Cheapest Park Passes for 10-night Stay?

[grumpy-duck]

We are going for ten nights and are considering the Premium AP, but it still seems slightly more expensive than a length of stay pass. We plan on going to all parks (including water parks and DQ) and many days will do 2 parks in the same day. I'm sure we will be going to at least one park each day. I have read that the breakeven for an AP seems to be 8 days it just doesn't seem that way to me. Convince me! Also, can someone confirm that there is a DVC discount on passes and what the amount is? Lastly, we are also DC members so if anyone has had success buying passes there let me know. I just became a member of this site yesterday and have asked three questions already. When I get back from a trip in early June I should be able to help others with their questions!

 

[mickey7861]

There is no DVC discount on the AP or PAP (DC does offer a discount). There is however a 10% discount on the length of stay pass for DVC members. The break even point being 8 days takes into account that the AP or PAP is available for your use for 365 days from purchase. For example if you go in June this year and use your AP/PAP for 10 days then next year (assuming you only vacation once each year) if you return before June (the date you originally used it) those dates are free. THe LOS (or UMP) is only good during the current trip, there is no carrying over or rebate for days not used.

We bought AP's last August and used them for 17 nights. We returned this April for 5 days and we're going this July/Aug for 16 nights. All these dates are covered by that same AP.

 

[CarolMN]

Here's a link to ticket prices:

http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/tickets.htm

An UPH (Length of Stay) for 11 days/10 nights (with the 10% DVC discount) is less expensive than a PAP. However, as the previous poster says, PAP is the way to go if you will be planning another trip within a year.

Based on prices listed in the link (you will want to check my math, LOL):

Adult PAP (with DC discount & 6% FL tax) = $475.97

11 days/10 nights UPH (with 10% DVC discount and 6% FL tax) = $395.93

10 days/9 nights UPH (in case you arrive late the first day or depart early on the last day) = $374.94

Again, the question becomes, will you / can you plan another trip within a year? If yes, then the PAP is the way to go. Enjoy your trip!

PS. The oft quoted "8 day break even" for annual passes is for the regular AP. Break even for PAP is longer, and DVC members must take into account the 10% discount. Since my family doesn't visit the water parks or PI very often, I haven't done the math. We purchase the regular APs and pay admission for the few times we want to visit an attraction not covered by the AP.

 

[grumpy-duck]

This is good information - I appreciate your help. One other question if you see this reply - We have been down three times before and stayed at Port Orleans and bought our UPH ahead of time. Do you buy your UPH before arriving or once you are there? If you wait until arrival is this something that gets done at check-in? Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[Peggy Sue]

The UHP's are purchased at the time of check in. If you're arriving late and won't be going into the parks that day, or departing early and won't be going into the parks on your departure day be sure to ask them to cut these days off your purchase. They should grant at least one of the days, and will ususally grant you both.

We purchase the AP's, because we don't go to the water parks, PI and DQ enough to cover the extra cost of the PAP's. We have also purchased a few 7 day park hopper plus passes, so we have passes available for any guests that may be joining us. We use the plus features on these passes when we do want to go to a water park, PI etc. The only place a plus feature doesn't cover is DQ. The nice thing about the hopper plus passes is the unused park and plus features never expire.

AP's are a good bargin, you may want to check out the prices of the water parks with the DVC discount and see if paying the daily rate will be cheaper than getting the UHP's or PAP's. Also, keep in mind that if you plan to leave WDW to visit the other orlando attractions, you are still paying for that UHP day at Disney.

Have a great trip!