Non-Residents Who Get Resident AP's

[calypso*a*go-go]

I don't want a debate or anything but I was just curious as to how many people that are not Florida residents are able to get resident AP's or any other resident perks. Whether it be through DVC ownership (I know you're not supposed to...but I believe there are people you have), military I.D., etc.

Please vote but don't reply to the thread if you want to remain anonymous.

 

[debloco]

I havn't found a way around this even though my DM and her DH live in Florida. They cannot buy them as gifts or for us in any other way. Not sure what I would do if I found a way to save that kind of money.

CLC Tiger Pom Mom

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

Originally posted by debloco
Not sure what I would do if I found a way to save that kind of money.

Well, if you're anything like me you would take that money you saved on the tickets and use it towards dining, tours, souvenirs, etc.

Basically it would all end up in the Disney vault anyway so that's why I don't understand why, as people that hear "Welcome Home" when staying at a DVC resort, we can't purchase a resident AP.

Bet everyone wishes they had a dollar for each time this issue comes up, eh?

 

[goofy4tink]

You know, I figure that after the past month Florida has had....well, the residents are entitled to every little thing they can get!!! Do I wish I could get some kind of discount? Sure, but it's not a deal breaker. My dad and step-mom are Florida residents and can't get anyone else a break on ticket media; in fact, we have never even asked but others have. Nope, with the storms the way they've been this fall, you Floridians take whatever perk you can get.

 

[Beca]

I have friends who go to Disneyland quite often, even though we live in AZ. One year, when they went, they were recognized by the CM at the ticket booth. They guy said, "Oh, is it time to renew your season passes already?". My friend replied, "Yeah". They guy rang up the tickets (all 7 of them), and gave him the total. When my friend was handed the passes, he had issued them the premium SoCal passports. My friend "cheefully" thanked him, and went on his merry way!!!! Now, they just renew the passes every year, and enjoy all of the REALLY cheap nites at the Grand Californian Hotel (my FAVORITE hotel of all time)!!!!!!

I like to think I am a relatively honest person...I usually return to the store when I am not charged for things, or when someone gives me too much change, I don't hesitate to speak up. I figure it is a legacy I can pass on to my DD....BUT....if Disneyland had made the same mistake....I SOOOO would've done the same thing!!! Although, I am not sure the CM made a mistake. He never did ask for ID....I think he was just being nice to my friends. Oh, I wish I had been on that trip with them!!!!



Beca

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

Originally posted by goofy4tink
You know, I figure that after the past month Florida has had....well, the residents are entitled to every little thing they can get!!! Do I wish I could get some kind of discount? Sure, but it's not a deal breaker. My dad and step-mom are Florida residents and can't get anyone else a break on ticket media; in fact, we have never even asked but others have. Nope, with the storms the way they've been this fall, you Floridians take whatever perk you can get.

Believe me, I certainly wouldn't want anything taken away from Floridians...I agree completely that they've been through way too much.

I just wish there were more discounted ticket options for DVC members other than the UPH. I can dream, can't I?

 

[Beca]

Calypso....all this time I thought you were a BOY!!!! I don't know why I thought that???!!!!!!

Maybe your "name" just seems more masculine!! Isn't weird how we associate some posters as boys, and some as girls....however, I would be a real interesting boy if someone thought I was one!!!



Beca

 

[dsmith]

I've never actually TRIED to get resident passes, but I know a "friend" whose whole family got them without asking. I'm guessing the CM that sold them either pushed the wrong button or was feeling very generous that day.

 

[Minnietta]

I may be wrong, but I think my daughter who lives in Florida said that you have to show your Florida drivers license with the AP to get in.

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

Beca -- That just cracks me up that you thought I was a boy all this time! I think we have all been guilty of having mental pictures of different posters that are way off base. Anyway, my secret is out now...I'm very much a girl.

 

[Xtine76]

I think having a real estate interest in the state ought to be enough to get a resident annual pass. Just my opinion. And of course i'd love to get a resident AP!

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by Xtine76
I think having a real estate interest in the state ought to be enough to get a resident annual pass. Just my opinion. And of course i'd love to get a resident AP!

Owning a week in a timeshare (or points in this case) is a pretty slim real estate interest. But the issue is not what constitutes legal state residency but what Disney has decided is needed to offer you the discount. It's just that they've chosen to match it to the residency requirements. Remember that meeting the requirements does not make you a legal resident of the state automatically. Disney does occasionally ask for proof of residency when you go into the parks and essentially always do when you get the passes activated.

IMO DVC should offer the discount to members. But as for the savings ending up with Disney, I suspect that's only minimally true. The question is whether one would spend the entire amount EXTRA above and beyond the other savings. My guess is NO for one who would buy the same type of pass anyway. The question Disney should ask themselves is whether enough more people will buy the passes with a discount. Plus they have to consider the park capacity both peak and non peak times. Disney does not necessarily want more people going to the parks at higher demand times of the year.

 

[jarestel]

Originally posted by Dean
Plus they have to consider the park capacity both peak and non peak times. Disney does not necessarily want more people going to the parks at higher demand times of the year.

Excellent point, Dean. If discounted park tickets translate into "less magical" guest experiences due to longer lines and elbow to elbow walkways will we be any better off? Hmmm... Maybe they should do a pilot program where they only offer discounts to VWL owners just to see how it goes.

 

[Beca]

Dean and jarestel....I am not sure I am following this one...tell me where I am not "getting it"???

Do FL resident passes have "blackout" dates, and if so...wouldn't these be on the "busiest" days of the year?

But, the way I see it....when I am at the parks, and using my "discounted AP" (oh, I like the sound of that), will be determined by when I feel I can get the cheapest use of my points, or when I "splurge" and use expensive times of the year. Like a lot of people...I really want to go during the "off-season". So, I am not following how the parks would be so much more crowded because DVC people have discounted AP's? Either they will only use them when the have points, or they will buy more points to use them, or they will use AP discounts to stay on property at a non-dvc resort (like every other pass holder). So, I am just not following your logic.

Also, we are "on the fence" about buying AP's this year, but I think we decided to, so that we can stroll through WS the night we arrive without feeling that we are "wasting" a day (and, other things like that). I think people who have AP's probably do a lot of "dropping in and out" of the parks, where people who paid for a day feel a need to "get their money's worth". It seems to me that would balance out.

Also, if DVC is GIVING AP's to those who add on at SSR...I cannot think they are too worried about DVC'ers having AP's. I think they assume we just buy them, anyway.

I know I am missing some of what you are saying...could you please explain??



Beca

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

Dean/jarestel -- I personally wouldn't have a problem if they limited a DVC discount to Seasonal Passes as we always try to go during non-peak times anyway. If I were to able to use the Florida Resident rates right now, that's the one I'd purchase. I think that would benefit WDW as it would encourage more people during the times w/less occupancy.

It wouldn't be much help though to the people that can only travel during their child's summer vacation. For them, a bigger discount on PHP's or UPH's would be preferable.

Oh heck, let's just get those free passes going again!

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by Beca
Dean and jarestel....I am not sure I am following this one...tell me where I am not "getting it"???

Do FL resident passes have "blackout" dates, and if so...wouldn't these be on the "busiest" days of the year?

FL residents have the regular and Premium AP plus they have a "Seasonal" pass with blackout dates like Xmas, Easter and Summer. Of course if they offered a pass only good at the lower times, it would even out park attendance and would alter the DVC usage demand as well.

Also, if DVC is GIVING AP's to those who add on at SSR...I cannot think they are too worried about DVC'ers having AP's. I think they assume we just buy them, anyway.

That's a drop in the bucket in terms of numbers. The entire DVC population, or at lease a significant percentage, is a totally different matter. Plus Disney is making money when they sell SSR.

 

[Beca]

Dean, I actually got all that (thanks for answering me, though). I guess I am just not "buying" into the fact that if more DVC'ers had AP's that the parks would be significantly more crowded...esp. on traditionally busy times. I mean, DVC can only "accomodate" so many members...when it is full, it is full. There are peak times (like Xmas and Easter) when it is full, and there are off-peak times (like early Dec) when it is full. I assume that most members buy as many days as they want to go when they are there. If you buy a ticket, then you feel the "need" to stay the whole day, or you are wasting your money. If you buy an AP...then you are much more likely to "come and go", and be in the parks fewer hours per day. Doesn't that kind of "even out"???

If such a thing were offered, I would definitely go with the premium FL AP...with no blackout dates...but, if others went with the "restricted" ones, it could "spread out" the times that people visit DVC...and maybe make things a little more "even" in terms of demand.

So, heres the part I am not getting:

"Excellent point, Dean. If discounted park tickets translate into "less magical" guest experiences due to longer lines and elbow to elbow walkways will we be any better off? Hmmm... Maybe they should do a pilot program where they only offer discounts to VWL owners just to see how it goes."

But, as a "soon-to-be-owner" of VWL (God willing!!), I am ALL over letting VWL owners be the "guinea pigs" of this little experiment!!!



Beca

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

What is it w/you VWL people...why is it always me, me, me!

 

[Chuck S]

Originally posted by calypso*a*go-go
What is it w/you VWL people...why is it always me, me, me!

Isn't VWL the smallest DVC resort in terms of units? Maybe it is "size envy"

 

[Dean]

Beca, I just offered this as one possibility, not one we've heard directly from Disney at all. We might look at this from Disney's standpoint. If I were Disney, my first question would be whether offering such a discount would cost me money in ANY way or whether it would make me money. Then I'd beat around the idea of whether it would impact any of the demand for major parks, minor parks, restaurants, shopping, transportation, etc. Then I'd look at resort occupancy.

So if offering a discount that ended up being $100 per person per year and only made me $50 PP/PY at the same time it increased the demand on the systems, wait times, etc; I'd be inclined not to offer that discount. OTOH, if it cost me $100 and made me $150 and did not negatively impact other areas, I'd jump on it. The problem with DVC, as you pointed out, is that essentially those people are going to go and spend money anyway. Maybe some would do more, spend more, go to the parks more (off times), etc; but would the group overall, my guess is no. Still, if it doesn't cost much and gives off a great deal of good will, it might be worthwhile.

Remember that DVC is a significant portion of the on property guests now, maybe 20-25% or so (rough guess). So any risk incurred with offering a benefit is magnified. And even if the numbers work for Disney now, they might not in the future. Hard to take something away that has been there a few years.

So unless it's a CLEAR long term benefit for Disney in general, don't expect much help. And part of the problem with offering a pass that helps some but not others is the complaints for those that can't take advantage. Even though I think they could use it to drive demand if they wanted. To me, the UPH 10% discount is a joke. The discount should be at least 30-40% for members, even with allowing them to drop the first and/or last day.

Having said all that, it's long been my stance that DVC SHOULD offer the same perks to members as they do for FL residents. And since I'm a FL resident and plan to continue to be, it's not for selfish reasons.