Maximizing AP (upgrade from Park Hopper)

[ChloroformSdxn]

We're going to Disneyland in December, and I'm contemplating getting an AP because we'll likely be going again in January. If so, that would open the door to going in October for Halloween time so it falls within that period (or we would go again in December.)

Is there any advantage to upgrading at the end of the ticket period vs just getting an AP? For example, if I bought a Park Hopper, and started attending on December one, then upgraded on the 5th for my last day, is the AP then valid until the 5th (or 4th, however it's calculated), or is it valid only until the first day I used the ticket that I upgraded?

In the same vein - if I decide to just buy an AP, can I use it to secure an AP rate at the hotels without activating it? If I buy ahead of time, and make a reservation, will I still get the AP rate even though I'm technically not activating the AP until we actually check into the hotel?

I realize these are kind of nitpicky questions. If I do get an AP and end up going next year in December, then I would probably just go a week earlier to try and avoid buying another pass.

 

[Girimama33]

If you upgrade your ticket, the effective date on the AP will be the 1st day you use your 5 day pass...so if it is 12/1/2015 your pass will be active until 12/1/2016. The only advantage to upgrading later is if you want to use your Magic Morning or are going during a time your AP will be blocked. If neither apply, just get the AP so you can get the discounts on food and merch.
Yes...if you have an AP voucher, you can book onsite hotels at the AP rate. You just have to call the hotel directly, and then show the valid AP before check out.

 

[calilou]

Agreed on the start date for the upgraded AP. As for getting the AP hotel rate, yes you can reserve it ahead of time with your check in being the same day as your pass activation. I suggest calling in to make your reservation as I don't believe you can make an AP rate reservation online without an account number entered. You will just need to show your pass to the front desk before the end of your stay. We did it this way several years ago and it was very routine.

 

[figment_jii]

Correct; you have to call to make the reservation. The AP vouchers do not have the barcode/AP serial number that you need to create an AP online account. Without access to the Passholder section of Disneyland.com, you cannot make a reservation at the AP rate (I tried this the first time I had a voucher and ended up calling AP Guest Services and they explained it all).

 

[Comicbookmommy]

If you get your AP at the beginning, you can use the discounts on dining, purchases and hotels for your trip.

However, if your first trip has blackout dates for your intended AP purchase, then it would be better to use the Hopper tickets, then upgrade.

 

[BariTravis]

I definitely agree with the above comments.
It would depend upon 2 things in my opinion.

Which AP are you looking at getting?
Are there any blockout dates during your stay? If so, this may cause an issue and I would just upgrade your last day of your park day hopper.

Hope this helps!

 

[gerilyne]

I agree with the above comments; last year we upgraded our 5-day passes on the first day there so we could take advantage of the restaurant and shopping discounts right away.

 

[ChloroformSdxn]

Awesome, thanks so much guys! I'm looking at the Deluxe - none of the blackout days would apply to me. It makes sense to take advantage of the discounts while I'm there rather than waiting until the end. I was originally thinking if I waited until the end it might give me more leeway for next year.

Good to know about the hotels. I've book at the Camelot for the meantime just so I have something, but if a good AP rate shows up during the time we're there I'll take advantage of the free cancellation.