Question about WDW AP

[jaross]

Question about WDW AP?
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We are going to WDW for 9 days in November. We are thinking about getting the theme park annual pass. It's a little less expensive than a length of stay.

We probably won't be able to get back in the year. And, it does not include Pleasure Island or the water parks. But, I think it will be cold and only Blizzard beach is open. We've been to Pleasure Island and don't really want to go back.

The key to the decision is what benefits come with the AP.
What discounts are there? Any at DS? What about restaurants in WDW?

I read something about a free AP lanyard ~ What's that?
Do you have to go to the parks to pick up AP pins or can I order them if I have an AP.

What do you think the best benefit of an AP is?

Thanks for your help.

Chris

 

[JenEeyore]

We've been buying APs for the last few years now. Sometimes we get multiple trips out of them, sometimes not, but they've always pretty much paid for themselves. I know you get 10% discount at the Downtown Disney MarketPlace shops, and discount on mini-golf, and there are usually restaurant discounts, but they change every couple of months or so. You can also get room discounts depending on time of year you are going. You can book a room with an AP discount before you go down, but you sometimes have to show proof that you are getting one (if you purchase at TDS ahead of time you get a voucher that you trade in at Guest Services at any theme park for the actual AP - the resort is ok with just seeing the voucher, and sometimes they don't even ask for that much).

We didn't get lanyards this time, so I can't give you a tip as to where to pick them up. They will give you a little booklet when you pick up your AP at Guest Services that has the discounts etc available for you.

To me the best benefit of AP is a different mental attitude. We don't "power park" anymore since we have been getting them because you don't think of each day as a punch on a ticket. It is a cool freedom. And if you can maybe sneak in a another short trip before it expires, all the better!! We are leaving for our 3rd trip on these APs in November so we have definately gotten our money's worth this year.

 

[CarolMN]

Here's a link that lists discounts for AP/PAP:

http://wdwig.com/discounts.htm

 

[AKASnowWhite]

when are you going? THIS November? Currently Disney is offering rooms at a 45% discount for annual passholders....I believe until the December sometime. That should be incentive enough!