DVC Gold AP.

[OffToDWD]

Just to give an update - I had called regarding a new AP. I got a call back in about a week. I missed the call so had to call back. I was dreading the hold time but I was offered a call back option! Took advantage of that! The person who helped me was super helpful/nice and now we're good to go! Thanks again for those who shared this info here. No plans of going in the future but still excited to have the passes.

 

[AmishGuy91]

Just to give an update - I had called regarding a new AP. I got a call back in about a week. I missed the call so had to call back. I was dreading the hold time but I was offered a call back option! Took advantage of that! The person who helped me was super helpful/nice and now we're good to go! Thanks again for those who shared this info here. No plans of going in the future but still excited to have the passes.

Was this a first-time new AP, or have you had one in the past that expired?

 

[OffToDWD]

Was this a first-time new AP, or have you had one in the past that expired?

We cancelled ours last year during the closure. The ones we got today are considered new passes, not renewal.

 

[tinkermom_of_two]

See, this whole recovery deal is somewhat frustrating. Since we chose to not cancel our AP's, we are now forced to choose between renewal in May despite no trips planned again until December, or potentially giving up access to AP's for an unknown period of time. However, someone who chose to cancel for a refund, is now able to purchase a new AP and sit on it for years if they so choose, meaning they have guaranteed access to an AP, when they are ready to start travel again, with a full year attached. Personally I feel the ability to buy another pass at any time should be available to all passholders who were active during the shutdown, not just those who chose to cash out. I would rather spend extra for new vouchers that I can choose the start date, rather than save the money on renewal, but since we held onto our passes we don't get that option. Seems an odd way to treat "loyal passholders."

ETA: Nothing against people who chose to cancel for the refund - everyone has to do what is right/best for them in these situations. I just find it upsetting that Disney doesn't offer the same offer to those who chose not to cancel.

 

[Sandisw]

See, this whole recovery deal is somewhat frustrating. Since we chose to not cancel our AP's, we are now forced to choose between renewal in May despite no trips planned again until December, or potentially giving up access to AP's for an unknown period of time. However, someone who chose to cancel for a refund, is now able to purchase a new AP and sit on it for years if they so choose, meaning they have guaranteed access to an AP, when they are ready to start travel again, with a full year attached. Personally I feel the ability to buy another pass at any time should be available to all passholders who were active during the shutdown, not just those who chose to cash out. I would rather spend extra for new vouchers that I can choose the start date, rather than save the money on renewal, but since we held onto our passes we don't get that option. Seems an odd way to treat "loyal passholders."

ETA: Nothing against people who chose to cancel for the refund - everyone has to do what is right/best for them in these situations. I just find it upsetting that Disney doesn't offer the same offer to those who chose not to cancel.

Have you actually asked for a call back from the recovery team to see if they will sell you a new one vs, a renewal?

If not, I think it’s worth a try. Technically, you are a pass holder still So maybe they will allow it!

 

[tinkermom_of_two]

Have you actually asked for a call back from the recovery team to see if they will sell you a new one vs, a renewal?

If not, I think it’s worth a try. Technically, you are a pass holder still So maybe they will allow it!

I haven't, as my pass is still active until mid-May, and the way I interpret the program being referred to as a recovery program, it would imply only bringing people back to the AP program, not a benefit for people who are still active passholders. We may ask when we get to our renewal window if we have the option, but as we are still over 60 days out from our expiration date, we haven't checked.

 

[Sandisw]

I haven't, as my pass is still active until mid-May, and the way I interpret the program being referred to as a recovery program, it would imply only bringing people back to the AP program, not a benefit for people who are still active passholders. We may ask when we get to our renewal window if we have the option, but as we are still over 60 days out from our expiration date, we haven't checked.

You can renew early if you have a trip booked. It is also taking those people at least 3 weeks to return calls.

I agree the recovery program is for those whose passes expired or canceled. But since they are allowing renewals and you do have one already, I think your reasoning is a good one that you’d prefer a new vs renewal! It would be interesting to see!

 

[Brian Noble]

the way I interpret the program being referred to as a recovery program, it would imply only bringing people back to the AP program, not a benefit for people who are still active passholders.

"Recovery" is a term of art in customer service, meaning "to convert a negative experience into a positive one," so it's meaning might be broader than you assume. Give them a call and see what they say: Disney being Disney, it is entirely possible that they will sell you a new one to be activated later.

 

[princessfionasmom]

I just called and spoke to a very pleasant cast member. I advised her that my Gold AP expired during the shutdown and I'd like to purchase a new one. She took my info to fill out a form and said that customers with passes that expired during the shutdown or ones that had been cancelled are being given the opportunity to purchase new AP's. She asked how many in my family had passes, I was the only one. She said I should be hearing back from someone in the next 30 days to purchase a new gold AP. I waited 45 mins on hold exactly. My husband and I actually enjoyed listening to the hold music, got us excited to go back this fall for the 50th celebration!! I also have a trip planned for August with my goddaughter and her mom for her 16th bday, need this so it can cover both trips. I never would have thought of calling if it were not for all the posts on Disboards, so thank you to everyone who posted and shared their experience.

I got my call back yesterday to get my new DVC gold AP and they were able to apply the military pass I had purchased to the price which was awesome. I'm not going until August so it will be great that its not activated until then. I was asked if I wanted to buy more than one AP when I was on the phone, I didn't because I only had one and I only wanted one - DH can use the military tickets. The gentleman I spoke with was very nice and the process went smoothly.

 

[sanibel93]

Just got a call back that we could purchase a new AP, we cancelled in March of last year. It took about 2 weeks from when I first called. They asked if I wanted the Platinum or Gold pass(I am DVC member). I said Gold because If I ended up going during a blackout date that I would update to Platinum at that time like I have done in the past. He said that that is suspended at this time and you can't upgrade. Without any trips planned during block out dates, I just stayed with the Gold.

 

[Sandisw]

Just got a call back that we could purchase a new AP, we cancelled in March of last year. It took about 2 weeks from when I first called. They asked if I wanted the Platinum or Gold pass(I am DVC member). I said Gold because If I ended up going during a blackout date that I would update to Platinum at that time like I have done in the past. He said that that is suspended at this time and you can't upgrade. Without any trips planned during block out dates, I just stayed with the Gold.

Thank you for sharing. This confirms what many have been told. No upgrades unless renewals or one is eligible for a new pass.

 

[ldo]

Thank you for sharing. This confirms what many have been told. No upgrades unless renewals or one is eligible for a new pass.

yep. I (prior DVC passholder) also emailed that we had intended to buy DVC AP for our trip May 2020 that got canx due to Covid, thinking maybe it was worth a try as we had a canx DVC booking. Got a very nice reply in 4 days saying, "nope."

 

[SherylLC]

Have you actually asked for a call back from the recovery team to see if they will sell you a new one vs, a renewal?

If not, I think it’s worth a try. Technically, you are a pass holder still So maybe they will allow it!

Thank you to all for this thread! I had a Premier passport purchased in Anaheim which I kept until Disneyland "sunsetted" (canceled) all annual passes last month. I didn't think I would qualify for a WDW pass but after reading several posts today, I decided to give it a try and TA-DAAAA....I will be getting a call back soon and will be getting a new Gold Pass with both DVC and renewal discounts!

=I'm so happy!

 

[BWV Dreamin]

I don’t think I will ever get this Gold AP

 

[rick1zoo2]

Is the Gold AP available to out of state DVC members?

I am asking as we are from PA, have the Platinum AP passes that expire in Sept 2021. I called last week and was able to buy DVC Member Platinum Pass Renewal Vouchers on our passes so that we can book park reservations for our November 2021 and February 2022 trips. Now I am wondering if I should have tried for the Gold AP instead? If so, Looks like a $325 difference.

 

[Akck]

Is the Gold AP available to out of state DVC members?

I am asking as we are from PA, have the Platinum AP passes that expire in Sept 2021. I called last week and was able to buy DVC Member Platinum Pass Renewal Vouchers on our passes so that we can book park reservations for our November 2021 and February 2022 trips. Now I am wondering if I should have tried for the Gold AP instead? If so, Looks like a $325 difference.

We’re out of state DVC and have Gold APs. I would think that if you’re a blue card member, you could’ve purchased Gold vouchers. You might call to see if you can downgrade.

 

[CarolynFH]

Is the Gold AP available to out of state DVC members?

I am asking as we are from PA, have the Platinum AP passes that expire in Sept 2021. I called last week and was able to buy DVC Member Platinum Pass Renewal Vouchers on our passes so that we can book park reservations for our November 2021 and February 2022 trips. Now I am wondering if I should have tried for the Gold AP instead? If so, Looks like a $325 difference.

Yes, all Blue Card DVC members are eligible to purchase the DVC Gold AP. I’d call MS back and politely ask if you can downgrade and get a refund. Pixie dust that they’ll say yes!

 

[rick1zoo2]

Thanks! I didn't realize it was an option. I will call and give it a try.

Our Platinum AP's were due to expire April, 2020 and we renewed them in March 2020 right before the shut down. Because of the shut down, they were extended to September. In August, we were able to get a price adjustment (on a gift card) to the DVC renewal price for the renewed AP's and I thought that was great.

 

[CarolynFH]

Thanks! I didn't realize it was an option. I will call and give it a try.

Our Platinum AP's were due to expire April, 2020 and we renewed them in March 2020 right before the shut down. Because of the shut down, they were extended to September. In August, we were able to get a price adjustment (on a gift card) to the DVC renewal price for the renewed AP's and I thought that was great.

If they won't give a downgrade and refund now (since it's been so long since the renewal), at least when it's time to renew again you'll know you have the option to downgrade at the renewal price.

 

[retlaw_yensid]

I think the thing that irks me the most about not selling APs to new members right now is that they continue to offer AP-exclusive merchandise, food, events, etc. They've essentially created a separate 'class of guests' that some folks cannot currently buy into even though they want to. I know they can do what they want, just being honest about what irks me about the whole thing.