all. (My travel agent handled everything for me, however.) If you have issues, purchase an AP voucher and that should solve your booking issues. (The AP will not go into effect until you get to the park.)

If I were you, I'd hold onto your reservation until the AP rates come out (which is likely to happen about 1-2 months before you travel) and, in the meantime, do the math and see what makes more sense. The dining plan CAN save some people money; however, TIW is usually always a better deal and will be good for 13 months after purchase.

 

[beanner]

Thanks so much!! Greatly appreciate all of the feedback.