Annual Pass or buy as I go?

[21stamps]

Also something to think about, the room discount for AP's is normally only 5% more then the general public discount, so nothing really spectacular. There are several travel agents (just shop around) that offer exclusive rates at Disney resorts just for booking with them that beat any general public/AP offer.

The problem that I've seen with the travel agency is that their "specials" are only for certain room types. I did the math last year on if I would have upgraded to an AP from an 8 day ticket and received an extra 5% off. I think it would have still saved around 300 dollars on the trip after paying the difference. Not a lot, but does have the advantage of the option to return if you want.

 

[dreamfinder]

I guess all I'm really interested in is if it makes sense to buy an AP over hoppers...at the VERY LEAST, I plan on spending 10 days in the parks in 2017...possibly up to 12-13

Do the math. Platinum AP costs $797.69. 5 day MYW PH is $435.59, so 2 5 day MYW PH would cost you $870, so more than the AP. But 2 5 day MYW would only be $725ish, so less than the AP. Other combinations (4/6 days, 3/7 etc) will vary as well.

But then depending on other things, having an AP may not necessarily work out in your favor. If you have a party of 4 in a moderate with free dining and the required tickets, the savings of free dining may be more than if you had an AP and only got a room discount. Every situation will vary slightly, so it's best for you to figure out exactly what you have and see how it works out for you.

 

[MickeyMomV]

I guess all I'm really interested in is if it makes sense to buy an AP over hoppers...at the VERY LEAST, I plan on spending 10 days in the parks in 2017...possibly up to 12-13

Are you going 1 long trip or 2 or more short trips? If you are doing 1 long trip keep in mind that US residents can only get a 10 day max ticket then you have to buy another new ticket. Non-residents can get up to a 14 day ticket. As @dreamfinder stated if you are doing 2 trips you will have to do the math and see what works out better. 3 or more trips the AP will be your best bet.

As for the original question goes, as others have stated, you just need to run the numbers and see what is cheaper. Last year we did a 6 day trip with PH and then did a 2 day trip with no PH. I had the cast member doing our reservation run it both ways (with normal park tickets and room only discount and with annual passes with the annual passholder room discount) and we ended up saving about $100 without the annual passes. It may have been a more break even point if we purchase a lot of merchandise but we don't. If I remember correctly they said if we added another day or two it would be better to get the AP's.

 

[JimW]

Do you drive a vehicle to any of the parks? My wife and I typically stay off-property and tend to drive ourselves, so for us, the free parking is a great added benefit of being AP holders.

 

[smartmouse]

Why would you buy an AP for your mom if she is only going on the first trip? I'm going in October and next year in March I have an AP. My husband is only going in October so we got him a 6 day PH. Some other things to consider when figuring out the cost. Are you staying on site? If you are staying off site parking is free with the AP. Currently the PhotoPass is included with the AP. And I admit it I'm one of those people who spend too much on souvenirs, usually some kind of jewelry. A couple of charms and pair of earrings adds p quickly so the 10% discount helps.

The reason I was considering buying AP for my mom is that she would likely be going back for the larger family trip in May 2018.

We stay on property with out a rental car so parking wouldn't be a factor in my calculations.

I forgot that photopass is included in the AP! I always order photopass so between that and TiW it may be a good idea to do the AP. Even if I only end up doing one for myself (which is not something I had even thought about).

As usual, everyone here is such a great help. I truly appreciate everyone's suggestions.

Thank you!

 

[draybook]

The problem with people saying, "you get a discount on merchandise" is that it's not SAVING you money, it just means you have to spend more money to "think" you're saving. Counting a merchandise discount as a reason to buy an AP is not valid, as not everyone plans on buying merchandise. This decision should strictly be based on how many days you plan on being IN the parks.

 

[Minnesota disney fan]

The reason I was considering buying AP for my mom is that she would likely be going back for the larger family trip in May 2018.

We stay on property with out a rental car so parking wouldn't be a factor in my calculations.

I forgot that photopass is included in the AP! I always order photopass so between that and TiW it may be a good idea to do the AP. Even if I only end up doing one for myself (which is not something I had even thought about).

As usual, everyone here is such a great help. I truly appreciate everyone's suggestions.

Thank you!

I hope this is not a "dumb" question, but I notice people saying something about only buying one AP ticket, even if other members of the family are going with them. Does this mean that if only one person in the family buys an AP, all the members get the benefits of the one member? That is the way it seems to read to me? Thanks so much, as I am thinking about AP too.

 

[Master Yoda]

I hope this is not a "dumb" question, but I notice people saying something about only buying one AP ticket, even if other members of the family are going with them. Does this mean that if only one person in the family buys an AP, all the members get the benefits of the one member? That is the way it seems to read to me? Thanks so much, as I am thinking about AP too.

To a point.

You can book multiple rooms with a single AP, get everyone in the same car free parking, buy merchandise at a discount for others, etc.

About the only benefit that can't be extended to another person is park admission and the ability to get a TiWL card.

 

[Minnesota disney fan]

To a point.

You can book multiple rooms with a single AP, get everyone in the same car free parking, buy merchandise at a discount for others, etc.

About the only benefit that can't be extended to another person is park admission and the ability to get a TiWL card.

I get it now! Thanks, Master Yoda

 

[Ol' Br'er Fox]

I would think an annual pass would be a better deal.

 

[Mickey5150]

honestly if you are going twice then having the AP and getting Memory Maker for free is completely worth it. At minimum 1 member of your party should have an AP if you are going twice in a year. This is Disney, Memory Maker is worth it.

 

[parkhopper1213]

I agree, if you think you will be going to WDW twice in a year then the Annual Pass should pay for itself. While you at WDW using your current pass you can upgrade to an Annual Pass. The Customer Service Agents at the main gates can tell you the price difference.

There are some savings if you stay at a resort or use it for shopping discounts. Dining savings are minimal. But having the pass gives you the freedom to stay as long as you want. Before we had the pass, maybe I would buy a 5-6 day parkhopper and wonder what to do on the one day we don't have passes. We are lucky to use our passes 2 to 3 times a year and stay 7-10 days. I think the biggest expense of our trip has always been the park passes. Now its a non-issue.