WDW Tickets/Packages/AP's?

[jencav5]

I am planning our first WDW trip for 11/4-11/11. We are staying at the Port Orleans, Riverside, but I have not bought a package or any tickets yet. I was looking for any advise on which tickets to buy. I have actually already spent a lot of time studying the prices and the advantages/disadvantages to each choice, but I still can't decide! We will be there for 6 full days and possibly the morning of our departure day (plane leaves at 4:50pm). The water parks look neat, but I'm not sure if they will be worth taking away from going to the parks? Our children are 11, 9, & 7, so I think they might enjoy the Disney Quest. I have also considered buying the annual pass, but it seems to work differently from the Disneyland passes (we have AP's for Disneyland)-no discounts on merchandise in the parks and limited food discounts! We are doing the Disney Cruise in early Nov05, so we could go to WDW again, then. Any help, advice, suggestions would be great! Thanks!

 

[jencav5]

bumping

Please let me know if I am posting this on the incorrect board. Thanks!

 

[Kala]

Have you checked Mousavers.com? They have a calculator for determining whether an AP would be less expensive, and that doesn't count whether you can get a (usually significant) AP discount on your room rate. We almost always find that AP's are the best buy for us. The break even number of days, I think, is 8 days. First I would do that calculation, then call CRO to see if any AP discount rates are available for your dates. If they are and you are still "on the fence" about that AP, some quick math to determine your savings will help you to make up your mind. You can change your resevation to that discount while you have CRO on the phone at that time. You could also just buy AP's for those who will be likely to come back with you in the next year, or just yourself. Let me warn you, however that Disney programs those AP's with little voices that call to you from their "safe keeping spot" in your house. You'll hear things like "Jen... come back to WDW, you'll 'save' more money if you use me more days..."

As for the Premium features, we personally don't feel that we use the other options enough to justify the extra expense, you might feel that you would. We just purchase a single entry if we use those features, like a water park, Disney Quest or Pleasure Island, and if you have an AP you can get discounts on most of these things.

Good Luck and I'm sure you'll have fun no matter what you choose!

 

[jaysmom4285]

I'm not the world's biggest experts on WDW by any means, but I'll take a crack at this. You'll be there for seven days, at a time of year when there will probably be a few days comfortably warm enough to do a water park. I think your kids would love it - mine did when they were the ages of your kids. Even if you took a day at a water park, it gives you lots of time in the other parks, and you will be back again before your cruise, as you said. That time of year has lower attendance, so you shouldn't have any trouble seeing everything you want to see. From what I can remember, the Park Hopper Plus gives you unlimited admission to the four regular parks, plus three admissions to water parks at any time during your stay. The Ultimate Park Hopper gives you unlimited admission to everything, including Disney quest. The difference in price for a 6-day ticket is about $40 per adult advance purchase ticket, I think (the ultimate ticket being more expensive). I would think the park hopper plus ticket would give you what you needed - unlimited park admission with the option to go to the water parks if you decide to. I think an admission to Disney Quest is around $30 (a little more for adults, a little less for kids). So if you decided to go, you'd still spend less than you would have for the ultimate park hopper, and if you decide not to, you will have saved that money. This is just my two cents. I'm sure others are more knowledgeable and will correct me if I'm mistaken about anything.

 

[Disney Spaz]

Before you decide I suggest you prioritize what you want to do while you are there. Is this your first time to WDW? If it is you may take more time then seasoned vetrens as you are learning your way around the World. I have never been to DL however everything I have read says in size DL and WDW can't compare. Next, my family has done the water parks and if it is your only trip you might want to try one but my kids, now 14 & 13, have always prefered to spend the time in the parks. Plus POR is a beautiful resort with a great pool and neat slide that might satisfy your childrens interest in swimming. I also agree with Kala, if you by AP's you will suddenly find yourself checking for cheap air fares and justifying quick trips that cause the money you saved to go to another trip, THat being said I have AP's and justify trips all the time and am glad I do. As for returning for a visit when you come to FL for your DC unless the cruise is prior to 11/4/05 your AP's would have expired if you get them on the first day of your trip. Hope some of this babble has helped.