When should we buy our AP's?

[talie95]

We're going to DL next Sun and are planning on buying AP's. Sunday is a blockout day but I know that we can still use them on the first day we purchase them even though it's a blockout, correct? Now, can I buy them in advance at the Disney store here, or do I have to buy them that day at the ticket booths in order to be able to use them that day without paying the additional fee for a blockout day? Did that make sense? I would just like to buy them beforehand in order to save us some time that morning. Thanks!

 

[boiseflyfisher]

I could be wrong, but I don't think we were able to use our DAPs on a blocked date even if it was the first day. You can get around it by buying a one day park hopper, using it that day, then some time during the day stop into the the AP office and upgrade to an AP. The cost of your one day ticket you buy is applied to the AP price, so you aren't out any extra money.

 

[talie95]

I have heard a few people say that your AP is valid on the first day of purchase whether it's a blockout day or not. So I'm just not sure if the first day of purchase is considered to be the day you buy them or the day you first use them. So if we bought them early would we still be able to use them on that first day we are going? If not, then where is the AP office if we decide to buy a parkhopper and upgrade?

 

[boiseflyfisher]

When you enter Disneyland, go through the tunnel on the right. The AP office is the Bank, the first building on the right when you go through the tunnel.

 

[Mom2micayla]

You can use them on a blackout day if you purchase them that day.

But I'd suggest getting a parkhopper and upgrading. 2 main reason I say this... first, no worries about the blackout day on Sunday. Plus the AP "bank" is always crazy busy on weekends so upgrading it later is easier. But my main reason is b/c AP's do not have early entry like a parkhopper does. So I'd suggest getting a parkhopper (at least 3 days for the EE) and do early entry on monday. Monday is the first EE day available for your stay. Then later in the day on Monday, go and upgrade... ideally once the park is open to everyone and before you eat lunch. That way you only lose out on 1 day of possible food discounts. Of course it's up to you. But IMO EE is crucial if you want to ride Peter Pan without an hour long queue line, especially during the summer.

 

[talie95]

This is just a day trip we're taking so we would need to upgrade it that same day. I guess I'll just be better off buying the AP's when we get there so we don't have to wait to upgrade them later in the day. I can just have my dh drop me off so I can buy them while he's parking the car. Thanks for the advice everyone!