How does the AP work?

[disneylicious]

We're planning another Disney trip in February for 8 days - there will be 4 adults and one child (for her 5th bday).

To get an 8-day parkhopper at the kid's rate, it would cost $204. For $65 more, one of us could get an AP - what would be the benefits of this? Cheaper room rates (could we get 2 rooms if the AP-holder books both?) - we're probably going to go with the HoJo again (do they offer the disboard discount + AP discount or just one or the other?), 10% off food, etc.? Would the savings cover the extra cost or make it even?

What about early mornings - if the rest of the clan get Parkhoppers with one early entry, do AP holders get early entry as well?

If you could share with me the pros and cons, I'd much appreciate it. Can't say whether we'll be going again with the year, so it would really only be for this one trip.

Thanks in advance!

 

[LavenderPeach]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong but I don't think you get early entry with an AP, even if the rest of your group has them. The person with the AP would be out of luck.

 

[Disney Dreams]

Depending on which AP you get, you get nice discounts on food, shopping, etc.... It adds up.

You don't get MM, but I THINK (someone clarify please) if you are staying on property, you get MM regardless of your ticket type. Again, not completely sure on this one as we are locals.

 

[bonita_babe232]

if u stay on site everyone gets it, its like an "unoffical" rule or something. but what alot of people do is get a park hopper and have there first day as the MM day then upgrAde later in the afternoon so u still get ur MM.... they just charge the price diffrence from hopper to AP. We were gonna do the same thing and only upgrade one pass but were just gonna do them all and go back with in the year once or twice!!

 

[northshoremama]

if u stay on site everyone gets it, its like an "unoffical" rule or something. but what alot of people do is get a park hopper and have there first day as the MM day then upgrAde later in the afternoon so u still get ur MM.... they just charge the price diffrence from hopper to AP. We were gonna do the same thing and only upgrade one pass but were just gonna do them all and go back with in the year once or twice!!

this is exactly what we are planning on doing next week...do our MM next thursday, then upgrade that afternoon or friday morning so that we can enjoy the AP discounts for the rest of out trip (and upcoming trips in december, april/may, sept/oct).

 

[bumbershoot]

You get ONE discount for HoJo; disboards is 15 and AP is 20%, I believe. Depending on how much that 5% saves you, it could start making up for the $65.

Then there's the 10% discount on most food, which depending on your group could be significant!

You can just start with the hopper, then after the MM go and upgrade. Well now I'm not sure if that will work with the hotel discount, hmm. And you would lose out on the discounts on food before the upgrade happens.

But you know...and this is my opinion and very few others'...if you're going for 8 days, IMO you don't *need* the MM. So if there's someone who is naturally more lazy in the mornings, just have them get the AP for the hotel discount and the food discounts, and they can skip the MM and no one is hurt.

 

[azdisneylover]

Just a thought....you could buy the APs at Costco and get a 50.00 gift card for each AP pass.

 

[Diskneenut]

They sell AP's at costco now? When did they start doing that? Are the blackout dates the same as the ones you get at the park? And you say you get a 50 gift card along with the AP?

 

[ColoradoMom!!]

They sell AP's at costco now? When did they start doing that? Are the blackout dates the same as the ones you get at the park? And you say you get a 50 gift card along with the AP?

Only at Southern Cal Costco's - see this thread:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1968505

 

[Gisele]

So if you live in Northern Ca. then you have to shop at So. Ca. Costcos's for the Ap, some how, that just does not make any sense, from the stand point of these ticket offers, and promotions to which they are related are not available up here (Northern Ca.) as well. Oh well, so be it.

 

[ColoradoMom!!]

I'm sorry to ask a silly question - but I just don't have the time to look it up.

I am considering the AP at Costco - which is deluxe - correct?

Does this give 10% off at most eateries in the parks? Any known exceptions? (not doing character meals)

Thanks

OK - answered my own question. Here is a great link:
http://disneyland.disney.go.com/dis...nts?name=AnnualPassholderUngatedDiscountsPage

 

[Gisele]

The deluxe, which is the regular AP, offers a 10% discount, on dining. It is the premium, which offers a 15% discount, on such.

 

[Marciern22]

I'm with bumbershoot, if you are going for so many days, you don't really need MM. I would get one AP. It really does make a difference.
Looking at my BackstagePass magazine right now.
For Dining: Prem=15% All others=10%
Merchandise: You only get 10% with Premium.
Having an AP takes care of at least your tips.

 

[Marciern22]

Discounts at all eateries except carts, Club 33, and Napa Rose.

 

[bumbershoot]

Discounts at all eateries except carts, Club 33, and Napa Rose.

Not totally true. The ice cream place in the "train" in DCA doesn't take the AP discount, nor does Royal Street Veranda. And I've heard that the Dole Whip place doesn't either. There are others, I'm sure, I just can't recall them right now (the ones I've listed are the ones we have been turned down at, and have verified with the little pocket brochure that they aren't listed).

 

[Rapunsel]

Ice cream at DL is not covered at Gibson Girl with the ap.

You know how much I could have saved if it did??? I just love the Ice cream sundae with the toll house cookies in it!