Question about getting an Annual Pass?

[EnchantedPrincess]

If Dh and I purchased a annual pass, does that mean that we will no longer be able to get the dining plan for our trip? We have gotten the dining plan on both our trip last year and this year, and felt that it was well worth what we pay for. We plan on going twice a year if we purchase the annual pass..we will purchase the AP when we go on our trip next year, and then make the second trip just before the AP expires. Then, we will wait until our next trip to purchase another AP...I think that make sense. Can annual passes be purchased in advance and then activated when we arrive there, or should we wait until we get there to purchase? Are there any other benefits to having an AP?

Thanks!

 

[bigbabyblues]

We're new AP holders, but this is what I know..

You can get the dining plan with an AP, and you don't have to buy any tickets with it. It is booked at a package, you have the regular package rules ($200 deposit, balance due at 45 days, etc).

You can buy an AP voucher any time, and activate it (trade it for an AP) at Guest Relations at any of the parks or DTD. That's what we did.

 

[Luv2Roam]

Correct -- there are ticketless WDTC packages for AP-ers. (Fairly new as they just started earlier this year.)
Guests cannot just add a DDP to an already existing res. The DDP is part of a WDTC package. But there are specific WDTC packages for AP-ers.
Otherwise you can buy a WDTC package as usual and add a 1 day base ticket for each person to get a package that includes DDP.
You could even book one of these packages through AAA, if you wished.

 

[EnchantedPrincess]

That is great to know! So does that mean you can't book the ticketless packages for AP-ers online? Do you have to call to book them? Can I purchase the AP voucher any time before I go, but have them activated on Day 1 that I arrive in WDW and still book the packages with dining plan for AP-ers online? Not sure if I didn't activate the voucher, will I still qualify?

 

[Luv2Roam]

If you have a voucher before you go, you could probably sign in under the AP section on line and see what is available for your travel.
But without an AP or voucher in hand you would have to call in is my guess, as you would not be able to sign in as an AP-er. And I do not know how the AP membership is validated at time of booking a package. It may be you have to be an AP-er at booking time.
Best to call and find out.
WDTC packages have to be booked prior to arrival, such as 72 hours/3 days.

 

[mbanks21]

you can book an AP package prior to having an AP you just need to show it at checkin or youre paying rack rate or have to buy a one day ticket to get ddp