Are AP discounts worth the price of AP tickets?

[wdw-ocd]

Dh and I are trying to figure out if buying AP tickets are worth the price considering that we'd probably only go to the world twice a year. We've figured that APs are slightly cheaper than buying 10 day tickets with no expiry, but if APs come with great discounts and/or codes dh might be more apt to buy them. Can anyone fill me in? Thanks!

 

[Karlzmom]

Dh and I are trying to figure out if buying AP tickets are worth the price considering that we'd probably only go to the world twice a year. We've figured that APs are slightly cheaper than buying 10 day tickets with no expiry, but if APs come with great discounts and/or codes dh might be more apt to buy them. Can anyone fill me in? Thanks!

I have the same thoughts, but I notice that the AP rates don't get released until fairly close to when you can stay (I need to plan out quite a bit further than 2-3 months). I hope someone who's "in-the-know" can fill us in.

 

[ciera321]

This is only my opinion: I don't buy an AP for the discounts, but rather because it's less expensive for us on a 12 night stay with a second trip within a year. IF discounts come out than I will grab it and consider myself lucky, but the AP discounts we saw a few yeas ago are becoming a rare occurance. If moneywise it works out to buy an AP, then go for it, but to spend more on an AP hoping for a discount is something I wouldn't do. Hope this helps...

 

[ciera321]

I forgot to mention, another benefit for us to having an AP is the DDE card that usually saves us about $200 or more on a 12 night trip after the cost...

 

[sharonmickey]

For me the AP was definitely worth the price for the hotel discounts. Plus as a PP mentioned you can get the DDE card. Only one person in your room must have a AP in order to get the room discount. I book my room at AAA price then hope for an AP discount. The last two trips I have been lucky enough to get the AP discount. It has paid for itself with my room discounts.

 

[ajleone]

For the most part the AP has gotten us such a great discount on rooms that it was totally worth it. Not always but usually.

 

[TJA]

Dh and I are trying to figure out if buying AP tickets are worth the price considering that we'd probably only go to the world twice a year. We've figured that APs are slightly cheaper than buying 10 day tickets with no expiry, but if APs come with great discounts and/or codes dh might be more apt to buy them. Can anyone fill me in? Thanks!

We've been AP holders for about 4 years now. A huge benefit of AP's is being able to come and go as often or as little as you please. For example, when we stay at Beach Club, some days we just hang out at the pool all day and then walk into Epcot at night for dinner and Illuminations. We wouldn't do this if we had a 10-day pass because we'd feel like we were wasting a day on our pass. AP's give you a lot of freedom in that way. They also leave the door open if you want to squeeze in another trip during the year and you wouldn't have to worry about buying passes.

As far as room savings, every single trip we've taken in the last 4 years (13 or so trips), we have always received an AP discount. This has allowed us to stay at the deluxe resorts which we love. Without the discount, then we probably wouldn't go as often nor would we stay where we do. In the past, I'd say we saved about $80-$100 per night at the deluxes.

Hope this helps a bit!

 

[wdw-ocd]

I forgot to mention, another benefit for us to having an AP is the DDE card that usually saves us about $200 or more on a 12 night trip after the cost...

What's a DDE card?

 

[wdw-ocd]

TJA, what a great point about not feeling like you're wasting a day if you decide to just go to a park for one or two events!

What kind of discounts does the AP give you to make a delux resort available? I've always wanted to stay at the Poly but the prices are way out of my reach with a family of 6!

 

[Fionasmommy]

It was for us. I booked a standard AKL for $145, and also received a free $75 dining card. Then we moved over to WL in a woods bunk bed for around $190, and since it was a separate reservation we received a free $75 dining card for that stay too. This was a special offer last Dec. for AP holders.

I also used the DDE card, which saved us 20% on our table service meals. We ate atleast one TS meal per day, so that saved me a bundle.

My only complaint about AP rooms is that you can't always get what you want. Last summer, for example, we wanted to stay at WL but could only get OKW, SSR, BC or YC. I ended up booked a AAA package with dining instead.

Also, just the AP itself has been a savings for me. We went twice in 2007, so those two tickets would have cost me more than just the AP.

 

[MAGGIED]

DDE is the Disney Dining Experience card

 

[wdw-ocd]

DDE is the Disney Dining Experience card

Is that the same thing as the dining plan? The benefits summary says that an AP gives you discounts at select restaurants but not other info. (And to be honest, when I read the words "select restaurants" I equate it to a $2 off coupon at the least popular restaurant in the area! )

 

[ciera321]

Is that the same thing as the dining plan? The benefits summary says that an AP gives you discounts at select restaurants but not other info. (And to be honest, when I read the words "select restaurants" I equate it to a $2 off coupon at the least popular restaurant in the area! )

Here's a list. It's 20% off food and beverages at these locations...
Participating Restaurants and Lounges in the DDE as of February 2007:

All-Star Music Resort
Intermission Food Court

All-Star Sports Resort
End Zone Food Court


All-Star Movies Resort
World Premiere Food Court


Animal Kingdom Lodge
Boma-Flavors of Africa
Jiko-The Cooking Place
Victoria Falls

Beach Club Resort
Beaches & Cream Soda Shop
(eat in only)
Cape May Cafe
Martha's Vineyard Lounge


BoardWalk
Bellevue Lounge
ESPN Club
Flying Fish Cafe
Spoodles

Eagle Pines and Osprey Ridge Golf Club
Sand Trap Bar & Grill

Caribbean Beach Resort
Shutters at Old Port Royale

Contemporary Resort
California Grill
Chef Mickey's
Concourse Steakhouse
Outer Rim Lounge

Coronado Springs Resort
Maya Grill

Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
Crockett's Tavern
Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue (9:30 p.m. show only, offered seasonally)
Trail's End Restaurant

Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
1900 Park Fare
Cítricos
Garden View Lounge
Grand Floridian Cafe
Mizner's Lounge
Narcoossee's
Victoria & Albert's (excluding Chef's Table)

Old Key West Resort
Olivia's Cafe

Polynesian Resort
'Ohana
Kona Cafe
Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show (late show only)
Tambu Lounge

Pop Century Resort
Everything Pop Dining
Classic Concoctions

Port Orleans Resort
Riverside:
Boatwright's Dining Hall
River Roost
French Quarter:
Scat Cat's Club
Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory

Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
The Turf Club Bar and Grill


Wilderness Lodge
Artist Point
Territory Lounge
Whispering Canyon Cafe

Yacht Club Resort
Ale and Compass Lounge
Crew's Cup Lounge
Yacht Club Galley
Yachtsman Steakhouse

DOWNTOWN DISNEY Marketplace
Cap'n Jack's Restaurant

DOWNTOWN DISNEY Pleasure Island
Raglan Road


DOWNTOWN DISNEY West Side
Planet Hollywood

Epcot
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
Biergarten Restaurant
Bistro de Paris Restaurant
Chefs de France Restaurant
Coral Reef Restaurant
L'Originale Alfredo di Roma Ristorante
Le Cellier Steakhouse
Nine Dragons Restaurant
Restaurant Marrakesh
Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room
San Angel Inn Restaurante
The Garden Grill Restaurant

Disney-MGM Studios
50's Prime Time Cafe
Hollywood & Vine
Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano
Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant
The Hollywood Brown Derby
Tune-In Lounge

Magic Kingdom
Cinderella's Royal Table
Liberty Tree Tavern
The Crystal Palace
The Plaza Restaurant
Tony's Town Square Restaurant

Animal Kingdom
Tusker House Restaurant
Pizzafari
Flame Tree Barbecue
Restaurantosaurus

Disney’s Wide World of Sports
Official All-Star Cafe

Disney's Vero Beach Resort
The Green Cabin Room
Shutters Restaurant
Sonya's Fine Steaks & Chops (Sunday Brunch not included)

Entertainment & Dancing:

DOWNTOWN DISNEY Pleasure Island:
Half price admission to Pleasure Island Clubs for members and guest;
except for specially priced events

Atlantic Dance Hall - Disney’s BoardWalk:
Admission is free for members and guest

 

[wdw-ocd]

Wow, that's quite a list! Thanks for the quick reply!

 

[TJA]

TJA, what a great point about not feeling like you're wasting a day if you decide to just go to a park for one or two events!

What kind of discounts does the AP give you to make a delux resort available? I've always wanted to stay at the Poly but the prices are way out of my reach with a family of 6!

Poly is very expensive, I know. Without an AP discount, we would've never been able to stay there. In the past, value season + AP discount has given us great rates. Anywhere from $80-$100 off per night. I'm not sure what to expect for 2008 with the new rate structure. We're waiting for April discounts with fingers crossed!

Yes, the freedom you feel with an AP really surprised me. I used to get hoppers/MYW passes and felt like we needed to get to a park in the morning and then stay all day to get our money's worth. Now, with AP's, we go to the parks whenever we feel like it. If we feel like hanging out at the resort in the morning, then we do just that. We relax and take our time more.

 

[lovesdumbo]

Is that the same thing as the dining plan? The benefits summary says that an AP gives you discounts at select restaurants but not other info. (And to be honest, when I read the words "select restaurants" I equate it to a $2 off coupon at the least popular restaurant in the area! )

You can get a 10% discount at some places Mon-Fri for lunch (does not include alcoholic beverages) with just your AP. You can find the list of restaurants on allearsnet.com

The DDE card is 20% off and includes alcoholic beverages is good for up to 10 guests. Starting Jan 1st they now add an 18% gratuity when you use your card. You have to purchase the card for an annual fee of $65. There is a $25 charge for a spouse to get a card in their name.

 

[PolyHereWeCome]

We're in the "waiting to see if there will be an AP discount and what if anything it'll be" game for our May '08 trip. Sometimes that discount can be enough to justify buying just for a 1-week trip if you are staying at an expensive resort.

A couple of years ago, I bought DH and kids park tickets and myself an AP because it saved us in the range of $100 a night. Of course, now I need to either buy a new MYW or AP (which I'll again do if the numbers work out).