Is an Annual Pass worth it for us?

[NVDisMom]

Opinions please.
We are definitely going to DL in Dec and taking our two girls and my mom. We'll need 6 day park hoppers. All of the days we are going are NOT blacked out. Staying at a Disney resort would be a plus, but the rates are sky high right now for those dates.

We are considering the possability of just us two going to DL in Aug for our anniversary. No kids, just us. Again a Disney resort would be a plus, but not necessary. Three day park hoppers needed. One of the days we want to go is blacked out.

When I do the math, it makes sense for us to buy 3 day hoppers, and upgrade before we leave in Aug, then buy regular PH for mom and the girls in Dec. We'd save about $240.

Now my question. Any chance of an AP discount for rooms in Dec?
We want to go Dec 14 to 19th.

Do you get early entry with an AP?

Is it worth it if we don't go in Aug to spend the extra money on an Ap anyway and hope we could get an AP discount in Dec?

 

[hlbtimes2]

If you are considering an a/p do it to save money on admission, not in hopes of a hotel discount. They are unpredictable. You never know how much they'll be and when they'll be available. They are great for people that can go on short notice, but not so great if you have to plan for airfare.

 

[JennyW]

No, no early entry with an AP.

 

[hlbtimes2]

No, no early entry with an AP.

Unless they are staying onsite- then they would get it each day that is available during their stay.

 

[Amy&Dan]

I agree, do not buy an AP for the hotel discounts. I have had AP's for most of the last three years and have yet to score a decent AP discount. The best thing and worst thing about having an AP is that you get to go to the parks for "free" and its hard to not keep going back all the time! I lost track of how much money we have spent using those "free" park tickets due to the airfare and hotel we still have to pay for! Unless you are very certain you will take a second trip, I would not upgrade. Also, remember that only one person in the party needs an AP to get the hotel and dining discounts. So you could always get one and hope for an AP rate to come up and figure that you will make up the price difference on that one ticket pretty easily with the 10% off you will receive on most of your full and counter service dining.

And as I look at your dates I am thinking an AP discount will be unlikely beyond the 10% off rack rate you can get with AAA or using a travel site like Expedia. I could be wrong but weekends in December are very popular at Disneyland. And its the old supply and demand concept. Why discount what you can sell for regular price? You might be able to get a deeper discount on the 17th - 19th, but not likely on the Friday-Saturday nights of your stay.

Also, are you sure you are not blacked out any for those dates in December?