Is it usually an advantage to get an annual pass?

[dcibrando]

It is usually an advantage to get an annual pass even if you plan on just using it for 1 trip?

You get room discounts as well as the option of 20% off food...

 

[Slapster]

It is usually an advantage to get an annual pass even if you plan on just using it for 1 trip?

You get room discounts as well as the option of 20% off food...

Typically the room discounts make the AP worth the price. However, you'll probably find that having the AP's will instill the urge to slip in a second or third trip!

 

[Pixiedusttravel]

AP's are well worth the money! They saved our family a ton of money on rooms. Of course, waiting for the specials to come out for the time of year that your wanting to go in is torture!!

Once you get an AP, you'll be itchin' to use it, that's for sure!

 

[dcibrando]

so say it's me and my girlfriend going.. I could purchase an annual pass, she could just get the regular hopper tickets? I could get the discounted room and 20% meal plan?

do annual pass tickets have the hopper option built in?

also how much are the 2005 annual passes?

 

[skiwee1]

Don't count on getting an AP rate on a room though. It isn't guaranteed. Last May I paid rackrate at the Poly because there were no AP rates available. Of course if you are not picky and any WDW room will do then you have a much better chance. I always plan on the cost of an AP if I am at WDW for 10 days a year or more. That way I know I'm getting my moneys worth. Getting a room discount is a bonus.

 

[swilphil]

If you are staying at a deluxe resort, especially in peak season, the AP is worth it for just one trip of 6 days or more. You can hop with the AP, and only once person in your party needs it. My AP was about $420 with tax and shipping.

 

[Topper]

It is usually an advantage to get an annual pass even if you plan on just using it for 1 trip?

You get room discounts as well as the option of 20% off food...

The 20% food discount is an extra $50 for AP holders. It is not included as an AP "perk"

 

[dcibrando]

when comparing the current AP discounts for the peak season... I do not see a savings when compared to that of the AAA discount

7 night trip current Peak Season
AAA rate = $92.65 for Value resort
AP rate = $74 a night + extra $184.25 for AP ticket compared to 6 day hopper

AP total rate (1 person getting AP with room discount, 1 person getting 6 day hopper) = $1175.11

AAA total rate (both getting 6 day hopper pass) = $1121.41

I currently do not see an advantage to getting an annual pass for only one trip... especially if disney releases codes for the general public to use (non-annual pass required)

 

[skiwee1]

The 20% food discount is an extra $50 for AP holders. It is not included as an AP "perk"

The AP does give you food discounts at certain restaurants. Always has. Some are 10% off lunch at Epcot table service and at most resort restaurants too. Also includes DtD restaurants. The DDE is something else that you pay $50 to get discounts at more restaurants. We have always used our APs for food discounts at some of our favorite places.

 

[MNSusan]

Don't forget that your annual pass allows you to park for free at the parks. If you're using WDW transportation, it doesn't matter. But if you're driving, that's $7/day you'll be saving.

 

[Stitch Inside]

when comparing the current AP discounts for the peak season... I do not see a savings when compared to that of the AAA discount

7 night trip current Peak Season
AAA rate = $92.65 for Value resort
AP rate = $74 a night + extra $184.25 for AP ticket compared to 6 day hopper

AP total rate (1 person getting AP with room discount, 1 person getting 6 day hopper) = $1175.11

AAA total rate (both getting 6 day hopper pass) = $1121.41

I currently do not see an advantage to getting an annual pass for only one trip... especially if disney releases codes for the general public to use (non-annual pass required)

You are correct sir. You only generally save with an AP if you plan a stay of 10 days or more as stated here before. But many of us stay a week and then do next year's trip before the AP expires, say a week earlier than this year's trip.

 

[Dana49]

It is usually an advantage to get an annual pass even if you plan on just using it for 1 trip?
You get room discounts as well as the option of 20% off food...

You should do the math. There are several "depends" regarding the purchase of an AP. If it fits into your vacation and is worth it to you, then make the purchase. My only advice would be, don't purchase an AP strictly for a discount in rack rates. You may be disappointed when that doesn't occur.

 

[FLORIDAFUNFAMILY]

the real savings comes after the ten day point, so if you can't commit to more than ten days in a year it's a bit of a wash. I would not base it on perks. You can rent dvc points for your stay and get some perks with that and save some money as well. But the real perk for the annual is after the ten day point it is really affordable to visit if you can afford the time off. Good luck!! Enjoy!!

 

[Disney Fool]

And the best advantage is that second trip (or third) and not having to face the expense of park hopper passes. I have had an annual pass for the past 10 years. I have never had a problem getting discounted rooms. My last trip was last week at Pop Century for $49 a night; and Wilderness Lodge for $109 a night. Yeah, I'm doin' the math, also, and $109 a night is about 50% off the value rate of $199 stated on Disney's website! Works for me.

 

[Kaitysmom]

There is also the freedom to come and go from the parks as you please. On arrival day, it is nice to go to a park for the afternoon/evening. I wouldn't
"waste" a day off my park hoppers for this but I am really looking forward to this benefit with the AP. We are also planning a second trip in Decmber.

 

[DisneyAddict_M]

I heard from somewhere that if you go twice in the year, then it's worth it. Otherwise it's not.

 

[Disney Fool]

It's still worth it: during this last trip, a friend who also has an annual pass, got sick smack in the middle of our trip. If she had the MYW pass without paying for the extra option of not expiring, she would have missed out on a few paid days. Besides, an annual pass renewal is $40 less than original price, bringing it to around $370. If you add up all the options on an MYW pass ($35 for park hopper option, $35 for no expiration date; etc.) you're getting close to that price anyway, especially if you purchase a 7 day ticket. I'd rather pay the $370 and have access to Disney World all year along with the room rates, discounts on dining, and free parking--and a few other perks along the way.

 

[ead79]

Our Annual Passes have really proven to save us a good amount of money. We have been able to get great room discounts, and the new Disney Dining Experience membership is completely worth the additional $50 for us. Plus, as others mentioned, it's nice to be able to go to a park on our arrival day without feeling like we're wasting a day on a park hopper.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

For us the annual pass was a great thing. We went 8 nights (July 18-26) in 2004, this trip will be July 1-15. So we were able to get 23 days on one AP. We also got the hotel discount last year (andhopefully we'll get one for this year) and we are getting the DDE. ALthough MYW is a good deal for a 7-10 day trip, it was cheaper for us to do the AP.

 

[seashoreCM]

With park hopping, the annual pass breaks even with MYW at 12 to 13 days.

Meanwhile you can buy two 10 day non-hopping expiring passes for less than the cost of one AP.

Sometimes, room rates with $20. of the AP rate for moderates and within $10. of the AP rates for value resorts are available to non-AP holders.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/dispass.htm