Sorting out the ticket stuff

[RweTHEREyet]

We have always gone to WDW, and now that my son is living in Southern California, we will be making trips to DL. Our first one in January was a big bust due to the monsoon and the fact that I got sick, so we are looking forward to our first real chance to experience DL the end of May.

We will be in CA for 8 days, and 5 of those nights will be at the Grand Californian Villas, so I think we will have the opportunity to take it slow and see everything.

Once we make this trip, we do not have any firmed up plans for future trips, but I am sure there will be many--well maybe not taht many as airfare from the East coast is not so cheap these days. So, in thinking about the ticket options, my first thought was the Premium Annual Passport (no blackout days), but I am now seeing the Buy 6 days for 4 offer, which works out to $33.16 per day (not sure if that includes taxes or not).

And then...the Park Hopper bonus ticket includes a Magic Morning, but I don't know that we would need that since we will be there so many days.

My only hesitation on going for the PAP at this point in time is that I have promised my son and his bride 4 days now that I will get them PAP's for their first year out there, and if I buy one for DH and myself in addition to that, we are looking at shelling out $1,756 all at one time. That's a chunk of change for us.

So, I am just wondering if any of you that have analyzed to pieces the DL tickets have any words of wisdom or possibly, any other options we might have. I have heard mention of cheaper Costco tickets, maybe AAA, and I just want to make sure I explore all of my options before making this decision.

 

[pdxJolene]

They don't sell AP's but I got my tickets from lastminutetravel.com and saved quite a bit!

 

[LavenderPeach]

Have you thought about the DAP? There are blockout days but not that many. Mostly it's just saturdays during the spring/summer and the holidays. But obviously that wouldn't work if you were planning on only being able to come out on holidays.

As for APs vs PHs you should do the math for how many trips you think you will realistically be doing. Be warned that having an AP may make you spend more because you'll want to make more trips out here to use it (the infamous Disney Snowball Effect). Also do you get MMs staying at GCV? You would get that perk staying onsite but maybe the villas is different?

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

I'd look at the DAP. If you won't be going on more than one or two block out days, that is a much cheaper option for you all. We upgraded our 6 for 4 tickets last year and the difference to the DAP was the price of a one day PH!! If you only come back once it'll be worth it. Also remember you get FOOD discounts with the DAP.

Also, by staying onsite, even in the villas you get MM any day of your stay it is available.

 

[RweTHEREyet]

They don't sell AP's but I got my tickets from lastminutetravel.com and saved quite a bit!

Thanks, I checked out the site and wasn't sure how to find ticket prices, looks like maybe you do a package, or am I missing something?

 

[RweTHEREyet]

I'd look at the DAP. If you won't be going on more than one or two block out days, that is a much cheaper option for you all. We upgraded our 6 for 4 tickets last year and the difference to the DAP was the price of a one day PH!! If you only come back once it'll be worth it. Also remember you get four discounts with the DAP.

Also, by staying onsite, even in the villas you get MM any day of your stay it is available.

Hadn't thought of looking at it quite like that, but the holidays may present a problem. Where can I found out about the four discounts? I didn't see anything about discounts when I looked at the description of the AP's.

 

[DisneyMomma81]

Thanks, I checked out the site and wasn't sure how to find ticket prices, looks like maybe you do a package, or am I missing something?

No package required ~ go here http://www.lastminutetravel.com/ *Click Activities up top, select Anaheim as your destination and go from there.

 

[RweTHEREyet]

Have you thought about the DAP? There are blockout days but not that many. Mostly it's just saturdays during the spring/summer and the holidays. But obviously that wouldn't work if you were planning on only being able to come out on holidays.

As for APs vs PHs you should do the math for how many trips you think you will realistically be doing. Be warned that having an AP may make you spend more because you'll want to make more trips out here to use it (the infamous Disney Snowball Effect). Also do you get MMs staying at GCV? You would get that perk staying onsite but maybe the villas is different?

I know exactly what you mean about the AP costing you more than the price of the ticket. We are fortunate enough to be able to snag cheap fares from Raleigh to Orlando, so when we have AP's, it is nothing to take a last minute trip "because we won't have to buy park tickets." Still ends up costing a fortune.

And your thought process is correct that the holidays may be the problem on that one. Holidays help to stretch that vacation time a little further. However, I am guessing that the blackout days are usually the busiest days in the parks anyway, and might be worth staying away from.

 

[RweTHEREyet]

No package required ~ go here http://www.lastminutetravel.com/ *Click Activities up top, select Anaheim as your destination and go from there.

Thanks, I tried that earlier, and nothing came up, maybe their search engine was taking a nap.

 

[DisneyMomma81]

However, I am guessing that the blackout days are usually the busiest days in the parks anyway, and might be worth staying away from.

Not quite right ~ see here - http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2365983

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

Hadn't thought of looking at it quite like that, but the holidays may present a problem. Where can I found out about the four discounts? I didn't see anything about discounts when I looked at the description of the AP's.

Sorry, iPhone typo....FOOD discounts (10% with a DAP). As far as holiday blackouts: We were able to go up until Dec. 23 last year with our DAP. And yes, the week between Xmas and New Yrs is CRAZY!!!!