Preferred Annual Pass v. Two-Day Park-to-Park Ticket -- WWYD?

[quadaunt]

First visit to US / IOA. I'm trying to decide between purchasing the Preferred Annual Pass at $231 (incl. tax) and a discounted Undercover Tourist 2-Day Park-to-Park ticket at $141 (incl. tax). Received the AAA rate of $292 (incl. tax) at the RPH. Preferred Annual Pass RPH room rate would be $233 (incl. tax). So far, with the 2-Day ticket I'm still $31 ahead. Parking at the RPH is $15, which I think would be the same whether I have the annual pass or not. With the additional discounts that the AP provides I can see where I might ultimately come out slightly ahead due to in-park and restaurant discounts. However, I am not sure I will be able to return to Orlando within the next year (I'm in Michigan). I already have the Undercover Tourist 2-Day ticket, but they accept returns less a 5% ($7) return fee. Wondering if it's worth stopping at the ticket booths on that first early-entry day to get the AP. What would you do?

 

[damo]

Remember that renewals are only $149 before tax, so even if you aren't returning this year, it is a good price if you are going again in subsequent years.

 

[tinydancer09]

Boyfriend and I just had the same discussion a couple months ago. We were staying on site for 4 days but only going to USF for 2 days. I started crunching numbers and realized one of the passes is paid for already with the savings on hotels. Plus we will get 10% on food, merch... etc. as you know. You also get free self parking when using city walk's port for off site stays.

We also decided we could take a trip with various friends and renew for CHEAP for our trip next year.

We went with preferred It also gives you the option to go the day you get there and the day you get back for a few ours without feeling guilty about added an entire day's ticket.

 

[quadaunt]

Thanks for both of your comments...much appreciated. Is it possible to activate the AP the day before our first park day so that we don't have to waste any of our early entry at Guest Services?

 

[Metro West]

Thanks for both of your comments...much appreciated. Is it possible to activate the AP the day before our first park day so that we don't have to waste any of our early entry at Guest Services?

No...it has to be activated at the park...that's when your clock start ticking.

 

[quadaunt]

Thanks. But I think I can activate it on our arrival day (the day before our first park day) even though I don't plan on spending that evening at the parks. Then could use it the next morning for early entry without a wait. Or am I missing something?

 

[damo]

Thanks. But I think I can activate it on our arrival day (the day before our first park day) even though I don't plan on spending that evening at the parks. Then could use it the next morning for early entry without a wait. Or am I missing something?

Activated just means going through the gates with it. The first time it is scanned at the gates, it is activated. If you purchase it online, you can just pick it up at the kiosk at the parks or the hotels.

 

[Metro West]

Activated just means going through the gates with it. The first time it is scanned at the gates, it is activated.

Right...it shouldn't take any additional time.

 

[quadaunt]

Okay...got it! Thanks again.