Getting an annual pass timing

[Pdollar88]

After booking a WDW vacation for March 2018, five nights and five day park hoppers, I'm now thinking it would be beneficial to get an annual pass.

The decision I'm agonizing over is timing for getting the annual pass. Would it make most financial sense to get the AP now and change my reservation to get the hotel discount, or convert my 5 day park hopper once I get to the parks?

Thanks for the help! Most appreciative.

 

[randumb0]

Two questions:

Will you be returning for a visit after March?
How big of a discount will you receive on your room?

 

[Pdollar88]

I am planning on returning at least once within the 366 days - but probably more than once. I'm thinking in Sept or Oct and again in spring 2019.

I'm not sure of the discount - based on current AP discounts, maybe 20-25 on a value or moderate hotel?

 

[randumb0]

I would wait until it's closer to March before purchasing since you plan to return in Sep or Oct.

 

[Pdollar88]

Based on my based on my discussion with a cast member, my understanding is the AP wouldn't be activated until March when I use it to enter the park.

But using the voucher, I could get the hotel discount if I bought it earlier. I hope that's correct - that's why I feel the urge to go ahead and get it.

 

[Pdollar88]

I wondered if upgrading my ticket/hotel package would to an AP would be more cost effective (via ticket bridging) or the hotel discount I could get.

Sorry for all the hypotheticals and flip flopping - this is probably just a personal preference in the end.

 

[Robo]

You do NOT need to purchase an AP or AP voucher (certificate) in advance of your trip in order to book an AP discounted room.

You can book any AP discounted room at any time one is available.

As long as you buy or upgrade to (with price bridging, if appropriate) an AP after you arrive at WDW, you can receive the AP room discount.

And, since you mentioned it, AP's won't be (cannot be) activated until you arrive at WDW, even if you do decide to buy an AP certificate in advance.
(They must be activated by the AP holder making a trip to a guest relations or ticket booth, and not by entering a park.)

 

[randumb0]

Based on my based on my discussion with a cast member, my understanding is the AP wouldn't be activated until March when I use it to enter the park.

But using the voucher, I could get the hotel discount if I bought it earlier. I hope that's correct - that's why I feel the urge to go ahead and get it.

Sorry I forgot you are correct. The voucher will work for the discount. If you have the money then you may want to consider purchasing the voucher now. You never know when there will be a price increase

 

[Pdollar88]

Thanks, Robo! I had no idea! I'll likely try to call Disney to alter my existing reservation.

 

[Robo]

Thanks, Robo! I had no idea! I'll likely try to call Disney to alter my existing reservation.

to posting on the DISboards, Pdollar!

 

[NeedMoreMickey]

Have the AP discounts been announced for 2018? They may not fit your schedule. Wait to see when the dates line up then do the math. I think if you are taking 3 trips an AP will probably be worth the price but no need to rush into spending the extra money until you need to spend it. Last Year we booked an October trip only 45 days out so we missed on all the special offers. I waited until we got there to upgrade my ticket to an AP because I already had my March 2017 trip planned.

 

[Pdollar88]

That makes sense! I get antsy, and there's no need to hurry to spend the AP money. I don't think 2018 discounts have been announced.

One more question - if I book an AP room before I upgrade my tickets, will I be able to do online check in?

 

[Robo]

if I book an AP room before I upgrade my tickets, will I be able to do online check in?

Yes.

You can check into an AP room without owning an AP.
You really just need to buy an AP within a day or two after you arrive.

 

[Pdollar88]

Thank you again! And I appreciate the welcome to the boards!