Which Package Ticket to Purchase for AP Upgrade

[MatheMagicLand]

I'm trying to plan which room/ticket package to purchase to get the best value when we upgrade to an AP after we get there.

After running through the numbers for a few different scenarios (2-Day tix, 7-Day tix, 10-Day tix, each with Hopper, Water Park Fun & More, and both), it looks like the 2-Day base ticket is the cheapest way to purchase after upgrade pricing.

We will get free dining during our trip, and I was wondering if I'm missing something. Is it generally the best strategy to purchase a ticket with the minimum number of days, if you're planning to upgrade to an AP?

 

[Robo]

I'm trying to plan which room/ticket package to purchase to get the best value when we upgrade to an AP after we get there.

After running through the numbers for a few different scenarios (2-Day tix, 7-Day tix, 10-Day tix, each with Hopper, Water Park Fun & More, and both), it looks like the 2-Day base ticket is the cheapest way to purchase after upgrade pricing.

We will get free dining during our trip, and I was wondering if I'm missing something. Is it generally the best strategy to purchase a ticket with the minimum number of days, if you're planning to upgrade to an AP?

If you want to SAVE on an AP upgrade… instead of buying "package tickets" from WDW,
buy tickets from a WDW authorized ticket reseller/discounter.

First, find the absolute best deal you can on a multi-day MYW ticket from a reputable WDW ticket discounter.

You will want to choose a ticket to buy from the discounter that offers the most savings, but only on a ticket that costs
(at the WDW gate) LESS than an AP.

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Here are some popular, reliable links for info and/or tickets:

http://www.mousesavers.com

http://www.undercovertourist.com

http://www.ticketmania.com

http://www.mapleleaftickets.com

And, AAA travel offices can often be a good source.
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Buy your MYW ticket from the discounter.
(Likely the best deal will be on a ticket with a larger number of days on it.)

When you get to WDW, USE your discounted ticket to go into a THEME PARK at least one time
BEFORE you do the upgrade.

THEN, go to any Guest Relations or Ticket Window at the park, TTC, or DTD.

Upgrade to an AP.

Since you have USED a day of your discounted ticket, you will receive the CURRENT GATE PRICE when you trade in your discounted ticket.

So...

You will get to "keep the discount" you got on the MYW ticket, but you will then be buying an AP as if you had paid full current gate price for the MYW you are trading-in.

Make SURE that you KNOW exactly what you should be paying for the upgrade.
If the CM does not offer that price, nicely ask for your tickets back and go to another
ticket booth or Guest Relations.

 

[MatheMagicLand]

So I found a problem in my calculations. I was only adding in the upgrade for the APs for one of us, instead of all three. Correcting this made the total price (Package + Upgrade) exactly the same plus or minus a penny.

If you want to SAVE on an AP upgrade… instead of buying "package tickets" from WDW,
buy tickets from a WDW authorized ticket reseller/discounter.

Ok, so I ran through some more numbers doing this, and the difference it's about $650 less for a room-only reservation, and buying tickets from Undercover Tourist. But I don't think I can feed my family for 10 days for $650, so I think the package is probably a better deal.

Thanks for your feedback, Robo!