Looking for help, please

[flit]

We (me, husband, 2 college age daughters) are currently booked Jan 4-11, 2020 at CBR with the gift of magic package including 7 day park hoppers.

There is a possibility that I would be going back for a second trip with my siblings and Mom as a surprise for her birthday in 2020.

I am considering changing things up by purchasing an AP for me and changing our current reservation to a room only with AP discount and then purchasing discounted park hoppers from Sam's for my husband and girls. This would end up being about $100 more overall than our current reservation, but would save money on second trip.

I need to make this decision fairly quickly as our fastpass window opens early November.

Having never had an AP I have a few questions...

1. Would changing to the AP scenario affect making fastpass reservations since AP will not be activated?
2. Can I activate the AP at the resort or does it have to be done in the parks?
3. I assume the photopass that comes with the AP would be able to be used during both trips?
4. Would non AP holders in my party be able to take pictures using my photopass?
5. Is there anything I am not thinking of that would make me not want to go the AP route?

Thank you so much for your help.

 

[StephanieE]

1. The room reservation is what gets you the 60 days out so you'd be fine to make FP. You will need to link the other tickets to your family though or it won't let them get FP. Everyone needs to have a ticket to have a fast pass.
2. I'm not sure as my first time I upgraded tickets to AP and have renewed ever since. I believe just at the parks but maybe someone else can answer with more confidence
3. The Photopass will last for the length of your AP and you can use it any time during the year
4. Anyone linked to your travel party will show up in your Photopass. However - you will have to download them because it will show up with water marks on their MDE.
5. I don't think that there is a downside but something else to consider is the discounts you will receive. You'll get discounts at most table service restaurants and also merchandise! I've always found that my AP quickly pays for itself!

 

[gharter]

Can I activate the AP at the resort or does it have to be done in the parks?

We have had APs for several years and have never been able to activate them at the resort. We have always had to go to Guest Services or a ticket window. It doesn't take very long, They will give you your AP card, besure you get this as you will need it for any discounts.

 

[flit]

Thank you for the replies, that is very helpful.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

We (me, husband, 2 college age daughters) are currently booked Jan 4-11, 2020 at CBR with the gift of magic package including 7 day park hoppers.

There is a possibility that I would be going back for a second trip with my siblings and Mom as a surprise for her birthday in 2020.

I am considering changing things up by purchasing an AP for me and changing our current reservation to a room only with AP discount and then purchasing discounted park hoppers from Sam's for my husband and girls. This would end up being about $100 more overall than our current reservation, but would save money on second trip.

I need to make this decision fairly quickly as our fastpass window opens early November.

Having never had an AP I have a few questions...

1. Would changing to the AP scenario affect making fastpass reservations since AP will not be activated?
2. Can I activate the AP at the resort or does it have to be done in the parks?
3. I assume the photopass that comes with the AP would be able to be used during both trips?
4. Would non AP holders in my party be able to take pictures using my photopass?
5. Is there anything I am not thinking of that would make me not want to go the AP route?

Thank you so much for your help.

I would do the math. Compare the cost of upgrading your "gift of magic" package ticket upon arrival at WDW vs. switching over to the AP rate and buying the AP and separate tix now.

 

[nherbert]

1. No, no impact on FP
2. In parks, but this is not a big deal just allow a little more time on arrival day, won’t matter if not activated when you checkin
3. All trips
4. Don’t know
5. I did a quick search for you, the only rooms available at CBR (my favorite resort) from 4-11 Jan are pirate rooms (double beds) and the avg cost for standard view is $243usd which is same cost as gift of magic - that is marathon week so busy. If you have a better room with GoM I would stay with that.

 

[clayfolks]

You should be able to upgrade your 7 day ticket to an annual pass when you are on site. You just pay the difference.

 

[Babsy]

Are you sure that you can get the same reservation as a room only with an AP discount?

If it doesn't save any money to change the current booking, you could just upgrade to an AP when you arrive at WDW. You have to go to Guest services either way. There is the increase in cost to upgrade to the AP, though...so there is that.

You will also get discounts on many meals and merchandise with your AP. Also on some tours/activities. Be sure to ask. This will likely save you that $100 extra and more.

The one thing that I dislike about an AP is that you are limited to 7 days of FP+ at 30 days unless staying on property for longer. Also, there are some issues if you have an AP when booking CLFP+ if you hav e more than one trip within a 60 day period. If none of this would impact you, then your plan to get an AP for two trips is sound, IMO.

Good Luck!

 

[Mainsail Minnie]

Also, there are some issues if you have an AP when booking CLFP+ if you have more than one trip within a 60 day period.

What issues are there with this? We have AP's, and are planning a trip to WDW in June that will involve one non-club level resort stay, followed by a cruise, followed by a club-level stay. What problems could crop up with wanting to use CLFPs during our second stay? Thanks.

 

[Babsy]

Don't worry. It isn't a big problem really, but only a potential downside to using an AP, AFAIK. Something to be aware of, is all. It seems to be a short-lived issue that only arises in a specific set of circumstances. I'm pretty certain that it won't apply in your plans.

As I understand it, there are certain situations in which people have been limited to 7 days worth of reg FP+ (when the booking window opens for the second stay) after having booked CL FP+ during the first stay. Both stays have to be within 60 days for there to potentially be a problem. I am not really the best person with the details, but there shouldn't be any problems when you have the CL stay second, as in your circumstances.

If you want more information you could go the the CL thread here in Resorts and ask GADisneyDad14 or Trishadono. They both know a lot more about the details of how this works than I do.

Sounds like a lovely trip!