Should I get a annual pass?

[bigb83]

So we went in September and are going again in a couple weeks. We had 5 day hoppers in Sept and 4 day hoppers this trip. We literally got our 4 day hoppers from free gift cards from my wife's work airline miles. So my question is should we upgrade to deluxe passes? It would be 600 out of pocket for 2 after the upgrade. We plan on going at least 1 more time in 2016 and probably one more trip before they would expire in april but possibly not. Feedback?

 

[sherilaine]

Do you really think anyone here is going to say No??

 

[bigb83]

Also I should mention we live 8 hours away so there's driving and lodging each trip as well

 

[sherilaine]

Also I should mention we live 8 hours away so there's driving and lodging each trip as well

We are from Canada and have bought Annual Passes - an 8 hour drive is close by my standards!

Yes, buy them, if you are going to use them, then buy them!! And enjoy!

 

[bigb83]

I guess what creeps into my mind is what if I only go one more time in 12 months? Then two 4 day hoppers would be $640 and was an AP worth it?

 

[dec2009mama]

we are AP holders in Canada -- 8 hours would be a dream for us!!!!
go for it and get an AP

 

[Mysteryincorp]

I guess what creeps into my mind is what if I only go one more time in 12 months? Then two 4 day hoppers would be $640 and was an AP worth it?

So I didn't do the math, but if you upgrade you are worried you you might lose out on $40 if you don't go again?
Don't forget to factor in the discounts you will get while in the park and then to entice you back there are also AP discounts for hotels. And what if there is an awesome AP party that you could make it to? No brainer, upgrade.

 

[smartlabelprint]

If you're already planning those trips yes!

 

[calilou]

If it's a potential $40 loss if you don't end up going again, I say worth it for the inspiration the passes will serve to plan your next trip.

 

[lorijohnhill]

I would even consider upping one AP to signature, or whatever it's called now, to get the higher discounts and the Photopass.

 

[amyg1975]

And you might find that if you buy the pass, you will book more trips! We had a few trips planned, so we bought ours, and our trips planned doubled because of the pass. We are also 8 hours away, but normally we buy tickets with Southwest when they have their awesome deals.

 

[kristabelle13]

I echo, the "you might plan more trips". I bought an AP in November and was only planning on 2 one-week long trips within a year. But now I'm up to 5 and I live in Canada too. Funny how choosing a 36 hour layover at LAX can turn into two full days at DL.

 

[blondietink]

We are a 6 hour flight away, and even I would say yes! Buy the AP!

 

[kristabelle13]

Also, I should add, I have a running tally I keep on the AP discount I've earned on my trips. After each purchase, or hotel discount (many Harbor hotels offer AP discounts), I just add the number to a note in my phone. I'm up to $95 saved and 11 days in the park. that doesn't include the cost of Photopass at the time ($70ish) which is included since I have a signature AP.

But the end of the year, I should be at around 30 days in the parks and I'm guessing up around $300 in "savings". So the $543 upgrade should definitely have been worth it.

Considering I only planned on 13 days total when I bought it. lol

 

[GatorChris]

When we bought passes, we knew that we'd have a 5 day trip to start out with and then another 5 day trip a year later. At the time, we'd save about $100 between trips. So we bought them! Then we went back in 3 months later, then twice in the summer. All the money we would've saved on tickets we more than spent on driving down (about 6 1/2 hours) and hotels and food. But it was a really fun year. Not only that, but when we were there for those "5 day" trips, we'd stay an extra day or two and hit the parks on the weekends....just because we could!

Just be aware that even if you think you can save money, you won't. Trust me. You will spend it because you know you can walk right in just about any day of the year.

 

[Angrose]

Having the pass is a bit dangerous! When I bought my pass last year I figured on 3 trips. I just went on my 5th trip this past weekend, which will be the last on this current AP that expires next week. It is sooo easy as the PP mentioned to just say, hey, let's go next month, it's FREE! Ha, I have yet to tally all my hotel and travel expenses for the past year. I think I'm a bit in denial over how much I may have actually spent with this AP. I'm on the fence over whether or not I should get another one. I won't renew right now, but we do have a trip late May and I'm pretty sure we will go again in Oct or Nov, plus I do like my solo trips. Ugh, it looks like I will most likely spring for a new pass in May after all!
Have fun!!!

 

[cp11]

I bet you can make up that $40 in discounts with food and merchandise. I know we do. But then we are not as close as an eight hour drive. That would be wonderful.

 

[tarheelalum]

I would do it but please note the blackout days and make sure it works with your plans. No Saturdays with the Deluxe and quite a few blackout dates.

 

[agamble]

It sounds like you should have bout APs for your September trip. Too late now. I would buy them.

 

[Mandi Bartz]

I would definitely buy them, the years we had them, we would come out for a weekend every month and we are in AZ. When you tack in a $60 hotel stay, it made for a cheap weekend getaway!!