Break even on AP's?

[staceyj2]

I know there are probably 100 threads on this topic, but I can't seem to find them at the moment! At what point do you break even on AP's purchased at the DVC member price? We leave soon and I am second guessing my ticket purchase. I am wondering if AP's wouldn't be better for us. We are going for 10 days and might take another shorter trip this same year (probably 5 days??). Thanks!

 

[PEANUT1]

usually 10 or more days is the break even point for Annual pass...probably less if you get the DVC discount.

 

[dianeschlicht]

We usually consider 8 days to be the break even point. If you are likely to have 15 days, then for sure the AP is the way to go. This year we are actually using a few less days than normal since we had 10 in March and are planning 8 in December. We decided to add another week long trip in January since our APs are expiring on March 3, 2011. After that, we will likely wait until December of 2011 or January of 2012 until our next visit.

 

[lucyem]

It kind of depends on when you will use the AP. Meaning if you buy it for one long stay it will take more days to break even. If you are using it for two different stays it takes less days. Thats because for two stays you are buying non-expiring tickets or buying a new set of regular tickets which costs more then non expiring.

Prices from the allears site and include tax. They have a handy chart which lists all prices:

AP DVC $414.29
10 day hopper (no water expires in 14 days) $314.18 Buying another day takes you over the AP DVC price.
7 day hopper no expiration (no water) $427.07

 

[erionm]

It kind of depends on when you will use the AP. Meaning if you buy it for one long stay it will take more days to break even. If you are using it for two different stays it takes less days. Thats because for two stays you are buying non-expiring tickets or buying a new set of regular tickets which costs more then non expiring.

Prices from the allears site and include tax. They have a handy chart which lists all prices:

AP DVC $366.66
10 day hopper (no water expires in 14 days) $314.18
5 day hopper no expiration (no water) $375.95

The DVC AP price you quoted is for a Child ages 3-9.

New DVC AP Prices:
Adults (ages 10+): $389 plus 6.5% sales tax
Children (ages 3-9): $344 plus 6.5% sales tax

 

[Sandisw]

We are getting them now because our plan is to vary our trips by 1 week every year so we can get two trips out of one pass.

Our typically trip will take 6 park days (we go every day) so figure that is cheaper than paying for 6 day tickets every year. Plus, we like to park hop (never do the same park in both morning and evenings) so this works out to be the best deal for us.

We are also hoping to start going every other year for a quick weekend fall trip on the years when we do have the AP's.

I think it your case, it sounds like AP's are a good deal. I would upgrade what you have to AP's when you get there.

Have a great trip!

 

[lucyem]

The DVC AP price you quoted is for a Child ages 3-9.

New DVC AP Prices:
Adults (ages 10+): $389 plus 6.5% sales tax
Children (ages 3-9): $344 plus 6.5% sales tax

Ooops, thanks for catching that!

 

[Brian Noble]

Provided you always go into the parks at least three different days on a single trip, the DVC AP makes sense if you go twice within a calendar year.

 

[Inkmahm]

While it isn't directly related to park days, also remember that you can get discounts with the AP once you buy it. Having an AP will allow you to buy a TIW card to save 20% on meals at many TS restaurants. Disney has also been giving AP holders either a 10% or 20% discount on purchases in the parks and DDT (in general, there are some restrictions.) This is scheduled to end in September but it started last December and has been extended several times.

 

[PEANUT1]

Our AP also enabled us to do a totally spontaneous last minute trip when we found 10$ flights to orlando..not having to buy park tickets totally made it worth it to go just overnight.

 

[staceyj2]

Thanks for the replies. I am on hold with ticketing to find out about upgrading our tickets right now!