Cost benefits of Package vs AP

[Mikenmindy]

My wife and I are planning to return to WDW for our 2nd wedding anniversary and I'm trying to weigh what route to take. For one option we're thinking of of purchasing the dream maker package with Silver add-on for our 9 day 8 night stay at Poly Congierge or Yacht Club Concierge Sept 11-19th. 2004.

We were considering purchasing one AP to try to get AP rates on the room but as I can read it seems Disney seems to hold people's feet to the fire over these.

It seems based on the rules of going the package route is that it's exclusive of the AP as both of us would have to purchase the package.

Would it be beneficial for us to purchase AP's and then UPH tickets and pay for the food seperately with the 10% discount?

We only plan on making this one trip during the AP duration.

Any and all suggestions are welcomed =)

 

[Mikenmindy]

*bump*
Anyone have any insight??

 

[chell]

Well I don't have any actual experience with the package you are considering. But I do have experience with the AP's. If you are only planning to use them once it still might be worth it to purchase the AP.

You only need one AP to get the discount on meals. You don't both have to show them.

In 2001 we bought 2 APs, one for each of us. We spent a week at the All Star Movies. In December we went back and stayed at POR for 3 nights. The savings we received on the rooms from those 2 trips MORE than paid for BOTH of our APs. They can save you lots of money. But you just never know for sure when discounts will be offered.

Does this help any? Or does it make it worse? I hope it does help a little.

 

[house_of_princesses]

Would it be beneficial for us to purchase AP's and then UPH tickets and pay for the food seperately with the 10% discount?

I'm not sure I understand this... buy an AP AND a UPH? For 10% off food for 2 people? I know I'm tired, am I missing something here?

BTW, I don't know much about the packages, but everything I've read says you're better off going ala carte vs. package. HTH.

 

[Mamu]

Disney likes to see profits. Their packages are geared to making a profit. With lots of add-on you are paying for, that your probably not going to use.

I know the packages sound like a great deal, and for some they might be. Sometimes the AP are worth it, sometimes not. I think the brake down may be 7-8 day depending on the savings.

I'm a pay as you go person, if an AP saves me money I'll go with the AP, if not I'll look for a code that saves me money. I like hopper passes for the rest of the family. It get them into the park, and if we choose not to do Disney that day I do not lose the day admission. If days are left on the hopper they will be good next time I return, even if it's years away. As far as the food packages go if your a big eater, maybe you win. Disney would surely make money on us here. We do more snacking then big meals.

 

[maggiew]

I believe the 8 day/7 night UPH costs the same amount as an AP. Since you are going for 9 days/8 nights you would be coming out a little ahead. Although APs do not include the waterparks or Disney Quest or Pleasure Island. So if you were planning on doing any of those, you would need to factor in the extra price for those tickets.

In terms of the silver add on package, I think it depends on what you were planning on doing with it. If you use it properly, you can come out ahead. If you live it up and do the most expensive things, then it is beneficial. I think there is some cut off number that if you plan on using the wish for less than XX dollars, then it is not worth it. I think that number is $45, but someone else may know for sure. I have never priced it out, just reember reading that here somewhere on the boards. But often if you are running around trying to get the most out of your wishes, you miss a lot in the parks. But that may be ok. If you WANT to spend your time going to La Nouba or going on a Tour, then it is worth it.

I think you need to decide what you probably will plan to do, and then see if it is worth it. Add up the price for everything and see which way is cheaper. Although if you would rather have the piece of mind with the package and don't mind if you spend a few dollars more, then that is worth it too.

But also watch out for those "talking" APs. They may soon talk you into another trip before they expire. They sure sweet talked us.

Maggie

 

[COACHSTING]

We celebrated our 20th anniversary last year in Sept. at Poly Concierge, Lagoon view. We researched packages and AP discounts. AP won by far. As I recall, we saved around a 40% discount a day on the room. On a $400/night room thats a substantial savings. Therefore the AP paid for itself. Sept is one of the best, if not the best, month for AP discounts. We purchased 2 AP passes because we planned on coming back to celebrate our anniversary the following year by coming a week earlier and using the same AP passes. I'd skip the ultimate park hopper. If you don't want to come back next year, a multi day park hopper plus is a better deal for your other pass as the days never expire. Purchasing everything ala cart is much cheaper than a package especially during value season.

We loved Poly Concierge. Happy Anniversary.