Having Second Thoughts?

[KMLOVESWDW]

Booked 4 pms at the Poly for end of Sept. for $249 a night. Decided on getting the AP because I'm positive we will be returning in May for probably 6 or 7 pms at POP. The AP with tax & shipping was $926. I realize now that I only needed one AP to book our room, so now I'm wondering if it would have been cheaper to buy one AP & then just buy park tickets for the other one of us. GEEZZZ, I'm confusing myself!! Don't know if I would have been better off getting a 10 day hopper with no experiation on it. We decided against the dining plan since we gained too much weight this past May-still have the last 3lbs to get rid of before Sept Now I'm thinking maybe we should have done the dining plan anyway, but realize I can't because we booked with AP & not a MYW package. What a mess-should stay off the computer-that's how I get myself all crazy. By the way, could have gotten the Poly for the same price with a general public code, but thought I might save $ with the AP because of the May trip. Can anyone with a bigger brain then mine figure out what I'm trying to get at!!!!

 

[KMLOVESWDW]

sorry-triple post!

 

[DisneyConvert]

But we are in a similar situation.

We are in the Poly too (Concierge) at the end of August for 5 nites. We are going with friends, another family and thought we wanted to impress. We booked earlier this year via one of their friends with ABC (CM rate, so it's not that much more expensive than what you are paying.) Still a chunk of change, yes?

Anyway, we booked early room only and decided to get park tickets separately. I guess I figured it would have been too difficult to try to rebook once I heard about free dining. Plus we are checking in one day too early to qualify. . . . blah, blah. Like I feel me made our bed, so . . .
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We did free dining last Aug-Sep and it worked out VERY well -- I had the whole thing pretty wired and believe me, we got our money's worth. But I also know that the dining plan on top of all the snacks they throw at you at Concierge is a complete waste. Of course, I then asked myself a similar question that you brought up, "Why are we spending all this money on Concierge and a la carte meals in the parks if Disney is offering free dining!?"
I am not completely sure I have a good answer to that.
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Just recently, I did spring for AP's for Wife, child-son and myself - ouch! Also the DDE card - which will pay for itself very quickly. Like you, I am not completely sure if we could have, should have done it differently.
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For what it's worth, after our stay at the Poly we're going on the short 3-nite Disney cruise and then coming back to WDW for 3 more nites just after Labor Day! The AP's begin to pay off as they provide free parking and room discounts during certain times. We can even stay off site! The DDE allows one to get free valet parking at the resorts when dining there.
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Still, the question is why get AP's for everyone instead of just myself? That's the 11 day question . . . or something like that when MYWParkHoppers for that many days, depending on the number of visits within a year of course, become more expensive than the Annual Pass.
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Hence, we are planning to return to WDW in November, and then maybe again in January. ...
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Enjoy your vacation, and thanks for letting me vent a bit.

 

[KMLOVESWDW]

No problem-I know Disney wants to try to let things be "our" way, but in all honesty "my" way drives me crazy. It's almost as if too many choices are making it harder on me. Here's my decision. Called & got the same Poly rate with a general public code-ok maybe a $15 difference more...anyway. Called & cancelled my AP which had already been mailed out, but she said to just return it & they will credit my account. I think getting a 10 day with hopping, no expiration & water parks (which I didn't have with AP & would have had to buy anyway) is working out to less money for me. Guess I didn't think it through enough when I called-felt the pressure! Anyway, this leaves me open for my 4 night stay at the Poly in Sept-only going to use 4 day ticket because of a water park day & Halloween party, & then in May I still either have 6 days left & water park visits OR could buy a package with dining & still have those 6 days left for another time or year. And of course, ticket prices will have gone up by then, so in the light of day, I think I made the right decision in cancelling AP. Boy, I'm tired after all this. Thanks for listening. By the way, if I was staying in Conceirge, I wouldn't be paying for the dining plan or get the plan & skip Conceirge. I'm probably only saying that since I've never stayed in it.

 

[MEK]

I got a 10 day non-expiring ticket last year (with WP's) last August and I used 5 days in August and 5 days in November. So far I have used 3 pluses and plan to use the other 2 or 3 this August. I am pleased with my decision. I think the breaking point for the AP is if you visit the parks for 11 or more days. I may upgrade to an AP this time because I will visit 7 days in August and I would like to go back for at least 5 more days before my AP expires next summer. I do like that you get free parking and AP discounts. It makes lodging choices more flexible.

 

[DisneyConvert]

The 10-day no expiration with the nice "plus'es" is definitely a great option.
(Probably could go 12 day, if they offer, for $25 extra!?)
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Everyone seems to agree that once one has the shiny AP's, they end up going to WDW a lot more that year and don't necessarily "save" money. . . . But isn't it fun!!

 

[KMLOVESWDW]

A 10 day ticket with hopping, no expiration & water parks will cost me $956. That will give me 4 days in the park & 1 water day this time, & then 6 days in the park & 1 water day next May. And I would still have 4 visits left to a water park, or DQ or PI. If I kept my AP, it would cost me $928 for the pass & then $160 + tax & ticket increase to buy just 2 water park visits when I can get 6 visits included in my 10 day ticket. Yippie, I have a working brain now & this works out better for DH & I. I know unless the money fairy comes, two trips to Disney a year is our absolute limit & we really can't stay any longer than 7 days at a time. With this whole AP thing, you get free parking when you stay at a Disney resort anyway, & why should AP people have to pay for the DDE card. I think they should just get that with it. It's only a 20%-that wouldn't break Disney's bank. Just talked to DH & told him of the changes I made to this trip-not sure if he's happy about it or not. Or maybe I just confused him!! Either way, I think this is the best for us & I'm not changing it again. Now, on the changing ADRs!!!.........

 

[StrwLady]

In May I did the math over and over when trying to decided on renewing my ap or going with a 10 day ticket. My son and I were going for a few days in May/June and then again in Sept. After doing the math every which way possible (and I do mean every with way...with expiration, without expiration, buying discount tickets, doing no hopping a few days on and on and on and by did my hear hurt )I came to the conclusion that renewing the AP's were the best choice for us.

I think that's the only way to really know what works best for you. Do the math. Add in all little things you can think of. (for instance Ap vs General public room rate, other discounts the Ap gives you that you will actually use and on and on )

 

[bryantslovedisney]

I'm in the same dilema since public discount rates came out for the rooms! We are only going once this year(6-7 days total) and I am trying to calculate whether or not to buy an AP. There is 5 of us and I would only buy one. I guess what I keep going back to is the parking fees and the chance to buy the Dining card(That gives 20% off.) But that does cost another $65! But with 3 teenagers in tow, our meals are outrageously
expensive! DH and I can usually share a meal(Just lost 20 lbs and I'm not gaining that back), but I know how we are at home, we like fine dining and drinking expensive wines(is that covered in the Dining Card?)...What would you guys do???
Jill

 

[StrwLady]

Ok KMLOVESWDW I'm gonna be evil and throw out some other ideas for you heheh. I know you said you were not gonna change your mind again but hey why should you be sane when all of us are mulling over our choices LOL heheh. Just kidding of course.

10 ticket, hopping, no expiration water parks $956.40

Preimum Annual Pass (AP with water parks option) $1190. 72

Dining Discounts with AP or PAP...
(you do not need the DDE card for these)

DOWNTOWN DISNEY® AREA:

Fulton's Crab House – Downtown Disney® Pleasure Island
Enjoy 20% discount off the regular price (excluding applicable tax and gratuity) of food and beverages daily during lunch (seated by 3:30 p.m.) and 10% discount off the regular price (excluding applicable tax and gratuity) of food and beverages daily during dinner. Valid for Passholder and up to three guests.

Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop - Delight in 10% discount off all retail items and old-fashioned soda fountain creations.

House of Blues® – Relish a 20% discount off food and non-alcoholic beverages daily in the restaurant prior to 4:00 p.m. and 10% discount after 4:00 p.m. (discount excludes alcohol, applicable tax and gratuity). Valid for the Passholder and up to five guests.

Planet Hollywood® – Take 10% off the regular price (excluding applicable tax and gratuity) of food and non-alcoholic beverages daily. Valid for the Passholder and up to three guests.

Portobello Yacht Club – Enjoy 20% discount off the regular price (excluding applicable tax and gratuity) of food and beverages daily during lunch and 10% discount off the regular price (excluding applicable tax and gratuity) of food and beverages daily during dinner. Valid for the Passholder and up to three guests.

Rainforest Café® – Celebrate with 10% off the regular price (excluding applicable tax and gratuity) of lunch and dinner entrées. Valid for Passholder and up to three guests.

Wolfgang Puck® Café – Enjoy 20% discount off the regular price (excluding applicable tax and gratuity) of food and non-alcoholic beverages daily during lunch and 10% discount off the regular price (excluding applicable tax and gratuity) of food and non-alcoholic beverages daily during dinner. Valid for the Passholder and up to three guests.

Wolfgang Puck® Express – Take pleasure in a 10% discount off the regular price (excluding applicable tax and gratuity) of food and non-alcoholic beverages for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Epcot®
Enjoy a 10% discount off the regular price (excluding applicable tax and gratuity) of food and non-alcoholic beverages Monday through Friday during lunch hours at participating Epcot® Table Service locations. Valid for Passholder and up to three guests.

Participating Epcot® Restaurants Include:

* Nine Dragons Restaurant
* L'Original Alfredo di Roma Ristorante
* Les Chefs de France Restaurant
* Restaurant Marrakesh
* Mitsukoshi Teppanyaki Restaurant
* San Angel Inn Restaurant
* Coral Reef Restaurant
* Biergarten Restaurant
* Le Cellier Steakhouse
* Restaurant Akershus
* Rose & Crown Restaurant
* The Garden Grill Restaurant

Rainforest Cafe® - Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park
Dine with 10% off the regular price (excluding applicable tax and gratuity) of entrée for the Passholder and up to three Guests.

Walt Disney World® Resorts
10% discount off the regular price of food and non-alcoholic beverages (excluding applicable tax and gratuity) Monday through Friday during lunch hours at participating Walt Disney World® Resort hotel table-service locations listed below. Valid for the Passholder and up to three guests.

Participating restaurants include:

* Disney's BoardWalk Resort – ESPN Club
* Disney's Osprey Ridge & Eagle Pines Golf Clubs – Sand Trap Bar and Grill
* Disney's Contemporary Resort – Concourse Steakhouse
* Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground – Trail's End Restaurant
* Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – Grand Floridian Café
* Disney's Old Key West Resort – Olivia's Café
* Disney's Polynesian Resort – Kona Café
* Disney's Wilderness Lodge – Whispering Canyon Café
* Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resorts – Yacht Club Galley

Disney's Wide World of Sports® Complex – Official All-Star Cafe®
10% discount off the regular price (excluding applicable tax and gratuity) of food and non-alcoholic beverages. Offer valid for all meal periods for the Passholder and up to three guests.

Merchandise Discounts
Discounts are valid for purchases made by the Passholder only and valid Pass ID is required for redemption.

Arribas Brothers – Downtown Disney® West Side
10% discount off total purchase price of merchandise (subject to certain restrictions, exclusions and/or limitations including, but not limited to: Lalique, Mats Jonasson, Swarovski, and shipping charges). Discount cannot be combined with any other offer.

Basin – Downtown Disney® Marketplace
Enjoy a 10% discount off select regularly priced merchandise.

House of Blues® – Downtown Disney® West Side
Get 10% off regularly priced merchandise purchased in the House of Blues® retail store (excludes books, leather tobacco, jewelry and select CDs).

LEGO Imagination Center® - Downtown Disney® Marketplace
Receive 10% off all items. This offer cannot be combined with any other coupon or discount offer. Discount is available only at the LEGO Imagination Center® Orlando.

Planet Hollywood® – Downtown Disney® West Side
Get 10% off select regularly priced merchandise purchased in the Planet Hollywood® shop.

Rainforest Cafe® – Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park
Receive a 15% discount off select regularly priced merchandise purchased in the Rainforest Cafe® retail store.

Rainforest Café® – Downtown Disney® Marketplace
Enjoy a 15% discount off select regularly priced merchandise purchased in the Rainforest Cafe® retail store.

Starabilias – Downtown Disney® West Side
Get 10% off all gift and novelty items.

Virgin™ Megastore – Downtown Disney West Side
Receive a 10% discount off total purchase. Discount valid only at Virgin™ Megastore Downtown Disney West Side. Not valid on virginmega.com or airport locations. Excludes personal audio, DVD players, interactive software and accessories, game hardware, gift cards or Virgin Mobile Top-Up Cards.

World of Disney® Store – Downtown Disney® Marketplace
Get 10% off merchandise. Discount not available on purchase of Disney gift certificates, Disney Dollars, videos, food items, film, film processing, Walt Disney Classics Collection and other select merchandise. Discount also not available at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. Merchandise discount is not available at Walt Disney World® Theme Parks.


There are more discounts available too but I didn't want to make this post bigger than it already is. I just wanted to pass on a little more information that might help

I hope you don't hate me for causing to possibly look over things again heheh.

Take Care
Jamie