SoCal vs. Deluxe AP

[LisaT91403]

We live about 45 minutes (on a good traffic day!) from DL, and have had AP's for the past 4 years. We started with the SoCal Select AP when my son was in preschool, and really took advantage of the relatively-empty weekdays. When my son started Kinder last year and we could no longer go to DL on weekdays, we purchased the regular SoCal AP so that we could go on Sundays.

It's time for us to renew, and we are debating between sticking with the SoCal pass vs. going with Deluxe. As you all know, Sundays are not great. They are manageable first thing in the morning, but then get pretty brutal by lunch time.

I'm looking for opinions as to whether or not Deluxe is worth the extra money.

- Are Saturdays any better than Sundays?

- I noticed that, in addition to Saturdays, there are lots of "holiday week" days that are not blocked for Deluxe (days during Spring Break, most days in July, etc.). These are traditionally crowded times because kids are out of school, so is it even worth it to visit then with a Deluxe AP?

Just trying to figure out if any of the "extra" days are even reasonable days to visit. I'm also worried because if we give up the SoCal pass now, we won't be able to get it back in the future.

 

[Fantaluminishes]

We live about 45 minutes (on a good traffic day!) from DL, and have had AP's for the past 4 years. We started with the SoCal Select AP when my son was in preschool, and really took advantage of the relatively-empty weekdays. When my son started Kinder last year and we could no longer go to DL on weekdays, we purchased the regular SoCal AP so that we could go on Sundays. It's time for us to renew, and we are debating between sticking with the SoCal pass vs. going with Deluxe. As you all know, Sundays are not great. They are manageable first thing in the morning, but then get pretty brutal by lunch time. I'm looking for opinions as to whether or not Deluxe is worth the extra money. - Are Saturdays any better than Sundays? - I noticed that, in addition to Saturdays, there are lots of "holiday week" days that are not blocked for Deluxe (days during Spring Break, most days in July, etc.). These are traditionally crowded times because kids are out of school, so is it even worth it to visit then with a Deluxe AP? Just trying to figure out if any of the "extra" days are even reasonable days to visit. I'm also worried because if we give up the SoCal pass now, we won't be able to get it back in the future.

I bought the Premium AP in August. The ticket booth CM's made an exception to policy and let me apply the price paid for my 4-day hopper from July to the PAP. I went with the Premium because of no restrictions and free parking. I just moved here a few days ago. The pass already paid for itself by the time I got here.

 

[LisaT91403]

Thanks for your feedback. We don't need Premium, as it's easy for us to work around the blocked out days on Deluxe.

The question is SoCal vs. Deluxe. Are Saturdays any better than Sundays? And are the unblocked holiday times for Deluxe even worth the trip, or are they simply miserably crowded times?

 

[courtneybeth]

I live a block from Disneyland and am there about 1-2 times per week. The best thing you can do is get maximum flexibility for your pass.

They are currently not selling the higher-value So Cal Passes but I am unsure if you'll be able to renew at this time. You'll either have to downgrade to the "cheap" So Cal Pass or upgrade to the Deluxe. As you'll have to pay for parking, the upgrade fee for the Deluxe with Parking is the same as the Premium and it's definitely worth the price, especially if you're on a payment plan.

Saturdays are not the busy. Holidays are not that terrible, but the best times to go are during the week because the regular passholders are not there. Compare the blackout dates of the Deluxe and So Cal passholders and make sure there are days that do not overlap. As the other poster said -- if you do get the Deluxe, go for the upgrade to Premium just because of the flexibility and the parking. it's so so so worth it.

 

[Vintage Mouseketeer]

Another local voting Premium.

We live 10 miles from the park and feel Premium is the best value. Parking is included, the discount is better, and having the flexibility to go when you want.

 

[LisaT91403]

We are still able to renew or SoCal passes. Premium really isn't worth it to us because we stay overnight much of the time (so we have to pay for parking at the hotel). Since we won't use the parking benefit more than 3 or 4 times/year, Premium doesn't make sense for us.

If Saturdays are better than Sundays in regards to crowds in the park, we'd go with Deluxe. If Saturdays and Sundays are about even, we might stick with the SoCal pass.

 

[ashley0139]

I'm 45 minutes from DL with no traffic also. I have the regular SoCal pass also. I honestly wish I had the deluxe, but I'm not willing to pay for it. I've found myself wanting to go on blacked out days several times. But I definitely get my money's worth with SoCal so it all works out.

 

[llump41]

IMHO the better question to ask yourself is will you go during the summer? We like Sundays but always get there at rope drop(90minute drive). We can almost always hit all of the mountains +POTC and HM before the park gets crowded. But we're not towing along a child either.

 

[LisaT91403]

IMHO the better question to ask yourself is will you go during the summer? We like Sundays but always get there at rope drop(90minute drive). We can almost always hit all of the mountains +POTC and HM before the park gets crowded. But we're not towing along a child either.

I can't take the heat. Take the weather over the past few days -- no chance you'd catch me walking around DLR. No. Way. Would I go in June? We get some days in the 70's, so yes. July? Maybe a day, as sometimes the temps only hit 80 or so. August and September are pretty much out.

 

[Mysteryincorp]

I think a lot of people are contemplating what you are because of the new policy. I'm wondering if Saturdays are going to start getting more crowded....

I have the premium pass and my daughter has the deluxe. There has only been one time this entire year that I wanted to go and couldn't because my daughter was blocked out. Saturdays are hit or miss, they can be super crowded or eerily empty. Some holidays like 4th of July can surprise you.....last year was so empty! My vote would be to have one adult get a premium (for parking AND the bigger discounts) and the other members of your family get deluxe.

 

[SuzanneSLO]

Why not take a wait and see approach? Renew your SoCal but be prepared to upgrade to Deluxe if and when that makes sense. -- Suzanne

 

[LisaT91403]

Why not take a wait and see approach? Renew your SoCal but be prepared to upgrade to Deluxe if and when that makes sense. -- Suzanne

I thought about that, but wanted the $40 renewal discount (which really adds up when you are buying 3 passes).

I bit the bullet last night, and went with Deluxe! I'm sure we will do at least a few weekends at the parks now that we have Saturdays available. Thanks for all of the help!