Question about black out dates and gold pass

[eeyoresmom]

I want to purchase the dvc gold pass for our May 2016 trip and mid March 2017 trip. Is there a way I can be sure that March week isn't blacked out? It is not a week near Easter .

 

[DenLo]

That is an interesting question. I wonder if DVC members that have used this pass as a Florida Resident in past years would know, if the block out dates only surround Easter? I would think if it because of spring break in addition to Easter break then all of March would be blocked out.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

If they are going to sell these types if tickets they really need to have th blackouts listed already for 2017.

 

[Dean]

I want to purchase the dvc gold pass for our May 2016 trip and mid March 2017 trip. Is there a way I can be sure that March week isn't blacked out? It is not a week near Easter .

The 2017 dates are likely to be 8-21 April.

 

[Tigger1]

I have the same question. They should have dates set at least a year in advance. May make some phone calls today.

 

[Dean]

I have the same question. They should have dates set at least a year in advance. May make some phone calls today.

For spring it's going to be the two weeks around Easter, one week before and one week after.

 

[erionm]

That is an interesting question. I wonder if DVC members that have used this pass as a Florida Resident in past years would know, if the block out dates only surround Easter? I would think if it because of spring break in addition to Easter break then all of March would be blocked out.

You are thinking of the Silver Pass (former Seasonal AP) which is only available to FL Residents. The Gold Pass (available to FL Residents & DVC Members) is a new pass level that has less blackout dates than the Silver Pass.

 

[papertraveller]

I'm also looking at next spring, and wondering about those 'blackout' dates. Since we can book at 11 months, you'd think they'd have the pass info available as well!

 

[drusba]

When Disney announced the pass, it probably should have been a little clearer than saying that the block-out dates would be the Christmas weeks and the "spring break" weeks, but it supplied original dates that included only the Christmas weeks and the two Easter weeks, indicating by spring break weeks it meant those. I am acting on the assumption that the pass is going to exclude the two Easter weeks hereafter and not other spring break weeks. It has the less costly silver pass that Florida residents can purchase which excludes dates in addition to the Christmas and Easter weeks and even that does not exclude other spring break weeks, which historically have not had crowds near the size of those during the two Easter weeks or even the summer weeks excluded by the silver pass.

 

[disfanforlife]

I am planning to buy one for next March too. But, I am going to use a MYW ticket and upgrade to AP while there. If the week I am going is blacked out, I won't upgrade.

 

[Sleepy Sheep]

Maybe Disney is eliminating the blackout dates from the Annual Pass next year due to the volume of complaints? Maybe eliminating the Gold Pass for DVC?

 

[erionm]

Maybe Disney is eliminating the blackout dates from the Annual Pass next year due to the volume of complaints?

Disney still offers a pass with no blackout dates, it's the Platinum Pass (former Annual Pass). The Gold Pass is new.

Maybe eliminating the Gold Pass for DVC?

I doubt it.

 

[DebbieB]

Maybe Disney is eliminating the blackout dates from the Annual Pass next year due to the volume of complaints? Maybe eliminating the Gold Pass for DVC?

I hope not, the regular AP without blackout dates is $100 more even with the $100 member discount. I don't go during peak times so it's perfect for me. I see the gold pass as a member benefit since it's only for DVC Members and FL Residents. I don't see the complaints, the option to buy a pass without blackout dates is still there, with a $100 member discount.

https://disneyvacationclub.disney.go.com/discounts-perks-offers/ticket-tour/walt-disney-world-pass/

 

[MakiraMarlena]

Blackouts will be the 2 weeks surrounding Xmas and the 2 weeks surrounding Easter. For 2017 January 1-2 is blacked out. Also assume April 8-21 (Easter is April 16) and the end of December, possibly starting December 17. If those are not your dates, it is likely you will be fine.

I hope they don't eliminate the gold pass and make me buy a platinum for $100 more just because of complaints. I'm not planning any peak time visits.

 

[erionm]

I hope not, the regular AP without blackout dates is $100 more even with the $100 member discount. I don't go during peak times so it's perfect for me. I see the gold pass as a member benefit since it's only for DVC Members and FL Residents. I don't see the complaints, the option to buy a pass without blackout dates is still there, with a $100 member discount.

I think some people are incorrectly assuming that the Gold Pass is the replacement for the old Annual Pass because of how similar the pricing is. So in their eyes, they are paying about the same but now have blackout dates.

 

[DebbieB]

I think some people are incorrectly assuming that the Gold Pass is the replacement for the old Annual Pass because of how similar the pricing is. So in their eyes, they are paying about the same but now have blackout dates.

Right. The truth is all existing AP's went up over $100 last October. The Gold Pass is a cheaper alternative for those who don't go during peak times.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I am planning to buy one for next March too. But, I am going to use a MYW ticket and upgrade to AP while there. If the week I am going is blacked out, I won't upgrade.

You would be able to use the MYW ticket and then upgrade after you've entered the park on your last day, if you still wished to.

 

[disney1474]

You would be able to use the MYW ticket and then upgrade after you've entered the park on your last day, if you still wished to.

I've heard of doing this but can I ask what the benefit is? Do you save money?

 

[erionm]

I've heard of doing this but can I ask what the benefit is? Do you save money?

If the MYW Ticket was purchased at a discount from a 3rd party like Undercover Tourist, yes you can save some money. By using the discounted ticket at least once, Disney will price bridge the ticket and give you full gate value as a credit towards the upgrade. Your savings will be the difference between what you paid UT for the ticket and the current gate price.

 

[supersnoop]

I've heard of doing this but can I ask what the benefit is? Do you save money?

You get the gold pass price, but avoid the blackout dates.