Should I purchase an AP for our 4YO?

[Girimama33]

We are planning a trip in October 2012 for at least 3 park days and another trip in April 2013 another 3 days (at least). DH and I are going to purchase AP's by the end of the month since it seems more cost effective ticket wise. We also want to get the AP retro rate fom HOJO for our October trip, and the discounts in the park are an added perk.

Should we purchase an AP for DD (4 at time of 1st trip)?
Do you think the ticket price increases will affect the AP/park hopper rates? I would imagine they would, but not sure.

DH discussed the possibility of another DL trip in September 2013, but that is not a definite...if it was, I would get her an AP too.

 

[limace]

I'd actually only get one AP. you only need one for the discounts, and I believe an AP is quite a bit more than 2 3 day passes. Really, you'll just have to do the math to see when a pass for any of you will be cheaper than buying hoppers.

 

[Girimama33]

As far as prices go now a 3 day adult PH is $199 - $398 for two trips
Deluxe AP rate currently is $379, so for the adults, it is cheaper...especially if we go back in Fall 2013.
Child PH is $183 - $366 for two trips. It doesn't make a lot of sense to get her one, but if prices are going to increase, it may be better...also the elusive Fall trip hanging over my head.

 

[mouseymommy]

It depend on which pass you get. The 3 day park hopper is $225 and the Deluxe AP is $379. The Premium AP is $499. We knew we were going to have 2 three day trips and none of our days were blocked, so it saved us money to buy deluxe AP's.

A 3 day child hopper is $208, so it would still save you money to get an AP.

All the prices I listed are the regular prices.

 

[Disney Dreams]

It sounds like you have run the math on it so you are aware of how it the AP compares. So really it boils down to what Disney will do with pricing. There is no one who can answer that question, as it is a "crystal ball question," as I like to call it.

Good luck on your decision,
Dreams

 

[Mel522]

As far as prices go now a 3 day adult PH is $199 - $398 for two trips
Deluxe AP rate currently is $379, so for the adults, it is cheaper...especially if we go back in Fall 2013.
Child PH is $183 - $366 for two trips. It doesn't make a lot of sense to get her one, but if prices are going to increase, it may be better...also the elusive Fall trip hanging over my head.

Those PH prices are a special offer and have to be used before May 28, 2012. They also have blackout dates and other restrictions. The regular 3-Day PH tickets are on sale for $214 for adults $198 for kids.

 

[Girimama33]

Those PH prices are a special offer and have to be used before May 28, 2012. They also have blackout dates and other restrictions. The regular 3-Day PH tickets are on sale for $214 for adults $198 for kids.

Good point. I was going off of the prices we paid for our trip in April. I think I am going to get one for everyone. If will probably encourage the Fall trip, if anything.

 

[DisneyMomma81]

I should've upgraded our PHs from our trip last Nov. Dang it all, wouldn't make sense for DD *still a Disney kid* but DS and I....

Let's see I paid $180 each for our 3 day *adult hoppers* last year, and I'll pay $168 *2 day* or $209 *3 day* for DS and I, so I guess it's ok, may only do 2 days + the Halloween Party for our upcoming visit.

 

[skiingfast]

It depends on when you are going, as in what days. If you aren't blocked it would work to get 3 Delux APs if you go 3 times.

If you are blocked then 2 Premium for the adults only.

If you only go twice, then just 2 adult deluxes if not blocked.


In either case you probably want 1 premium AP for who ever pays, to get the greater dining and and merchandise dicounts.



You can expect the price of APs and Ticket to go up any time now.

 

[Girimama33]

All of our park days that we have planned are not blocked. Growing up in Anaheim and working at DLR during high school has made it to where I prefer trips in the low season.
I can't justify the Premium AP because:
A) we wouldn't use the parking
B) I feel the additional discounts with Premium would not make up the difference in the AP cost.

If I take the existing full ticket prices for 2 3-day PH, $379 for each of us with the deluxe AP would be cheaper.

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

It's really just math. You go with what's cheaper. It's $2 more to buy the two 3-day hoppers for the 4-year old assuming that you have the promotional price for the first ticket and not for the second. Even if there should be an unexpected fall promotion, it's much more likely to be for a price about what the current non-promotional 3-day hopper price is since there will most likely be a ticket price increase between now and then. Since you don't plan to visit on any block out days, go with deluxes all around.