Buy tickets now or keep awaiting new AP sales

[Genie+]

People have pointed out that Disney Land did not allow upgrading tickets when they started selling Magic Keys again. No idea if that is applicable to WDW. But yeah, I'm going to take your guys' wisdom and just get the tickets and pray they let us upgrade if APs get announce. Basically gambling $2500 for a second round of tickets later this year, but at the same time don't want to screw up this current trip.

I just bought our tickets for December yesterday. Without APs and our averaging 2 trips a year, I bit the bullet and went to a UK ticket broker as a US resident. Instead of $3600 we paid $2600 for 4 ppl. Disney has to do what they need to do and people follow suit.

 

[Bo1203]

If you buy from a 3rd party ticket broker, is upgrading tickets into an AP still possible?

 

[Sandisw]

If you buy from a 3rd party ticket broker, is upgrading tickets into an AP still possible?

I can't speak for the ones the previous poster is referring to, but I have bought tickets from other 3rd party sellers and have had no problem using them to upgrade to my AP's, including putting it toward my AP renewal.

The only problem I had once was that they couldn't do it over the phone for me...it had to be done in person...but that was a few years ago and there have now been reports that Disney ticketing can process them via phone.

 

[Bo1203]

I can't speak for the ones the previous poster is referring to, but I have bought tickets from other 3rd party sellers and have had no problem using them to upgrade to my AP's, including putting it toward my AP renewal.

The only problem I had once was that they couldn't do it over the phone for me...it had to be done in person...but that was a few years ago and there have now been reports that Disney ticketing can process them via phone.

So Disney knows what amount was paid and that's the amount that gets credited?

 

[Sandisw]

So Disney knows what amount was paid and that's the amount that gets credited?

At one time, they would bridge the discount ticket to gate price and credit you that...but, I am not sure if that is still being done....worst case, you would indeed get the credit for what you paid....

 

[Thenwood]

Have a 10 day trip planned beginning of May, another in Oct. Really hoping to get annual passes before our May trip but its quickly approaching. At what point should I stop waiting for the AP and buy the tickets so I can make park reservations. I believe in the past Disney has allowed tickets to be put towards annual passes, but I can just see that being a nightmare with guest services/dvc etc. Uber annoying of Disney pausing these (for DVC member especially).

Would 60 days out from our trip make sense so I can line up dining reservations with park reservations?

On a brighter note I'm very happy the Moonlight magic for Hollywood Studios just fell into our lap!

I asked myself the same question back in May of 2022 then again in Oct 2022.....still waiting for them for another trip in Oct later this year. If you do purchase tickets and the AP come back as long as its before you use your tickets you can call member services and just pay the difference to upgrade to AP's. Hope that helps.

 

[Thenwood]

I can't speak for the ones the previous poster is referring to, but I have bought tickets from other 3rd party sellers and have had no problem using them to upgrade to my AP's, including putting it toward my AP renewal.

The only problem I had once was that they couldn't do it over the phone for me...it had to be done in person...but that was a few years ago and there have now been reports that Disney ticketing can process them via phone.

I don't believe so. To upgrade they ask for the original information you receive from your purchase through them (date, order # etc).

 

[Sandisw]

I don't believe so. To upgrade they ask for the original information you receive from your purchase through them (date, order # etc).

As I said, I have upgraded tickets bought elsewhere in person without issue…sounds like doing it by phone is still hit or miss.

 

[BroganMc]

These threads just make me glad I bought my AP when they reopen the window in 2021. My brother and my nephew were also smart enough to do the same thing. But everybody else in my family has been totally screwed over with day tickets ever since. Particularly my sister who flat out resents having to pay so much money. She refuses to hop. She will reduce the number of days she goes to a park. And she goes to Universal instead. Disney is losing money with her. But the bean counters don't care about DVC owners or locals. According to their numbers, we don't spend money in the parks like the day ticket holders do.

I have read several blogger estimates that they will reopen AP sales this year either in April after the Easter crush or August after the summer crush. I just hope they reopen them so I can finally get my sister in AP. And anyone else in the family who wants to go every year.

Personally I think they should have reopened AP sales to DVC owners from the very beginning. They can easily control that and not have the influence of so many locals flooding the system.

For those that say it was just a perk and it's not guaranteed by the contract, yes we know that. We also know it was the number one sales pitch for several decades. Taking it away hurts sales. I know I wouldn't touch buying another DVC contract with a 10-ft pole without an annual pass. It's not worth it.

 

[ScottOKW2K]

I've done a least a half dozen or more trips since WDW reopened the parks and have not purchased tickets for a majority of the trips. This has allowed me to choose more interesting dining experiences and other experiences / choices outside of the parks. I'll likely purchase an AP when it's offered again but am in no hurry to purchase other admission.

 

[AfricanLodger]

We have a trip in May, June and September and zero tickets for anything. Holding out for the AP but I'm feeling antsy to buy the tickets for May now. Its starting to get too close for my liking. Stupid park reservations.

 

[jkevinmcg]

ANNUAL PASSES ARE BACK FOR DVC! CHECK YOUR EMAIL!! JUST CAME IN!!

 

[starry_solo]

We have a trip in May, June and September and zero tickets for anything. Holding out for the AP but I'm feeling antsy to buy the tickets for May now. It’s starting to get too close for my liking. Stupid park reservations.

APs are back in two weeks so be glad you held off!

 

[Chuck S]

I wonder, will they continue to be activated immediately, or can we get a voucher to activate later, so I can change my AP start month and still retain the ability to make dining and park reservations?

 

[Ms.Minnie]

I wonder, will they continue to be activated immediately, or can we get a voucher to activate later, so I can change my AP start month and still retain the ability to make dining and park reservations?

PASS EXPIRATION: For a new Pass purchase (not a renewal), a Pass is valid for applicable privileges for one (1) year from the date of use of the Pass for first entry into a Walt Disney World® Resort theme park. Pass privileges will not be available until such Pass is activated via park entry; provided, however, that park reservations, as available and subject to associated restrictions, may be made in anticipation of activation of a Pass so long as such Pass has not expired. A Pass will expire if it is not activated within one (1) year from the date of purchase, and upon expiration, such expired Pass may no longer be activated or have park reservations scheduled for it, and any existing park reservations for such Pass will be cancelled. No refunds will be given. The original Pass may not be transferred, and the amount paid for the original Pass may not be redeemed for cash or be used for any other purpose other than the purchase of another Pass or ticket. However, the amount paid for an unactivated, expired Pass may be applied towards the purchase of a new Pass or ticket (subject to availability) at the then current price so long as the new Pass or ticket purchase price is equal to or greater than the amount paid for the original Pass. The then current terms, conditions and benefits associated with the newly purchased Pass or ticket will apply at that time.

Based on the highlighted area it looks like you can activate up to one year after date of purchase. The difference is you HAVE to activate within one year of purchase or the pass is no good. There is no more buying multiple passes with the intension of using far into the future...I guess from Disney's point of view this is a good move.

 

[Ms Bibbidi]

.

 

[Bo1203]

pray they let us upgrade if APs get announce.

I have done it again!! Bought the tickets two days ago and walla APs announced.

Obviously really hoping they let us upgrade on the 13th. How will park reservations work if tickets are upgraded?

 

[Geomom]

Very happy they're going on sale...wish it wasn't just online though as I have tix already for May...and with the wording of that email, passes will likely be sold out before the May trip, so I'll be unable to upgrade. Will likely suck it up and try to buy APs on 5/13 to activate later this year...but it's going to hit the wallet harder than we'd like.

 

[ThisIsTheWay]

I have done it again!! Bought the tickets two days ago and walla APs announced.

Obviously really hoping they let us upgrade on the 13th. How will park reservations work if tickets are upgraded?

Same. I called Ticketing and asked a CM and he said no, it looks like online only, then I asked via chat and she said yes. I made her confirm since the email says online, and she said 'let me check for you,' came back and said yes I'd be able to upgrade. I'm not sure who to believe! 4/13 was going to be a pool day for us so I'd have to uber over to one of the guest services locations which is not how I want to spend my day if they won't do it!

 

[Bo1203]

Same. I called Ticketing and asked a CM and he said no, it looks like online only, then I asked via chat and she said yes. I made her confirm since the email says online, and she said 'let me check for you,' came back and said yes I'd be able to upgrade. I'm not sure who to believe! 4/13 was going to be a pool day for us so I'd have to uber over to one of the guest services locations which is not how I want to spend my day if they won't do it!

Really hope I don't have to fly to Orlando just to upgrade these tickets and they'll do it over the phone.

There's no way to return my tickets lol