How best to purchase annual pass- if at all?

[ElleBelle88]

So DF and I have purchased our 14day ultimates in the Florida Escapes sale last night for £273 each and are pleased with the price seeing as we will only likely be going once this year.

My DS, however, still has hers to get. She has very almost decided on purchasing a basic annual pass (non water park option). The options I can see are as follows, with the following pros and cons:

1) Purchase the ticket on Disney's US site and then collect upon arrival- this avoids paying international shipping costs but won't allow them to book FP+ I don't think?
2) Purchase the ticket on Disney's US site and pay international shipping costs -will be able to FP+ but additional costs incurred.
3) Buy 14day and upgrade when out there- not really sure about the costings of this as keep reading it can really vary. Is it likely to be more than paying it all in dollars up front?

Seem to be a few options and they just want to get some bought really!

Can anyone please offer any advice?
Thanks!

 

[Pegasus928]

From what I remember if you log in to WDW site and purchase the tickets through there they appear on your MDE account - at least thats what happened with ours.

 

[Kirk]

From what I remember if you log in to WDW site and purchase the tickets through there they appear on your MDE account - at least thats what happened with ours.

Yes. I believe that is correct. You can also upgrade to AP once there as long as there are still days left on your tickets.

 

[Elise79]

If you buy an AP in advance you can link the pass to MDE with the will call number - no need to pay shipping but either way you will have to collect on arrival as you have to take ID to get the pass issued.

Buying an Ultimate is hit and miss. I would never buy one with the sole intention of upgrading it. We have had times were the AP has cost us less but last time it cost us more - we only do it as they are tickets we have bought to get free dining. The hassle isn't worth the possible savings to go and buy one to upgrade.

The easiest way to save money on an AP is to buy a discounted MYW ticket from someone like Undercover Tourist. Use the ticket at least once and then upgrade. By using the ticket disney will bridge the price to current gate price thereby saving you the difference between gate price and what you paid. Unlike the upgrading of Ultimate tickets this is a well documented and well known procedure with CMs, plus you can work out exactly how much they should be asking you for.

 

[ElleBelle88]

Oh being able to link to MDE is great-seems rather obvious now you say it! Thanks all!

 

[Jon84]

We bought ours over the phone, put the money on our prepay card to avoid debit card charges.

APs were added to Magic Bands that we picked up at POR on arrival.

Picked up the AP Cards at Guest Relations during the MK Welcome Show on the first day

 

[jockey]

highly recommend an AP..room discounts, store discounts and tables in wonderland card.... all well worth it! I just add it to my MB ...renewal in around $100 less