Thinking of buying APs, but not sure

[torinsmom]

We're heading down to Orlando in August. We have been going to Universal in addition to WDW for the last few years, but we typically go in June. Looking at the website, it looks like I can get a preferred AP for $229.99. My other option would be a 7 day park to park pass for $174.99. It's just the two of us usually, but this year, my sister and her family MIGHT join us for the Universal part. I figure the pass will save us 15% on their tickets, as well as the parking charge, which would be nice to avoid. I know the website says no free parking for first visit(I am assuming b/c you would be redeeming your AP voucher), but we are taking a shuttle the first day anyway.

So.....2 APs would be $460 plus tax. No parking charge and $22.50 savings x 4 tickets would be $90.

2 7 day park to park tickets would be $350, but we would have to pay parking(probably visit for 4 days, but order 7 just in case) which adds $56, and also lose the ticket savings, which would be $90.

By my calculations, we would actually be better off buying the APs, even if we didn't make it back there next summer. And maybe we could work in a short trip over winter break. What do you think?

 

[Bluer101]

Also you have food and merchandise discounts in and out of the park.

Here is the list:

10% savings on 1-day and 15% savings on multi-day theme park tickets purchased at the front gate (up to 6 people)

Free admission to select special events such as Mardi Gras, Summer Concert Series, Grinchmas™ and Macy's Holiday Parade™

Special discounts on separately ticketed events, such as Halloween Horror Nights and Rock the Universe

10% savings at most merchandise stores (restrictions apply on select merchandise)

Savings of up to 10% at all restaurants (excluding carts and alcohol)
Enjoy exclusive Passholder parties and event viewing areas.

 

[damo]

We find that we save so much with the discounts. Also remember that if you are going each year, renewals are $149. That is the dealmaker for us.

 

[WendyLovesPeter]

We're heading down to Orlando in August. We have been going to Universal in addition to WDW for the last few years, but we typically go in June. Looking at the website, it looks like I can get a preferred AP for $229.99. My other option would be a 7 day park to park pass for $174.99. It's just the two of us usually, but this year, my sister and her family MIGHT join us for the Universal part. I figure the pass will save us 15% on their tickets, as well as the parking charge, which would be nice to avoid. I know the website says no free parking for first visit(I am assuming b/c you would be redeeming your AP voucher), but we are taking a shuttle the first day anyway.

So.....2 APs would be $460 plus tax. No parking charge and $22.50 savings x 4 tickets would be $90.

2 7 day park to park tickets would be $350, but we would have to pay parking(probably visit for 4 days, but order 7 just in case) which adds $56, and also lose the ticket savings, which would be $90.

By my calculations, we would actually be better off buying the APs, even if we didn't make it back there next summer. And maybe we could work in a short trip over winter break. What do you think?

are they quoting you APH rates for August? They keep telling me the rates are not out yet for July...

 

[torinsmom]

are they quoting you APH rates for August? They keep telling me the rates are not out yet for July...

Are you talking about hotel rates? I haven't even looked into that. I stayed onsite for one night last year and wasn't impressed for the $300 price tag. I can stay a whole week at a priceline hotel for that amount.

 

[torinsmom]

We find that we save so much with the discounts. Also remember that if you are going each year, renewals are $149. That is the dealmaker for us.

Well, that kind of seals the deal! $149 is about what a 4 day ticket costs!

 

[Bluer101]

are they quoting you APH rates for August? They keep telling me the rates are not out yet for July...

Thats because those rates are not out yet.

 

[WendyLovesPeter]

Thats because those rates are not out yet.

I am looking right at 4 months for my travel dates. That is really not that far away in the grand scheme of things.

 

[WendyLovesPeter]

Are you talking about hotel rates? I haven't even looked into that. I stayed onsite for one night last year and wasn't impressed for the $300 price tag. I can stay a whole week at a priceline hotel for that amount.

I have seen others say this, but I am afraid the express pass will really be needed in Hot and Crowded June-July

 

[torinsmom]

I have seen others say this, but I am afraid the express pass will really be needed in Hot and Crowded June-July

We just get there early and ride the rides that always have long lines. Then we do single rider for the ones we can. Over 4 days, we will ride everything we want. Luckily, our favorite rides--MIB, Mummy, Spiderman and FJ--have single rider lines. I thin we went on MIB 10 times in a row last year

We did enjoy the Express pass last year, but not enough to spend $300 again. We are staying 2 nights at the Holiday Inn across the street for $100 total. The on to a pool house for the next week.

 

[Metro West]

Well, that kind of seals the deal! $149 is about what a 4 day ticket costs!

I think you will really enjoy being passholders. Welcome to the family!

 

[torinsmom]

I think you will really enjoy being passholders. Welcome to the family!

Thanks!