Questions about an AP

[BensWife]

DH and I are contemplating a summer getaway just us. We are taking the whole family in Sept and if we do do this summer, it would make sense to get an AP. If we do get the AP, does it actually start the first time you use it or when you buy it? If we get it in July (which is when we were thinking of going), then we would still have it active for a June 2015 trip. I wasn't sure if we should order one before we go to save time or if we should buy them when we get there. Also, how much is the discount for Disney Hotels? I don't think we can afford them even with the discount when we can get CCI for $158 a night, but if it isn't that much more, then maybe we could. Thanks!

 

[Rubygoose]

DH and I are contemplating a summer getaway just us. We are taking the whole family in Sept and if we do do this summer, it would make sense to get an AP. If we do get the AP, does it actually start the first time you use it or when you buy it? If we get it in July (which is when we were thinking of going), then we would still have it active for a June 2015 trip. I wasn't sure if we should order one before we go to save time or if we should buy them when we get there. Also, how much is the discount for Disney Hotels? I don't think we can afford them even with the discount when we can get CCI for $158 a night, but if it isn't that much more, then maybe we could. Thanks!

You have 1 year from when you activate it, not from when you purchase it. So, if you go in July 2014 you will be able to use it in June 2015. The discount is 10%, but I think they only book a certain number of rooms at the AP rate. There are often AP deals that come out - probably not for July but maybe in September. I got my Deluxe AP from way.com for $475, before the prices went up. Right now they have them for $489. But check the black out dates, because it wouldn't be very useful if you're going on a Saturday in July.

 

[zanzibar138]

I'm not an AP holder yet, but I plan to upgrade when I get there, so I've been doing some research.

The pass starts from the first day of use, so you could definitely pre-order one to save time

I believe the usual discount for onsite hotels is around 10%, which to me does not make a $400 hotel room any more affordable But I believe there are other AP discounts for certain times of year. The one I read about was a 25% discount for October I think. Honestly that still doesn't make the onsite hotels affordable for me, but maybe for a special occasion if there was a good discount I might be tempted just for one or two nights.

 

[Drusilla99]

The hotel discount really just matters on their occupancy. For ap's you are looking in the mid $200 for paradise pier this summer, but I've called & received a cheaper rate than what's even advertised.

 

[Mama Bear Me2]

I got my Deluxe AP from way.com for $475, before the prices went up. Right now they have them for $489. But check the black out dates, because it wouldn't be very useful if you're going on a Saturday in July.

QUESTION: If you buy the AP ahead of time is there an "activate by" date before the the AP expires and you can no longer activate it?

We bought Park Hopper passes and we have to use them by December 31, 2014.

Thanks for your help!

 

[starshine514]

QUESTION: If you buy the AP ahead of time is there an "activate by" date before the the AP expires and you can no longer activate it? We bought Park Hopper passes and we have to use them by December 31, 2014. Thanks for your help!

Yes and no. There is an activate date. I believe the way.com ones at $475 will most likely expire on December 31, 2014. If you attempt to activate after that date, you/'ll have to pay the difference up to the current price (not sure if you get to keep the initial $24 discount or not).

My parents did this with AP vouchers last year. Bought at $379, planned on activating in November, but then my dad had a heart attack... They ended up activating in April and had to pay the $90 difference in price to get to the then-current price if $469. But, they didn't lose what they had paid, even though the voucher expired. The CM I talked to on the phone to confirm that they would hold their paid value was nice, but the one at the park was a bit of a jerk (disdainfully looking at the vouchers and declaring them expired before getting permission to accept them from her manager).

 

[Mama Bear Me2]

Yes and no. There is an activate date. I believe the way.com ones at $475 will most likely expire on December 31, 2014. If you attempt to activate after that date, you/'ll have to pay the difference up to the current price (not sure if you get to keep the initial $24 discount or not).

My parents did this with AP vouchers last year. Bought at $379, planned on activating in November, but then my dad had a heart attack... They ended up activating in April and had to pay the $90 difference in price to get to the then-current price if $469. But, they didn't lose what they had paid, even though the voucher expired. The CM I talked to on the phone to confirm that they would hold their paid value was nice, but the one at the park was a bit of a jerk (disdainfully looking at the vouchers and declaring them expired before getting permission to accept them from her manager).

Thank you for the info. Sorry to hear about your dad. However, glad to hear that he got well and was able to go in April. Trust your parents had a great time despite the CM who took their vouchers!