APs from Aug 2004--what should I do next year?

[roadtripper]

Please help me figure this out!
I've read the dvcmember site and most of the new AP discount threads, but I'm a newbie at the AP thing, and with the new discount, I don't want to mess this up.
Our APs expire in Aug 2005.
If I purchase vouchers in Jan 2005, I will be guaranteed the discount, but the passes will be active as of our Aug anniversary date, correct?
If I wait til after August 2005, when the passes expire, I can "save" money because we won't be going until Dec 2005 at the earliest. However, there's no guarantee that the AP discount will stick around.
With the DVC discount, the cost of the passes looks like it ends up the same whether we renew or buy new passes; but in a sense I will lose money for those three months from Aug to Dec when I don't plan to go. Of course, I am gambling that the discount will last at least a year. Does this make sense? What should we do?

 

[CarolMN]

Originally posted by roadtripper
Please help me figure this out!
I've read the dvcmember site and most of the new AP discount threads, but I'm a newbie at the AP thing, and with the new discount, I don't want to mess this up.
Our APs expire in Aug 2005.
If I purchase vouchers in Jan 2005, I will be guaranteed the discount, but the passes will be active as of our Aug anniversary date, correct?
If I wait til after August 2005, when the passes expire, I can "save" money because we won't be going until Dec 2005 at the earliest. However, there's no guarantee that the AP discount will stick around.
With the DVC discount, the cost of the passes looks like it ends up the same whether we renew or buy new passes; but in a sense I will lose money for those three months from Aug to Dec when I don't plan to go. Of course, I am gambling that the discount will last at least a year. Does this make sense? What should we do?

The answer to this really depends on your future trip plans. What were you planning to do before you received notice of the DVC discount? If you were going to wait until December 2005 and buy a new AP (because that made the most sense), then do that. When you buy a new AP via the DVC members' website, you actually get a voucher/exchange certificate. Your year starts on the day you exchange the voucher for an activated AP when you get to WDW.

If you were going to renew you AP (because it made good sense to do so), then go ahead and do that. You will get the new discount price and be better off than you were before the discount - assuming you don't take more trips or spend tons more money in the parks as a result, of course. If you buy the renewal certificate/voucher, you don't get the actual pass until you exchange it at WDW, but your year starts on the renewal date. In your case, that is in August.


FWIW, we have been buying APs on an every other year basis - we schedule our annual trips to be 51 weeks apart and get two year's worth of trips from one AP. We do have to buy new APs (instead of renewing), but that is the best value for us. Our APs expire after this December's trip. We'll be buying new APs for next December. I will probably buy the vouchers (to get some costs paid ahead of time) and exchange them in December 2005.

Although there is no guarantee that the discount will stick around, I believe it will last at least an entire year. Sure hope those who never seem to be happy with any perk (because it doesn't fit them or it isn't enough) don't goof it up for the rest of us!

HTH. Best wishes -

 

[roadtripper]

Carol--
Thanks so much for your detailed reply.
Just two quick questions-- Will Disney let me buy a new AP voucher instead of a renewal voucher, since the records probably show that I am a Passholder? Isn't the end cost exactly the same whether you buy a renewal AP with the DVC discount, or a new AP voucher with the DVC discount? It looks like the renewal vouchers are 25 dollars less than new APs, and the DVC discount is 75 dollars for renewals, which equals the 100 dollar discount of the new AP. Or am I missing something?

You're right about those APs though-- as you can see from my counters, we are squeezing in a trip in 2 weeks. So the answer also depends on how I define "saving money" .

I'm with you-- thrilled about the discount, and hopeful that the naysayers are a small minority. Take care.

 

[CarolMN]

Originally posted by roadtripper
Carol--
Thanks so much for your detailed reply.
Just two quick questions-- Will Disney let me buy a new AP voucher instead of a renewal voucher, since the records probably show that I am a Passholder?

First of all, keep in mind that I am no expert on the new DVC discount - no one here can claim to know more than what has been actually published on the DVC Members' website. I don't put a lot of value on what the DVC guides are saying at this p[opint, either. They've been known to "mis-interpret" with the best of us, LOL!

That said, I see no reason why you can't order a voucher for a new AP from the DVC website. How would DVC know if you are buying for yourself or some other adult who resides in your household? And why would they care if you chose to buy a brand new AP rather than renew - Disney never has in the past.

Anyway, before the discount, I often ordered a voucher for a new AP, even though I already held an AP. As I mentioned above, I generally buy a new AP approximately every other year. You'll know for sure in January, when the ordering info appears on the website.

Isn't the end cost exactly the same whether you buy a renewal AP with the DVC discount, or a new AP voucher with the DVC discount? It looks like the renewal vouchers are 25 dollars less than new APs, and the DVC discount is 75 dollars for renewals, which equals the 100 dollar discount of the new AP. Or am I missing something?

Well, let's see. Currently a new AP is $379 (not including the 6.5% tax). The price to renew is $339 (not including the 6.5% tax). A new AP with the DVC discount would be $279 and a renewed AP would be $264 (neither includes tax). So it would be $15 more to get a new one. Not a significant $$ difference IMHO. I think it is more important to figure out which 365 day period would allow you to get more park days during the year.

You're right about those APs though-- as you can see from my counters, we are squeezing in a trip in 2 weeks. So the answer also depends on how I define "saving money" .

I'm with you-- thrilled about the discount, and hopeful that the naysayers are a small minority. Take care.

Have a good time on your trips!

Best wishes -

 

[roadtripper]

Thanks again Carol--
Either way, we will definitely be getting APs again, and saving money, so I'm happy.
Just noticed you're at three days-- have a great trip!

 

[Pa@okw95]

I would not renew if I were you. Just wait until you need to have the pass and buy them at that time. Years ago you would not have the problem you have today because of the anniversary date, you used to renew and they did not go into effect until you used them but not so today. In your case I would wait to buy, don't worry about the discount it will be around for a long time, it is the only chance they have of getting us back to the parks and they know it. Remember a lot of DVC members did not pay to go to the parks, we got in free for years.

 

[DeeDeeDis]

Our oldest two sons have aps with the expiration date of 8/17/05. Will they be able to use their current pass on 8/17/05?? Will it expire at midnite??

 

[DebbieB]

You can buy either a new AP voucher or a renewal voucher. Just because you currently have an AP they will not automatically sell you a renewal voucher. I wouldn't worry about the discount going away before the end of December 2005. The website says "2005 member savings". I wouldn't lose 4 months of use to save $15 unless you absolutely know you will not be going between August and December 2006.

DeeDeeDis - you son's pass will be good through the day on 8/17/05, expiring at midnight.