First time Annual Passholder - any advice?

[tlmadden73]

Since you live in a reasonable driving distance and your kid is not in school, maybe you will be able to get those extra trips in. Bought my AP last year with that intention, but son's school schedule and not a lot of good deals at Disney due to high crowds, never got any bonus trips in.

We did do our 2 one week long summer trips, so didn't lose any money on them.. but to 'save' money with AP discounts you have to spend money. If you normally eat table service in the park/resorts, then yes, the discount is nice. But if you normally eat quick service or out of the parks then that discount isn't as useful. Same idea with merchandise... you have to buy it to save on it, which means overall you may spend more. In our 2 trips we saved maybe a total of $50 on meals/merchandise. Some people save MUCH more but they also SPEND much more than we did.

I even got a much better rate at the Dolphin than I could have gotten at a Disney resort with AP discount. Paid ~$120/night at Dolphin including fees (Hotwire), where AP discount for ASSp (never mind a Deluxe) was ~$125/night for time I went.

Things like AP entrance to parks are 'meh'... only once did we use one with no wait when there was 4-5 deep in regular line.... usually found people crowd the AP entrance just because they have AP and want to use it, even though other lines are shorter, plus amazing how many AP holders can't tap through quickly.

Didn't drive, so no savings on parking.

We aren't renewing AP.. but we are burned out on Disney anyway.

So, if your going to come out ahead or even for your planned trips for tickets by buying AP then sure, go ahead and get it. But only you know if the extra perks will be of any value to you.

Ya .. I understand. Just like any discount -- you have to spend money to save money -- I mainly see the discount good for restaurants .. you have to eat. Merchandise .. I don't think we will buy anything more than usual "because" we have a discount.

I've done the math .. and if we simply got two four-day park hoppers for two trips -- that is about the exact same cost as an AP, so I figured why not .. and the rest would just be bonus (memory maker, discounts, etc. ) I am already enjoying the AP discount on our upcoming November trip .. about $100/room cheaper than the promotion we already had applied (which had saved us about $50-60/room. Very happy about that.

I don't think our spending habits will change with a discount .. so another reason I am getting it. I would probably get a Memory Maker anyway.


As for those extra trips .. I think I see us going maybe 3 times in the year.

My son is only in first grade, so I plan on pulling him out for 4 days or so in November and in March (to meet up with my Sister's family) and then go on another trip in October of 19 right before my daughter's 3rd birthday.

We may go down in the summer .. but I doubt it. The heat is oppressive enough in NC .. travelling farther south in the middle of summer isn't an appealing vacation .. we like to go north in the summer.

 

[Bmath]

I’m thinking of buying an AP for my November trip as well. Did you get access to room discounts before activating your AP? Just wondering.

 

[SaintsManiac]

I’m thinking of buying an AP for my November trip as well. Did you get access to room discounts before activating your AP? Just wondering.

Yes

 

[nascargirl]

We live in PA and have been AP holders for 15 years. We always make 2 trips a year (sometimes 3) if we can swing it. We stay 7 nights 8 days. I also have the tables of wonderland card. Last year they did a special when it was time to renew. We got 13 months instead of 12 months. (This was the 2nd time it was offered during our renewal period). The only thing I wish is that they would do a payment plan. We only do the AP for the theme parks not the water parks.

 

[jkh36619]

I 2nd the offsite after you purchase an AP. You will go so much FP's become less important and the money you save will buy you a couple extra trips a year.

 

[tex1989]

I can only echo what others have said. Ask about the AP discount every time you buy something or eat anywhere. The only strange one I will mention extra is if like my wife you or anyone in your family is addicted to Cokes, Diet Cokes, or other sodas, don't buy the bottles at the refreshment carts. Always buy the bottled product from the coolers in the stores, as you can get your AP discount there but not at the beverage carts. It's weird but that's the way it is. Also I am not sure if their is a discount at the Starbuck's locations in the park, but if you are a coffee or coffee drink type, the Joffreys discount is pretty good at 20%.

Look for AP discounts for rooms, but you have to jump on those quick because they go fast. My son books his trip and then calls the morning they release the discounts and has them change his reservations over to the discounted one. He has done this several times.

You will find (hopefully) as we did that with the AP you all of a sudden don't feel the same need to get everything done on every trip. In otherwords if you miss something there is a certain calmness about it because you know you will be coming back. We do about three trips a year from Texas and have really enjoyed having it and will be attending the Toy Story Morning at HS on September 25th on our next trip.

Last tip, if you collect pins, or magic bands, always ask to see the AP exclusive merchindise as they usually have some cool stuff.

Have Fun you may become addicted!

 

[MusicalAstronaut]

I always say to not count on the hotel discounts, so there's that. Also with the addition of the parking fee, don't drive. You're coming from NC so you might be tempted, but don't. Now they can charge off site people to park at the theme parks, and on site people to park at the resorts, so no matter what there's no "free" parking anymore, unless you're staying off site and have the AP.

One thing I've really started to enjoy is quick weekend trips down. My favorite park of an AP is maximizing my park time. Get in on a Friday at 5pm? Go to the parks! You don't have to worry about buying a 3 vs 4 day hopper. Leaving at 2pm? Go to the parks for a few hours first! Really need an escape from work? Hop onto a Spirit/Frontier/whatever flight for $39 and hit the parks all weekend, and be home in time for work at 9am Monday (this is exhausting but awesome). They're also starting those passholder appreciation events. I got a survey about that & about how appreciated I felt as a passholder a few weeks ago, so I'm thinking there may be more events like that in the future!

 

[kniquy]

How often did you use it?
How to use it most effectively?
Where to use it most effectively?
What you learned after having it for a few years .. etc.
Basically, some helpful tips and lessons learned.
Did you get "sucked in" and renew year after year?
Etc.

I was an AP holder for one year. I bought it when i had a business conference and i was returning the following April. The only way to use it most effectively is to make sure you can actually book those 2 trips to get your value out of it. With you being 9 hrs away that makes it more tempting to go more often. Maybe try to take in all of the special events - flower and garden, food and wine, festival of the arts and just a trip for holiday decorations. Take advantage and ask if there are AP discounts -CM don't always ask so you have to. You can get AP room discounts (which might make the last minute quick trip more tempting), dining and shopping. Take advantage of photopass (photo booths and ride photos are included!).

Depending upon your traveling party - tables in wonderland might make sense to get if you have a larger party and will be doing a lot of TS restaurants.

 

[tlmadden73]

I was an AP holder for one year. I bought it when i had a business conference and i was returning the following April. The only way to use it most effectively is to make sure you can actually book those 2 trips to get your value out of it. With you being 9 hrs away that makes it more tempting to go more often. Maybe try to take in all of the special events - flower and garden, food and wine, festival of the arts and just a trip for holiday decorations. Take advantage and ask if there are AP discounts -CM don't always ask so you have to. You can get AP room discounts (which might make the last minute quick trip more tempting), dining and shopping. Take advantage of photopass (photo booths and ride photos are included!).

Depending upon your traveling party - tables in wonderland might make sense to get if you have a larger party and will be doing a lot of TS restaurants.

Thanks .

We definitely will be taking a second trip .. maybe even 3, I wouldn't even think about it if I wasn't planning on at least two trips of at least 4 days each (which is about the break-even point I feel).

I already have an AP discount for our room this coming November that I was made aware of thanks to these boards. Over $100/each (for two rooms) saved at All-Star Movies from the discount rate I already had applied. So i feel that is $200 saved already that makes that big purchase worth it.

We definitely will be taking advantage of Photo Pass and sharing it with any other family that go throughout the year (my sister is going in March .. where we may join them). So I feel that is another $160 "saved" for a future trip .. but really a bonus, because I may have not gotten it otherwise.

I always say to not count on the hotel discounts, so there's that. Also with the addition of the parking fee, don't drive. You're coming from NC so you might be tempted, but don't. Now they can charge off site people to park at the theme parks, and on site people to park at the resorts, so no matter what there's no "free" parking anymore, unless you're staying off site and have the AP.

Driving really is the only option - We don't live near a major airport, so either we drive 2+ hours to a another airport (and even those aren't major) or we pay a ton of money to fly out of our little local airport that has no discount airlines and no direct flights anywhere except Charlotte, Atlanta or Chicago via the major airlines (Delta, American, United)

So . .we'd probably spend 9 hours "in transit" when flying anyway . between driving to/from airport, getting to the airport early, layover times, etc.
Besides .. this way we have no pressure to pack "light'

 

[srpresto]

i live in NC as well. The trip down is easy enough that even with the new parking fees I will still drive down. I have an AP this year and did a short trip in late April (3 park days) and will do a long trip in Sept (7 park days). I may try to squeeze one more trip in before it expires, but that will depend on work. The discounts have made it worth the money for me. When I wear my annual passholder slider on my magicband some cast members have offered discounts. You can also show the tickets section of MDE instead of your card (I have misplaced mine).
You will not regret getting an AP. You just may find more reasons to go to Disney.

 

[bladiator]

My other advice is that while infrequent visitors are compelled to focus on headliner attractions, as a more frequent visitor you can take advantage of secondary attractions and shows. Spend some time people watching.

People mention this all the time, but I'm saying it again (as a graduate of first-timers AP). I talk all the time about getting minute-of FPs for everything down the Fantasyland route (minus PP) and being able to do walk on for everything back there. "Why waste your time getting FPs for IASW and Winnie the Pooh and Tea Cups?" is the thought. Because I've got APs! You tour in ways you never expected.

Oh .. there is an AP entry line? Didn't know that.

It was almost always longer than the regular lines during the 2 trips I've taken. One time it was exceptionally short, so I jumped in, and then there were people that seemed like they'd never been to Disney that couldn't get their bands and fingerprints to work. How is that possible!?!? All in all, I jump in that line because it makes me feel special.

I used to stay onsite in the All Stars to save the money on theme park parking, but now I feel like I'm making money with the AP. In fact, my wife and I both have APs, and I took another family with me, and my wife would ride with them so we got both vehicles free. During a 9 day trip, that's a lot of dough! And you're right about PhotoPass -- I never stopped for a photo in 10 years of going to WDW and now I stop for every one of them...sometimes multiple times.

I still eat the same amount of food and buy the same amount of merchandise I always did (which is to say -- not very much) but now I get a discount so that is actually very attractive. I can't eat enough to make TiW anywhere close to viable.

I'm taking my 3rd and final trip in November, and then I'm going to let them expire and maybe pick them up again after my daughter is tall enough to actually ride stuff (she's currently 22 months, and I'm hoping against hope that she can ride Barnstormer of all things). Next year is going to be bad for expenses and finances, so I figure it's a good time to hold off, get a longing for Disney again, and then buy APs in 15 months or so. Hope you have a great time! You'll never look back and think it was a bad idea.

 

[NYMommy80]

Slightly off topic- I plan on upgrading to the AP next month. Will they hand me a card then so I can get my discounts? Thanks!

 

[greg9x]

Slightly off topic- I plan on upgrading to the AP next month. Will they hand me a card then so I can get my discounts? Thanks!

While your at Disney ? Yes, they will give you your card when you upgrade.

 

[Q-man]

I always say to not count on the hotel discounts, so there's that. Also with the addition of the parking fee, don't drive. You're coming from NC so you might be tempted, but don't. Now they can charge off site people to park at the theme parks, and on site people to park at the resorts, so no matter what there's no "free" parking anymore, unless you're staying off site and have the AP.

One thing I've really started to enjoy is quick weekend trips down. My favorite park of an AP is maximizing my park time. Get in on a Friday at 5pm? Go to the parks! You don't have to worry about buying a 3 vs 4 day hopper. Leaving at 2pm? Go to the parks for a few hours first! Really need an escape from work? Hop onto a Spirit/Frontier/whatever flight for $39 and hit the parks all weekend, and be home in time for work at 9am Monday (this is exhausting but awesome). They're also starting those passholder appreciation events. I got a survey about that & about how appreciated I felt as a passholder a few weeks ago, so I'm thinking there may be more events like that in the future!

AP holders get free parking at the parks which is why I recommend one member of your party having an AP. Between photos, parking, gift shops and restaurants it adds up quick for offsetting the cost of one AP.

 

[LMHB]

Driving really is the only option - We don't live near a major airport, so either we drive 2+ hours to a another airport (and even those aren't major) or we pay a ton of money to fly out of our little local airport that has no discount airlines and no direct flights anywhere except Charlotte, Atlanta or Chicago via the major airlines (Delta, American, United)

Hello, I was just wondering where in NC, because we fly out of RDU, which is right in the center of NC, and get the $39 Frontier flights you would still save time and maybe break even. It is so much easier and possibly cheaper than driving. Just an idea! If you are at the coast it will take you 2 - 2.5 hour to get here, you can use Fastpark which is $7/day to park, and for both terminals, for domestic flights you only have to get there an hour early (especially if you don't check luggage). Even for the Southwest flights, which are sometimes $61/leg, those are cheap. The Southwest terminal (terminal 1) at RDU is all by itself and takes no time to get through. Frontier is in terminal 2 but is also not bad. If you are coming from the western part of the state, there are direct flights from Charlotte, or you can drive 2 - 4 hours to RDU. It still saves you time. It would take us 9 hours to drive without stopping. With kids, if you factor in a hotel stop in the middle for $150 or so, then now the parking costs at Disney resorts, it is a good option to look at to take the cheap flights (you are in the air an hour) and take the free magical express to your resort. It is also so nice to have your luggage just magically show up in your room instead of lugging it around! There is a super early SWA 5:45 flight that usually runs, nonstop to MCO. It is often half full and filled with people headed to Disney, it gives you pretty much a full day in the park without the cost of the hotel the night before. There are also late night nonstop return flights available. Good luck!

 

[MusicalAstronaut]

AP holders get free parking at the parks which is why I recommend one member of your party having an AP. Between photos, parking, gift shops and restaurants it adds up quick for offsetting the cost of one AP.

Right but that's only if you stay off site. Otherwise you're just paying to park at the hotel instead of at the theme parks. I think that's why they added that parking fee, so they're getting that extra money either way. I do like the merch discount - I love that it applies to Dooney purses!

 

[Miffy]

As mentioned, you'll want to have your AP card with you at all times. You'll need it and your ID to get any discounts.

Important behavior/habit to develop - always ask about discounts at shops and restaurants. Also, special events such as tours may have AP discounts that aren't necessarily advertised. At WDW you have to ASK for the discount. It is not automatic, and the CM will not ask you if are a passholder (whereas Disneyland does ask). You will have to show your card and ID.

Steve

Thanks, Steve, for posting exactly what I was about to post!

 

[tlmadden73]

Hello, I was just wondering where in NC, because we fly out of RDU, which is right in the center of NC, and get the $39 Frontier flights you would still save time and maybe break even. It is so much easier and possibly cheaper than driving. Just an idea! If you are at the coast it will take you 2 - 2.5 hour to get here, you can use Fastpark which is $7/day to park, and for both terminals, for domestic flights you only have to get there an hour early (especially if you don't check luggage). Even for the Southwest flights, which are sometimes $61/leg, those are cheap. The Southwest terminal (terminal 1) at RDU is all by itself and takes no time to get through. Frontier is in terminal 2 but is also not bad. If you are coming from the western part of the state, there are direct flights from Charlotte, or you can drive 2 - 4 hours to RDU. It still saves you time. It would take us 9 hours to drive without stopping. With kids, if you factor in a hotel stop in the middle for $150 or so, then now the parking costs at Disney resorts, it is a good option to look at to take the cheap flights (you are in the air an hour) and take the free magical express to your resort. It is also so nice to have your luggage just magically show up in your room instead of lugging it around! There is a super early SWA 5:45 flight that usually runs, nonstop to MCO. It is often half full and filled with people headed to Disney, it gives you pretty much a full day in the park without the cost of the hotel the night before. There are also late night nonstop return flights available. Good luck!

Trust me, I've thought about it and would do it for a wife and I trip. My sister-in-law's family did that a few years ago (they live only 80 minutes from RDU) .. and flew down and just used Magic Express while we drove (with two grandparents in the car as well).

I look at flying as still "taking a day" .. between not as flexible a schedule to wait times or delays .. you can easily spend 6+ hours "in transit" from the time you leave your house to the time you arrive at the hotel. Plus .. if you get up super early to have the rest of the day available to you? You are dead tired by the afternoon.

Wilmington, NC - exactly 2 hours from RDU. We recently DID do that for a flight to WI (Drive 2 hours to RDU, fly Southwest). For a trip that far, flying was an easy choice despite the drive to the airport. For going to Orlando, between the time .. paying for the parking .. and just all the "extra" time spent waiting at an airport .. just doesn't seem worth it to me. Not to mention being stuck to the departure times.. get one that leaves early in the morning and you end up having to leave the house in the pre-dawn hours. And while there is a hotel cost potentially when you drive (as we choose to break the drive down into two days) -- $150 is a lot cheaper than $400-800.

Instead of driving 2 hours north to get to an airport 2 hours early before the plane even takes off ... I could be driving south for 4 hours and almost be to Savannah ~ almost halfway to Orlando.

Maybe I will consider it in the future when the kids are little more self-reliant .. but trying to get the kids up super early (a 2 and 6 yo) and keep them entertained in an airport and airplane is a lot tougher than in a car where they can have tons of toys, books and movies .. and EASILY fall asleep.

 

[Texans_loyal]

It's a trap, don't do it!
I will be on my 5th trip this year this time next week....

 

[Shellyred8]

Clear your calendar for the year and just plan on going to WDW whenever you can!

The first time we got AP's we were thinking the same as you. Get in two trips per year on one AP. Then, throughout the year we would see cheap airfare come up (from MN) and think "Hey, let's go! The park tickets are already paid for!". We also watch for "cheap" AP room rates and will sometimes make an extra trip if we can get a "cheap" room and flights aren't too crazy. There are some decent savings to be had on rooms with the AP's, but the available dates aren't always ideal.

We've never renewed. We are able to time it out so we don't go again for awhile after our AP expires. Then we just get a new one the next time we go.