Can I book a package plan with an annual pass?

[curtessey]

We are 7 adults, looking at staying at a 3 bedroom villa. Wondering if DH and I have annual passes, is there a discount if I book a package (all others would have regular passes)?

thanks in advance for any input!

 

[LSUfan4444]

You might be able to get a room only discount, but nothing on a package that I am aware of.

 

[cadawson]

Last summer, I booked AP discount with free Memory Maker. I have read they never offer AP with free Dining, though.

 

[hiroMYhero]

Packages that are "Room + Dining Plan" are now available but I'm not sure what the advantage is for that type of package.

 

[dmunsil]

There has been an Annual Passholder package for several years; it's typically for folks who have an AP but want to book the dining plan. There's no real difference between it and a straight ticketless package, except that if your rooms qualify for AP discounts, you will get them with an AP package.

You have to call in or use a travel agent to book it; it's not available online.

 

[cadawson]

You might consider buying the Tables in Wonderland discount card. It is not as big of a discount on food as the dining plan if you were to use the dining plan to its fullest, but it does include discount on adult beverages. We like TIW because we prefer to go with 1 or 2 sit-down meals a day - we rarely do counter service. Plus, we don't eat as much as is included in the Dining plan (appetizer, entree and dessert for each person at sit-down service). (We are also annoyed that the Dining Plan does not include as much as it once did for the price.) Booking as a "package" means you must pay your full package ahead of time. AP Room only, you are only charge for one night in advance and the rest when you arrive. It's a little more trouble w/ TIW because you have to present your TIW card each time and make sure not to loose it. Also, not all locations have TIW discounts and some have black-out dates. I would suggest pricing your trip with the Dining Plan and comparing it to what you'd with the TIW card. You can do a google search for the average restaurant prices. Also look online at the current list of restaurants that give AP discounts - there are many in Epcot that have lunch discounts. If you are doing a lot of character meals, then the Dining Plan might work out better. The TIW discount is good for up to a dining party of 10. Only 1 AP holder needs to buy the TIW card, but that person must be present at the meal and pay for the meal. So, that might be a little bit of trouble if you had planned to split checks.

 

[curtessey]

Thanks everyone for your input. Lots to think about and figure out. I've never used a TA before, but things are so much more complicated now I think we are definitely going that route. We did the Disney Dining Experience a few times before with the AP, which gave us a discount for some of the restaurants. But this trip, we may not always all be together and that's why we're looking at the dining plan this time around.