How to save $ on WDW AP

[dr&momto2boys]

Is it still cheapest to buy tickets with the most savings from Mousesavers newsletter link and then upgrade after first use? (Making sure tickets do not exceed value of the AP minus DVC discount in our case?) (Also avoiding waterparks unless we want that option?) Anything else I need to remember?

Also... how does this affect our ability to book FP+ ahead of time? This could be a major factor for us since we'll be traveling over Easter next year. We have a 4 night stay at a DVC resort booked, then a one night gap and then another 4 night stay.

Thanks!

 

[MommaBerd]

You may want to run the numbers to determine if getting Disney GCs at a discount and/or with credit card perks is a better deal than purchasing from UT, ParkSavers, etc. (I have high regard for UT, but sometimes they are not the best deal.) Or some combination thereof - for example, purchase UT discounted tickets and then use discounted Disney GCs to upgrade to your AP.

The only factors involved in reserving FPs are that you have to have a ticket linked to your MDE and, if you want to book 60 days out, that you are staying on site (which you will be for the first part of your trip). As for the off-site portion, I *think* you cannot make FPs for those days until 30 days out. I highly recommend you check out the sticky/pinned FP FAQ thread on the Theme Parks Attractions and Strategies forum.

 

[dr&momto2boys]

Yes, we often purchase Disney GCs for savings on cruises, DVC maintenance, and everything Disney related. But at least in the past we've saved huge amounts buying discounted tickets through UT and upgrading after first use. (Thanks for the reminder to plan to use GCs.)
I am concerned about not being able to reserve FPs ahead of time because we will only have 3 or 4 day tickets in our possession until we actually use them for entrance in the park. The number of days of FPs that you can book is based on number of days of tickets correct? Not number of hotel nights?
We don't need FPs for the days we're offsite. We'll be doing Universal then and we're staying there particularly for their Express Pass access.

 

[MommaBerd]

@dr&momto2boys - You are correct! Just link your tickets in MDE and FPs can be made on a rolling 60 day basis from the first day of your onsite stay. (I think I was confused with ADRs, which IS based on resort stay.)

 

[Monykalyn]

Actually anyone can make ADRs 180 days out regardless of onsite/offsite. Difference there is onsite is 180 + withonsite. Offsite is rolling 180. FP+ is 60 days for LOS with ticket days available. Offsite is starting at 30 days rolling. Includes AP if no onsite to open 60 day window although I believe you can only hold 7days of FP+ ...

 

[Deb & Bill]

If you plan to use those APs for Easter time, you will need at least a Platinum Pass (four parks with hopping, no water parks). If you weren't there for Easter or Christmas, you could get the Gold pass which is blacked out for two weeks at Easter and two weeks at Christmas.

 

[dr&momto2boys]

If you plan to use those APs for Easter time, you will need at least a Platinum Pass (four parks with hopping, no water parks). If you weren't there for Easter or Christmas, you could get the Gold pass which is blacked out for two weeks at Easter and two weeks at Christmas.

Yes, thanks. Going at Easter is really throwing a wrench into things! I like to save money by buying discounted tickets and then upgrading at the park (with 7 people it makes a HUGE difference.) Usually we wouldn't be caught in the parks during the holiday times, but that's the trade off for getting to go with extended family. I guess we better just buy the Platinum passes to be sure we can optimize our FP+ reservations because it will make the busy parks more enjoyable. At least we get the DVC discount and can use discounted Disney GCs to save a little money.

 

[supersnoop]

Yes, thanks. Going at Easter is really throwing a wrench into things! I like to save money by buying discounted tickets and then upgrading at the park (with 7 people it makes a HUGE difference.) Usually we wouldn't be caught in the parks during the holiday times, but that's the trade off for getting to go with extended family. I guess we better just buy the Platinum passes to be sure we can optimize our FP+ reservations because it will make the busy parks more enjoyable. At least we get the DVC discount and can use discounted Disney GCs to save a little money.

You can use the regular ticket at Easter and upgrade on your way out on the last day to a gold pass.