Some More Redundant AP Questions for a 1st Time AP User

[Bill From PA]

I apologize in advance, I'm sure this has all been covered many times before, but I need some info on my specific AP strategy. I'm getting one AP for the benefits it provides and one 10 Day Hopper for the Mrs.

First, can I buy my AP from an outside (non-Disney) vendor for less, as I have for the standard Hopper passes I've bought over the years, or is Disney the only source?

What's the mechanism for getting the AP version of the DDE (dining discount) card? Where do I make the purchase, through Disney, another vendor? Will it be delivered to me or do I pick it up?

I'm looking for the AP rate on a Mod for the last 2 days of our stay at POFQ, the first 9 will be at a standard BWV Studio. Are there any other benefits that come with the AP that I haven't mentioned above?

Thanks for any info offered,

Bill From PA

 

[Cheshire Figment]

An AP can only be purchsed at a park (including water parks or TTC) ticket window or Guest Relations. They cannot be purchased at a Resort or anywhere off property. It is possible to get an AP voucher at TDS or by phone, but the voucher must be converted at a park.

As far as DDE:

If you purchase an AP on site, and do not have the voucher in advance, it is possible to get a temporary DDE card.

1. Call the DDE office at 407-566-5858 between 8:30am and 4:00pm Monday to Friday (except Holidays) and give them your name, the string of letters and numbers on the bottom of the pass (starting with a "W") and your credit card information.

2. Starting at 5:30pm that day, and any time it is open, you can go to the Guest Relations Window outside Epcot's Main Entrance (On your right as you face Spaceship Earth) with a photo ID and you will be given an envelope.

3. The envelope will have in it a temporary card which expires 30 days from the date of the request and a sheet of paper listing all locations which currently accept the card.

4. The plastic embossed card whould arrive at your home within a month. The expiration date on the embossed card will be either the last day of the current month in the next year, or if you ordered it late enough in the month it will be the last day of teh following month the next year.

 

[tkd lisa]

APs are primarily available through Disney. You can buy them through Shades of Green if you are eligible for purchase there (i.e. Current or retired military, reserve, national guard, DoD employee, etc.) Check their website for rates. That's the only non-Disney source for APs that I know of.

Disney Dining Experience is a direct purchase from Disney. Here's the info from allears. MEMBERSHIP AND CARD INFORMATION: Call Disney's Dining Experience office at (407) 566-5858, Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Membership is not available on property. Membership is only available by mail or phone.


AP benefits can vary widely. Again, allears is a pretty good source for info on this, as well as mousesavers. Many TS restaurants offer 10% discount, but if you're getting DDE, that's a better deal.

There is a discount on "non-park" type attractions such as: water park tickets, Pleasure Island admission (but not Jellyrolls), movies at DTD, sometimes La Nouba has 25% off for AP holders, mini-golf, etc.

You get 10% off at WoD (regardless of the size of the purchase). You must show ID as well as your AP.

There are often AP "preview" for upcoming events/shows. etc. etc.

Good luck with your AP. It does open up the world!

 

[DVCLiz]

Call Member Services -isn't there an AP discount for DVC owners??

 

[Viki]

Call Member Services -isn't there an AP discount for DVC owners??

There is a LARGE discount on AP for DVC owners.

 

[Bill From PA]

Thanks for the valuable input. Unfortunately I'm renting DVC points for the BWV.

Bill From PA

 

[MOREMICKEY4ME]

Hello there, Just another question to go along with Bill's post:
I am planning a trip a few years away, can I buy an AP pass now and wait to activate it when we go on vacation?
Also, is there a place to get a list of current benefits for AP holders? I never knew about the discount for LaNouba!!!

 

[tkd lisa]

The passholder section of the official site has information on this. And mousesavers always has a lot of info.

I did a search on La Nouba and discount to find the one that I used (there was a DVC discount available too at that time.) When in doubt, ask! That's why I know there wasn't a discount at Jellyrolls, because I asked.

 

[Homer Simpson]

We have the DDE card right now and our AP's expire in May of 2007. The DDE was purchased under my AP.

Is it possible for my wife to get a DDE card right before our AP's expire so that we have the card available for another year even if we don't renew our AP's?

 

[DVCLiz]

Thanks for the valuable input. Unfortunately I'm renting DVC points for the BWV.

Bill From PA

Oh, sorry. I thought you guys were DVC owners. Well, if you'll just shell out the 15K on DVC, you can save $125 on the AP. Just a thought....