General public discounts - why have an AP?

[raven69david]

First and foremost, we buy our AP because we go at least twice a year. Second, we use it for room discounts. Third, we use it for discounts off of food and merchandise.

We purchased TiW 2 years ago when it was $60.00 (now $75.00) and found out that all we saved was on the gratuity (after you add gratuity manually, when signing the receipt, that is what you end up saving). Since it was only 3 of us (including DD3 at the time), it didn't seem we were saving much money. After going 3 times and eating at the signature restaurants during our 3 trips, we didn't save more than what we paid for our TiW card so we've decided never to purchase it again.

AP's should be used for those attending at least 2 times each year, as long as it's more than 3 days each trip. Right now, before tax and after the price increase a few weeks ago, the price of two 3 day trips is $448.00 (4 days is $464.00) and the AP is $450.00.

Last year we were able to renew our AP and get 3 extra months free. I hope when we renew in April 2011 that this offer is also provided.

 

[lustergirl]

You do have the option of saving the unused tickets to either share with family or at some point, have enough days to cover a trip. I still have a couple one day base tickets that were part of packages I booked last year. The savings on the package was substantial (better than the AP rates at the time), so I really feel I got the tickets for free. I'm holding on to them because at some point, someone who's not an AP holder is going to want to go with me, and they will have those tickets to get in free.

I had a question about the use of tickets. This fall I am purchasing an AP for myself because I go more than oncee in a year. So September 2011 I booked AKL for hubby and me and had to purchase the minimum 2 day pass to qualify for the free dining. Since my park tickets will be taken care of can I use those tickets for my hubby?

 

[disneyfan55]

I had a question about the use of tickets. This fall I am purchasing an AP for myself because I go more than oncee in a year. So September 2011 I booked AKL for hubby and me and had to purchase the minimum 2 day pass to qualify for the free dining. Since my park tickets will be taken care of can I use those tickets for my hubby?

Yes, but you might be wise to keep the extra 2 day pass since 4 days will cost quite a bit for you that way. If you upgrade his ticket it won't cost that much to do. You can keep your ticket for future use. That's what I would do. Plus, if you make them hoppers, you will pay twice.

 

[Tyme4wdw]

I haven't read all of the responses, but here are the reasons why I get an AP.

1. It's cheaper for me in the long run to purchase an AP since I normally travel to Disney more than once a year. It's more expensive adding on the non-expiring feature to MYW tickets.

2. I can purchase the TiW Card which saves me 20% off of sit down meals and drinks as well as counter service meals at the Value Resorts if I end up staying there.

3. Discounts on all purchases.

4. Discounts on room rates, but at times General Public rate is just as good.