More info on AP's?

[Blackunicorn]

How do I get more information on AP's? I've already asked at my Disney Store, and can't seem to get anyone who knows an answer.

I need to know how I find out what AP rates will be for the end of September/beginning of October. I also need to know, if I buy the AP's at the store, are they active then, or do I activate them when I get to the park? How do I activate them? Can they be activated at the hotel? Are they good for a year from the date that I pay for them, or from the date that I first use them, or the date that "whoever" activates them?

Thanks in advance!

 

[only1mouse]

Blackunicorn:

I think you are asking about hotel rates for AP's in late September or early October. If so, that's pretty tough - AP's get 10% discount all the time. After you get your AP (either from the DS or DL itself) you can check online using your AP number. They tend to only have a few weeks out at a time. The other option is to call reservations and ask if they are having any AP specials (0ther than the regular 10% discount) We have learned to call often and hope that we get lucky. I would make reservations at the hotel you want to stay at, or all of them for that matter and then keep checking for better rates. You'll need to cancel within 72 hours of arrival if you don't want to be charged.

If you buy the AP's at the DS they are NOT active then.. They become active on the first day you use them (which I believe is supposed to be 90 days from the date of purchase).. When you buy them at the DS you will get a cardboard ticket, similar to the regular DLR tickets. On your first day to the park, they will stamp your ticket and you will need to go to the AP area (it's moved recently I believe) get your picture taken and you will then get your real "ap" It's sort of like a credit card, but much thinner now adays. The AP's are good for one year from this date.

I have not heard about them being able to activate them at the hotel.

Hope this helps. Enjoy your time at DL.

 

[iceskatejen]

Yep--you buy the voucher at the Disney Store (or the front gate) and just go through the turnstiles. The activation center has been moved to Tomorrowland near Startraders I believe. There you give them your info (name, address, etc...) and they take your picture and you then get your actual ap. BTW, if you buy it at the DS and you get one that includes parking, show the voucher at the booths in the parking structure (AP holders are supposed to park in Mickey & Friends only) and you won't have to pay to park even though you don't have the actual AP yet. This is what I did when I first bought mine. I did get a premium, which it said on the voucher so they knew it included parking, but I'm sure it says which type of pass + parking if you add that if you don't go premium. Now I just renew by mail.

 

[Amy&Dan]

Just called Disney to see about AP rates for September and was told that they only have info regarding those through July. We have been AP's for awhile and have yet to snag a rate. We usually book through expedia thinking we can always cancel if we do get an AP rate. That said, the standard 10% off rack rate discount they offer AP's is never as good as the expedia rate. Sure would love to get one of those $79 rates I keep hearing about but no luck yet!

 

[Blackunicorn]

Thanks everyone! This was exactly what I was asking, plus some info that I didn't ask for but needed anyway, and believe it or not, you guys gave me more information than I got at the Disney Store!