HELP! I'm Boggled Trying to Decide on the Right Tickets to Get!

[WaltD4Me]

I wasn't sure where to post this...hope the Budget Board is ok.

First, I am the Family Planner for our group of 10 going to Disney December 5th of this year. I THOUGHT I had a pretty good idea of what park passes we were going to get, but now I've been reading here about the FITS passes and I am SOOOOOOO confused now!

I WAS going to get 6 Day Hopper passes, but now that I'm thinking about FITS, maybe they would be better.....but everyone seems to say they are only worth it if you are staying 7 or more days which we really are not, BUT I'm thinking the Disney Quest feature alone would make it worth it because the parks close earlier in December and it'd be fun to take the kids there in the evenings. Don't know if we will get use of the water park feature because who knows if it will be warm enough to go in early December, but if it is warm enough the FITS would really come in handy.

There are seven adults going, two kids 5 and 9 and one little one 2 years old. I wouldn't get the FITS for him and I don't think I'd get the FITS for my parents, but for the rest of us? I just don't know!!!! Especially since we are going to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas party....that's another $40 for the adults, so $311 for the FITS then $40, that's $351. I really want to be sure to get the right passes.

Also are there only a limited number of FITS passes? Are they something I would have to order soon to make sure I get one before they sell out or something? Should I get one for the five year old when Quest might be too old for her and we might not be able to use the water parks? I am totally BOGGLED!
I LOVE planning, but this ticket thing is stressing me out! LOL!

Any thoughts are input would be MUCH appreciated! I trust you experts here implicitly!

Thanks!
Lisa

 

[mad4themouse]

6-day PHPs have 3 "plus" features that can be used for admission to the waterparks. They would cost in the neighborhood of $300 per adult, depending on where you purchase them. (Hotwire Savings Club sells them for $276 with free shipping). Purchasing separate admission to DQ would cost you another $24 per adult ($20 per child) at Ticketmania. The FITS passes would cost $311 plus shipping. And you'll get vouchers for a character breakfast. Cost-wise, the FITS would be a better choice.

The FITS passes are limited in number to the vendors. They have to order them from Disney when they receive a request for them. They are not stocked in inventory. And they might not always be able to get them.

As far as DQ is concerned, I think that the 2yo wouldn't enjoy it very much but the 5yo might and the 9yo definitely will. Since the 2yo does not need a pass for any of the parks, purchasing a FITS or 6-day PHP is not an issue for him/her. I would consider getting the FITS for the 5yo. With the breakfast thrown in there, it comes out almost the same, even if you choose not to take the 5yo to DQ.

 

[fam4jc]

Hi. I was going to leave some advice about tickets, but I don't know what a FITS is! I'm new to these boards (relatively) just planning our first trip to WDW with kids. Somehow I've missed this. Can you explain what these are?

My advice about tickets.
1. find the best rates on the net sites and write them down for the tix you are considering including tax & shipping.
2. Decide what is most important for your family. Pool usage, other resort activities, downtown disney, etc.
3. Make your choices by cost benefit analysis. ie if the FITS pass includes a character breakfast, that is about $20 per adult and $11 per child, add that to the value of the FITS pass.

Just my 2 cents. (im an accountant, so I do this with everything! drives my DH crazy)
fam4jc

 

[mad4themouse]

fam4jc,
FITS= Fun in the Sun Pass

It's good for 30 days from the date of activation. The pass includes unlimited admission during those 30 days to all 4 major parks, the waterparks, Disney Quest, WWoS and Pleasure Island.

It also includes admission to several minor attractions in the Orlando/Central Florida area such as Kennedy Space Center.

It costs a little more than a 6-day PHP but it expires at the end of 2004. It is also very difficult to find them because they are not intended for marketing to North American consumers. However, Paramount International will sell them to US and Canadian customers via phone order.

 

[WaltD4Me]

Thanks so much for the responses! I'm slightly less boggled!

Now I'm wondering if the 6 Day Hopper lets you use on of the Plus features for DQ? If not and it's too cool to go to the waterparks, the 6 Hopper Plus almost seems a waste since the kids won't be going to PI no?

Also, I read the admission to DQ is $33 for adults. Is the $24 admission someone mentioned an advanced ticket purchase price?

Thanks again!

Lisa

 

[mad4themouse]

You cannot use the plus on the 6-day PHP for DQ. The pluses are for waterparks, WWoS and PI only.

The $24 price for DQ tickets is the price that Ticketmania would charge you if you purchased them in advance from their website.

Ticketmania is a ticketbroker. It is not the same as purchasing directly from Disney but they are very reputable. I've used them several times and never had a problem.

 

[Sheree]

the curretn FITS passes expire the end of 2004? We're going in February, I thought they were good thru next may. guess I need to wait to order! darn, waned to use my disney visa this month and get the extra points!

 

[crl]

How do you find out what other attractions are included in the FITS passes?

 

[mad4themouse]

Originally posted by crl
How do you find out what other attractions are included in the FITS passes?

There's a list here:
MouseSavers.com - FITS Passes

 

[mad4themouse]

Originally posted by Sheree
the curretn FITS passes expire the end of 2004? We're going in February, I thought they were good thru next may. guess I need to wait to order! darn, waned to use my disney visa this month and get the extra points!

I may have gotten that wrong. I just found a website that states that their current passes expire on 4/5/2005.
Discount Orlando Vacations - FITS Passes

 

[sweet maxine]

I must be confused, too. I thought that the current batch of FITS passes didn't expire until May 31, 2005. I can't get through to Paramount this morning. Their line is busy. Maybe someone has more info on this.

 

[Mad4Dizne]

We usually get 5-day Park Hoppers, 1-they never expire, 2-they force me, a dedicated park commando to take a break or two, much to the delight of my family!! 3-if you don't use all 5 days , they are good for your next trip!!:

Have a great time!!!!! (Being a good planner is always good for a Disney trip!!!!!)
Flo