Help a WDW resort virgin, AP holders: 2 trips, 1 year--worth the AP?

[aesalsa]

I've been to wdw 5 times so far and NEVER stayed at a WDW resort (I really feel like I'm missing out). I just found out that DH and I will be going there for paintball tourneys from April 27 to May 2 and in Oct for about a week during World Cup. We each have 3 days left on our park hoppers. Since I am not really sure how much time we will have in the parks (sigh), is it worth us buying 1 AP for resort discounts? I was thinking a mod in spring and a deluxe in Oct. if we can swing the $$. Any advice would help.

Also, how far in advance do AP rates usually come out?

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

 

[oogieboogie]

We decided to go next week and already had planned a trip in september so we bought the annual pass. I just got the AP rates for next week and saved probably close to $400 just in rooms. We also planned alot of our meals for lunch with the 10% discount. Next september we will not even have to buy the tickets which will save us about $1000 and should get AP rooms again. If you go 2 times I would recommend it definately.

 

[hockey mom]

Wait and see when the rates come out. Sometimes you can also use a code for everyone that is released. You do not need to already have the AP when you make a reservation so if need be you can buy one after. I know friends of mine that also go down for paintball and don't get a chance to go to the parks as much as they would like.

 

[mirlow]

You can upgrade your unused park hopper for you AP. I love having an AP because you don't need to rely on a code for discounts and if your like me you can change your mind after the code for the general public has expired. I have even switched resorts during our stay and have been able to get the AP discount. There are other discounts that come with the AP as well. I also like the freedom of going to the parks for however long I like and not feel like I have to get a whole day in if I used a day ticket.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

mirlow - That's a great point - we bought AP's for the first time last Dec. We went to MK on our first night (late flight) just to watch Spectro & Wishes. It's great not to have to decide if it's worth wasting a whole day's entrance fee for the parades/shows or just to go for one or two rides!

 

[aesalsa]

Thanks for the responses, all!! Are discount rates available at the Swan/Dolphin, too, with an AP?
How far in advance do AP dicounts come out for resorts? Thanks again for any info!!

 

[aesalsa]

BUMP

 

[Grumpy92]

Discounts are announced usually 2-3 months in advance. Yes S/D do offer the AP rate along with many others because they are not Disney. You might want to check mousesavers.com

If you plan on visiting the parks more then 8days in a 12 month period the AP is worth it.

 

[ktglads]

The Swan and Dolphin also have really good teacher/nurse/government employee rates. If you are any of those professions, you can get a rate there that really can't be beat. The Dolphin is 129 a night and the Swan 139. For the location and the deluxe feel of the hotel, it is totally worth it. Besides AKL and WL, you really can't stay at a deluxe for that price.

 

[StrwLady]

One thing I love about AP's is the convience. Like one poster said you can get in to orlando late and still hit a park for the end of the night activities. No worry about burning a park hopper day. Same goes for the day you are leaving. I also like not having to worry about getting my hand stampped when leaving a park and going to another. One more perk is if you leave your passes at home, in the hotel, or even lose them all you have to do is go to guest services give them your license and they will void out the old pass and issue you a new one.

Of couse I love knowing that if when I make that 2nd or 3rd trip during my pass year I don't have to worry about coming up with $$$ for tickets. And being able to get the discounts and being able to stay in the deluxe hotel makes me happy.