Super Crazy Complicated AP/ Package Questions

[RedHotMama]

My family is looking at booking a package trip for May 2017 (our first trip in several years). I'm considering upgrading my husband's ticket to an annual pass. My reasoning is that between being able to purchase the Tables in Wonderland card, and getting Memory Maker for free, plus merchandise discounts, our savings would break even with the cost of upgrading. We live on the west coast and are not planning another trip within a year, but who knows? If the cost is the same, why not just in case?


So, question #1. CAN an individual upgrade a package ticket to an AP if the rest of the group in the package isn’t?


#2. What are the pros and cons (if any) to upgrading before the trip versus when we first arrive?


If we decided to take a 2nd trip, we’d book the room (possibly with an AP discount) separate from the rest of the group’s tickets.


#3. If we received a Bounceback offer, would it be likely to be better than an AP room discount?


#4. Do Bouncebacks usually require a package purchase, or are they often room-only?


This is when my thinking got CRAZY!! WHAT IF a package offer was the best deal for our family for the 2nd trip? For instance, if (either through a Bounceback or general public offer), free dining was offered for when we wanted to go? (With a large family who likes a value resort (AofA), free dining would be a Huge savings.)


#5. Can an AP holder be part of a package (understanding that they would have to purchase tickets like everyone else)?


And if yes, #6. What would happen to those tickets? When my husband goes through the turnstyle, would the multi-day ticket be used, or would it just use the annual pass?


#7. What happens to a package ticket that is never used? Does it stay on the account and can be used later? Does it expire?


Also, are there any other aspects to this that I haven’t mentioned, but should be considered?


Feel free to answer just one or a few questions. Also feel free to pick apart my thinking. I appreciate your knowledge and insights!

 

[MomTo3PrincessesInNJ]

#1, I don't see why not.
#2, If you have a package you probably can't upgrade before the trip, so this may be a non-issue. We had to upgrade in person at Guest Services.
#3, Who knows. AP discounts are VERY limited (dates & resorts).
#4, They usually have both, but not at the same time (some dates are a room deal, some are free dining with ticket purchase required)
#5, Yes, and you can use those (unused) tickets towards the cost of renewing your AP, or just save them for another trip.
#6, You should go to Guest Services to have them prioritized to be sure the correct ticket us being used.
#7, They didn't use to expire, but that could change at any time. Even if it does "expire" Disney usually has wording to the effct of "you can use this at it's cash value toward another ticket purchase" so you'll just pay the difference in cost.

 

[RedHotMama]

#1, I don't see why not.
#2, If you have a package you probably can't upgrade before the trip, so this may be a non-issue. We had to upgrade in person at Guest Services.
#3, Who knows. AP discounts are VERY limited (dates & resorts).
#4, They usually have both, but not at the same time (some dates are a room deal, some are free dining with ticket purchase required)
#5, Yes, and you can use those (unused) tickets towards the cost of renewing your AP, or just save them for another trip.
#6, You should go to Guest Services to have them prioritized to be sure the correct ticket us being used.
#7, They didn't use to expire, but that could change at any time. Even if it does "expire" Disney usually has wording to the effct of "you can use this at it's cash value toward another ticket purchase" so you'll just pay the difference in cost.

Thanks for the reply! You're so helpful!

 

[bumbershoot]

So, question #1. CAN an individual upgrade a package ticket to an AP if the rest of the group in the package isn’t?

Yes.

#2. What are the pros and cons (if any) to upgrading before the trip versus when we first arrive?

Can't do it, if you have a package booked. Have to wait until you're there.

#3. If we received a Bounceback offer, would it be likely to be better than an AP room discount?

No way to know.

#4. Do Bouncebacks usually require a package purchase, or are they often room-only?

I believe I've seen both.

#5. Can an AP holder be part of a package (understanding that they would have to purchase tickets like everyone else)?

Yes.

And if yes, #6. What would happen to those tickets? When my husband goes through the turnstyle, would the multi-day ticket be used, or would it just use the annual pass?

You need to prioritize the tickets at Guest Services before he enters the turnstiles.

#7. What happens to a package ticket that is never used? Does it stay on the account and can be used later? Does it expire?

It sits there. Yes. No.



Of course, by next year who knows if some of those answers will have changed...

 

[RedHotMama]

Of course, by next year who knows if some of those answers will have changed...

So true! Thanks!