Buying AP's early

[TyGuy]

New DVC Member here We just bought at BLT after thinking about it for years!!!

OK, my question of the hour is: Is there any advantage to buying an AP early? I know that there are AP benefits and discounts but I think any of them are necessary to have beforehand when you are staying on points.

Does this question make sense?

Thanks
Ty

 

[jekjones1558]

Sometimes there are AP discounts for rooms if you want to stay for cash and book through the general Disney booking office (CRO). The cost of APs does go up periodically, so having a voucher purchased before the price goes up will lock in the old price--then you just activate the voucher when you are ready to get your actual AP. And there is a budgeting issue too. Perhaps it is easier to buy the AP vouchers at a time when you are not also paying for plane tickets, rental cars, meals, etc.

 

[The VWL Five]

We buy one at a time way before we arrive to spread the costs.

 

[kid-at-heart]

If I may jump in? When do APs normally increase in price? Is there a particular month in which the increase normally occurs?

 

[Chuck S]

If I may jump in? When do APs normally increase in price? Is there a particular month in which the increase normally occurs?

The last couple of increases were in August, but historically there is no set date for increases. They have not increased some years, and have increased twice in others. Given the economy, and the fact that energy prices have dropped off from their high, no one really knows if there will be a ticket price increase this year.

 

[Metsoskil]

We plan to buy discounted 10 day hoppers through our AAA, use one day, and then upgrade to APs, thus taking advantage of both the DVC discount, and loophole.

 

[habg1]

Can you explain your thinking to me about the 10 day ph through AAA?

We're in the market for some AP's, we just bought in to the DVC in Feb.

 

[Metsoskil]

Basically, if you buy discounted tix (AAA, Undercover Tourist, etc.) and then use at least 1 day of the tix before upgrading (whether you get the DVC discount or not), Disney will give you the current value of the tix when figuring the price in the upgrade.

Example:

AAA price of hopper = $300 (just making up prices)
Disney price for hopper = $320

If you use one day first, and then upgrade to an AP, Disney will use the $320 figure when giving you credit toward the AP, thus you save $20.

 

[Inkmahm]

Basically, if you buy discounted tix (AAA, Undercover Tourist, etc.) and then use at least 1 day of the tix before upgrading (whether you get the DVC discount or not), Disney will give you the current value of the tix when figuring the price in the upgrade.

Example:

AAA price of hopper = $300 (just making up prices)
Disney price for hopper = $320

If you use one day first, and then upgrade to an AP, Disney will use the $320 figure when giving you credit toward the AP, thus you save $20.

Are you sure it works this way? It thought you'd get credit for the price that AAA paid for the tickets to Disney, not the price Disney would have charged you.

 

[CarolMN]

Are you sure it works this way? It thought you'd get credit for the price that AAA paid for the tickets to Disney, not the price Disney would have charged you.

That is true if the ticket is unused when you upgrade, but not if the ticket is partially used. If the ticket is partially used, you have to upgrade within 14 days of the first use of the ticket.

Check out this link for more info on tickets:

Everything About WDW Tickets: UPDATED Free On Your Birthday Information 01/19