Is it worth the room discount to get an AP?

[Native NYer]

We are planning to go to WDW at least twice a year for the next couple of years. Is it worth it to get an AP for the room only discount? We like the deluxe dining plan and were told we needed to buy MYW tickets in order to add the dining plan to our package.

Any suggestions?

 

[Disney Fool]

If you want an AP, go ahead and purchase one. You can still get the dining package by purchasing a 1 day tickets with your reservation. The dining plan is tied to the number of nights you stay in a hotel, not the number of days on your ticket. If you purchase the AP, however, you are eligible for the DDE, (Disney Dining Experience card) which gives you 20%off meals and drinks, except on blackout days which are usually major holidays. So, in figuring your trip, you may wind up saving more $$ without the dining plan or you may just break even, or you could save. It all depends on when you go, who you're going with, etc. I've been a long-time AP holder, and when the rooms are discounted, they are heavily discounted. But of late, the discounts are getting few and far between, and only at key locations. Don't buy the AP only for the room discounts, but for all the benefits of it and multiple trips.

 

[Native NYer]

Thanks for the info!

I really loved the Poly and am going back in August. We're also trying the CR. I'd love to try the GF as well. Is the AP discount better than AAA?

Also, what are the other benefits of having an AP?

 

[standleyent1]

You can go online and there is a list of everything that the AP does, it gives you discounts on merchandise and food and entry to the water parks, etc. You a can really save in DTD and PI, if you get the DDE card you save even more. Lets say you want to go to any Deluxe Resort or the Poly (your dream place to stay, I believe) and you want to have dinner you can use the DDE for free Valet parking and then get a 20% discount on your meal and then you can hop the monrail and take it to the MK (using the AP for entry) for a evening of fireworks, just a thought. If you think about it you can get more than just a room discount but the room discounts sure are nice, you should be able to a discount in August as that is a slow time of the year.
Have Fun!!

 

[sharonmickey]

Native NYer - the AP rate is better than the AAA rate. I usually book the AAA rate then when the AP rate comes out just call and have it applied to my reservation. Hope this helps.

 

[PolyHereWeCome]

Native NYer - the AP rate is better than the AAA rate. I usually book the AAA rate then when the AP rate comes out just call and have it applied to my reservation. Hope this helps.

That's what we do too. Currently have the AAA rate for our May '08 Poly. trip -- it's 10% off the rack room-rate -- and will make a decision on whether or not I'll buy an AP if/when AP rates are offered. So for us, it's either AAA and I buy a MYW or AP, whichever comes out better (DDE benefits aren't a factor for us, nor are the other things listed -- it all comes down to room rate savings)