Do we buy Annual Passes or not?

[mamarobin24]

Hello.
Now that I have nailed down all the details of our five day trip in October, I wanted to ask people about which is the better deal - a five day pass or buying annual passes for everyone.

We have basically 5 adults in our family (everyone is over the age of 12). We are definitely booked into a 1-bedroom at BW in October, and we'll probably go for our "regular" trip at the end of February. Both are 5 day trips. Then, we may decide to do a flying quick trip again next fall (we have got to get more points).

So, I have studied the chart comparing all those ticket prices and money savings et al, and I admit that I am mathematically inept.

Can someone just TELL me which is the better deal?

 

[jimmytammy]

We face this same question every trip. If you are using APs for 7 or more days you can get your moneys worth out of them. If you make another trip even a short one you will probably be OK buying APs. You can save $$s if you buy AP vouchers at the Disney store then redeem at park rather than pay full price at gate. If you go the PHPs route, you can purchase these directly from Disney store also at a reduced price, savings of $12- $15. Hope this helps.

 

[ScottOKW2K]

The AP, of course !

But that's just my opinion. Generally speaking, when comparing AP's to other types of admission media, the rule for breaking even is 8 days for the AP and approximately 10 days for a PAP. The PAP includes admission to the water parks, Pleasure Island, and DisneyQuest in addition to the admission for all four major theme parks.

This question is so common that Deb Wills has a page dedicated to it on her site. Click here to read the details.

One last thing - you will be in good company. The last time someone did a poll on this board about what type of pass you use over 95% of DVC members said they used some type of annual pass.

Wow !

Be careful, though. Once you have an AP , that little voice saying "just one more trip" becomes oh sooo hard to resist. Pretty soon you will find yourself saying " Hi, I'm mamarobin24 and I'm a disney addict. "

 

[mamarobin24]

Oh, I'm afraid it's waaaaaaaay past time to admit I'm a disneyholic.

My children have been teasing that they are going to have to join CFTGTWDWA


- Children Forced To Go To WDW Anonymous.

ROFL

and when I called for the ressies, and the lady said, you can't put 5 adults in a 1-bedroom at VWL, my first thought was,

(you know already right?)


YES!! it was
"I bet I could (the Spouse) to agree to more points out of this . . . "

 

[The VWL Five]

AP all the way.

I also use the 8 day rule to ensure I break even. We bought last year and used it for the first time in Oct for 7, then January for 6, we have a schedule Sept trip for another 6. We might squeeze in a 3 day trip next month.... So in my case it was WELL worth it. So nice to not have to pay for park tickets............

Good luck and enjoy.

 

[GoldenOldie]

Originally posted by jimmytammy
...You can save $$s if you buy AP vouchers at the Disney store then redeem at park rather than pay full price at gate...

This is a common misconception. There is no advance purchase discount on AP/PAP's. The sell for the same price in advance at TDS and at the gate at WDW.

 

[DisneyLove]

I would say get the AP's. They are great. We have the PAP's, we love to run over to Disney Quest at night after a day at the park. we also love that we can go to a park just for one thing like a show, and not have to worry about using a dayon a park hopper pass.
we usually go for two weeks and have a couple of days that are just pool days but a night we may go to a park just for an hour or so and it is great to be able to do that

 

[sitchu2]

If you have disney club you can buy your anual pass at the disney store or at the gate for a discounted price. I purchased mine at the gate last august and have no regrets,

I used them 7 days last aug. 8 days last feb. and are returning the week before they expire for 7 more days this aug. I consider my last 2 trips to have had "free passes"

I think the anual pass goes hand and hand with DVC. You can use the steeply discounted AP rates to get a great deal and extend your 5 day trips. We have used the AP rates to extend our trips and experience Concierge stays.

I wish DVC would give the discount on the AP as well as the UPH for those famalies that travel to WDW once a year or less.

You also get discounts on resturants and activities. The AP really compliments DVC.

Felicia

 

[mamarobin24]

There are steeply discounted annual pass rates?
Hmm. . .

My spouse is going to think this is very bad news. . . .

 

[sitchu2]

LOL yes my spouse thought I was nuts, but he has greatly enjoyed our last few trips. Now whenever I talk about a cash rate he says "concierge concierge"

They come out with AP rated pretty last minute, you can keep informed at www.mousesavers.com


Felicia