Getting a Pass

[MattsPrincess]

DB and I just moved to Florida. We're in Tampa, and being so close to Disney is killing me! We're talking about getting annual passes, but are trying to decide which one will work best for us.

Right now, we're looking at either the Seasonal Pass, or the Weekday Select Pass.

For those that have/had one of these, can you tell me the pros and cons? Explain how it all works a bit more? I know there are blockout dates that we couldn't use them on, and that we can make monthly payments, but that's about all I know, lol.

What all do you get discounts on? Is park hopping part of it? Perks, downsides, etc?

 

[HopperFan]

This is from the Passholders Booklet. You would pay for parking so factor that cost x how many times you expect to visit.

 

[Bluegrrl]

If you aren't sure, I think you should start with the seasonal pass. It does have blackouts, but those dates are the ones when no sensible Floridian wants to go to Disney (hot summer mainly). Get the ten month payment plan as that helps spread cost out. You get the same benefits as AP except for parking (but 1/2 time the cms let you in anyway). If you find yourself going to the parks a bit more, you can always upgrade since Disney is happy to take your money!
I think seasonal really is the best place to start. Again, you get dining and Merch discounts plus some other little discounts on tickets and events (pre-registration for Disney races!)
The tables in wonderland dining card works well with the passes too. That card gives you even better dining discounts than the passes and on more places.

I love my AP, but I only got it after my many years of having my seasonal. I just got an ap because friends/family started visiting me during my blackout dates!

One thing: with regards to hard ticket events, sometimes the Floridian rate is cheaper than the ap rate. So be aware of that.

 

[staceyeileen]

Black out dates for both of those passes include 2 weeks at Christmas, 2 weeks at Easter, and about 2 months in the summer. In addition, the weekday select is blacked out on ALL weekends (obviously).

Both include park hopping and neither includes parking. You'll pay $17/day for parking. Both passes do get you merchandise discount of 10% and 10% at some restaurants.

For my family, I got a regular AP so that we can park for free and the rest of the family has the seasonal pass. Even though I have a regular AP, I don't go on black out dates anyway (too hot/crowded)