Favorite Annual Pass Uses

[frannn]

Last year it paid off big time for us to have the AP. We scored an AP preview for Galaxy's Edge, added an extra day onto our trip, bought TIW, and bought exclusive GE AP merch. We also got stuck in WDW due to a hurricane, but were able to visit the parks without incurring extra fees and eat with a discount with the TIW. Had they not extended a discount for the resort, we would've been able to get one through the AP. It was a win-win, plus the Photopass was a bonus.

 

[kylenne]

I agree with everyone who's said the impromptu trips. Living in an area with a ton of cheap flights down to MCO makes it very easy to pop down there for a weekend trip between the bigger ones. Also agree with the merch discount, I actually don't order parks merch from shop Disney anymore unless stuff is on clearance or it's a F&F sale because it's almost always cheaper to buy in the parks.

To piggyback off of the impromptu trips thing though, probably my favorite part of having an AP is the pressure it takes off me to Do All the Things. Literally the second I got the card in my hand, my whole attitude towards the parks changed. I feel a lot freer to be spontaneous, and I don't feel sad or upset that I didn't get to do something, because I know I can go again whenever time off/flights allow for it. Last August I hardly got to do much of World Showcase, that November I took a Veterans weekend trip for F&W. I'll do things like randomly pop into HS after dinner at Crew's Cup solely to look at holiday decorations, hit up a ride or two with a short wait, or play FP roulette. I never have to worry about missing out, or feel like I wasted a day of ticket.

Also, the PH entrances. I know it's ridiculous and half the time it doesn't even save you time because inevitably you get stuck behind someone who can't get the fingerprint to work right, but part of me feels giddy when I get to use them, lol.

 

[monymony3471]

Can someone please be more specific about Photopass when having an AP.

 

[StageTek]

I'm in Los Angeles. If I go twice in a year an AP pays for itself. My first time with a WDW AP I went 4 times. So that's the down side: I figure, what the heck, resort discount and "free" admission? I'll go.

And PhotoPass. I go solo often so I would never get this. But I love using it.

Also, the PH entrances. I know it's ridiculous and half the time it doesn't even save you time because inevitably you get stuck behind someone who can't get the fingerprint to work right, but part of me feels giddy when I get to use them, lol.

I'm with you! Several times I have seen a shorter line but get in the PH line anyway.

Can someone please be more specific about Photopass when having an AP.

I'm not entirely sure what you are asking. PhotoPass is included with an AP. No extra charge.

 

[Lizgistix]

I'm not entirely sure what you are asking. PhotoPass is included with an AP. No extra charge.

Sort of:
For out-of-state AP holders that have to buy Platinum or higher, yes.
For in-state AP holders, it's only for Gold AP and higher.
I have a Weekday-only AP and mine doesn't come with PhotoPass.

 

[kylenne]

Can someone please be more specific about Photopass when having an AP.

Specifically they're talking about Memory Maker, which gives you unlimited PhotoPass downloads and also throws in ride videos on certain attractions. Normally it costs $169 but Gold AP and higher get it included with the pass.

 

[monymony3471]

Sort of:
For out-of-state AP holders that have to buy Platinum or higher, yes.
For in-state AP holders, it's only for Gold AP and higher.
I have a Weekday-only AP and mine doesn't come with PhotoPass.

Thanks for explaining that!

 

[osufeth24]

Last year it paid off big time for us to have the AP. We scored an AP preview for Galaxy's Edge, added an extra day onto our trip, bought TIW, and bought exclusive GE AP merch. We also got stuck in WDW due to a hurricane, but were able to visit the parks without incurring extra fees and eat with a discount with the TIW. Had they not extended a discount for the resort, we would've been able to get one through the AP. It was a win-win, plus the Photopass was a bonus.

blah, part of me is still upset they limited it to the top tier APs (I have gold).

To answer OP's question, since I'm local, it's just go to whenever I want, and mostly the free parking. I bought the Tables in Wonderland card, buuutt, I bought it late Feb or some staycations I was going to have with out of town friends in late March and April, so haven't been able to use it yet

 

[osufeth24]

I'm not entirely sure what you are asking. PhotoPass is included with an AP. No extra charge.

I wouldn't say no extra charge, at least for Florida Residents there def is big bump between silver and gold, and that's because of the photopass. So you're def paying for it

 

[Tall Todd]

Early registration to RunDisney events, TiW, store discounts.

 

[epcotty]

doorstop/paperweight

 

[hereforthechurros]

Not feeling bad about leaving a park without doing all the things. We can always go back later, or another day, or another trip. Pressure is off to have every day follow some perfect itinerary which is the best bonus feature.

although the Star Wars AP preview was pretty incredible too.

We haven’t found the AP room discounts to be anything special however.

 

[Park Pirate]

We usually get the passes and have them cover a trip when we first activate and then we go again the next year, prior to their expiration. One of my favorite things is that on occasion, I have had a conference in Orlando or business with NASA (at Kennedy Space Center) while the pass was active. It would be really hard for me to personally justify paying a single day ticket to go to the park for a couple hours at night, but with the pass I can easily just drop in in the evening when I am done with the work-day.