Really confused about ticket issue!

[keenercam]

Several questions--
DH and I are going to make a trip in July while our children are at camp and want to buy annual passes (we'll use them for 2 more trips scheduled for between then and next July).
1. Can we buy them ahead of time at the Disney Store?
2. Does the 12 month period start to run at date of purchase? or at the date you first use it in the parks?
3. What is included in the annual pass besides access to MK, MGM, Epcot & AK? I think I read somewhere it covers parking at the parks, but do I already have that since I am a DVC member?
4. Is there anyway to check on-line the number of days left on some parkhopper passes I have?
5. I have a child's parkhopper pass that my son will be too old to use when we go this summer. Can I sell it?

 

[lizzie64]

1. Yes, you can buy them at the Disney Store. If you have a Disney Club card they will give you the discounted rate.

2. It is twelve months from the date of activation. So if you buy it at the DS and don't use it until your trip it will be active from the date you first present it to be activated.

3. It does cover parking at the parks, and some discounts on lunches and shopping. Check out deb wills site http://wdwig.com/apass.htm for all the perks.


4. I don't believe there is but you can call the passholder line and maybe they can give you more information.

5. You can upgrade your son's unused pass to a new adult pass.

Hope that helps.

liz

 

[BrianD]

1. Can we buy them ahead of time at the Disney Store?
Yes. You can purchase a voucher that you will turn in for the actual pass when you arrive at WDW.

2. Does the 12 month period start to run at date of purchase? or at the date you first use it in the parks?
At the date of activation, which again is done at WDW.

3. What is included in the annual pass besides access to MK, MGM, Epcot & AK? I think I read somewhere it covers parking at the parks, but do I already have that since I am a DVC member?
An annual pass gives you access to the four major theme parks, & free parking. You can also purchase a premium annual pass which also gives you access to the water parks, Pleasure Island, & Disney Quest. That costs about $120 more.

4. Is there anyway to check on-line the number of days left on some parkhopper passes I have?
Nope. The only place you can do this is at Guest Relations or a ticket window at one of the 4 major parks.

5. I have a child's parkhopper pass that my son will be too old to use when we go this summer. Can I sell it?
No, but you can turn it in and apply it towards the cost of your AP.

 

[keenercam]

WOW!! You guys are awesome!! Lizzie-- thank you for the answers and the link. I've added it to my favorites. It is great!

Brian -- I never would have thought of trading in the hoppers toward the price of the AP. Is that something I can only do in WDW? Or can they do it at the disney store if I go there to buy the vouchers?

 

[CarolMN]

Just to clarify a few things -

No need to sell or pay to upgrade your son's old pass. You can exchange your son's child pass for an adult pass at no charge. The adult pass will have the same number of unused days and unused plus options as did the child's pass. You will have to make the exchange on site at one of the major park ticket booths or guest services windows. You could also do this at guest services in Downtown Disney if that would be more convenient for you.

Your DVC membership alone does not entitle you to free parking at the theme parks. If you are staying at a DVC resort, you do get free parking - all of the guests at the on site WDW resorts, including the DVC resorts, are entitiled to free parking at the theme parks. As noted, an AP/PAP does include free parking. That particular perk is really nice for those who stay off site.

In addition to the free parking, an AP or PAP comes with some other benefits. They generally change each year around the 1st of January. Here's a link to a description of the current benefits/perks:

2003 AP/PAP Benefits

I especially appreicate the dining discounts.

Enjoy your trip(s)!