tickets

[Donalds_best_pal]

I got a ticket question. We just paid I think around 360, for AP renewal, does that sound right? Now they magic your ways are out and we are DVC and that discount doesnt start until 01/02, then it would only be 281! So we paid a ton it seems like now. So then I go and check, now with the new passes it will take an ap 12.4 days to pay for it self now. Does that sound right? It use to be 7. If so that really stinks, like we overpaid. We probably wont quite go 12 days next year. 2 at christmas and 7 next summer. This stinks. Does this all sound right? Of course the lower the prices just after we renew our AP.
Matt

 

[tjkraz]

I got a ticket question. We just paid I think around 360, for AP renewal, does that sound right?

Yes.

Now they magic your ways are out and we are DVC and that discount doesnt start until 01/02, then it would only be 281! So we paid a ton it seems like now.

Well, the new MYW passes don't begin until 1/2/05 either. You really didn't have much choice if you renewed your AP specifically for a trip before 1/1/05.

So then I go and check, now with the new passes it will take an ap 12.4 days to pay for it self now. Does that sound right? It use to be 7.

The "7 day breakeven point" was a dubious claim at best. That figure was always based upon the number of single-day admission tickets required to cover the cost of an AP. We all know there were more cost-effective media even under the old ticket scheme.

A new AP runs about $400. With the old style tickets, you could get a 7-day Park Hopper Plus for no more than $350. So, you're getting 7 days in the theme parks AND 4 or 5 Plus visits for $50 less than the AP.

If so that really stinks, like we overpaid. We probably wont quite go 12 days next year. 2 at christmas and 7 next summer. This stinks. Does this all sound right? Of course the lower the prices just after we renew our AP.
Matt

Maybe this will help: current reports indicate that DVC members will be able to upgrade their APs to Premium Annual Passes after 1/2/05 and still get the DVC discount. The net result is that you will most likely get a totally free upgrade to the PAP the next time you visit after 1/2. Since you're planning 7 days next summer, I'm assuming you can squeeze in a little time for the waterparks or DisneyQuest.

 

[Donalds_best_pal]

Yea we did have no choice since we are going in 2 weeks. Also do you think it will still pay for it self? We will be going for 10 or 11 days for the next year we hav this ap. Still a good deal? Also now why would be getting a free upgrade to PAP? I never had heard that until now but have not been on the DVC board lately. Thanks for the advice.
Matt

 

[tjkraz]

Yea we did have no choice since we are going in 2 weeks. Also do you think it will still pay for it self? We will be going for 10 or 11 days for the next year we hav this ap.

I'd say yes. Don't forget all of the perks that accompany the AP such as 10% off at World of Disney. If you aren't committed to using points for those "expensive" weekend stays, look for AP discount codes and pay cash for a room on Friday and Saturday night.

Also now why would be getting a free upgrade to PAP? I never had heard that until now but have not been on the DVC board lately. Thanks for the advice.

These numbers may not be exact, but you'll get the gist.

The AP renewal price is $361. The PAP renewal price is $478. Take the $478 figure and subtract the $125 DVC member discount on the PAP. You get $353. That's actually LESS than you paid to renew your APs.

So, at some point after 1/2/05, you should be able to go to Guest Services and tell them you want to upgrade your AP to a PAP. They will ring up a total of $353 (with the DVC discount) and credit you the $361 you paid for your non-discounted AP. I doubt they'll give you the $8 back ( ), but the net result is a free upgrade.

The effective date of your new PAP will be back-dated to the original renewal date of the APs you hold now, but at least you're getting some number of months' free access to BB, TL, PI and DQ. We'll be upgrading our passes next May--about 3 weeks before they expire.