when is an AP worth it!!(w/DVC Discount)

[Pa@okw95]

You must also factor into your purchase the question do you want to go to the parks everyday. I don't but because we will be down there for about 25 days this year, I will get one more than likely. If I were only going to be down there for 10 days or less, I would not, because I have no desire to go to the parks everyday.

 

[NMW]

Please correct me if I'm wrong??

I plan to order the new discounted APP vouchers in Jan 05 for use in 06.

They take effect when you use them.....Right??

Will be going home on 3 seperate trips in 2006, about 18 days total, with extended family (for their first time..Ya-Hoo)!

So..yes.. this will certainly be a "big" savings for me!

It is my understanding that they take effect the day you activate the vouchers. Then, they are good 365 days from that day.

 

[pplasky]

The pluses on the parkhoppers does not allow DQ as a plus option.

Sorry, you're right, my DH said we pay for DQ separately.

 

[ILuvDVC2]

Frankly, I just want to be able to hop into a park without using an entire day on my Park Hopper. With an AP, I plan to run in to Epcot for dinner even if I didn't go to any other park all day. That's what our friends with APs do now, and when we traveled with them before we skipped a couple of meals not to lose a day.

 

[RoyalCanadian]

The All Ears AP/PAP Break Even Chart now includes calculations for the DVC Discount. A 5 day adult PHP takes 5.39 days to equal the cost of the discounted AP, while the 6 day adult PHP exceeds the cost of the AP. The 6 day child PHP takes 6.15 days to equal the cost of the AP.

While the AP doesn't include the plus features, others are quite right in suggesting that one should include the potential discounts in calculating the cost efficiency of purchasing an Annual Pass -- whether that Annual Pass is purchased using the DVC Discount or not. Remember, it only takes 1 AP to get the discount for the entire party. The 10%-20% discount at some restaurants and the WOD discount could certainly make buying an AP for even 5 days of park visits a cost efficient purchase.

 

[WithDisneySpirit]

I would wait on the PAP or AP's until your family trip! I would consider purchasing a 5 day PHP and use the plus's for entry into PI. I'm not qualified to answer the last question

HTH,
Lisa

 

[rsschneck]

I would wait until your kids joined you to start your AP's. For your December trip I would consider PH passes. Figure out if you are for sure going to be in the parks for 5 days and if you will for sure be going to PI. If the answer is yes then purchasing a LOS when you check in at home might be your best option. There are a few places to purchased discount tickets online.

I would hate to start an riot with the AP discount. I will just say do whatever you feel comfortable with. You will not be in the room for very long. You could check into an All Star or Pop (check rates) or if you haven't stayed at the Orlando Airports Hyatt it is very nice and SO convenient. I know how long the flight is from PDX and a nice comfortable bed around 10:00 would sure be nice. Just get your bags, check-in and off to sleep you go.

I would definately buy AP's for 2005 (good use of days). With older kids I am sure you will use the water parks, DQ and PI.

Have fun! Nice to see you back on the boards. I will be planning another DISmeet maybe in February!

Roxann

 

[mtmona]

Does anyone take into account the lowered cost of renewing the AP or PAP? We have never bought either, but with the discount, does the renewal savings factor in, as long as you are going again the next year?

 

[LeftCoaster]

Does anyone take into account the lowered cost of renewing the AP or PAP? We have never bought either, but with the discount, does the renewal savings factor in, as long as you are going again the next year?

It depends on how soon you plan a return trip to the parks. Someone will come up with an actual calculation but here's the general rule of thumb. If you're next trip to the parks is a month or more away from the expiration date of your AP, then you don't want to renew. Just buy a new AP at the slightly higher price. The reason being is the expiration date for your AP.
Here's a recent example for me.

March '03, bought an AP and used it for March '03, Sept. '03, and Feb. '04.
Pass expired in March '04.
OCtober '04 bought a new pass and used it for Oct; '04 and will use it for Feb. 05, and October '05. I will not need a new AP until Spring '06.

 

[FLYNZ4]

Have fun! Nice to see you back on the boards. I will be planning another DISmeet maybe in February!
Roxann

Hi Roxanne,

Thanks for the tips. I guess I need to check the price difference between a 5day PHP, and a 5 day UPH w/discount. I suspect the prices will be pretty close.

I hope that we are around for the next get together. We are usually more available during the week, than the weekends.

/Jim

 

[Caskbill]

Just to clarify, APs are good for 366 days, not 365. In other words if you purchase an AP on Jan 2, 2004, you can use it that day, and you can use it all the way through, and including Jan 2, 2005.

If it's a leap year, you'll actually get 367 days usage. (For those of you planning your 2008 vacations.... )

 

[Jennyvelaz]

So all this information...but where to buy the AP with the DVC discount?

 

[RobDoc]

So all this information...but where to buy the AP with the DVC discount?

The discounted APs may be purchased at dvcmember.com (you'll get a voucher to redeem at a Theme Park) or at Guest Services at any Theme Park. You will need your blue DVC Membership card and a photo ID.

Enjoy!

 

[disworldnum1]

We bought out first AP in August 03 and used it for 2 weeks then again in april 04 for 1 week and then again in july 04 for 2 weeks. We usually stay at BWV and purchase the lenght of stay passes but found since we knew we would be back before the year was up to buy the ap's.We always go to the waterparks and DQ so the extras mean alot to us.Even without the discount it's a great deal and money saver.I don't know why we had never thought about it sooner.We will definitly buy the ap's when we get to Disney for our next visit.