Need more facts for AP decision: Actual resort rates with AP discount?

[ptrbryant]

I posted earlier about my household's debate over AP vs. non-AP trips for 2008/2009. It would help a great deal if I actually knew what kind of discounts are usually offered now...I know a few years ago, the AP discounts were fantastic, but that they're not as extreme now.

We would probably have our trips during Value Season, possibly Regular Season for one of them. Our top choice would be WL, but would think about CR as well.

Thanks so much!

Karla B.

 

[boomhauer]

I have an AP for myself, and in fact, just bought one for my wife this afternoon.

To me, you should base whether you buy one not on the potential discounts, but on how many days in a given year, you'll spend in the parks.

We're going in July, December, and next July, so it makes no sense NOT to have AP's.

As for discounts, they certainly aren't as good on the resorts as in years past. That being said, I got a discount for next month at Port Orleans which is saving me about $160 over 4 nights.

Another discount that is always available to passholders is the Disney Dining Experience. I believe the cost is about $60 for a year. It saves you and your guests 20% off your meals and alchohol at many, most in fact, table service restaurants. Last year, we saved about $200 on food over 10 days.

Without the DDE, you still save 10% off your meals at most Disney table service restautants. You also save 10% on merchandise from the World of Disney, Virgin Mega Store.

I think AP's MORE than pay for themselves.

 

[Colleen27]

I posted earlier about my household's debate over AP vs. non-AP trips for 2008/2009. It would help a great deal if I actually knew what kind of discounts are usually offered now...I know a few years ago, the AP discounts were fantastic, but that they're not as extreme now.

We would probably have our trips during Value Season, possibly Regular Season for one of them. Our top choice would be WL, but would think about CR as well.

Thanks so much!

I've been wondering the same, since we're right at the break-even point as far as park days and other AP perks go. The difference between going with an AP instead of MYW is less than $100, so the room discount may well be the tipping point. We're definately going for 11 nights in December, and will have another trip for 3 or 4 nights either this August or the next. Both trips are during value season, so I know discounts are likely to be available, and since we're planning both trips to stay at deluxe resorts, the discount itself might be worth more than the AP costs. And since we're just about equally interested in every one of the deluxe resorts except AKL, we don't mind changing resort plans based on discount availabilty.

So now I'm waiting for more information, waffling about the options, and wondering what sort of discounts are apt to come along.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

You won't know the AP discounts - if any - until just before you go, so there's really no way to calculate them so far in advance. Disney does not guarantee they will even offer them. And during popular times they don't offer them sometimes. But if you are looking to get some pointers, go to Mousesavers.com. She'll tell you everything that has been historically offered. I think maybe allearsnet has a calcualtor of sorts to help you decide, too. Beyond that, you could just ask our sponsor - Dreams Unlimited to book it for you, they will switch it or you when a better deal comes out.

 

[n2mm]

Rooms discounts are not a sure thing and each year there are less and less with more and more blackout dates. I would never factor in the whatifs for a room discount for an AP. We buy the AP for the theme park admission for our 40+ days a year. Everything else is just extra. (gotta love the DDE card too)

From the AP website:

".... Room Discounts: Periodically, a limited number of rooms may be made available at select Walt Disney World® Resort hotels and select Disney Vacation Club Resorts at discounted rates for Passholders. Visit disneyworld.com/passholder or see your Mickey Monitor newsletter for special offers."

 

[ptrbryant]

The thing is, we'd be taking two 7-day trips, so it's just a little more expensive to get one AP and 2 MYW passes rather than three 7 day MYW passes. We're right on that cusp that needs a small push...!

Karla B.

 

[eyeheartgoofy]

This July will be my first experience with the AP discount, but I am paying $218 (includes tax) for a standard view room during the value season at The Beach Club with an AP. I just checked Disney's website and a standard view room for July 11 (one of the nights I will be there) is $354 (includes tax).

 

[ptrbryant]

That's the kind of thing I'm looking for to help with the decision making...

boomhauer: I hear what you're saying about the restaurant/shopping savings. The DDE is very tempting, but right now, I realize I'm thinking of spending an awful lot of money in anticipation of saving some! The resort discount would definately be the deciding factor.

Karla B.

 

[boomhauer]

The thing is, we'd be taking two 7-day trips, so it's just a little more expensive to get one AP and 2 MYW passes rather than three 7 day MYW passes. We're right on that cusp that needs a small push...!

Karla B.

I'm confused. If you're taking 2 7-day trips, and there's 3 of you, you would need a total of 6 7-day MYW passes, which would run you about $1,500. You could get 3 AP's for under $1,400.

 

[ptrbryant]

I'm confused. If you're taking 2 7-day trips, and there's 3 of you, you would need a total of 6 7-day MYW passes, which would run you about $1,500. You could get 3 AP's for under $1,400.

You're right...when I posted this, I was looking at the 1st trip ticket expenses.

I'm leaning more and more towards the AP now. I just have to make absolutely sure we'd take the second trip with the same year.

Karla B.

 

[boomhauer]

You're right...when I posted this, I was looking at the 1st trip ticket expenses.

I'm leaning more and more towards the AP now. I just have to make absolutely sure we'd take the second trip with the same year.

Karla B.

Trust me - When you buy the AP, the 2nd (and 3rd) trip a year just happens. You're just sitting at your computer one day, you see there's an AP discount and then realize, you already have your tickets....

It's addicting (but in the best way possible.)