Just booked HRH w/AP code, now which AP do I purchase?

[bas71873]

Can I get the most basic AP and still keep my AP rate for August? I currently have a SMSM garden view booked and just booked a pool view with an AP rate (which was about $30/night cheaper since we are only staying 3 nights). So which AP would you recommend I purchase? In reading the info on-line I get confused and wonder what I'm missing?

Also, in reading the AP info, will this AP, which won't be "activated" until late August, expire 12/31/12 or is it good for 365 days? I'm hoping for the latter so maybe I can convince DH to take a grown ups only trip w/in the year


Thanks.

 

[patster734]

I believe that the cheapest AP you could purchase would be the Preferred Annual Pass. The expiration date for this pass will be 1 year from date of activation.

 

[mischief32]

You have to get at least the preferred pass to the room discount. The power pass will not get you the room discount.

 

[damo]

Yup, preferred pass is the lowest one you can get that gives discounts.

 

[bas71873]

Got it. Thx everyone.

 

[bas71873]

Now I have a follow up question.

Purchasing one preferred AP will cost me about $77 more for our ticket budget, but save me around $100 in room costs and give us a better room (pool view and not risking getting a garden pet room - I have a garden view booked with the SMSM promo).

I see with the preferred AP, I can also save 15% on multi day tickets at the gate, BUT, after running some numbers for a 3 day park to park ticket for 1 adult and 1 child, even with that 15% savings, I still pay less purchasing those tickets from UC (versus at the gate and/or on-line). So, unless my math is way off, I'll be getting mine and DD's tickets from UC.

All this rambling and I guess what I'm trying to figure out is whether or not getting the AP is worth it. I also see that I can save 10% on merhandise and I know DD will do a little souvenier shopping and it also says you can save "up to 10% at restuarants, exclusing carts & alcohol). Can someone tell me if places are giving 10% or do most restaurants give a lesser discount? I also have and use my AAA card.

Thanks. Just trying to decide if getting 1 AP is worth it or not. I'd really like to get 3 and then I'd HAVE to plan another trip w/in the year, just not sure if DH will go for that or not

 

[momnum1]

Just trying to decide if getting 1 AP is worth it or not. I'd really like to get 3 and then I'd HAVE to plan another trip w/in the year, just not sure if DH will go for that or not

I know you're trying to budget for this year so this may not help you decide, but one thing you might want to consider is that you will save even more if you go next year by buying the AP this year. That's one reason I went ahead and bought mine even though the savings my first year weren't spectacular. But since it is quite a bit cheaper to renew the AP than to purchase it new, my savings this year will be much better. If you're only going this year, I would say it may not be worth it... but if you keep going year after year it definitely is IMO! Plus if you stay off site, you save quite a bit in parking costs...

 

[damo]

I know you're trying to budget for this year so this may not help you decide, but one thing you might want to consider is that you will save even more if you go next year by buying the AP this year. That's one reason I went ahead and bought mine even though the savings my first year weren't spectacular. But since it is quite a bit cheaper to renew the AP than to purchase it new, my savings this year will be much better. If you're only going this year, I would say it may not be worth it... but if you keep going year after year it definitely is IMO! Plus if you stay off site, you save quite a bit in parking costs...

Yes, you have to remember that renewal costs are much lower. Depending on when you go, discounts can easily make up for the differences in costs.

 

[buckeev]

Yes, you have to remember that renewal costs are much lower. Depending on when you go, discounts can easily make up for the differences in costs.

Question... approx. how much savings will the AP renewal for "next" year be, compared to original cost?

 

[damo]

Metro posted this on the main board:

Here are the three levels of renewal....

Power Pass - $134.99 plus tax

Preferred Pass - $159.99 plus tax

Premier Pass - $289.99 plus tax

If you purchased the passes new it would cost you...

Power Pass - $189.00 plus tax

Preferred Pass - $259.99 plus tax

Premier Pass - $399.99 plus tax

The new pass prices are for non-FL residents.

 

[macraven]

with tax, the preferred annual pass is $170.39


for some hard ticket events, the ap has a greater discount.


i have both the AAA card and AP card.

i only renew my ap each year for the park admission needs and for hhn tixs.

Some years back the preferred ap allowed a 15% discount on food and merch.
it was lowered to the same discount of the AAA then.

 

[buckeev]

Thanks Red-1 & Red-2!

 

[macraven]

i like your REDneck in your avator

 

[patster734]

Now I have a follow up question.

Purchasing one preferred AP will cost me about $77 more for our ticket budget, but save me around $100 in room costs and give us a better room (pool view and not risking getting a garden pet room - I have a garden view booked with the SMSM promo).

I see with the preferred AP, I can also save 15% on multi day tickets at the gate, BUT, after running some numbers for a 3 day park to park ticket for 1 adult and 1 child, even with that 15% savings, I still pay less purchasing those tickets from UC (versus at the gate and/or on-line). So, unless my math is way off, I'll be getting mine and DD's tickets from UC.

All this rambling and I guess what I'm trying to figure out is whether or not getting the AP is worth it. I also see that I can save 10% on merhandise and I know DD will do a little souvenier shopping and it also says you can save "up to 10% at restuarants, exclusing carts & alcohol). Can someone tell me if places are giving 10% or do most restaurants give a lesser discount? I also have and use my AAA card.

Thanks. Just trying to decide if getting 1 AP is worth it or not. I'd really like to get 3 and then I'd HAVE to plan another trip w/in the year, just not sure if DH will go for that or not

In that case, you can purchase one preferred AP for the discounts, and two power passes. Just be aware of the power pass' black-out dates.

 

[bas71873]

In that case, you can purchase one preferred AP for the discounts, and two power passes. Just be aware of the power pass' black-out dates.

OOOOH, yes. I will have to look at that because DH gave me the green light to get APs for all of us and book another trip or two. YAHOO!!!!!!

Edited to add - the black out dates seem to generally be Spring Break, 4th of Julyish and Christmas/New Years....times we would never venture down anyway, so I think I'm going to be good to do with one preferred and two power passes. Thx again for the tip.