how do you decide if you should get an AP

[PKT531]

I can't decide if we should.

We are going in January and in June. For 6 and 10 days,respectively. We might possible be able to go in Dec.09. So that would 3 trips on the AP.

Is that worth it? Even if the Dec.09 trip is a total maybe?

How do AP rates compare to AAA rates?

Thanks! I am just looking for some info so I can decide if we should go ahead and get them or not.

I did the math for the Jan. and June trips and we'd save $198 between the 2 trips if we got the AP.

 

[ChelleinNC]

I can't decide if we should.

We are going in January and in June. For 6 and 10 days,respectively. We might possible be able to go in Dec.09. So that would 3 trips on the AP.

Is that worth it? Even if the Dec.09 trip is a total maybe?

How do AP rates compare to AAA rates?

Thanks! I am just looking for some info so I can decide if we should go ahead and get them or not.

I did the math for the Jan. and June trips and we'd save $198 between the 2 trips if we got the AP.

General rule of thumb is if you'll be going to the parks for more than 10 days in a year, the AP is a good choice. Your 2 trips cover that and a 3rd would put you way over. We love being able to go into a park just for dinner, or just for the fireworks and not "wasting" a day. We can park hop if one park is busy and just go to another park without thinking about it.

Don't forget there are discounts available with the AP besides room discounts. Discount on waterparks, some restaurants (10%), golf rates, tours...... AP holders can also purchase the DDE card (Disney Dining Experience) that gives a 20% discount off most Disney owned TS and a few CS restaurants. DDE card is $60 for AP holders, (we broke even after 2 1/2 days and everything after that was gravy ) it's good for up to 10 people dining together, including alcholic beverages

 

[PintoColvig]

The break even point is around 8-10 days in a 365-day period. After that, it is always best to go with the AP. Beware, though. Once you have that AP, you will start working out extra trips "since the AP is already paid for!" Initiatlly, we had two trips within one year and that's why we bought the AP. When it was all said and done, we had taken four! It was a fun year though

 

[rt2dz]

I remember before the MYW tickets, it made more sense to buy an AP if you’ll do the parks more than 8 days in a 365 day period. When the switch to MYWs happened, it became more than 10 days, if you do hoppers. With price increases, it is now more than 11 days, if you do park hoppers. It’s more cost efficient to have an AP if you don’t purchase the hopping option at 17 days in a 365 day period, but I can’t imagine not having hoppers. Even with small children, we hop frequently. I like having options.

BUT, there are other things to consider. AP discounts, the DDE card which more than pays for itself, free parking if you stay off site, discounts on tours, discounts at water parks and Disney Quest, discounts at World of Disney store, and other discounts (tours).

It sounds as though ticket media alone would make it a good deal for you, even if you don’t hop. One 6 day base ticket and one 10 day base ticket costs $462 per adult. An AP is $469 per adult. (Note: I'm not including tax in these prices.) I’m sure the discounts will give you at least $7. If you do a third trip, it will be basically free admission.

AP discounts vary and aren't always offered. Last year this time, my AP rate was over 45%, this year it is 18.8%. I believe AAA rate is 10%, but is constant. Of course, this is deluxe. Moderate and value discounts are much better, as is SSR and OKW.