Torn about getting an AP

[smile4stamps]

So all along in my planning I had been planning on purchasing an AP from my work at a nice discount. The cost would only be $100 more than the 5 day park hopper I need for my trip.

The person I am going with was also going to purchase an AP and we would go on at least one more trip this year. She has changed her mind though and is most likely only going to get the 3-day park hopper.

I'm now torn on what to do. Do I still purchase the AP and just make a solo trip later on myself if I can't find anyone else to go along or should I just get the 5 day Park Hopper.

I really wanted to go to DL at both Halloween Time and Christmas (was looking at a trip Nov 30-Dec 2).

I am on a very tight budget but figured the next trip would only cost around $300 if I buy the AP now.

Any opinions?!?

 

[BELLEDOZER]

If there is only $100 difference, then I'd go for the AP. There's nothing wrong about visiting the mouse solo, in fact I'm headed there without the family on Saturday. Let me put it this way, you can do what you want when you want, without having to work around other peoples schedules. If you are planning to go more to DL more than one time the AP savings more than makes up for the extra money on it.

 

[sonnyjane]

If there is only $100 difference, then I'd go for the AP. There's nothing wrong about visiting the mouse solo.

Absolutely! I have a PAP and go alone at least once a month. The very first trip I went solo, I was nervous, but now, dare I say, I actually prefer it! You can utilize the single rider lines, go on whatever ride you want whenever you want, eat whatever you like at any random time - in other words, the only person you have to worry about pleasing is yourself! For only a $100 difference, as long as you know you'll go at least one more time, it's worth it!

 

[skiingfast]

I would break it down by looking at how many days you think you will go and what that would cost. If that makes it worth the AP get one and enjoy the extra savings that come with it.

I just got a delux. I wasn't sure on the premium, so just took that first step. But more than likely I will be there on a blackout day. So when my next trip comes I figured then I'll look at upgrading to the premium.

 

[bradisgoofy]

The rule I have always heard is - more then 10 days, or, two or more visits per year. But then I don't get a "nice" discount on our APs.

 

[letitsnow]

If you don't upgrde then you are going to spend at least and extra $50 on top of the $100 for a 3 day parkhopper. Also you get all the discounts on dining and merchandise. I always try to advise people to upgrade..they regret it later that they didn't do it in te first place because they return back within the year.

I also think people don't realizetgat the pass is good for one whole year. Most the parks her in normal are season passes which only lastover the smear months.

 

[bumbershoot]

Do it! You're so, relatively, close to Anaheim... I grew up in SJ and it felt like it was a million miles from Anaheim, but it's not. I've gone more, while living in WA, in the last 3 years than I went in 17 years of living in SJ...sigh.

So upgrade and do a solo trip! Solo trips are fabulous.

 

[smile4stamps]

Do it! You're so, relatively, close to Anaheim... I grew up in SJ and it felt like it was a million miles from Anaheim, but it's not. I've gone more, while living in WA, in the last 3 years than I went in 17 years of living in SJ...sigh.

So upgrade and do a solo trip! Solo trips are fabulous.

Thanks everyone for your input. I will probably go ahead and purchase the AP but wanted some opinions.

The last 2 days of my scheduled trip will be solo so we'll see how that goes!

 

[DizMe]

Oh yes, I agree with the others!! Get an AP. I got my first ap a few years ago solely to take advantage of the hotel rates. Once I had an ap, though, I managed to add in 4 more trips that year, none of them with my family

If you need someone to go with, I'd be happy to meet up with you! I'm going at both Halloween and Christmas time, too. After that, who knows? My ap expires between those 2 trips, so I'm going to have to renew soon.

 

[caimakale]

With your AP, you will also get discounts on food/merchandise. If you can save $40 on those purchases during your trip (this is an example only, I don't know what your DL budget is), your AP will essentially cost you $60 instead of $100. $60 is less than one day in the park and IMHO, worth the gamble. If you don't come back within the next year, you're only out $60. But if you come back within the next year, you will have saved a BOATLOAD of money...not only by not having to purchase park tickets, but on food/merchandise as well.