DVC Discount for Annual Pass Question

[tss2]

This may be an old question, but I wondered about the $100 discount on annual passes for DVC members. I was interested in the pass just to get discounts on rooms next summer instead of using all my vacation club points.

We are planning a trip to VB on points and wanted a cheaper trip to orlando before we head to VB. Not necessarily doing the big parks, but I have lots of plus features so we could do the water parks several times, sea world and then head to VB after a few days in orlando.

Long story, but with the $100 discount should I get 1 AP just for the room discounts? (Can a 9 year old AP be used for rooms? or only adult AP?) We were considering Universal and their resorts, but didn't feel like dishing out the money right now since we were in WDW in November and VB in July. Just wondered if anyone gets an AP not for the parks but room discounts? And how the one year runs....vacation magic made it sound like a 2005 only AP....meaning Jan-Dec 2005????

Never stayed in WDW without using points so am a bit confused at the prospect of spending cash for a room and trying to figure out the best deal for a "cheaper" trip. THanks for the help!!!!

 

[tjkraz]

The AP runs for one year from the date you activate it. So, if you purchase at WDW on 2/1/05, it will expire on 2/1/06. And yes, you can purchase just a child's Ap and use it toward room discounts.

However, I would recommend some caution regarding the future of AP room discounts. There has been a lot of doom and gloom lately with people speculating that AP discounts may disappear altogether. Well, they are not gone completely--we received notice of discounts through mid-April just yesterday--but changes have been made. First, the rates are not as low as they used to be. Rates for the resorts went from $49 value, $79 moderate, $149 deluxe in the last pass to $74 / $104 / $199 in this latest round of discounts. I also noticed that the mailer indicated that discounts are available only Sunday - Thursday, which is a change from past AP discounts.

The new AP discounts are just now going into effect, so check out the Resorts board for other info. I bet the discussions are quite lively by now.

Just my opinion, but I think it would be a mistake to get an AP with the sole reason for purchase being room discounts. You may do better renting DVC points from another member.

EDIT: Looks like part of the difference in pricing noted above has to do with different seasons. Even still, I would never recommend buying an AP (DVC discount or not) on the assumption that room discounts will materialize. You don't need the AP in hand to book a room at the discount. At the very least, I would wait to see if discounts are offered. If so, get your reservation and THEN buy the AP when you arrive.

 

[las3888]

Is it an option for you to wait and see when the discounts are announced? Then you can determine if the discounts (if available) are worthwhile. Depending on the time of year and resort bookings, sometimes the discounts are steeper than at other times. My guess is this last round was during the very prime spring break when any kind of discount would be hard to get. Worth a shot if you can wait???

 

[doubletrouble_vb]

I got an AP for the price break but only because I was going to rent weekend rooms anyway and buy a 10day pass. If you aren't going into the parks why not consider a discounted offsite hotel instead?