To AP or not to AP....that is the question......

[PatricenPete]

DH, DS, and I will be traveling to WDW in October for 8 days/7 nights. We were planning on getting Annual Passes since we are planning on taking another trip at the same time next year. However, we've been talking and would like to add another to our clan next year, so we are not sure whether to just go with the 7 day MYW tickets or get the AP's and hope that we can afford a few shorter trips here and there before Baby #2 makes his/her debut.

What is the break even point for APs? What are some other benefit to having AP's?

Thanks in advance!

 

[betterlatethannever]

What is the break even point for APs? What are some other benefit to having AP's?

Thanks in advance!

Well its tough to figure the break even point.

Before the MYW tickets it was straight forward. YOu looked at the price of the hopper tickets and when the price exceeded the AP, that was the break even point. (8 days)

NOw, the 10 day hopper(which is the most you can get) is less than an AP, but if you are splitting it into two 5 day trips, you need to add non expiration, etc.

So bottom line, there's multiple answers.

The way I figured it for me (one trip at a week or more, and two weekend trips) the AP pays off at about 13 days.

Ed

 

[poohkinandpiglet]

I believe under the old ticket system the break even point was the eighth day. I have found it to our advantage to have AP's because we have used them for discounts on merchandise, dining and great discounts our non DVC resort stays. In addition, an AP will get you a $12 discount off the gate price for MNSSHP or MVMCP.

If you can manage at least two extended trips within the year then it's probably worth it. I don't know how the value compares to the new ticket system since there are so many options.

 

[grodgers49]

I think Mary (on Mousesavers) has a way to figure the breakeven place for an AP. We used the formula last year and saved over $200.

http://www.mousesavers.com

 

[Debi]

Although the breakeven point of an AP is difficult to figure out, one thing you definately need to consider are discounts. There are dining and merchandise discounts, discounts if you rent a car through Alamo and National, recreation discounts, and who can forget about the resort discounts (sometimes up to 40%). So, if you're willing to spend a little extra for park passes, you'll be saving a lot more on resort accomodations, etc.

I hope this makes sense?

 

[PatricenPete]

If we purchase 1 annual pass, can we get the discounts for both of us?

 

[pooh2001]

If you plan on a return trip within the year - or like the AP perks -
discounts for mini-golf, I think some fishing excursion, maybe a resort price discount, DDE card (20% off sit-downs - cost you $50), some % off tours,
then the AP passes may be worth while.

We are doing 14 days at WDW. With the AP adult pass it costs about $30 a day. With the 10 day park hopper with 5 pluses - it costs about $30 a day.

So the AP's give us more park time, and things we do - tours, mini-golf, DDE card to eat at sit-downs with a discount.

The 10 day park hopper with 5 pluses - would give us only 10 days in the park and 4 days of water parks (we do not do), Disney Quest (my DS's dream, my DH nightmare), and Pleasure Island (we do not do).

Figure out your families style and then check out the prices.

The Pooh Crew
:thewave:

 

[Mandabella]

Just a word of advice....
BEWARE THE EVILS OF THE ANNUAL PASS!

Sure, you only buy it for "discounts" or just "two trips within "12 months." Soon...you'll be plotting ways to get a 3rd trip in.

Here's a ticket comparison chart that may help:
http://www.allearsnet.com/pl/ticketchart.htm#MYW1

 

[OhioGrumpyGirl]

We found coupons at Burger King in FL for Universal Orlando passes. They were buy 1 year, get the 2nd year free. Since we go to FL at least twice a year, these are a great deal. You get free parking plus all of the usual discounts. We went this year during Mardi Gras, and they had a special section roped off for AP holders.

 

[PatricenPete]

If we purchase 1 annual pass, can we get the discounts for both of us?

 

[KristinU]

Just a word of advice....
BEWARE THE EVILS OF THE ANNUAL PASS!

Sure, you only buy it for "discounts" or just "two trips within "12 months." Soon...you'll be plotting ways to get a 3rd trip in.

Here's a ticket comparison chart that may help:
http://www.allearsnet.com/pl/ticketchart.htm#MYW1

LOL Mandabella - too true, too true! (we'll actually get 4 trips in on our AP's this year )

PatricenPete, you only need one AP for discounts like resort and dining discounts, I'm not sure about mini-golf, MNSSHP etc.

 

[KristinU]

sorry, double post.

 

[OKW Lover]

Just a word of advice....
BEWARE THE EVILS OF THE ANNUAL PASS!

Sure, you only buy it for "discounts" or just "two trips within "12 months." Soon...you'll be plotting ways to get a 3rd trip in.

Here's a ticket comparison chart that may help:
http://www.allearsnet.com/pl/ticketchart.htm#MYW1

Gasp. Only three trips in a year? Horrors. That would mean cutting down a couple.

Seriously, this is a real factor in the AP reality. Given some really good airfares in the past, my wife and I have often booked some quick long-weekend type of trips just because we had "free" admission.

 

[RachelTori]

If we purchase 1 annual pass, can we get the discounts for both of us?

The answer to your question is "yes"! The AP holder has to be 'present' to get the discounts. I have an AP, but my DH & DD go with the MYW tickets - works for us!!

 

[Carolinagirl1063]

Only 1 of you needs to have an AP for room discounts and the like. We bought APs for myself, husband and daughter in Feb. 05 which was our second trip to WDW. We went in May and are planning a trip in July. I have the need to justify that outlay of cash. Should have purchased 1 AP and 2 10 day passes. I broke even on the first trip with the room discount alone. (AKL) I also bought the dining discount for $50.00...paid fot itself in 3 meals. Have a great vacation!