Is it worth getting an Annual Pass for just two trips?

[DiannaVM]

So, when I went in August I got an AP as a birthday gift. I felt it was more than worth getting it because I knew I would be back for an extended trip next February and the discounts seriously helped. However, we have decided to take a last minute Food & Wine trip in November (mostly because my sister wanted company while she does the 10K and my DH felt he couldn't wait until February lol). Because it was so last minute, the only resort we were able to book with the passholder discount was Caribbean Beach, which is fine but only slightly above what any of us wanted to really pay.

Anyway, in trying to make the math about the November trip (which will only be three full days) I am starting to question whether my DH should get an AP or if it may not just be fine if he gets a park-hopper instead. We have both decided that after February (which may not be as extended as we had originally planned due to the November trip), we are not going to be doing Disney for a while, at the very least until most of the current renovations and additions around the park as done.

So what do you guys think? Since I have an AP we can still get most of the AP perks, so I wonder if its worth for him to get an AP too or just keep using mine and buy him park hoppers for both trips?

Thanks for the input!

 

[stinkpickle]

I guess it depends on how long the February trip will be.

 

[Skippyboo]

You can do the math-the ticket prices for both of your trips and compare it to the price of annual pass. Tickets from undercover tourist are going to be slightly cheaper from Disney direct.

 

[DiannaVM]

Originally our February trip was going to be 10 days, but it may be down to 7 or maybe even 5 now. It all depends how finances go closer to the time since we are going to be undertaking some home renovations.

 

[msk]

I got my AP last June and have been twice with return trips planned for Feb and April. However, until last week my DH was only going for 7 days in April. Last week I talked him into going to Food and Wine in Oct and doing MNSSHP. We did the math and his AP will be purchased in a few days. It was close. The one big benefit that I just realized is we always arrive at the resort the afternoon before our ticket days begin. This Oct. we can check in, leave our bags in the room and then go to whichever theme parks we want!

PS when you compare prices be sure to add in Park Hopper

 

[Disnsyncey]

mine, for 12 days total was over $100 more for 2 6 day park hoppers, so we went with the AP (this is my first AP out of Florida! CRAZY PRICES!)....and you get all the discounts too!

 

[hoperunner]

Keep in mind you can always purchase the park hoppers and then upgrade when you get there. My wife and I did this for the two of us and then we did it for our kids. When we did it for our kids, we bought tickets through Undercover Tourist (5 day parkhoppers with 2 extra days free). Those tickets were then upgraded to AP. It gave a bit of a discount because when we upgraded them Guest Services brought the discounted ticket price up to full ticket price and we paid the difference between full 7 day park hopper and AP. I know there are many sites that help with what the break even point is.

 

[CarrieR]

Do the math. Buy what's cheaper. IME it'll probably be the AP.

 

[china mom]

Nov trip 3 days w/o PH $289
Feb trip 5 days w/o PH $370
Total $659

Nov trip 3 days w/PH $349
Feb trip 5 days w/PH $445
Total $794

Annual Pass $779

* pre sales tax

 

[DekrRini]

I did a quick check on the Disney website. 3 day parkhopper was $371 tax included and a 5 day parkhopper was $473 tax included. I didn't include the $169 memory maker because you already have an AP. I'm not sure what the going rate for an AP is, but it's probably close to the $844. If you go longer than 5 days in February, I'd say it was definitely worth it.

 

[Shellyred8]

I got my AP last June and have been twice with return trips planned for Feb and April. However, until last week my DH was only going for 7 days in April. Last week I talked him into going to Food and Wine in Oct and doing MNSSHP. We did the math and his AP will be purchased in a few days. It was close. The one big benefit that I just realized is we always arrive at the resort the afternoon before our ticket days begin. This Oct. we can check in, leave our bags in the room and then go to whichever theme parks we want!

PS when you compare prices be sure to add in Park Hopper

The bolded section above is a very nice feature for your travel days. We usually arrive mid to late afternoon and we like to take in a fireworks show that first night.

Have a great trip (or two!)!

 

[DiannaVM]

Nov trip 3 days w/o PH $289
Feb trip 5 days w/o PH $370
Total $659

Nov trip 3 days w/PH $349
Feb trip 5 days w/PH $445
Total $794

Annual Pass $779

* pre sales tax

Yeah thats the pass (the one without water parks admission) that I was planning on getting, so the savings are not a big difference considering AP gets you discounts.

A follow up question now that is slightly off-topic then....AP discounts don't apply at the Food & Wine booths correct?

 

[DiannaVM]

The bolded section above is a very nice feature for your travel days. We usually arrive mid to late afternoon and we like to take in a fireworks show that first night.

Have a great trip (or two!)!

Yeah we are actually planning to do Food & Wine the day we get in to try and avoid the mega weekend crowds!

 

[NeedMoreMickey]

I say get the annual pass not that much of a difference if you do a 3 day & 5 day trip. Plus you never know when Disney is going to raise the ticket prices.

annual pass 779.00

3-day park hopper 349.00
5-day park hopper 445.00
794.00

3-day park hopper 349.00
7-day park hopper 485.00
834.00

3-day park hopper 349.00
10-day park hopper 515.00
864.00

 

[mickey1968]

Buy your tickets at Undercovertourist first. Look at their list and see which tickets will save you the most over gate price, currently it is the adult 6 day hopper + 1 day free option for $469.95 tax included. Then use the tickets one time in any park before you upgrade to an annual pass. That will lock in your discount. Then you just pay the difference.

$829.64 AP including tax
- $516.53 7 day hopper including tax
$313.11 difference

You then have only paid $783.06 for your AP.

 

[dizneegirl]

A follow up question now that is slightly off-topic then....AP discounts don't apply at the Food & Wine booths correct?

Correct. No discounts at food booths.