Benefits of annual pass?

[21stamps]

I know the AP room discounts are only about 5, maybe 10% more than the public discounts we have still gotten a lot of use from them.
Enough that we've paid for at least, if not 2, of our passes.
One prime example is for our trip next month.
For all the rooms we would consider the GP room discount is sold out. The AP discount is not.
Even when they are both available the GP discount is $200, or more, higher, over the course of the trip. 2, 3 trips and that's paid for a pass.

Sure they can go away but for now, they are there and they are a benefit we utilize a lot. The shopping discount is nice too. We do have a DV but you have to spend $50 for it. I can get a $10 item and get the discount. It's just a little but it adds up.

If an AP Room Only discount gets released- can you decide at that time to purchase the AP and receive the discount?

I have already done the math, IF an AP discount, but not a general public discount, is available for the resort and room type that I currently have booked- the numbers basically come out to completely covering the AP, + saving $300 more beyond that. (I would only buy the AP for myself)

 

[married2mm]

If an AP Room Only discount gets released- can you decide at that time to purchase the AP and receive the discount?

I have already done the math, IF an AP discount, but not a general public discount, is available for the resort and room type that I currently have booked- the numbers basically come out to completely covering the AP, + saving $300 more beyond that. (I would only buy the AP for myself)

That's an interesting question...

 

[Accident]

If an AP Room Only discount gets released- can you decide at that time to purchase the AP and receive the discount?

I have already done the math, IF an AP discount, but not a general public discount, is available for the resort and room type that I currently have booked- the numbers basically come out to completely covering the AP, + saving $300 more beyond that. (I would only buy the AP for myself)

I think yes.. You wouldn't be able to do this online without the ap but calling up they should be able to give you a price to switch your booking+purchase an AP., You can't upgrade to an ap in advance but you can purchase one.

 

[21stamps]

I think yes.. You wouldn't be able to do this online without the ap but calling up they should be able to give you a price to switch your booking+purchase an AP., You can't upgrade to an ap in advance but you can purchase one.

Ok thanks! So I'll hold off on purchasing tickets. I haven't yet bc I am using 2 day non expiring hoppers for me- and hadn't decided if I'm buying the other 2 days as hoppers as well-I don't really need them for those days. If I do the AP then I'll just still hold on to the non expiring, and purchase child tickets for kiddo (I think the ne ones would be a waste to use on him).

 

[disnut8]

Are there specific discounts on food,merchandise etc?

I know there's free parking

For me personally right now, I don't care about discounts or free parking. I just ordered annual passes for my husband and I after not having them for two years. What is means for us is that we can go back to our "every three day weekend" thing. And that to us is the most benefit of the annual pass because the year 2016 has been horrible for us. We had a house fire and are now living in a rental home until the house can be redone (right now, it's just framework, a roof and floors). We lost two cats due to smoke inhalation but have the other two with us. I didn't think another trip to Disney World would be possible since we have to replace a lot of things but thanks to saving our income tax refund, we decided we've suffered enough and Disney World was needed.

So, there are benefits besides monetary ones. And we will be back for the first time in two years this weekend!

 

[bryanb]

Just remember, if you buy an AP in order to "save money" on Disney, you might end up spending more money on Disney!

I justified buying an AP because I figured I could go twice in a year. I justified going twice in a year because I had an AP. And then I justified sneaking in another short trip since the tickets were "free!" And my cousin is competing at ESPN Wide World of Sports this summer, so I'm justifying going and adding another few park days to that! Heheh.

On another note, AP room only discounts seem to be more attractive in the slower seasons, possibly to lure frequent visitors back during that time and spread out the crowds. I saved $25/night at POFQ in early November, compared to the best public offer I found. Also be sure to call the Swan/Dolphin about AP discounts (not available online) if you're interested in staying there.

Finally, apart from all the savings, the best benefit about being a Disney passholder is (aside from being at Disney) is the pride of having an annual pass. It's a weird intangible thing that becomes part of my identity as a fan. It's kind of silly to most people, I realize... but knowing I can go there whenever I want gives me a sense of membership. I'm not sure if anyone else can relate to that.

 

[kayteekt]

Just remember, if you buy an AP in order to "save money" on Disney, you might end up spending more money on Disney!

I justified buying an AP because I figured I could go twice in a year. I justified going twice in a year because I had an AP. And then I justified sneaking in another short trip since the tickets were "free!" And my cousin is competing at ESPN Wide World of Sports this summer, so I'm justifying going and adding another few park days to that! Heheh.

Finally, apart from all the savings, the best benefit about being a Disney passholder is (aside from being at Disney) is the pride of having an annual pass. It's a weird intangible thing that becomes part of my identity as a fan. It's kind of silly to most people, I realize... but knowing I can go there whenever I want gives me a sense of membership. I'm not sure if anyone else can relate to that.

Yep, exactly! Bought to save. But...one trip a year has turned into 5 in a 12 mo period, lol. We have earned some free nights thru the amex card that you can earn rewards for swan/dolphin, so that has helped. But even though it's turned into more that we thought, we're loving it! A lot of freedom to explore and have more laid back, enjoyable trips. Enjoy the resorts more, etc... It's really a whole different feeling!

 

[AngiTN]

If an AP Room Only discount gets released- can you decide at that time to purchase the AP and receive the discount?

I have already done the math, IF an AP discount, but not a general public discount, is available for the resort and room type that I currently have booked- the numbers basically come out to completely covering the AP, + saving $300 more beyond that. (I would only buy the AP for myself)

Yes, you can. The hard part will be knowing the discount and if it's available on where you want to stay. You have to have an AP to access the AP discount online.

But you can call and get the discount and even get the discount on the room prior to buying an AP. You just have to purchase it before your stay, or on the first day of your stay, to keep the discount.

 

[21stamps]

Yes, you can. The hard part will be knowing the discount and if it's available on where you want to stay. You have to have an AP to access the AP discount online.

But you can call and get the discount and even get the discount on the room prior to buying an AP. You just have to purchase it before your stay, or on the first day of your stay, to keep the discount.

Will my travel agent be able to have access viewing those rates?

 

[AngiTN]

Will my travel agent be able to have access viewing those rates?

No idea. I never use a TA so I have no idea what they can view.
I'd think they would only be viewable to someone with an AP. Some TA may well have one and be able to see them. The most important part isn't the rates, it's the availability. Just like with public promos, it varies and it isn't all rooms at all resorts.

 

[DrivenByDisney]

Been an AP holder since 1988 .. Although we've lived here in Dr. Phillips (Orlando) for two years. Now that we live here and still have AP's ... It more than pays for itself (relative term obviously).

We go to at least one park a week and usually two parks, so we obviously get the "free" parking. And before you ask ... Yes, we went to at least one park a week last year (an entire year) so that's 52 times $20.00 which is $1,040. Our Florida Resident Annual Passes are not that much (per person). Also, don't get me into the NEED for TiW as a local just for the free valet parking!! That's another thread all together

Do we spend more in the parks? Ummm, yeah! It's Disney ... We know that. So does it offset the savings of being an AP holder? I'm sure to a certain point. However. Not having to pay $1,040 a year to park is just the tip of the savings iceberg.

 

[Dr.Mickey]

Here is the humorous, yet consistent answer for our family:

1. Save money over MYW tickets by scheduling two week-long trips within the year.
2. Blow the savings by "squeezing in" an un-budgeted third trip.
3. Tell yourself the 10% discounts nearly paid for the third trip.
4. Repeat the following year...

 

[Ambear]

We had a house fire and are now living in a rental home until the house can be redone (right now, it's just framework, a roof and floors). We lost two cats due to smoke inhalation but have the other two with us. I didn't think another trip to Disney World would be possible since we have to replace a lot of things but thanks to saving our income tax refund, we decided we've suffered enough and Disney World was needed.

I'm so sorry I hope you have a great trip and only good things in the future.

 

[dkrauss]

My wife and I are getting AP's to cover 3 trips (So far ) from November 2016 through October 2017. Those trips cover at least 21 days in the parks.............the AP will save us money over the year. We'll also be insulated from the price increase in February (yeah as long as the increase stays in February). While our first trip in this loop is in November and AP price increase is possible in the fall..........We're on course for a late July purchase so we'll have the key for our FP's and November trip. We also plan on taking advantage of TIW (as of right now.......everything is up for discussion). 2 of those trips are trips with family where saving 20% on meals, including drinks will/would be big!

Really purchasing an AP is really a very personal decision. Each person has to do the analysis to see if it makes sense for they're situation. My wife and I have done that for us and in the end it does

Doug

 

[married2mm]

[QUOTE="dkrauss, post: 55816975, member: 494692"
Really purchasing an AP is really a very personal decision. Each person has to do the analysis to see if it makes sense for they're situation. My wife and I have done that for us and in the end it does

Doug [/QUOTE]

it is indeed a personal choice as you state.
More math required I believe.

 

[dizzneebabe]

While it's not really a "perk" you are also eligible to purchase AP holder pins, if you're into pin collecting.

 

[Missyrose]

Will my travel agent be able to have access viewing those rates?

Yes, the TA can see AP rates.

 

[21stamps]

Yes, the TA can see AP rates.

Thanks!

 

[mickeyfanachey1999]

Finally, apart from all the savings, the best benefit about being a Disney passholder is (aside from being at Disney) is the pride of having an annual pass. It's a weird intangible thing that becomes part of my identity as a fan. It's kind of silly to most people, I realize... but knowing I can go there whenever I want gives me a sense of membership. I'm not sure if anyone else can relate to that.

I totally get that...and that was one of reasons I was so upset that I wasn't able to renew after our first annual pass year this past year.

 

[Meech Loves Mickey]

The only time I have bought annual passes is when I know I'll be going twice in a year. In the past, I have bought an annual pass at Christmas knowing I would be back for Thanksgiving; thus, getting 2 trips in one pass.

This. If you know you will be back 2 or more times within a year this is your best ticket option. We purchased a DVC annual pass as we are on what my DH and I like to call the "2 year plan".

2 week trip Summer 2016
short trip Fall 2016
possible short trip in Winter 2017
2 week trip in Spring/Summer 2017

Then we will probably skip WDW for a year or two.


We also like being able to come and go into the parks whenever we want. If we only want to spend a couple of hours at the MK, we can and don't have to worry about using an entire days ticket.