How much would I pay for a GAD FastPass Exchange Card?

[get_us_to_WDW]

This is what I am trying to decide. We are going to WDW Dec 11 to 18th - a very low time for crowds. We're a family of 5 and four of us volunteered and have vouchers (my youngest is 2). We'll be traveling with 7 other extended family members. I was planning to use the vouchers for 1 day tickets and then upgrade to an AP. But, I'd really like to enjoy the GAD FastPasses. I'm really torn...over $300 of savings or the first four days of our trip with GAD FastPass cards? If it were a busier time of year it would be easier to justify getting the FastPass cards? Part of me feels that since we "earned" the vouchers in such a unique and special way...we should use them whichever way would be most magical (i.e. the FastPass exchange cards). But, the budgeting side of my brain says go with the savings - what if we get in the parks and the crowds are so low we don't even need the FPs. What would you do?

 

[doconeill]

We are going just before you do with three vouchers. I'm using two of them for tickets and one for FP.

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

You are going at a low crowd time, like you said. I'm not sure the ages of your other kids, but I'd probably use two vouchers for FPs at MK and DHS, then use the other two for tickets to upgrade. I remember when my kids were 2, they wanted to ride the same rides over and over again. Using the vouchers as FP cards means you can ride TSM a few extra times without long waits - there will still be lines even on a slow day. And there are so many "Donald" rides at MK that it would be nice to be able to do a few of the FP rides instantly to avoid trekking all over the park. We are going in July and only doing MK and DHS (this is mainly a Universal/Sea World trip). We will get FP cards at MK and DHS and use two vouchers for tickets. We won't have to stress about the rope drop for TSM - we'll get FPs with our park tickets and ride a couple of times using the FP cards.

 

[enn]

I had the same question and opted for FPs (although at a much busier time, during a peak spring break week). It was so worth it. My reasoning: the GAD FP is something that is literally priceless, that no amount of money can buy. Life is short, and lines are long! Of course, you have to go with what works for your budget, and I don't have any experience with wait times during the less busy times.

You might also find it interesting to take a look at how much people are willing to pay for less waiting at one park that charges for the privilege: Six Flags offers "flash passes" of various types that range up to $76 for one person (up to five additional people can be added for some unspecified amount extra)
http://www.sixflags.com/greatAmerica/tickets/flashpass.aspx

 

[SharonLowe]

Even in the less busy times, certain rides will get long lines. Toy Story at HS is one; definitely worth the fast passes there.

I think the idea to use 2 for tickets and 2 for FPs is a good one. You can use the MK one for Winnie the Pooh and Peter Pan for the little ones and the HS one for Toy Story. The best thing about them is that they are instant so no having to come back. Plus, you can get a GAD FP even if they aren't doing or have run out of FPs at the ride.

 

[Supermom3]

I'm trying to make the same decision. We'll be going 5/27-6/4, a busier time of year so the FPs would be nice, but the frugal side of me sees a $305 savings on upgrading our one day tickets to APs. I think that I decided to use 2 for tickets and 2 for FP. But now I have to decide which parks get the FP. Definitely MK, but I'm torn between DHS and EP.

 

[get_us_to_WDW]

I had the same question and opted for FPs (although at a much busier time, during a peak spring break week). It was so worth it. My reasoning: the GAD FP is something that is literally priceless, that no amount of money can buy. Life is short, and lines are long!

So true! This is what I needed to hear! Thanks!

 

[get_us_to_WDW]

Thanks for all your input! It is very helpful! I have decided I will use at least two vouchers for GAD FP...if not all four!