Help me talk myself into getting APs

[zulaya]

OK, I already have 5 Day park hoppers (no pluses) that are unused. Since I purchased those months ago, I decided I wanted to trade them in to get APs to use for our December trip, a June quick trip and a trip next October.

However, the kicker is, I am thinking to get the most days, and to turn in my 5 day hoppers I would need to do this before the new DVC discount goes into effect. Chaps my hide a bit that I am less that one month from the date this new discount goes into effect, but that's a whole 'nother thread.

But I am having second thoughts about it. Do I want to shell out another $500-$600 to upgrade our 2 adult and 2 kid tickets to APs in December, right before Christmas?

But then I look at all the potential benefits. And since I have never had an AP before, I know I may be missing some.

~ Discounts on restaurants - I think there's even a few more with APs
~ Discounts on shopping - I thought AP holders got some Downtown Disney discounts (correct me if I am wrong)
~ Discounts on resort stays. Now I mostly stay DVC, but DH really wants to try AKL in October for a couple days and that could be a good deal with an AP
~ Passholder events? I may not be able to take advantage of those, but if the timings right, it could be cool.

What else?

If I wait, then I can get the discount on the APs in June, but I kinda would like to use all the benefits in December, you know?

Before you ask, we will have something like 15 park days between the December, June and October trips.

So, talk me into it.

 

[CarolMN]

Probably won't help much, but do keep in mind that the AP perks/discounts change the first of the year. Some years they get more generous and some years less generous.

Haven't a clue what I'd do in your situation so I'll only say whatever you decide, try not to second guess yourself later.

Best wishes - have a wonderful trip!

 

[pumpkinboy]

Hmmmm 15 park days? Sounds like a perfect AP candidate to me!

Yeah, it would be nice to get the DVC discount, but even without it you're saving a bundle, since breakeven is about 8 park days.

The question about the APs becomes: will you be going back to WDW again between next December and June '06? If so how many days? If you were to buy APs in December '05, they are good thru the following December ('06); but if you might go for a half dozen more days in say March/April '07, then perhaps you would be best off buying only one AP in December '04 (upgrade only one of your 5 day PHs) to get those lovely discounts, then buy APs for the rest of the family in June '05. That way you put off the bulk of the expenditure for six months and get the bulk of the benefit from our DVC discount, but still have the AP discounts available. Of course if you're not planning on any additional park days from 12/05-6/06 then just get all APs right away.

It's a theory; perhaps it'll work for you.

Also don't forget about the special AP holder pins. We got the two available earlier this month, and they're really cool!

 

[zulaya]

I don't have a firm plan for 2006 yet. We are going in late October 2005 as the last trip. We have been over everyone's birthday so far except mine and DH wants to take us over my birthday in October.

So I am pretty sure I will have to buy a new AP rather than a renewal after that Oct. 2005 trip.

After that...not sure. I really like December. But I really like May too. See my dilemma?

 

[LeftCoaster]

Originally posted by zulaya
I don't have a firm plan for 2006 yet. We are going in late October 2005 as the last trip. We have been over everyone's birthday so far except mine and DH wants to take us over my birthday in October.

So I am pretty sure I will have to buy a new AP rather than a renewal after that Oct. 2005 trip.

After that...not sure. I really like December. But I really like May too. See my dilemma?

You'll have lots of fun in October between the Food & Wine Festival at Epcot and if you also decide to go to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. I love October.

 

[rinkwide]

Don't underestimate the "benefit" of being able to come and go from the parks as you please without feeling like your burning a day off your hoppers. In my opinion, a relaxed touring schedule makes for a much more enjoyable trip.

 

[pumpkinboy]

OK, so let's quantify things here (all after tax #s):
Your adult 5 day PH has already cost you $275.86 each, and an AP can be had for a mere 46% ($127.78) more for $403.64.
You have also already shelled out $195.96 for each children's 5 day PH, but upgrading that will run your family an additional 75% ($143.97).
The additional money you would need to shell out in December for all APs would be $549.50, not an insignificant sum. It seems to me it makes the most sense to upgrade the adult tix, or at least one of them, since the marginal difference is least ($128 per ticket).

If there is no chance that your family will be doing another WDW trip between December '05 and June '06, then APs immmediately would definately be the way to go, since you have already bought the PHs. Spending $276 this year to save $106 on APs with no additional days for the adult APs (or $196 to save $90 for the kids') with no additional park days is a losing proposition.

If there is a decent chance of heading to WDW in the 12/05-6/06 period, then I think the single AP this year, then buying three more come June would be the most sensible. If you will likely be getting another 5 park days in the additional AP period, then the combination of the delayed expenditure ($1 today always worth more than the promise of $1 in six months) and the DVC discount on the APs will make the delay well worth it.

Of course, you could always split the difference, and get adult APs in December, and kids' APs in June, since the marginal expense on the Adult passes is least ($128 vs $147).

Good luck with your decision process!

 

[Pa@okw95]

I would buy the AP's in June on your trip and take the discount.

 

[Simba's Girl]

We're in the same situation actually. 12 Park Days planned within a calendar year, with the possibility for a few more if I do decide to do the Sprint Triathlon in May. We have nothing planned in 2006 yet.

We decided on APs....here's why

By purchasing APs now as opposed to doing PH (5 day) and PHP(6 day) combos, right away we're saving almost $150 per person, including one cash water park day (with DVC discount) - based on the Disney web site's ticket prices. To me that's a good difference and enough to go for the APs now, as opposed to October or who knows when. I'm also one who needs the security blanket of being able to come and go as we please, even if its only for a small amount of time.

But that said, I will probably cry and scream and whine if they take this great perk away before I have the chance to use it.

Heather

 

[zulaya]

Ideally, I'd like to upgrade all 4 tickets to APs. I am just having a grinch moment I think and not liking it that I have to pay so much more than if I was travelling in January.

I am pretty sure we will do both adult tickets so DH and I have more flexibility this trip.

But I am still up in the air for the kids. I feel like if I don't upgrade the tickets now, I am wasting the days that I paid for on those hoppers that could be applied to APs.

But on the flip side, if I wait on the kids passes till June, then I can get a good deal on the price.

My head is about to burst...I just need to decide...