Now tempted to buy AP - could use your help!

[Marthasor]

Based on what I have been reading today, I am really tempted to buy an AP, but could use some AP veterans' help. Here is my plan:

DH and Me
Sept. 26 - 29 at AKL Sav. view
Sept. 29- Oct. 5 at GF GV
10 day MYW tix with hop OR 1 AP + 1 10 day park hop

My AAA quote: AKL Sav. $270.11 per night with tax X 3 nights = $ 810.33
GF GV $340.24 per night with tax X 6 nights = $2041.44
2 adult MYW 10 day park hoppers = $ 515.46

Total: $3367.23


My AP conservative guesstimate based on what I have been reading today:

AKL Sav. $239.73 per night with tax X 3 nights = $ 719.18
GF GV $322.24 per night with tax X 6 nights = $1933.41
1 adult AP = $441.98
1 adult MYW 10 day hopper = $257.73
DDE card = $ 50.00

Total: $3402.30

Ok - granted, my AP guesstimate is $35 more than AAA, but it includes the DDE card, which, I would imagine over 10 days could save us a lot on food. Plus, I am basing the guesstimate on the current LOWEST deluxe discount of $70, but I see, on some dates it goes all the way up to $133! We are going at the very end of the fall value season.

Keep in mind - this is the only (so far) WDW trip we have planned this year.

I know with the AP dates are only going to April right now, this is sort of a crap shoot . . .???

What would you do?

I see with AP you also get free parking and invitations to "special events"? Could anyone tell me what those "special events" have been in the past?

Thank you all for your help!

 

[Minnie]

Check out mousesavers.com

They have a section that will help you determine which is the best way to go.

BTW - You do not need to purchase an AP until it is time to go. You can book without one you just have to show it at check in.

 

[beth_cam]

I'd wait with the way it is till they release codes. You can always change then but to change now not knowing and invest in the more expensive card.......

 

[Marthasor]

Wow! So that means I could even wait until the Sept./Oct. codes come out and then decide? Here's a question - can you buy an AP at a resort (meaning when we check in at AKL)? Or would I have to buy in advance and have it sent to me once I booked the AP rate?

Thank you all SO much!

 

[Marthasor]

DISers are AWESOME! I can't tell you how much I appreciate your responses and advice. I was going to book with AAA on Saturday during Disney Days, but I think I will wait for the AP codes to come out for fall and then decide. I will miss out on the special AAA Disney days mickey clock, but, with the money I could potentially save I could buy 10 of them!

 

[lyeag]

I am tempted too get an AP as well if a code comes out for our time frame, especially since I can get one at SOG. My question is how is it possible to book any packages if you have an AP? How do you get a package with dining? We have only gone as a family once and went with a room only code. I am not clear on all the ins and outs of a package.

 

[beth_cam]

Okay I'm sorry I might have mislead you. I didnt realize you hadnt already booked with AAA. If you were happy with AAA's quote I'd go with it when ever you would have anyway. You can always change it to AP when/if it comes. That way you dont risk missing out on the kind of room you want.

 

[beth_cam]

lyeag I asked today (as if i didnt know before I called but I had to ask) and was told yet again you can not get dining with the ap discount.

Dining plan requires all people in the room to be on the exact same plan. And requires dining for each night, tickets, and room all to be purchased. (DVC's are getting some deal as of April)

 

[lyeag]

lyeag I asked today (as if i didnt know before I called but I had to ask) and was told yet again you can not get dining with the ap discount.

Dining plan requires all people in the room to be on the exact same plan. And requires dining for each night, tickets, and room all to be purchased. (DVC's are getting some deal as of April)

Thanks, I understand why, but it seems as if there should be some way for AP holders to book packages, just for the sheer ease of doing it all at once.

 

[Marthasor]

Okay I'm sorry I might have mislead you. I didnt realize you hadnt already booked with AAA. If you were happy with AAA's quote I'd go with it when ever you would have anyway. You can always change it to AP when/if it comes. That way you dont risk missing out on the kind of room you want.

Oh! So - I can book the rooms with AAA at their quoted rate and then if AP rate comes out that is better, I can get the AAA TA to adjust it for me? Or would I have to cancel AAA and re-book? Thanks again for your help!

 

[InstImpres]

Thanks, I understand why, but it seems as if there should be some way for AP holders to book packages, just for the sheer ease of doing it all at once.

The onlky thing you can do is book a package with dining and a one day pass. You can save the pass to use on another trip (or the value toward renewing your AP). You can not however do this and get the AP discount room rate.

 

[beth_cam]

The onlky thing you can do is book a package with dining and a one day pass. You can save the pass to use on another trip (or the value toward renewing your AP). You can not however do this and get the AP discount room rate.

But then you couldn't utilize an ap discount.