To buy Annual Passes or to not buy annual passes that is the question

[Jarrod Cordel]

With WDW hosting the free dining plan( select dates), I am faced with the choice of buying annual passes(2) and staying off grounds, or getting the free dining plan and then upgrading to annual passes in that sense. Does anyone have experience with these methods?

 

[Disneylover99]

Just take the FD and upgrade to an AP once you get there. Easy.....and your tummy will be full.

 

[pampam]

How many days are you planning on going? When? Don't forget that very often the AP has discounts on room only.

 

[Jarrod Cordel]

How many days are you planning on going? When? Don't forget that very often the AP has discounts on room only.

The dates would be 12/18-12/24 6 days in the park.

 

[pampam]

Unless you are planning on going next year before the pass expires and get 2 trips out of it, I don't see how it will help you.

 

[supersnoop]

Why do you think you need an AP?

 

[catra121]

I would see what's a bigger savings, the free dining or a room discount? With just 2 people free dining may not be the better discount...though it depends on what resort you are staying at too. I booked room only and will be buying my tickets later and then upgrading to an annual pass after I get there.

 

[gap2368]

if you are only going for 6 days you do not need an AP. if you are going to go again with in the year for 6 days you might break even.

 

[lovethattink]

Have you don't the Disney math? With an AP, you can get 10% discount at many restaurants. Also you could buy a TiW card and get 20% off food and beverage at select restaurants. Our TiW expired last month. We aren't renewing this year. We didn't come close to breaking even for the first time.

 

[Jarrod Cordel]

I am planning to go at least twice with the AP. I will be graduating from college in a year, so I am trying to have fun before the real world hits. Chances are, I would plan to go on my spring break as well as Christmas. Also, maybe once either for the flower and garden festival or the wine festival. So I would definitely be using the pass more than just this one instance in December.

 

[pampam]

The break even point for an AP used to be 11 days. I'm not sure what it is now, but it likely is similar. If you think this might be something you want to consider, ok. I'm not sure what your eating preferences are. For some people, free dining works, for myself, I'd rather get a discount on rooms with my AP and just eat whatever. The AP also offers other perks such as free parking if you are off site, and discounts on souvenir purchases. I believe it is 10%. That being said, the price of an AP is a lot of money to put out at once. However, a regular AP is good for 365 days. You just have to be free to use it.

 

[vinotinto]

I would go with the FD package because that way you don't have to shell out all the money for an AP up-front. You can wait until December to decide *if* you really will visit WDW (as opposed to many other places that you could decide to visit when you graduate) before upgrading. The AP will effectively double the cost of the 6-day ticket, so it will be nice to have additional time to consider if it's worth it before investing in it.

 

[Jestocost]

There's a mathematical answer to your question but there are so many variables that it's hard to say based on the information you've provided and because some of the other factors--such as potential future discount offers--are unknown. If you like the dining plan and would be staying at a value resort, and if as you say you are planning at least three visits during the period the AP would be active then I would go with an on-site stay and the DP, then upgrade to the AP when you're there.