I Need Help Understand AP

[Madi100]

OK, I'm searching around tonight thinking that maybe getting one AP might save us some money. I looked on Mousesavers and it says that it would save $60 at the All Stars. (Her example) So it's a savings only if there is no code available. We've never paid over $60 a night for All Stars anyway with no AP.

So, if AP is a better option, can I go ahead and buy my park hopper tickets now and then upgrade when I get there. Mousesavers also said something about that. Meaning I take one of my hoppers and trade it in. Right now I have a room reservation at ASMo. We aren't going until January. So, if AP rates come out and they are good, can I call and get that rate, but not actually have the AP? Then what if a better code comes out and I decide I dont' need AP. Can I just switch my reservation to the code? If AP will save me money, I'm all for it.

Hope this makes sense. Thanks.

 

[Wish Upon A Star]

Having an AP actually saves you more money on those codes up to 45% off rack rates. Regular "Available To Anyone" codes are usually less.

You don't actually have to have the AP when calling to make your ressies. Just ask for the AP code/rate. Then before you leave to go to WDW you should get your voucher. I have never been personally asked at the resorts to show my AP voucher, but if I'm booking an AP rate I always want to make sure I am actually holding a voucher because imagine how embarrasing it will be if you don't have the voucher and they make you pay the "rack rate"

Hope I answered some of your questions.

 

[SuzyQue]

How many days are you staying and will you be returning to WDW within a year's time? You'll be going during Value season, and for the last 2 Januarys there have been room only codes offered to anyone. So to get the AP just for the room discount may not be worth it. Here is some info from Deb's site. ~~

I have heard that I can upgrade my park hopper pass to an AP or PAP and get full credit for the original purchase price even after I have used a few days admission. Is this true?

Yes it is. If you decide within 7 days of first using a hopper pass that you want to upgrade it to an AP/PAP, you will get full credit for the price of the hopper pass towards the AP/PAP. The AP/PAP will be backdated to the date the hopper pass was first used. But beware: If you get a hopper plus pass and use one of the plus admissions before doing this, you will only be allowed to upgrade to a PAP.

Do I have to actually have an AP/PAP before I can call to get any special AP resort rates?

No you don't. You can call and book the rates without having the AP/PAP in hand. The policy about having it at the time of resort checkin is clear as mud. Some people have been allowed to obtain the rate at checkin with only their AP/PAP voucher. Others have been told to return to the resort front desk to show the desk CM after activating the pass. Still others have not been asked for any AP/PAP at all. The official Disney policy states an activated AP/PAP pass is needed at checkin.You may want to avoid any potential embarrassment at checkin by having an activated pass at that time.

 

[Bim-muv-fab]

I'm sure this has been asked a thousand times, but do all members of your party need to possess an AP, or does only one person need the AP to get the rate?

 

[DemonLlama]

Just need one AP. My understanding is that the one who makes the reservation is the AP holder, in other words, not a child (cheaper AP ticket). We went for 8 days last year and at that length, it was just as cheap to get APs for everyone than add on days to a park hopper. I kept thinking I'd try to work in a "little" trip within the year to make it ever more of a deal, but alas, it was not to be. I still carry the APs in my organizer everyday though -- they make me smile.

 

[NTDIANE]

I HAVE ONE QUESTION?. AP IS ANNUAL PASS FOR THE PARKS, QUESTION IS HOW CAN YOU GET A ROOM ONLY DISCOUNT WITH THE AP CARD.

THANKS FOR ANY INFO.
DIANE

 

[Madi100]

Having an AP gives you discounts at the resorts, and I believe some entertainment.

We are staying for six nights. We are getting 5 day park hoppers. I'd love to go back again, but don't think I can convince my husband. However, I was reading at Mousesavers that sometimes it can save you money even is you are only staying for three days. Last year when we went we got a rate of $49 I believe. Then it wouldn't really be worth it to get the AP. I would really really like to stay at a mod. Plus, who knows if codes will come out. So, I was thinking of AP as an option.

 

[ducklite]

Keep in mind that AP rates are subject to availability, and not always available.

So before you run out and buy that expensive little piece of cardboard, make sure you can get the reservation using the AP Rate. Then buy the AP or through your local Disney Store before you go. Leave plenty of time for shipping--even in teh store they do'nt have them available right there, they ahve to be ordred.

As the other psoter said, you do'nt have to have the AP to make the reservation, just when you check in. (And having the voucher is fine, you can turn it in for the actual pass the next day at guest services.)

I have only once been asked to show the AP at check in using an AP rate, and I agree-it would have been uncomfortable to say teh least if I didn't actually have one. I don't know what they would do in that situation, but I think I'd rather not find out
Anne