Finally got APs, any important info I should know?

[epcotty]

So finally decided to get APs (FL resident) which we'll use when we've finished using our no expiration tickets. Is there any important info I should know about redeeming the certificates for the APs when the time comes? Any other important info regarding it that isn't stated in the email they send you? Thanks in advance

 

[ShirikiUtundu]

1. Make sure they get the name and expiration date right when you redeem.
2. Make sure you know where and when you can get discounts.
3. Make sure you carry ID with you when you plan to use it.

 

[rabidstoat]

I just always ask if there's a discount now, whenever I am paying money to Disney. Restaurants, shopping, tours, spa visits, always ask if there are discounts!

 

[a742246]

I believe you get free parking at the parks. At least they use to.

 

[lpizzuro123]

Magic Maker is the best.

 

[DisCatGirl]

Magic Maker is the best.

Magic Maker? I have an AP and I don't know about this. Is it the same as Memory Maker?

 

[DebbieB]

Magic Maker is the best.

Magic Maker? I have an AP and I don't know about this. Is it the same as Memory Maker?

Memory Maker is the correct term. Unlimited download of Photopass pictures.

 

[lpizzuro123]

Yup, that's it. It's the best.

 

[loves to dive]

I agree with always asking about the discount, doesn't hurt and I've had restaurants that aren't listed on the web page give a discount. Always carry and ID and your card with you. You will not get your MB and AP slider until after your first trip using the AP. Take advantage of park hopping, so great to be able to go to another park if the one you are at is crowded or if you want ADRs somewhere else.

 

[StlJoe]

You will not get your MB and AP slider until after your first trip using the AP.

We just got our magic bands this week but did not receive an AP slider? I'm assuming I got the magic bands because of our room reservations and not necessarily because of the AP purchase? (which we haven't activated yet anyway)

Just curious if they send the slider out after activating the AP? Silly little thing but hey... I paid for it!

 

[smiths02]

We just got our magic bands this week but did not receive an AP slider? I'm assuming I got the magic bands because of our room reservations and not necessarily because of the AP purchase? (which we haven't activated yet anyway)

Just curious if they send the slider out after activating the AP? Silly little thing but hey... I paid for it!

When you activate your APs, you can customize another set of bands. These bands come with AP slider and discount cards

 

[WEDWDW]

You may or MAY NOT get The Mickey Monitor.

 

[epcotty]

Thanks for the responses again. They haven't sent magic bands, I assume we'll get them when we activate them. Could someone explain what an AP slider is?

 

[bumbershoot]

The MBs are sent after your first trip, as loves to dive mentioned. Once you have your first trip on them you will be able to customize more MBs and they will then be sent.

Probably a lot faster for you to toss "ap slider" into google images search. It's the third image. For last year, at least.

You slide them onto the bands and the slider helps to keep the MB on/together.

 

[CAS239]

Thanks for the responses again. They haven't sent magic bands, I assume we'll get them when we activate them. Could someone explain what an AP slider is?

Once you go to the parks and activate the AP it'll pop up in MDE showing you have magic bands to customize for everyone with the new AP's.

The slider is just a little plastic thing with the AP year and Mickey ears on it. It's mainly used just as decoration to show off being an AP, but some people use it to hold their MB on if their worried it will unsnap

 

[AtlantaDisneyDreamer]

1. Be prepared to spend lots of money at WDW. My AP just expired and I did not renew. Not because I did not love it- I did! Having an AP was fabulous- but because I went on so many trips (and stayed onsite) and spent so much money that I need the upcoming year to save money for our next set of passes and onsite trips.

2. Bring your driver's license and your AP card if you want to get discounts. I got used to traveling to the parks with only my Magic Band (so convenient), but I could not use the discounts without my AP card and ID (I don't know why they can't just link that to my MagicBand- that would be convenient).

3. I rarely used my AP discounts. First, my Disney Visa card has nearly the same discount as the AP discount on merchandise and restaurants (if I can remember to bring it), and second, using the discount of the online travel agencies along with the public discounts was always a better deal than the AP room discount (usually about 5% more than the public discount).

4. Consider purchasing Tables in Wonderland. For some people, it will save you money. You have to consider where you might eat over the course of the next year and do the math. I did not purchase it (I really don't like any discounts I have to "purchase"), but I wonder whether it might have saved me a little money if I had.

 

[epcotty]

Thanks everyone, good advice

 

[TheDisneyNurse]

I believe you get free parking at the parks. At least they use to.

Yup! You get free parking as an Annual Passholder. You can either show them your pass, or they can scan your magic band

 

[CinderBelleDVC]

I agree with always asking about the discount, doesn't hurt and I've had restaurants that aren't listed on the web page give a discount. Always carry and ID and your card with you. You will not get your MB and AP slider until after your first trip using the AP. Take advantage of park hopping, so great to be able to go to another park if the one you are at is crowded or if you want ADRs somewhere else.

I'm so glad I read this. Saved me from having to purchase sliders