Do I understand the Annual Pass Correctly..

[nikki]

I now have 2 reservations. One "room only" and One package deal. I will purchase an annual pass if all of the experienced annual pass holders think it is worth it for the room discount. I can only afford to go to Disney once a year, so I am using it for the room discount and I think you get a park hopper pass(can you get park tickets for the whole family under the one annual pass price?), and discounts on your food?? There is not clear information listed in one place. If the annual pass at ? $450 is such a savings, why does't everyone purchase one? I was also told that you can get discounts on the room only reservation. The package gets no discounts. Thanks in advance for your time. Staying at Poly May 7-14.

 

[MaryAunt]

Hi Nikki, welcome to the Dis! I am the holder of an annual pass, the first time I got one, I used it for great room rates. The next year that we went, I planned our trip one week earlier, used the AP for rates, and for my admission. Am going again in 2 weeks, a little spoiled, but because of great airfares, and AP room rates, can afford it even though it's only been two months! Have never been in February, but am looking forward to getting out of FREEZING upstate New York! Happy planning! MaryAunt

 

[sjw4870]

I am the holder of a regular AP. Since the room discounts are not guarenteed, I would advise you to make your decision based on 2 critera:

1. Number of days you know you'll be in a park
2. Liklihood of a return trip

1. I believe if you are going to be in parks for more than 8 days, the pass pays for itself (I'm talking the "regular" pass for the 4 main parks).

Here's how an AP worked out for me in the past.

2003

Purchased an AP for $400 and had a 5 night stay at Poly in May(got a postcard so I didn't use the room discount, and not sure if it was even available).

Used it again for a 4 night stay in November.

In 2003, if I bought individual park hopper passes for each visit, it would have cost more than the cost of the AP.

However, the pass REALLY paid for itself on my November trip because I was able to get a savannah room at AKL for $199 per night (incl tax) with the AP while the same room was being quoted to me on Disney.com for over $300 per night. So, in other words - big savings for me!

2004

Purchased another AP prior to my 7 night trip in November. Booked the room with a postcard offer. My friend who came with me only purchased a 7 day pass which cost $75 less than my AP (very unlikely she'll be back this year).

So the 2004 pass for me is a gamble, if I don't go again this year, I'll have wasted $75. However, I'll probably go at least 1 more time (if only for a weekend tacked onto a business trip) so for me, it was worth it to take this chance whtether its for the potential of a room discount or just so I have a park pass when/if I return.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[cobbler]

I am the holder of a regular AP. Since the room discounts are not guarenteed, I would advise you to make your decision based on 2 critera:

1. Number of days you know you'll be in a park
2. Liklihood of a return trip

1. I believe if you are going to be in parks for more than 8 days, the pass pays for itself (I'm talking the "regular" pass for the 4 main parks).

I bought an AP because we will be there a total of 14-15 days in a one year period. That alone saves $$. We did get rates last year, hoping for some this year but won't be too terribly disappointed if they don't come out (now I will be but not too bad) because I am saving so much already on park tickets.

We bought APs for the whole family.

 

[eeyore0062]

The Annual Pass is good for one person only. Yes, you may be able to get a fairly substantial room discount if they have it available, but you will not be able to get discounts with that Annual Pass for anyone else in your party on Disney park tickets and it cannot be used by anyone but you. You are still going to have to purchase tickets for everyone in your party for how many days you are planning in the parks. You are entitled to $4 off discount tickets to the water parks, PI and Disney Quest. You may also get some lunch discounts at DTD and Epcot. You will receive a 10% mechandise discount from World of Disney in Downtown Disney, Arribas Brothers and Virgin Megastore, both also in Downtown Disney. And you may purchase the Disney Dining Experience Card with the AP rate for $50 which will save you 20% off most full service Disney Owned and operated restaurants.

If you aren't staying at least 7 to 8 days or coming back for another trip before it expires, I don't really see that it is in your best interest to purchase the AP. From what I am reading, it appears to me that you thought that the AP would entitle your whole family admission for that one price. Could you imagine, really?... whole family gets admission as many times as they like for 365 days a year all for the low price of $403--- cool thought, but definitely a fantasy. Not making fun, but wouldn't THAT be nice?

I think you may be better off with the package deal. You don't say how many adults and children (3-9) are going, or for how many days, which resort, if you want the dining package, type of tickets and which options (non expiring, park hopper, magic plus visits to water parks, PI or Disney Quest). There are many of us who are pretty good at figuring out which deal is best, moneywise, but we need just a bit more info!

 

[ILoveWDW2003]

I believe if you are going to be in parks for more than 8 days, the pass pays for itself (I'm talking the "regular" pass for the 4 main parks).

I believe the break-even point has increased with the release of the Magic Your Way tickets....

 

[DebbieB]

I can only afford to go to Disney once a year, so I am using it for the room discount and I think you get a park hopper pass(can you get park tickets for the whole family under the one annual pass price?), and discounts on your food?? There is not clear information listed in one place. If the annual pass at ? $450 is such a savings, why does't everyone purchase one?

Each family member must have their own pass, either an AP or MYW ticket (park hopper), the price is not for the entire family. An AP for an adult is $420 incl tax, ages 3 to 9 is $357. You can get the AP room discount by having just one person in the room own an AP, the rest of the family can buy whatever kind of pass they want.

http://www.allearsnet.com/pl/apass.htm

 

[nikki]

Thank you all so much for the information...
EEYORE0062: We are staying for 7 nites at the Poly, lagoon view, 2 adults, 2 children 9 y/o if you happen to check in again.

 

[Gillian]

I'm not a math wiz, but I'm pretty sure that you will save money with an AP rate, if one becomes available. The room you are in is pretty expensive, and the best discount you can get on a package is from AAA (10% off room part of the package for deluxe resorts during regular season).

Here's what I figure for the room part:
rack rate: $3473 incld tax
AAA rate: $3125 incd tax

If an AP rate is 30% off ($311 + tax per night) (random guess) that's
$2431

So you'd save $690 over the AAA rate. If the difference between the MYW tickets and an AP is $200 (??) then you're still saving ~$500. If you don't have AAA, it's a savings of $850.

If you were going to add the dining (which is the only reason to book a package), your savings might be a little less, because most families will spend more on meals than they will on the dining option.

The tickets for the rest of the family don't really matter, if they are getting MYW.

Just be careful, because once you buy an AP, you'll want to go back!

 

[eeyore0062]

Thank you all so much for the information...
EEYORE0062: We are staying for 7 nites at the Poly, lagoon view, 2 adults, 2 children 9 y/o if you happen to check in again.

Cool I have all of the figures and as soon as I figure it out for you, I will post it!

 

[eeyore0062]

This is what I was able to come up with for you: I know, I am nuts. I actually ENJOY wading through all of this stuff!

Package with Poly Lagoon view 2 adults, 2 kids, base 7 day MYW tickets and MYW dining plus = $ 4870.14

Package with Poly Lagoon view 2 adults, 2 kids, base 7 day MYW with hopper option and MYW dining plus = $4976.64

Annual Pass= $399 + 6.5% tax = $424.93
1 7 day MYW w/ no options for adult and 2 7 day MYW tickets w/ no options for kids= $519.00
or 1 seven day MYW w/.hopper for adult and 2 seven day MYW w/ hoppers for kids= $595

Room only Lagoon view, 2 adult 2 kids= 3473.26 minus 30% discount would be $2431.28

So, to have entire package w/ 7 day hoppers, lagoon view, and dining package will cost you $4976.64

Same as above w/o the hopper option= $4870.14

If you add up your AP at $424.93, seven day MYW base ticket for 1 adult and 2 kids at $519.00 and your room only price at $2431.28* (discount may be more or less at time of booking-- this was based on a 30% discount) your total will be not including the Dining Package= $3375.21 (you will be paying for all of your own meals this way.)

The same as above, but adding the hopper option would be= $3451.21 also not including any meals.

This should help you to decide... the meal plan you would have would include 2 sit down meals a day and a snack. You will also get some goodies, too. I believe the Magical Express, which offers hassle free transportation to and from the Orlando International Airport, the magical part is that that you won't have to claim your own luggage... it is delivered straight to your resort room. (I believe that there are certain airlines this applies, to, so I will try to find out which and let you know.) One luggage tag for each person in your party.

As someone above posted... most people end up sending more on food without the dining option than if they have it. Just make your PS fairly soon after the 90 day mark, with the 50th Celebration just beginning! Especially if you are interested in character meals, or California Grill!

Whatever you decide, have a great time!

 

[nikki]

eeyore002 you are amazing!!!! I will let you know what we decide. I was wondering how I was going to figuire it all out and you did it for me. Thank you, Thank you!

Nikki