Benefits of Annual Pass worth the savings vs 4day Park Hopper?

[fairytinkerbell]

Should I buy a 4day hopper or a annual pass?



Going for 9days / 8 nites

going to disney parks 5 times
1 day to universal studios
1 day to MNSSHP (at nite) and 1/2 that day to Typhoon Lagoon
1 day to travel home
1 free day to shop /see orlando


Not sure if we can return to Disney before this coming October. Depends on DH vacation dates//

Plus, are the annual passes "activated" the date we use them, so it's 1 year from that date ? or 1 year from the "date of purchase" ??


Thanks for your advice~

 

[OKW Lover]

The breakeven point for regular AP's (not the premium ones that inclue the water parks and PI) is about 8 days within a 365 day year.

Your AP year starts the day you activate your pass, so even if you go to a Disney park for only 4 days, an AP might pay-off for you if you return to WDW within the next 365 days. If you are the type that goes to WDW once a year, just plan your 2005 visit for 51 weeks after this visit.

 

[SnoWhiteRabbit]

A couple of things to consider...You said you would go to the parks five times -- then you can compare the cost of the 5 day park hopper to the AP. What's the difference? (I don't have the figures in front of me)

Just comparing park days the break even point is eight days, but if there are AP codes for hotel room discounts that aren't available to the general public, it may very well pay to have an AP. In that case, only one person needs the AP to get the discount on the room. Also you can reserve the AP rates, and then buy your AP. In other words, you can wait and see if any codes do come up to make it worth it.

Hope that makes sense (not sure if I'm explaining well...)

 

[chyam]

If you knew you were going to return within the year the AP's would be a great buy for you. The break even point is 8 visits and who knows maybe next year the admission may go up. It also entitles you to discounts on rooms at certain times of the year, which can really add up especially if you stay onsite. Also if you got a great airfare it would be great just to pop down for a long weekend. But if you are unsure I would stick with the park hoppers. But if you did go with the AP you would still have to pay for the water parks unless you went with the premium pass. And they activate on the first day that you use them.
:
keiki,binky&mouse my 3 beautiful white kitties!

 

[RobinMarie]

It doesn't sound worth it to you but one thing I LOVE about my annual pass is that we can arrive late and head to a park to see the fireworks, shows etc for a couple of hours. It's not a good value to use your park hoppers for a couple of hours.

You will have to buy a ticket to Typhoon Lagoon with a discount if you go with the annual pass.

It's one year from the day you activate the passes. Another 'secret' about the park hoppers is that you can usually arrive a couple of hours before the party MNSSHP and it's like you spent the day at the MK. No need to use a day of your park hopper.

Other savings with the Annual Pass:
10% at some Disney eateries M-F for lunch
10% at DTD shops
Possible/Probable hotel discounts
No charge for parking (handy when you are staying OFF site) - value for you could be 40.00.

I think in your case, the park hoppers might be best unless you think you'd spend MORE time in the parks and LESS time on the other days you mentioned.

Let us know what you choose!

 

[fairytinkerbell]

never thought about savings in parking alone. $40 bucks is a nice savings,
i have to get the price of the ann. pass compared to a 4day hopper !
thanks!