Interesting AP Renewal Info

[LisaT91403]

I was just looking at my AP renewal options, as our passes expire towards the end of September. I found something interesting, and thought I'd share.

We currently have Deluxe passes, but on the renewal page, the So Cal pass *is* available to us if we wanted to "downgrade". I was under the impression that only people who had current So Cal passes were allowed to renew them...I didn't realize that people with *any* AP could choose the So Cal option.

Anyway, I don't think we will "downgrade", but it's something to consider now that I know it's an option for us. Just thought I'd post in case anyone was looking for that particular pass.

 

[Kyjin]

Hmm, perhaps they had enough SoCal passholders drop their pass or go to a different tier to allow this? Would love to hear if anyone else sees this option when they renew. Also curious if they will allow "upgrades" from SoCal Select to the regular SoCal passes upon renewal.

 

[dotfurio]

Yes, I'm bottom of the barrel and would love to upgrade!

 

[iKristin]

It shows I can buy the SoCal select pass, just not the other SoCal pass. There's two different SoCal passes. The other one is for renewals only.

 

[LisaT91403]

It shows I can buy the SoCal select pass, just not the other SoCal pass. There's two different SoCal passes. The other one is for renewals only.

Right, but it looks like you can get the So Cal even if the pass you are renewing is at a different level.

 

[iKristin]

Oh, not mine. And I have the Premium pass. But mines not up for renewal until February so that might be why

 

[LisaT91403]

Oh, not mine. And I have the Premium pass. But mines not up for renewal until February so that might be why

So you are logging in on the AP site, selecting the Renew My Pass option, and it doesn't let you choose the So Cal pass? Interesting.

 

[SMD]

I just tried to upgrade from So Cal Select, both when I renewed and a month later when I bought a regular ticket to go on a blockout day. No go on the upgrade both times. It may have changed in the last few weeks, but within the last months there were no upgrades. Downgrades don't surprise me, as it does further restrict the available days, so that would be the first group they'd offer it to instead of making that level full available again. I also wonder if people who have premium now will be able to add the parking option if they renew to a lower level.

 

[Fantaluminishes]

My Partner was able to upgrade from SoCal Select to the SoCal pass last month. He did it online, and got the payment plan, and the renewal discount. So yes, it can be done.

 

[SMD]

My Partner was able to upgrade from SoCal Select to the SoCal pass last month. He did it online, and got the payment plan, and the renewal discount. So yes, it can be done.

I tried at the ticket booth. I purposely renewed on a block out day so I could go in. I might try again the next time I'm down there on a weekend.

 

[beachdreamr1229]

If this actually works, it would be perfect for my family. We got deluxe this year because last year we had 2 infants at home and let our so cal passes lapse since we didn't have time to go. Of course, a month later they closed purchase of new so cal passes. We don't really need as many days as you get on a deluxe pass. I'm really hoping this is true.

 

[LisaT91403]

If this actually works, it would be perfect for my family. We got deluxe this year because last year we had 2 infants at home and let our so cal passes lapse since we didn't have time to go. Of course, a month later they closed purchase of new so cal passes. We don't really need as many days as you get on a deluxe pass. I'm really hoping this is true.

After some consideration, we have decided we are going to downgrade our passes. We had the So Cal pass two years ago, but got Deluxe this year because we wanted to be able to go on some Saturdays. The passes expire in September, and we were thinking about not renewing at all because of the cost. But So Cal is a good compromise for us, so we are going to do it.

I have ordered my Target gift cards, and will be buying the new passes as soon as the cards arrive. I will let you know how it goes, but I'm confident the So Cal pass is available because it shows up on my renewal page. I can click on it, add it to the cart, etc. I just need to purchase!

 

[superlarz]

I had the option when I renewed in April. I think renewing online everyone has the option. I am sure they will close the loophole if too many people start using it or spreading the word about it

 

[LisaT91403]

Just checking back in with my update.

Today, I renewed our family's AP's and downgraded from Deluxe to So Cal. Since I bought a whole bunch of discounted gift cards just for the purpose of paying for our AP's, I had to call for the renewal because you cannot use gift cards to renew online (odd, right?)

There was absolutely no problem going from Deluxe to So Cal. In fact, the CM on the phone actually said "You want the one that's no longer available, right?" when he was clarifying which So Cal pass I wanted.

So...the bottom line is that it absolutely can be done, and I don't think it's a "loophole".

 

[Tyggress]

I think the assumption when Disney said SoCal Passes were only available for renewal, not new purchase, was that they were only available for renewal to people who already had that level....perhaps it's always been available for ANYONE who was renewing, no matter the level? I remember my Disney BFF telling me several months ago (like, April) that she had the option to move from SoCal Select to SoCal, and I thought she was nuts...but now it sounds like she was probably right...

 

[caramello]

This is great news. Can someone tell me the price of So Cal pass? I'm hoping it's an option for us when our passes expire in December. Gotta start saving for it now!

Right now we have 1 premium and 3 deluxes. Correct me if I'm wrong, but when we renew I could get 3 So Cal passes, but I'd have to get 1 premium for parking privileges, right?

Thanks!

 

[SMD]

This is great news. Can someone tell me the price of So Cal pass? I'm hoping it's an option for us when our passes expire in December. Gotta start saving for it now!

Right now we have 1 premium and 3 deluxes. Correct me if I'm wrong, but when we renew I could get 3 So Cal passes, but I'd have to get 1 premium for parking privileges, right?

Thanks!

The premium might entitle you to add parking to a lower pass when renewing. You'd have to ask at the time you're renewing.

 

[LisaT91403]

The price for the So Cal pass with the renewal discount is $389. You are allowed to use gift cards to renew, so you can save about 10% there if you are motivated.

 

[Tyggress]

This is great news. Can someone tell me the price of So Cal pass? I'm hoping it's an option for us when our passes expire in December. Gotta start saving for it now!

Right now we have 1 premium and 3 deluxes. Correct me if I'm wrong, but when we renew I could get 3 So Cal passes, but I'd have to get 1 premium for parking privileges, right?

Thanks!

Correct....only Premium passes come with the parking privilege, and they no longer offer it as an add-on to the other passes.

 

[Indiana Scott]

What are the limitations of the So-Call passes?
We just bought Deluxe AP's but I can't see So-Cal info.