Disneyland Annual Pass question

[yensid9111]

I have 4 trips planned in the next 12 months--3 at WDW (Feb/Dec/Feb '12) and one trip to DLR in June of this year. I plan on buying an annual pass (but, not the premium one that includes water parks) at WDW...I've been doing some research, and with the ticket that I plan to purchase (6 day park hopper) at Disneyland in June, I could spend approx. $60 more, and get the WDW/DLR Premium pass. (That would include the water parks at WDW).

I've never had an annual at DLR (live in GA, and never been fortunate enough to visit DLR enough to warrant an annual)...I've had WDW annual passes several times, and am aware of extra discounts that are included.

My question is what, if any, discounts are included with a DLR annual pass? I have DVC, so hotel discounts are not going to do be used...I'm wondering if the extra $60 would be worth spending to get the extra merchandise/food discounts (if any are included)

thanks so much!

 

[sonnyjane]

If you buy the Premiere Pass for both parks, you get the discounts at Disneyland as if you were a Premium AP holder.

Here is a link to the locations that give discounts and how much: http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneyland/en_US/ap/discounts?name=AnnualPassholderUngatedDiscountsPage

As a rule, you will get 15% off of food, and 10% off of merchandise as a PAP holder. Right now, they are giving 20% off of merchandise as part of a special promotion, but that is not always the case, although I believe I heard that was extended through the end of the year.

 

[yensid9111]

thanks so much, I spent a lot of time yesterday searching the Disney websites looking for that exact information! Do you know if they offer discounts for the Fantasmic Dessert package or World of Color?

 

[sonnyjane]

thanks so much, I spent a lot of time yesterday searching the Disney websites looking for that exact information! Do you know if they offer discounts for the Fantasmic Dessert package or World of Color?

They do not for the F! package. I haven't done a WOC package, as you can get a great spot with a free FP (or a bad spot with a $40.00 dinner), so I'm not sure.

 

[yensid9111]

I really appreciate the information. Thanks for the "heads up" on WOC. I'm taking my niece (18) and nephew (14) for their first trip to DLR and am trying my best to make it incredible. They have been to WDW many times, and I've told them how very special the DLR is. I was planning on doing both the F! and the WOC package, but now I think that I will save some $ and just grab a FP for WOC...I have looked at the menus for WOC, and wasn't really impressed w/ what I saw...I've always liked the food at the hotels and at DL better that DCA. Hopefully, I will be able to reserve the F! at 30 days prior.

We'll be going in June, so ST2 (they aren't aware that they are installing a new ST) and the LM should be open...can't wait to show them how great DLR is. I've got a friend who is arranging a tour of the WD Studios in Burbank for them as well...We are so excited.

If there are any more ideas to make their trip special, I can't wait to hear.
thanks!

 

[skiingfast]

OP: In your situation this is a no brainer. WDW basic AP+DLR 3 or more day HP=Permier pass.
It's about 530+185 is over the 700 Premier cost. It's doesn't work out so well for children, but it could still hit $700. I would consider the AP discounts just to be icing on the cake.

Also note for WoC. Free FPs can get a good or bad spot to watch. Dining packages of which there are 3 styles can get a good or bad spot.

 

[taaren]

The AP discount on WOC picnics is 10%. I think on the dinners its 15 but only DH got to do that one, not me, and he doesn't show me receipts!

 

[Funball]

euther way, if you travel to WDW and DLR enough then getting the $700 premier pass seems to make sense for you, but if you only visit DLR and not really WDW enough then getting a deluxe AP or a,. premium(the premium has parking included) seems to make sense for you also.. you can get the deluxe and add the extra cost of free parking on to it, but it just then make sense to go all out and get the premium(not the same as the premier pass)..

i think also with the premier you get the free parking as well.

 

[sonnyjane]

i think also with the premier you get the free parking as well.

Yes. The Premiere gets you free parking at all the lots in WDW and DLR.

 

[Davids-Coco]

With a $60 difference, I could easily see that being saved at DL with food & merchandise. DVC disc is a number of the same restaurants, but 10% instead of 15%... so it is worth figuring that you are only getting an additional 5% when figuring if you would spend the difference. However, our food budget for a week there would kill that $60 alone at 5% disc!

 

[Praise2Him]

We live in Alabama and have WDW APs. We went to DL a few weeks ago and upgraded to the Premier annual pass.

We were there for 3 full days and as stated above, for us it just made sense to upgrade. For one thing, we were able to visit the parks the day we arrived and the day we left for just a few hours, in addition to the 3 days. We also did use the AP discount on the hotel room, which you said you won't need, though.

We also got discounts on all merchandise (20%, and yes we were told that it's been extended through December 31) and most meals - 15% (not Napa Rose). We did the WOC dinner at Ariels (with discount) and enjoyed it. I'm surprised that people are saying the view was bad with the dining package. For us it was fantastic! For first-timers I'd definitely recommend it. We also did the F! Dessert Party (no discount) and highly recommend it also.

About parking - if you stay on property they charge you $15/day to park and it is not free with the AP

WARNING!!! We loved it so much that I'm already planning how I can go back before my Premier pass expires on July 2! (Yes, the pass does expire on your original date unfortunately)

 

[KermitRocks]

I have the premier pass (PP) and I love it!!! Not only will you be able to get into the water parks at WDW but the PP gets you into DisneyQuest. I had never been in there because I didn't want to pay the extra $40 entrance fee. But last month I went to DisneyQuest and had a blast. I feel the premier has more than paid for itself: I've been to WDW twice and Disneyland 3 times and have received tons of the discounts in the parks, shops, etc. I recommend the premier pass. Have fun at Disney this year!!!