Please help me understand AP codes a little better

[KP's Mom]

Hi,

I am considering purchasing an AP. Are the AP codes only valid Sun-Thur? If so are there any discounts offered to AP's Sat-Sun? Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[ScottNBecky]

They are available many days not just limited to S-TH. I have past rates available listed on my site so feel free to head there and check them out. You can compare the past dates and get a better idea of the rates. if you have any q's feel free to email

http://wdwnewsletter.com

 

[n2mm]

The most recent round of AP discounts to be released for Feb to April excluded all weekends. This was the first time I've seen them do this to include all levels of resorts. As many will tell you no one should purchase an AP in hopes of getting a room discount. An AP is for park admission first. Everything else is just extra. I got a discount over MLK weekend, but it was only offered at moderates. I had considered extending my May visit, but since weekends were excluded during the current release, this may be a new trend in AP discounts, so I will just arrive on Sunday instead of Saturday. See, Disney made my decision easier by not offering any discounts and since I haven't bought my airfare yet, it doesn't cost me an extra. A lot of folks like us, DVC members, do like to arrive prior to checkin and stay at the resorts, so the AP discounts help. But I have an AP for park admission since we go to WDW 7-8 weeks a year --

 

[rt2dz]

The current code is Sunday-Thursday. That may or may not be a trend that continues. No one knows what any future discounts may or may not be. Discounts are not guaranteed on resorts. That is why I agree that you shouldn't buy an AP in hopes of a future discount. If you have a current offer that would save you money, go for it, but don't don't use the past as a guide for the future. Especially in this economy.

 

[KP's Mom]

Thanks for all of the advice/help. Due to school/work we hope to visit WDW at least 2 times within the next year, hopefully 3. As a result, if there is a reasonable AP discount I plan to purchase and take my chances that we will be returning. I will just purchase the AP for my daughter and myself - my DH will be on his own as he may not be attending every trip.

 

[rt2dz]

As far as admission goes, that sounds good. Assuming hoppers, if you'll be in the parks more than 11 days during a 366 day period, an AP is the cheapest route! There are also a lot of other great discounts not on resort rooms that make an AP valuable.

If you want a discount on an AP, buy a regular ticket from a discount broker (or non-expiration base ticket under the 4/3 deal), use it once, and then upgrade! That can help defer costs and make the AP a better deal too.