Thinking about an annual pass, some questions

gethane

Mouseketeer
Joined
Aug 26, 2002
Messages
215
Ok, so part of the family is going to Disneyland in March (my family is currently separated due to my law schooling). We are thinking of going again in May (not during blackout days) to take another part of the family. For those of us going twice, doesn't it make sense to get AP? Especially since I think we would be able to use them 2-3 additional times before they ran out? (a Halloween decoration run and a Christmas decoration run -- right after my finals but before the week before Christmas when its very busy).

It annoys me to no end that I can't find out what kind of discounts AP holders get on DLR hotels without already being an AP holder. Can someone enlighten me as to what kind of discounts are available?

Is it worth missing MM if we decide the AP DLR discounts aren't enough and stay somewhere else (and thus get no MM)?

And the Deluxe passholders get 10% on many restaurants but not the discount on merchandise? That is reserved for the premium holders? Is that right? I wasn't very clear on that.

Thanks to any who can answer any of my questions -- give advice. Also, this is probably the only year in my life I can do this, since once I'm out of law school, well, I have to work. The two kids who would be going with most often are currently 4 and 6 and I think they would enjoy a year of Disney magic. My others (all older teens) will likely only go once each.
 
We bought me a Premium AP last year.....even knowing it would probably only be used for the one trip. I bought the multi-day pass, used the MM on the first day, then exchanged it for the AP (Paying the difference in cost).

The reason we went with the one premium, was to get the discounts on our meals & merchandise........we also got free parking. I more than saved on these discounts to pay for the AP & it was totally worth it.

The 3 resorts, even with an AP special....still is pretty pricey. So if you're looking to save a little money on the motels....your good neighbor motels would be your best bet. To get a quote, you can call Disney Travel & inquire & tell them you will be an AP holder when you arrive. They can quote you the discounted price.


Premium AP discounts: 10% on merchandise, 15% on food, 20% on tours
Deluxe AP discounts: 10% on food, 20% on tours
 
Financially, you are better off getting the pass. At $289 (I think?), the deluxe would pay for itself after two trips if you are planning on buying 2 or 3 day parkhoppers.

As far as discounts - there's a special going on until the beginning of May where AP holders get 10% off. Premiums still get 20%. Also, if you apply for the Disney Rewards card as an AP holder, you get a $100 Disney Gift card.

Hotel rates for a standard room in March at the GC are from $342-$450 per night, DH $252-$324 and PPH $225-$284. Availability is still there. I've gotten nights at the DH as low as $149, though. So it depends on the time of year.

We've done MM and I think getting a better deal on tickets is more important. You can't get fastpasses during MM, so you really only get that hour for rides.

Hope that helps.

Tracy
 
thanks for the input and information! As long as we are enjoying DL and plan to come back at least in May, then, we'll upgrade to the AP. Even with the discounted tickets now, its cheaper to buy an AP than two sets of 4 day hoppers! (which I realize wouldn't be valid in May, back to the other price).
 
This dilemma is exactly why there are(is it?) hundreds of thousands of AP holders, and why the parks get so crowded! I am an AP holder, so don't get mad at me! They make it so easy for us to come back so we can spend more money in the parks. But that's what happens when you have an addiction! :rotfl2:
 
This dilemma is exactly why there are(is it?) hundreds of thousands of AP holders, and why the parks get so crowded! I am an AP holder, so don't get mad at me! They make it so easy for us to come back so we can spend more money in the parks. But that's what happens when you have an addiction! :rotfl2:

I just got back from dland and it was less crowded this time than when we went last year. Maybe a fluke but we REALLY enjoyed all the walk-ons. I almost did not get APs because of what I've heard with the crazy crowds but we were pleasantly surprised especially on Sunday evening.
 
We bought APs last year because we knew we were going twice in the same year and it would be worth it. We ended up going 4 additional times that weren't planned...so the APs definitely ended up costing us more in the end! :laughing:
 
I just got back from dland and it was less crowded this time than when we went last year. Maybe a fluke but we REALLY enjoyed all the walk-ons. I almost did not get APs because of what I've heard with the crazy crowds but we were pleasantly surprised especially on Sunday evening.

I'm glad you had a great time! I'm hoping our trip on the 21st of this month will be the same.
 
You should go to the park when it is raining oh man you just walk on all the rides
 
You should go to the park when it is raining oh man you just walk on all the rides

Speaking of rain, it's forecast to rain all day today and I'm spending it at the DLR with my friend. Oh the perks of having an AP and living withing 15 minutes of the parks. :woohoo:
 
I just got back from dland and it was less crowded this time than when we went last year. Maybe a fluke but we REALLY enjoyed all the walk-ons. I almost did not get APs because of what I've heard with the crazy crowds but we were pleasantly surprised especially on Sunday evening.

I don't think it was a fluke. I know there have been all kinds of crazy threads lately warning everyone of the ginormous swarms of AP holders and how we're all crowding the parks, but really, the only impact I've noticed (as an AP holder who goes all the time) is more crowding on Friday evenings and Sundays. New attractions will draw AP holders, as will those weeks before and after a blackout period, and any time there might be school holidays. But it's always been like that - maybe just a bit worse now. Your average week is still your average week, I've found.

Glad you got to experience all the walk ons! We love it like that.

Tracy
 





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