Question about APs and free dining/other promos

[bbak3030]

I'm new to the while AP thing. If we get a package that includes free dining or some other super awesome promotion, can we still upgrade our tickets to APs when we get to the parks? How does that work?

 

[dvcHammer]

it can't hurt to ask the concierge desk at the resort when you check in, but you can do it at the ticket counter at any of the parks

 

[freediverdude]

The resorts cannot handle AP transactions, so you would have to go to a theme park ticket window or guest services (or guest services at Downtown Disney). Yes, this can be done, but make sure they are very careful not to screw up your dining plan and other entitlements. It might be a good idea to wait until your last day.

 

[purple figment]

I'm new to the while AP thing.

1. If we get a package that includes free dining or some other super awesome promotion, can we still upgrade our tickets to APs when we get to the parks?

2. How does that work?

1. Yes you can.

2. You can upgrade package tickets at Guest Services at the parks or DTD. These tickets can be price bridged so use them at least once to enter a park before upgrading them to APs. There is a ticket sticky at the top of the Theme Parks and Strategies board that explains the procedure.

As far as waiting until the last day, if you do that you won't be able to take advantage of merchandise and dining discounts that are among the perks of having an AP. If you don't get FD you could purchase the Tables in Wonderland card once you have an AP.

There haven't been reports that upgrading to an AP has caused problems with the dining plan for several years, but if you're concerned there is a workaround. Upgrade just one ticket to the AP at first and use the MB linked to this AP at your next meal. If all is well with the dining plan you can upgrade the remaining tickets.

 

[tiffanycholmes]

I am a first year AP holder and would like to take advantage of the FD promotion. I've read that I can as long as I purchase the two-day tickets and that I can hold onto those and use them against our renewal next year. Could someone clarify how that process works?

Also, we had hoped to book a trip in September and another in November. If the stars align, could I potentially get FD for each visit or does Disney allow someone to take advantage of that promotion once per year? If there is no limit, again how would that work with our AP renewal? We would each have four tickets to use against our renewal fee? TIA!

 

[MakiraMarlena]

Tickets do not expire until they are used, so just don't use the 2 day tickets to enter a park and you can keep them as long as you want. You can have guest services "prioritize" which ticket you want your magic bands to read from - make sure you do it before you enter the park! then when you do your AP renewal, apply the unused tickets to your purchase.

You can book as many reservations with free dining as you like, as long as you are checking in on a qualifying date.

 

[purple figment]

Also, we had hoped to book a trip in September and another in November. If the stars align, could I potentially get FD for each visit or does Disney allow someone to take advantage of that promotion once per year? If there is no limit, again how would that work with our AP renewal? We would each have four tickets to use against our renewal fee? TIA!

You would not have 4 tickets each, just 2. You would have to purchase one 2 day ticket for the September FD offer and another 2 day ticket for the November visit. You can only apply one of the 2 day tickets towards the AP renewal next year. You would have to save the other 2 day ticket for your AP renewal the following year or use it on a future trip when you don't have an AP or you can give it away to someone.

 

[hawkdss]

Hi Kim,

Quick question. If I book free dining and then sign up for a Florida Resident Seasonal Pass, would I be able to have the two day tickets apply to the unpaid balance of the AP when I pick them up at the park?

 

[purple figment]

Hi Kim,

Quick question. If I book free dining and then sign up for a Florida Resident Seasonal Pass, would I be able to have the two day tickets apply to the unpaid balance of the AP when I pick them up at the park?

I have no knowledge of the FL Seasonal Pass since I don't qualify for one so I don't know what payment options are offered. Hopefully someone else will be able to answer your question. If not, you can write a separate post asking about this specifically.

FWIW, whenever we've purchased DL APs in advance we were charged the full price. Other than the monthly payment plan, there was no option to make a partial payment and pay the remainder when we activated the AP.

 

[bumbershoot]

Hi Kim,

Quick question. If I book free dining and then sign up for a Florida Resident Seasonal Pass, would I be able to have the two day tickets apply to the unpaid balance of the AP when I pick them up at the park?

I don't think so. Just upgrade to the season pass once you get there, and pay the difference between the FD tickets and the pass.