Trying to decide, AP's or not?

[Robert6401]

Well, over the past year we have been to the Fort and WDW 4 times. I am military, so we have used the military deals for most of the days in the parks. We have already used up our days for this year, though. We are going down for the 4th of July for a few days and are trying to decide what to do with regards to park tickets. We did the math and if we plan on going to WDW even one more time over the next year, it seems like it would be cheaper to go ahead and do the AP's. Basically, two 4-day park hoppers for 4 people is more expensive than the AP's. So, it seems like a no-brainer to us, but I just wanted to get advice from those of you who have them on whether its a good decision and how to get the most bang for our buck.

Thanks!

 

[clkelley]

We always have APs. While it is a big expense up front, it really saves in the long run.

It also really alters your perception of going to the parks. We don't feel like we HAVE to get full value of a "day" on the ticket.

We don't mind going into a park for just a meal and one attraction, or only going for late EMH.

I know if for some reason I had tickets for just a set number of days, then I'd want to get full value for those days.

It also helps spontaneous trips pop up more often

 

[retired and happy]

We've had AP's for years. When we last renewed, they were offering 15 months on the AP's. Like Carol said, (paraphrasing), If you have them you will use them.

 

[BradyBz12]

We're in NH so not close enough to do a bunch of trips in a year, but all of our trips are 2-3 weeks at a whack. Once we realized that with a little strategic planning we could easily get 2 "annual" trips in within 365 days, the APs were a no brainer. Now we buy passes every other year and just plan our trips accordingly.

Aside from just the savings on park tix in the long run (and we love to PH so that's a big plus) we also take advantage of the merch, dining and room/campsite discounts with the AP. The TiW card alone saves us a ton in dining over the span 2 trips.

 

[Robert6401]

Well, since I think we are convinced to get the AP's, can y'all give advice on the DDP vs TiW? Right now we are leaning towards doing both because we think $75 for TiW would pay for itself after a few trips of purchasing things that the DDP doesn't cover (i.e. adult beverages, etc).

Thanks.

I think I'll start a new post with this question.

 

[clkelley]

We use the TiW card all the time!!

We never get the paid dining plan. It really just doesn't fit in with the way we eat.

We actually eat at two table service per day. (A really late breakfast, then a late dinner.)

We have gotten the free dining plan by staying at a value for a few days, but found we were also spending money on an extra sit down meal here and there and had too many counter service left over.

 

[Twang]

Speaking of campsite discounts, what kind of AP discounts are "usually" available in January and February? Thanks!

 

[beccaewert]

Not to hi-jack this thread or anything, but since were on the topic of AP, I have a few questions....Say I want to buy the AP for this September 2010...does this mean they are good till the next September 2011? I was talking to a travel agent and she said I couldn't get the AP because the prices hadn't came out yet for 2011? So will someone explain what the t.a. was talking about or did I miss something? lol

We were wanting to come down for a week in Sept, ...then another 2 weeks possibly in May...so the AP's sounded like they would work better for us....

And for those who use the TiW card....we cook ALOT at our campsite...do you still find it useful if you do camp alot and eat maybe a snack or sometimes meals 1x a day at the parks? Or do you only eat at the parks and not cook? ok....just wanted to pick your brains and see how you do it

 

[clkelley]

The TA knows not what they talk about. If you purchase an AP your tickets will be good for 366 days from the date of activation. (Some folks buy vouchers ahead of time to help with budget then activate when arriving) Then you enjoy your September trip then your tickets willstill be good next May. 2011 room rates have not been released yet. APs have nothing to do with room rates or packages. As far as TiW, we cook very little at the campsite at Disney. We eat breakfast out and dinner out. The cost is 75 for 13 months. Even 3 or 4 TS meals over the course of 2 trips should make up your 75.

 

[clkelley]

Another helpful hint. Buy your APs and book your campsite separately. Tell your TA you want room only!

 

[beccaewert]

J/c Why does it matter if you book them together or seperately?

 

[clkelley]

J/c Why does it matter if you book them together or seperately?

Because APs cannot be purchased as part of a room package. The system is just not set up that way. If you want to purchase a package with tickets for september's trip, that can be done, then when you get there, you can upgrade the tickets you do have to APs and pay the difference. Then for next May's trip, book room only.

 

[beccaewert]

wouldn't I get a better discount if I bought a/p's then use whatever discount you get on camping sites towards a week at the ft. in september? Or what kind of discounts come with a/p? Or is it another silly rule that works for all the other resorts except the campground?

 

[4kids4karen]

I haven't had an AP for a couple years, but the only discount I ever received was at the souviner shops. But then agian, I always stayed at the military resort... Shades of Green. Never heard of AP resort discounts.

I believe it changes your cancellation policy. For example if you book room only you can cancel up to 5 days in advance. If you have a package you have to cancel 45 days in advance?

 

[clkelley]

wouldn't I get a better discount if I bought a/p's then use whatever discount you get on camping sites towards a week at the ft. in september? Or what kind of discounts come with a/p? Or is it another silly rule that works for all the other resorts except the campground?

Yes, there are occasional AP discounts even at the Fort. So, what you could do is call Disney directly and check on AP discounts at the Fort and book your campsite reservation directly with them, then once you arrive purchase your APs.

Or if you feel more comfortable purchase your APs online, then you will receive a voucher for your APs, then you can look online for AP discounts.

Check out www.mousesavers.com to see when AP discounts become available for your timeframe. Even though campgrounds usually aren't mentioned in the advertising for APs, sometimes they do apply to the campsites.

But you can't go to your travel agent and say you want to buy an "AP package", it just doesn't work that way. Your APs will never be on your room key.

 

[BradyBz12]

Don't forget you get other discounts with APs too - dining, merch, some shows, etc. If you use it well that can be a decent savings too.