First Time Solo and Considering An Annual Pass... Biting off more than I can chew?

[rhyeck]

I am planning to go on my first solo trip to WDW at the end of the month (May 31st thru June 4th or 5th/depends on flights).

I am thinking about getting an annual pass. I see where there are room discounts for Moderate @ 40% off w/AP and only 20% off w/public offer. So I know AP would save me @ least $190.00 on the room!! I called 407-560-PASS, but she wasn't very friendly, didn't offer any assistance and couldn't answer any of my questions. So, I am going to ask all of you...

Do I have to purchase the annual pass prior to making my reservations? The CM confused me... she said I have to make the reservation on the phone, but how will they know I will be purchasing the annual pass? I told her I'd heard something about a voucher and she said I wouldn't need that. The only thing she knew was that I would have to pay for the first night's room charge.

Also, Do annual passholders get a discount on the dining plans? The CM said, "sometimes". ???

Since this will be my first solo trip AND wanting to get an annual pass... I hope I am not overwhelming myself. Any suggestions would be wonderful!

 

[Stormin'theCastle]

I am a newbie to the whole AP thing too, but what I've heard is that you can book the AP rate as long as you purchase the Annual Pass prior to check-in. You don't have to have it in hand to book, but you have to have proof of purchase at check-in.

I'm sure you'll get lots of other responses from people who know for sure, but that's what I've read so far.

 

[emmabelle]

I just bought an AP at the Disney store. I looked up those dates through the passholder section online and it would be $102 a night at POR for a standard view, $170 with no discount. I hope that helps.

 

[SnackyStacky]

Neither an active annual pass, nor a voucher is needed to book an annual passholder rate over the phone. Just ask for passholder rates, and they will check on availability for you. If you're booking a passholder room only, the deposit will be the first night's rate plus tax. Your balance will be due at check in. If you're booking a passholder room and dining package, your deposit will be $200. Your balance will be due 45 days prior to arrival. You WILL need an active annual pass at check in. That's the official line. Some cast members won't ask for anything, some will accept a voucher, and some will take the voucher temporarily, but require that you stop back at the front desk within 24 hours to show an active annual pass.

Passholders do NOT get discounts on the dining plan. Passholders are allowed to book room and dining without theme park admission - and sometimes there are discounts on the room. But passholders ALWAYS pay full price for their dining plans. (Unless you book free dining - which this year, has a minimum purchase of a 2 day ticket).

I am planning to go on my first solo trip to WDW at the end of the month (May 31st thru June 4th or 5th/depends on flights).

I am thinking about getting an annual pass. I see where there are room discounts for Moderate @ 40% off w/AP and only 20% off w/public offer. So I know AP would save me @ least $190.00 on the room!! I called 407-560-PASS, but she wasn't very friendly, didn't offer any assistance and couldn't answer any of my questions. So, I am going to ask all of you...

Do I have to purchase the annual pass prior to making my reservations? The CM confused me... she said I have to make the reservation on the phone, but how will they know I will be purchasing the annual pass? I told her I'd heard something about a voucher and she said I wouldn't need that. The only thing she knew was that I would have to pay for the first night's room charge.

Also, Do annual passholders get a discount on the dining plans? The CM said, "sometimes". ???

Since this will be my first solo trip AND wanting to get an annual pass... I hope I am not overwhelming myself. Any suggestions would be wonderful!

 

[rhyeck]

Thanks everyone for the info!!! There is so much to learn.......

Quick question: Where/when do I get the voucher? If I don't have a voucher... then guess I will need to go to Guest Services at a park BEFORE I check in? I'm so sorry if this sounds silly, but the CM really confused me earlier and I want to have my ducks in a row before I finish my flight and room reservations.

 

[rhyeck]

I just bought an AP at the Disney store. I looked up those dates through the passholder section online and it would be $102 a night at POR for a standard view, $170 with no discount. I hope that helps.

Thanks emmabelle!! I appreciate you checking the rate for me! I think $102 is pretty reasonable for this time of year.

 

[emmabelle]

Thanks emmabelle!! I appreciate you checking the rate for me! I think $102 is pretty reasonable for this time of year.

I do too! I could have two rooms at that rate, instead of one at BWI, but my husband and son are very spoiled, and love their deluxe hotels!

 

[emmabelle]

Thanks everyone for the info!!! There is so much to learn.......

Quick question: Where/when do I get the voucher? If I don't have a voucher... then guess I will need to go to Guest Services at a park BEFORE I check in? I'm so sorry if this sounds silly, but the CM really confused me earlier and I want to have my ducks in a row before I finish my flight and room reservations.

If you order the AP online, then they would send you a voucher in the mail to redeem at guest services. Mine is actually a plastic looking credit card which I'll show at checkin and then hit guest services at Epcot to get my real AP, just before my first lunch at Rose and Crown! Oh and did I mention, my trip is just a mere 2 months and 17 days away! lol