What's the cheapest way I can renew my AP?

[travelbug]

I've never renewed an AP before, and I'm confused on how I can renew it most cheaply. Can anyone help explain it to me?

My AP expires on Dec. 29. I'll be down there Dec. 26-Jan. 4, so I can renew it in person if that's the best way. I understand that the price for an AP renewal is cheaper than for a new AP. But can I save any additional money with my DC card, which doesn't expire till Dec. 31? Or can I buy a renewal voucher ahead of time at a Disney Store and save any money that way? It all seems a little confusing, but I'd love to save every penny possible.

Another question: If I show up at customer relations earlier than Dec. 29, maybe on a day when I have more time, can I renew the pass a few days early and still not have it take effect till Dec. 30?

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[Kaa]

About a month prior to expiration, Disney will send you a notice that your passes are going to expire and offer the renewal rate with the Disney Club discount. You can follow the instructions on that notice to renew your passes and the start date will be 12/30.

 

[travelbug]

Hi, Kaa! Thanks for the speedy and helpful reply. That sounds great. Do you know offhand what percent or $ amount gets knocked off with my DC card?

I appreciate your help!

 

[GoldenOldie]

travelbug,

What you wish to do is definitely possible and in fact preferable. Just bring your expiring AP and your DC card to any Guest Relations window/office. If you do the transaction on Dec. 27, your expiration date will still remain Dec. 29, 2004.

AP Adult Renewal:

$350.39 - full undiscounted renewal price
$339.74 - DC renewal

 

[travelbug]

Thanks, GoldenOldie! Those savings sound real good.

Do you think it's better to renew in person instead of the way Disney suggests when they send out renewal reminders? (Not sure if that way is by phone, internet, mail, or what)

Thanks again for your help!

 

[GoldenOldie]

Originally posted by travelbug
...Do you think it's better to renew in person instead of the way Disney suggests when they send out renewal reminders?
...

IMHO, it's always better to do it in person.

 

[JC Butterfly]

Travelbug-

Forgive me for imposing on your thread a bit here, but your question got me wondering . . . .

I have never had an annual pass before and I will be activating it for the first time when I go in October.

How far in advance can you renew your pass?

For example, would it be possible for me to renew it at the end of my trip (activate it for the first time on the 12th of October, renew it for an additional year on the 17th of October). I suppose it's crazy to do it that way, but since the price of annual passes keeps increasing . . . that would seem like another way to save some money!

Brenda

 

[Kitster]

Our AP's expire tomorrow and we have yet to receive any form of renewal notice from WDW. I asked at Guest Relations last week and they gave me the standard "call this number' spiel.....no help at all. We're just going to let the darned things expire and get new AP's during our September visit. I still have an active DC account, so we should still be able to receive a discount. If not, I'll just buy them online before we leave.

 

[GoldenOldie]

Originally posted by JC Butterfly
...How far in advance can you renew your pass?

For example, would it be possible for me to renew it at the end of my trip (activate it for the first time on the 12th of October, renew it for an additional year on the 17th of October)....

No, you won't be allowed to do that. I'm not 100% certain of the exact date that they will allow you to pay for a renewal but 4-6 weeks prior to the expiration date rings a bell. But you definitely cannot renew it a week after you activate your first pass.

 

[travelbug]

JCButterfly - You didn't impose on this thread at all. You asked a very good question.

Kitster - Thanks for the tip. I think I'll just plan to renew my AP in person since I'll be at WDW when it expires anyway.

GoldenOldie - Thanks again for your very helpful replies.