Disneyland at Halloween time? And how do you know it's time to buy an AP?

[cooniez]

Hi all! For those who have seen my many threads the family & I just returned from our DL trip on June 17th. DH didn't believe in going to DL even once a year, but after we got back he started talking about returning when DL has "themes" (Halloween, Xmas, etc).

I don't know much about going to DL during the Fall, but I heard that many rides are closed for refurbishment around this time? Also, I read that the weather is very hot (although I always believed that "Indian Summer" ended by early October, no?).

For our June trip we went the Costco Travel route (DL hotel + CityPass), but I'm wondering if it may be worth it for us to purchase AP's now. If I'm not mistaken - the annual pass "begins" on the day you purchase it (vs. being valid for 1 calendar year Jan-Dec regardless of when you buy)? If the AP is activated the day you purchase and expires 365 days from that date, is there a "best" time of year to purchase one?

Thanks in advance for any advice you can give this newbie!

 

[Girimama33]

The 365 days begin on your AP on the first day you use it in the parks. You can purchase them now and use the monthly payment option. You will receive an electronic pass that you exchange for the permanent one.
I purchased mine in early May before they announced the price hike. It will be activated in October so we will use it then and in April 2013. We also decided on another trip before the AP expires in September 2013.

 

[skiingfast]

I don't know much about going to DL during the Fall, but I heard that many rides are closed for refurbishment around this time? Also, I read that the weather is very hot (although I always believed that "Indian Summer" ended by early October, no?).

The biggest times for rehabs is January to March this is when major and more disruptive works take place like when the repave Main Street next Winter. The next is September to December, though it's a little mixed because October and November have a semi busy week so the rehabs may be broken up shorter term things. The third offseason is May. You may hit some rehabs but that is the give and take of going when crowds are lower.

It's not very hot, it's hot in September and warm in October, but the problem is there can be some periods where the Santa Anas blow and bring the heat from the Mojave.


If you are thinking of Halloween for your next trip you may as well wait until then to buy an AP and know when you are going. Lots can change between now and then. If decide to go and want to do Mickey's Halloween Party plan so you can do the party later in the trip. This way you may be able to pick up your AP and buy a AP discounted ticket in advance of the party.

 

[cooniez]

The 365 days begin on your AP on the first day you use it in the parks. You can purchase them now and use the monthly payment option. You will receive an electronic pass that you exchange for the permanent one.
I purchased mine in early May before they announced the price hike. It will be activated in October so we will use it then and in April 2013. We also decided on another trip before the AP expires in September 2013.

The biggest times for rehabs is January to March this is when major and more disruptive works take place like when the repave Main Street next Winter. The next is September to December, though it's a little mixed because October and November have a semi busy week so the rehabs may be broken up shorter term things. The third offseason is May. You may hit some rehabs but that is the give and take of going when crowds are lower.

It's not very hot, it's hot in September and warm in October, but the problem is there can be some periods where the Santa Anas blow and bring the heat from the Mojave.


If you are thinking of Halloween for your next trip you may as well wait until then to buy an AP and know when you are going. Lots can change between now and then. If decide to go and want to do Mickey's Halloween Party plan so you can do the party later in the trip. This way you may be able to pick up your AP and buy a AP discounted ticket in advance of the party.

Thank you both for this info! I did read about the price hikes, but doubt that DH would've considered purchasing AP's before our trip. Now that he wants to return during the holidays I think it may save us money in the long run. We paid $289 (adult) for the CityPass, and I believe the lowest AP ticket is about $500? I will have to do some research as well to figure out which AP is the best one to purchase...there are so many things to consider: the price (of course), and I did read that certain types have more blackout dates than others.

 

[skiingfast]

I believe the lowest AP ticket is about $500? I will have to do some research as well to figure out which AP is the best one to purchase...there are so many things to consider: the price (of course), and I did read that certain types have more blackout dates than others.

Since you don't live in SoCal you can get either the Delux or Premium. There is a Premier but that is for DLR and WDW. The DLR passes are $469 or $650 for Premium.

Consider when you will go and look at this link to the blackout calendar.
http://disneyland.disney.go.com/passes/blockout-dates/
The premium is never blockedout and the delux is on a lot of Saturdays and core vacation days.

Also consider what you may spend on dining and merchandise because the Premium gets an extra 5% off. Also Premium includes parking while it's a $129 add on to the delux. With a AP parking far away and using a parking included pass can pay off greatly. You can priceline nice hotels for $50 and drive to the parking lots using that perk.

 

[Minnie Loves Mickey]

We bought our APs Dec. last year and for us that was Great because we will get 2 Chritmas visits out of them!

 

[cooniez]

Since you don't live in SoCal you can get either the Delux or Premium. There is a Premier but that is for DLR and WDW. The DLR passes are $469 or $650 for Premium.

Consider when you will go and look at this link to the blackout calendar.
http://disneyland.disney.go.com/passes/blockout-dates/
The premium is never blockedout and the delux is on a lot of Saturdays and core vacation days.

Also consider what you may spend on dining and merchandise because the Premium gets an extra 5% off. Also Premium includes parking while it's a $129 add on to the delux. With a AP parking far away and using a parking included pass can pay off greatly. You can priceline nice hotels for $50 and drive to the parking lots using that perk.

Thank you for the very helpful AP calendar! I completely forgot that Disney offered 2 diff. AP passes for So.Cal residents only. It does seem that those have the most blackout dates though.

We typically stay at 1 of the 3 DL resort hotels since I like having the flex. to walk back for naps/breaks during the noontime so I'm not too worried about parking, but the AP discount at restaurants & stores will definitely help! I didn't know it was only the Premium one that got you discounts. I do know I was asked at all the restaurants if I was an AP holder...how would the procedure work anyway? Would they scan your AP in order to give you the discount and only the Premium would work?

I am a bit sad that I didn't think about getting APs before our June trip. I would've been able to purchase Carsland/DCA Grand Opening merchandise that was only available to AP holders.

We bought our APs Dec. last year and for us that was Great because we will get 2 Chritmas visits out of them!

That's great! It looks like many people purchased them before the price hike. I really wish I was one of them, but didn't think we would be going back this year. Before our trip DH wasn't really up for even an ANNUAL DL trip! lol But then we met up with his cousin & her fiance for a day and she was talking about how nice it was during Halloween...and lo and behold when we got home DH started saying maybe we can go during the Halloween time and see how it is.

Btw, were the AP passes significantly cheaper before the price hike? I only heard about the price hike in passing and never really had the time to research it/read threats about it. I'm assuming since many people rushed to buy the APs before the hike that they were significantly cheaper previously?

 

[sonnyjane]

! I didn't know it was only the Premium one that got you discounts. I do know I was asked at all the restaurants if I was an AP holder...how would the procedure work anyway? Would they scan your AP in order to give you the discount and only the Premium would work?

You misunderstood the previous post. ALL AP's get discounts, it's just that the Premium gets more of a discount than the others. All AP's get 10% off food, but the Premium gets 15% off, and while the others currently get 10% off merchandise, Premium gets 20%

 

[cooniez]

You misunderstood the previous post. ALL AP's get discounts, it's just that the Premium gets more of a discount than the others. All AP's get 10% off food, but the Premium gets 15% off, and while the others currently get 10% off merchandise, Premium gets 20%

Oh my goodness! You're right...I totally misread that. I went back & re-read the post & I noticed the word "extra". Really long day and I'm falling asleep at my computer trying to work. Thanks for pointing that out!

 

[Disney Dreams]

...I completely forgot that Disney offered 2 diff. AP passes for So.Cal residents only. It does seem that those have the most blackout dates though.

You are 100% correct. That's why they cost so much less. They cannot be used on MANY dates throughout the year.

We typically stay at 1 of the 3 DL resort hotels...

Well, then you may also be able to benefit from AP rates at the hotels. Something else to factor in to your decision.

...I'm not too worried about parking, but the AP discount at restaurants & stores will definitely help! I didn't know it was only the Premium one that got you discounts. I do know I was asked at all the restaurants if I was an AP holder...how would the procedure work anyway? Would they scan your AP in order to give you the discount and only the Premium would work?

At the moment, both the Deluxe and Premium APs get a discount of some percentage on food and merchandise. Premium just gets a larger discount. The process is exactly as you surmised: At the cash register in a shop or counter service restaurant or at the table when you bill is presented in a table-service restaurant, you present your AP. An appropriate discount is then given based on the type of AP you have.

Also, there is special merchandise (like a monthly pin) that only AP holders can purchase.

It is important to note that technically, the discount is only good if the holder of the AP is present and paying. So, if for example you have an AP and your husband does not, he cannot just use your AP for discounts simply because you are married. It is YOUR discount, and can be used for your entire party, but you have to be there.

I am a bit sad that I didn't think about getting APs before our June trip. I would've been able to purchase Carsland/DCA Grand Opening merchandise that was only available to AP holders.

I was thinking about how if you had upgraded your tickets to APs during this trip you could have applied the cost of those tickets, but... that's done and over and past, so.... moving on.

...It looks like many people purchased them before the price hike. I really wish I was one of them, but didn't think we would be going back this year...

Eh, it's the past. Don't kick yourself.

Btw, were the AP passes significantly cheaper before the price hike? I only heard about the price hike in passing and never really had the time to research it/read threats about it. I'm assuming since many people rushed to buy the APs before the hike that they were significantly cheaper previously?

Trust me when I say, you really don't want to know. Don't research it. It's in the past. You'll only kick yourself. Over and over and over again. And that gets you nowhere and looks funny!

- Dreams

 

[cooniez]

You are 100% correct. That's why they cost so much less. They cannot be used on MANY dates throughout the year.


Well, then you may also be able to benefit from AP rates at the hotels. Something else to factor in to your decision.


At the moment, both the Deluxe and Premium APs get a discount of some percentage on food and merchandise. Premium just gets a larger discount. The process is exactly as you surmised: At the cash register in a shop or counter service restaurant or at the table when you bill is presented in a table-service restaurant, you present your AP. An appropriate discount is then given based on the type of AP you have.

Also, there is special merchandise (like a monthly pin) that only AP holders can purchase.

It is important to note that technically, the discount is only good if the holder of the AP is present and paying. So, if for example you have an AP and your husband does not, he cannot just use your AP for discounts simply because you are married. It is YOUR discount, and can be used for your entire party, but you have to be there.


I was thinking about how if you had upgraded your tickets to APs during this trip you could have applied the cost of those tickets, but... that's done and over and past, so.... moving on.


Eh, it's the past. Don't kick yourself.


Trust me when I say, you really don't want to know. Don't research it. It's in the past. You'll only kick yourself. Over and over and over again. And that gets you nowhere and looks funny!

- Dreams

Sigh...maybe I really SHOULDN'T research it then! I tend to dwell on things..especially when I have regrets and I have a feeling I'll regret the fact that I was unaware I could've upgraded to AP's during the trip or that it might've been a good idea to purchase them before the price hike.

Would the discount to any of the DL resort hotels be a set rate as well or would it depend on which of the 3 you pick? Also, if Disney comes out with those additional room discounts (as they tend to during the slower times) would they be applicable as an "extra" discount? Or is it one or the other? Before we purchase them I think I will compare what we spend doing the Costco package vs. what it would be with the APs.

 

[Disney Dreams]

Sigh...maybe I really SHOULDN'T research it then! I tend to dwell on things..especially when I have regrets and I have a feeling I'll regret the fact that I was unaware I could've upgraded to AP's during the trip or that it might've been a good idea to purchase them before the price hike.

Would the discount to any of the DL resort hotels be a set rate as well or would it depend on which of the 3 you pick? Also, if Disney comes out with those additional room discounts (as they tend to during the slower times) would they be applicable as an "extra" discount? Or is it one or the other? Before we purchase them I think I will compare what we spend doing the Costco package vs. what it would be with the APs.

I hear you with the dwelling on "what could have been deals," but my DH has taught me you just have to move on because it's gone. Don't research the past. BUT - plan for the future!

So the DLR hotels have special AP rates based on when you are going and what they are offering at the time, on the dates you want, availability, etc.... People post on here all the time about AP rates. I was surprised no one commented on your question prior to me just coming back here. The special rates can vary and may or may not match your dates, but when/if you can get a match, you can get some savings. Just another AP perk. They are not an "extra" discount. It's not very often that you can stack discounts with Disney (or elsewhere in my experience, for that matter). Shucks!

My general point above was, if you are looking at getting APs, just remember that there are potential savings in all sorts of areas, even spa discounts at the GCH on certain days! Woohoo! Check out this chart if you have not already.

One thing you could do... buy tickets for your upcoming trip and upgrade just one person on the frist day to an AP. Then, you can get all the discounts with that one AP and figure out by the end of the trip if you want to upgrade everyone else's based on your future travel plans. As long as you upgrade before you leave the Park for the last time on the last day that your multi-day pass is valid, you are set.

Just a few thoughts for you,
Dreams

P.S. Also remember that if you live in CA (which I think you do), you can pay for your AP through the monthly payment plan instead of one lump payment.

 

[cooniez]

I hear you with the dwelling on "what could have been deals," but my DH has taught me you just have to move on because it's gone. Don't research the past. BUT - plan for the future!

So the DLR hotels have special AP rates based on when you are going and what they are offering at the time, on the dates you want, availability, etc.... People post on here all the time about AP rates. I was surprised no one commented on your question prior to me just coming back here. The special rates can vary and may or may not match your dates, but when/if you can get a match, you can get some savings. Just another AP perk. They are not an "extra" discount. It's not very often that you can stack discounts with Disney (or elsewhere in my experience, for that matter). Shucks!

My general point above was, if you are looking at getting APs, just remember that there are potential savings in all sorts of areas, even spa discounts at the GCH on certain days! Woohoo! Check out this chart if you have not already.

One thing you could do... buy tickets for your upcoming trip and upgrade just one person on the frist day to an AP. Then, you can get all the discounts with that one AP and figure out by the end of the trip if you want to upgrade everyone else's based on your future travel plans. As long as you upgrade before you leave the Park for the last time on the last day that your multi-day pass is valid, you are set.

Just a few thoughts for you,
Dreams

P.S. Also remember that if you live in CA (which I think you do), you can pay for your AP through the monthly payment plan instead of one lump payment.

Wow! Thanks for all the info. I thought I had replied already to your post, but my darn internet must've failed me since it never went through! I will definitely review the charts once I get a minute. Have you ever been to DL in October? I am having a hard time deciding which week we should go, but since our anniv. falls on Oct. 31st I am thinking our trip should include the 31st (whether we stay the whole week or make that our last day in the parks).

 

[SomeDude78]

APs start the first day you use it, or the first day you use whatever it was upgraded from (for example if you use a multi-day ticket on 7/9 but upgrade it to an AP on 7/11, your AP would start counting from 7/9 ... subtle and anal retentive distinction, I know, but there ya go).

Your profile says N. Cal so I assume you're from the Bay? (I'm in the South Bay.) If so, then "their" weather isn't that different from "ours", just ratchet it up a couple degrees during the day (well okay a bunch of degrees in the event you're in SF ), decrease the already-low likelihood of rain (or super high likelihood of drought depending if your glass is half-full or half-empty ), and there it is

I wouldn't worry too much about the refurbs, they seldom do a bunch of work at once, it's usually one or two things at a time. Usually the major stuff doesn't happen during winter because Thanksgiving and Xmas are popular times.

The AP discount is valid at many of the stores and restaurants in Downtown Disney too BTW, not just inside the parks.

 

[cooniez]

APs start the first day you use it, or the first day you use whatever it was upgraded from (for example if you use a multi-day ticket on 7/9 but upgrade it to an AP on 7/11, your AP would start counting from 7/9 ... subtle and anal retentive distinction, I know, but there ya go).

Your profile says N. Cal so I assume you're from the Bay? (I'm in the South Bay.) If so, then "their" weather isn't that different from "ours", just ratchet it up a couple degrees during the day (well okay a bunch of degrees in the event you're in SF ), decrease the already-low likelihood of rain (or super high likelihood of drought depending if your glass is half-full or half-empty ), and there it is

I wouldn't worry too much about the refurbs, they seldom do a bunch of work at once, it's usually one or two things at a time. Usually the major stuff doesn't happen during winter because Thanksgiving and Xmas are popular times.

The AP discount is valid at many of the stores and restaurants in Downtown Disney too BTW, not just inside the parks.

Yes, we're from the Silicon Valley. Have you ever been to DL in October? We have always gone in June so this would be really new for us. I don't know if there is a thread that lists the various dates you can go in Oct & pros. vs. cons. I know there is a Superthread here that analyzes going during the Summer etc., but my search never pulled one up for going in October. The only thing I can think of to consider would be which rides are down for refurb. and the fact that if we decide to buy tickets for the Halloween Party it gets pricier the closer to Halloween, yes?

 

[SomeDude78]

Yes, we're from the Silicon Valley. Have you ever been to DL in October? We have always gone in June so this would be really new for us. I don't know if there is a thread that lists the various dates you can go in Oct & pros. vs. cons. I know there is a Superthread here that analyzes going during the Summer etc., but my search never pulled one up for going in October.

Hey there neighbor Yep, we're fanatics and go 1-3 times a month. I don't spend much time in the super threads because my attention span is too short but I'm sure there's gotta be one somewhere (unfortunately I'm useless as far as locating it).

We do go in October, and it's nice that time of year. Warmer than October up here in general, but nights tend to be similar temperature wise. Pros IMO would be smaller crowds and Halloween, cons would be colder weather, marginally greater chance of refurbs (again not a big consideration in my mind though).

Needless to say, we get a TON of mileage out of our APs (we opted for the Premium) and it's well worth it IMO for Disney fans living in our neck of the woods. The only disclaimer is that I personally used to live in So Cal, so I have lots of reasons (basketball, friends, etc.) for heading down there, and sometimes we just pop by Disney since we're in the area anyway. Still, even if you just go a few times a year, it's pretty easy to justify the price of an AP.

Oh, one more Pro for the Fall-Winter months since you mentioned staying at the onsite hotels: AP onsite hotel discounts for that time of year tend to be much better than ones offered during summer.