What's the breakeven foor an AP?

[jmpellet]

What would be the breakeven point for purchasing an AP to get a room discount? Are there always AP discounts at all three resorts -- like in July? Is the discount worth it?

Can you purchase any of the AP products and get the AP discount -- like to 2 park power pass?

 

[t-and-a]

It all depends on the discount for the time of year that you stay on how long it takes to break even. In June 2006, we stayed saved around $100/night. So we broke even the first night, if you consider that the difference between the 7 day pass and the preferred AP is about $100. I can't tell you for sure if there will be APH discounts in July or not, but probably. The discounts are offered at all three onsite hotels. The Power Pass will not get you any discounts, you have to have the Preferred or Premier Annual pass to get discounts. You also get discounts on food and merchandise in the parks and a lot of places at CityWalk.

 

[bubba's mom]

Like t and a said, you don't get any discounts with the Power AP....we recommend you get the Preferred AP (not the Premier).... There are no blackout dates with the Preferred..so, you can use it in July. You only need 1 AP to get the discounts at shopping, hotel and dining...so, if it's more economical for your family to get the 7 day tickets for $86 do that and get 1 person an AP. The AP will get you free parking in the garage (if you continue to keep renewing it for $99), but you will still have to pay to park at the hotel. You are entitled to discounts at the hotels, restaurants and shopping.

 

[jmpellet]

So is it usually better to buy one preferred annual pass for the hotel discount typically or does AAA usually offer a better discount? It seems like the AP route is better.

Regarding the parking -- you have to pay for just the first visit and then it's free for the remaining? Could you leave your car for several days/nights at the UO/IoA parking garage? Has anyone ever done this?

 

[bubba's mom]

So is it usually better to buy one preferred annual pass for the hotel discount typically or does AAA usually offer a better discount? It seems like the AP route is better.

Weeellll....AP used to be better discounts, but they are pretty comparable now. For instance, last year, the AP rate at PBH (for my dates) was $2/nite cheaper than RPR. So, since they introduced the Premier AP, the Preferred took a little bump, and the discounts at the shops and dining are quite similiar...usually the hotels AAA is better...but the AP might beat it by a few bucks (or 20). Don't they have the buy 1 year get 1 year free on the AP still? If they do, you can't go wrong...you might as well get it....but, I can't tell you what to do...... AAA vs AP are rather close...AAA rates for hotels are usually out first before AP too......

Regarding the parking -- you have to pay for just the first visit and then it's free for the remaining? Could you leave your car for several days/nights at the UO/IoA parking garage? Has anyone ever done this?

Unfortunately, you can't leave your car parked in the garage....if there was a way, we would have found it by now You have to pay for each night at the hotel (currently $12-$15/nite)...so, your best bet, if staying onsite and not going anywhere while staying there, is to get a cab or car service..... I know, it sux to pay to park, we all agree, but what can we do

 

[jdm]

So, just to clarify. You do not get free self-parking with the annual pass? I thought I read last night that it was one of the benefits at the resort hotels. I was going to figure that in when making the decision as to whether to get one or not.

Jenn

 

[jmpellet]

No, I think its just at the parks. And I thought that parking at the parks would be a possible good loophole but of course others would have thought of that Still waiting on the AAA rate. I don't think the B1G1 AP deal is still available -- unless any could confirm?? I don't see it on their site anymore.

We are making it a long trip at several locations including Horizons (timeshare promo), Vistana Villages (timeshare promo), Nick Hotel (many HI points), and Universal -- woohoo two long weeks of fun -- so we will definitely need a rental. I hate the thought of having to pay to park at the resort but the fotl is soooo worth it!!!

 

[bubba's mom]

So, just to clarify. You do not get free self-parking with the annual pass? I thought I read last night that it was one of the benefits at the resort hotels. I was going to figure that in when making the decision as to whether to get one or not.

Jenn

Just to clarify: you get free parking at the parking garage with AP....you still have to pay at the hotels (they are Loew's hotels...not Universal hotels...Loews just 'rents' the space )

I hate the thought of having to pay to park at the resort but the fotl is soooo worth it!!!

Absolutely