Considering getting AP-help w/ questions

[nezy]

I am considering getting AP-more for all of the discounts and added perks. Is is t worth it?
I will be the only one in the family with an AP. We all have MYW tix already-10day. This should last us roughly 2-3 yrs. I will be going to WDW this Jan. w/ friends and then in Feb w/ family. In Jan we will do only 1 park day and 2 -3 in Feb depending on the weather.

I have read there is a way to get more like 14 months out of a AP than 12 mo. How do you do that?
Also, when is the effective date of pass-first day of use or the purchase date?
Thanks.

 

[Chuck S]

The effective date of the pass is when you get the "actual pass". If you buy a voucher, you have redeem it for a real pass at guest services, the date you do that will be the effective date.

As far as "benefits" for AP holders, the best beneift (for us) is the ability to purchase the DDE card. The dining benefits, other than the DDE, associated with an AP aren't that great, limited to mostly lunch Monday to Friday. Room discounts can be worth it, but it is of somewhat limited value for DVC members. Most may use it to move on weekends or to bookend DVC trips. And those room discounts aren't always available.

We do buy APs, but I would not recommend purchasing them solely for the side benefits, purchase them because they'll fit your park day usage, the extra "perks" are just gravy.

 

[GoldenOldie]

AP's are good for 366 days only. Example: you activate your voucher (or purchase the AP in person at WDW) on January 17, 2006. The AP will be valid through (and including) January 17, 2007. There is no way to extend it to 14 months.

 

[canwegosoon]

If you are reading some old guides there used to be a way when you renewed your AP to stretch it, since they gave you a window to renew by. BUT that changed several years ago. Now when you renew it goes back to the day it expired.

I would look at the days you are planning on being in the parks...now with the DVC dining(instead of purchasing the AP +a DDE) it might work out better for you, since you already have the tickets and hopefully the no-expiration feature. The only other reason I would get 1ap is for the DDE if you were traveling with a larger group or people that liked to have a drink or two.