Buy AP online-activation/expiration date?

[Lesley Wake]

While ive been an AP for years I've only ever bought at the parks. If I buy online, I assume I get a voucher? And then does it not activate until I do so at guest services at the parks? Is there an expiration date to activate?

The main thing I'm thinking is rumors about the AP price skyrocketing this fall. My current AP is until April. If I can get a voucher that will be good until next year then I can try to "lock in" the current price. I know I wouldn't get the renewal discount, but assuming the price increase will be over that, and if I skip several months and don't activate until Fall, it could work out financially better. Any thoughts?

 

[audrey2580]

I bought mine in October and didn't activate until January. It doesn't expire until the day you activate in the parks.

 

[Lesley Wake]

I bought mine in October and didn't activate until January. It doesn't expire until the day you activate in the parks.

Ok cool, so there's no expiration on the voucher itself? I think I remember hearing the WDW APs have an expiration of 2030

 

[SMD]

Ok cool, so there's no expiration on the voucher itself? I think I remember hearing the WDW APs have an expiration of 2030

There is, but you just pay the difference if you don't redeem it by the expiration date.

 

[SOCALMouseMommy]

The main thing I'm thinking is rumors about the AP price skyrocketing this fall.

What rumor is this? What is skyrocketing? Like double the price?

 

[colormegreen]

How does renewing work with the 13 month work? I'm upgrading my son and husband to the signature pass as I can't go on Saturdays if they are blocked out.

 

[SMD]

How does renewing work with the 13 month work? I'm upgrading my son and husband to the signature pass as I can't go on Saturdays if they are blocked out.

If their APs expire July 17 this year and you go today or tomorrow and renew them, next year's expiration will be August 17.

 

[ChloroformSdxn]

I haven't heard anything about APs going up. The last price increase was February. I can't see them doing 2x in a calendar year.

 

[SMD]

I haven't heard anything about APs going up. The last price increase was February. I can't see them doing 2x in a calendar year.

They increased them twice in 2015. Since the last increase didn't include the higher level passes, I think most people assume there will be another increase for at least those.

 

[ChloroformSdxn]

I forgot about that. Hmm, I might have to follow this since mine expires in Dec, and I was going to get one for my older son when we went in October.

 

[Lesley Wake]

We know someone who works in passholder sales. The last major increase a couple years ago was supposed to reduce the number of APs to try and help with the crowds. However it has instead gone up 20%. So this fall they will try again with another increase.

Disney really doesn't like all the APs who just come in the evening for dinner and a couple hours. It makes it inconvenient for them as well as tourists. That's also a reason why they've decreased the amount of AP exclusive events (evening renewal parties, etc).

 

[ChloroformSdxn]

I would think to curb that they would almost introduce a geographic-specific AP opposite to the local passes ie you have to live outside of a specific geographic boundary. That would curb that problem.

 

[Lesley Wake]

I would think to curb that they would almost introduce a geographic-specific AP opposite to the local passes ie you have to live outside of a specific geographic boundary. That would curb that problem.

I don't even think Disney could handle that uproar from SoCal residents! Eliminating SoCal passes too would cause an uproar. Instead the best way (for them, not guests) would be to increase price while increasing blackout dates to try and reduce people on the cheapest plans. Also eliminate the monthly option.

For myself, I don't know what would be the price point that would push a Signature AP out of my range. It also doesn't make sense to go with Deluxe because of parking costs.

 

[Ryan120420]

If their APs expire July 17 this year and you go today or tomorrow and renew them, next year's expiration will be August 17.

It would expire on August 16th- In the fine print Disney says the extra month free is only 30 days.

 

[Lesley Wake]

There is, but you just pay the difference if you don't redeem it by the expiration date.

What is the time difference between voucher purchase and voucher expiration? That is what is key to avoid the price increase. I.e., if I buy now and can activate voucher for 1 yr, then I'm good. But if I buy now and only have until the end of the year to activate then there would be no point to try and save money!

 

[azdisneylover]

We know someone who works in passholder sales. The last major increase a couple years ago was supposed to reduce the number of APs to try and help with the crowds. However it has instead gone up 20%. So this fall they will try again with another increase.

Disney really doesn't like all the APs who just come in the evening for dinner and a couple hours. It makes it inconvenient for them as well as tourists. That's also a reason why they've decreased the amount of AP exclusive events (evening renewal parties, etc).

If Disney really wanted to reduce the number of APs, they would eliminate the payment plan.

 

[MacMama0930]

If Disney really wanted to reduce the number of APs, they would eliminate the payment plan.

This! Honestly - and I say this as a California resident - the idea of $619 at one time is a lot different than $43/mo. I live 4 hours away from DL and I have definitely broke even and then some with my AP. If I lived within an hour radius from DL, having an AP would be a no brainer. Even for a family of 4, the monthly option is only, what, $70/mo for SO Cal AP? I'd be curious to know just how many SO Cal residents have passes....

 

[figment_jii]

The last time I bought an AP (voucher), it was during the 13-month promotion back in February, the voucher itself said it expired one year from date of purchase.