What is the reasoning behind blackout dates for AP?

[F16_mama]

Does anyone know what the reasoning is for choosing dates that APholders are blocked out of (specifically Sat. May 10th)? I can understand certain holidays, but that Saturday seems random to me. Do they do that when they are expecting heavier crowds for non AP?

I don't have an AP, just curious.

Thanks,
Cricket

 

[disney4life77]

I don't know about that date specifically but it is used to reduce crowds. Like it is blacked out on some Holidays because they know they will have lots of people so it's just to reduce the crowds

 

[Girimama33]

All APs (except Premium) are blocked out on ALL Saturdays beginning early March through August.
It is in order to reduce crowds at least one day over the weekend.

 

[F16_mama]

I didn't realize it was ALL Saturdays. Thanks for pointing that out.

So AP holders can only go on one of those Saturdays if they are activating their pass that day, correct? My sister has one and will be at the parks that day with us, but she just renewed and hasn't been back yet.

Just want to make sure I understand.

 

[SMD]

I didn't realize it was ALL Saturdays. Thanks for pointing that out.

So AP holders can only go on one of those Saturdays if they are activating their pass that day, correct? My sister has one and will be at the parks that day with us, but she just renewed and hasn't been back yet.

Just want to make sure I understand.

If she bought a new pass and has a voucher than she hasn't redeemed yet, then yes, she can activate it and go in the parks. If she renewed an AP before it expired and was mailed her new pass, then no, she can't just use it for the first time and go in the parks. If it's the latter she will have to buy a blockout ticket or upgrade her pass.

 

[Girimama33]

I didn't realize it was ALL Saturdays. Thanks for pointing that out.

So AP holders can only go on one of those Saturdays if they are activating their pass that day, correct? My sister has one and will be at the parks that day with us, but she just renewed and hasn't been back yet.

Just want to make sure I understand.

There is a difference between activating a pass and renewing it. If she actually renewed it at the park, she could get in that day (although that policy may have changed). If she already renewed it, she will not be allowed in unless she purchased the Block Out ticket...unless she has a Premium AP.

 

[F16_mama]

I don't think she actually renewed it. She *may* have let last year's lapse then re-purchased. Is there a big savings with renewing vs. repurchasing after a lapse?

 

[kitayama]

If you are making payments, you need to pretty much purchase the first day and pay the first monthly payment if you let your pass lapse. If you renew, you just pay monthly payments until you pay off the pass and you get a 20% discount coupon for merchandise. (This coupon is worthless if you have a premium pass because you already get 20% off and it says you can not combine it with other discounts.)

 

[F16_mama]

If you are making payments, you need to pretty much purchase the first day and pay the first monthly payment if you let your pass lapse. If you renew, you just pay monthly payments until you pay off the pass and you get a 20% discount coupon for merchandise. (This coupon is worthless if you have a premium pass because you already get 20% off and it says you can not combine it with other discounts.)

Gotcha. Thanks!

 

[Girimama33]

I don't think she actually renewed it. She *may* have let last year's lapse then re-purchased. Is there a big savings with renewing vs. repurchasing after a lapse?

Did she let it lapse and then did she buy a new AP and has the voucher to activate?

You usually get a $20 discount if you renew the pass.