I recently returned from WDW. Before going I purchased a 6 day ticket through UT when they were selling adult tickets at child prices (they do this several times a year) so I saved a little there. Then I bought Disney gift cards at Target using my Red Card and saved a little there. When I got to the parks and before my last day on my 6 day ticket, I upgraded to an AP and received full Disney value for the 6 day ticket and paid for the difference in the cost of the upgrade using the gift cards. Just putting this out there in case it helps someone else!