Annual Pass Purchase Advice

[all41]

I’m going May 13th and will have 2 other trips to WDW during the next year (total of 15 days) so the AP seems the way to go. I’ve only ever purchased Park Hopper or Ultimate Park Hopper passes during previous once a year visits.

Wondering what is the best method for purchasing Annual Pass?
Should I wait until I get on property to purchase the AP or buy it ahead of time?
Do you get a discount if you buy online vs. DisneyStore/WDW?

I’d like to keep the money in my pocket as long as possible, considering the cost of the AP. I’ve no need to “activate” early to get any discounts.

Love the forum!!

WDW here I come…May 13th
:sohappy: :sohappy:

 

[mhead]

I think the best route is to buy at the disney store. Then it is not activated until first used - however you will pay for it up front so keeping the money in your pocket is not an option - but you can order it a week or two ahead of time and your voucher SHOULD be in in time to go.

 

[DisneyPhD]

Hi, we were 1st AP buyers this past Feb 28 2003. We are also planning on making 2 trips over 12 months in order to use them. We waited until getting there to buy them since there is no bennift to getting them in advance (we are DVC members and don't need to room discounts.) My only advice is be sure to bring I.D. with you when you go bo buy them. We forgot ours and was able to get them, but the cast member broke a few rules in doing that.

The only discount I know of for AP is for FLA residents. You need be to able to prove this in order to get them.

Our next planned trip is not until Jan 2004. However I keep day dreaming about making an extra trip since we can get in the parks "free" anyway. We will see. Maybe a AP discount will be too good to pass up.


Good luck and have fun.

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

Im sure you still get a AP discount with the Disney club.

I ordered minre by phone then activated it at Down Town the evening we arrived. It took 15 mins or so, its not the thing you want to be doing at the park gate on a busy morning.

As for AP discounts on rooms I made bookings using the codes before i ever purchased my passes ,

 

[Becky]

Originally posted by DisneyPhD
[since there is no bennift to getting them in advance

That may or may not be true

Disney raises the prices of passes including the annual pass. once or twice a year.

In 2002 I paid about about $20 more for my AP than a friend who beat the increase by one day.

With current conditions Disney may not increase the AP price for awhile. My thought is order on-line and don't take the chance as banks will give you about 1-2% interest on your money and you are talking less than two months so you have to divide that by 6-12.

If you are going to pay credit card interest on the purchase then it is a different story.

Hey, it's only money. Spend it and enjoy your trip to WDW

I will be there May 17-24:sohappy: :wave: If you see me

 

[all41]

Its coming up faster than I think. Thank God for small favors.
I guess I'll just get them in my hot little hands.
Have a DisneyStore nearby. I'll check with them as to price and compare it to the online purchase.
Probably can't avoid the 15 minute hassel. Flying in late the night before and the AKL ticket area will probably be closed. Have to do it first thing in the AM.
Now I have to worry about E-Ride nites for May. Hoping to have one so I can experience it.

I'll watch for you Becky. I'll be the guy with 2 kids, if that helps.:slurp:

 

[Becky]

Originally posted by all41
[

I'll watch for you Becky. I'll be the guy with 2 kids, if that helps.:slurp: [/B]

I'll be easy to spot

I'll be the guest spending twice as much as I should but having ten times more fun than a person should be allowed to have.

 

[Bagheera]

If you're buying through the Disney Store, be aware that they usually do not stock APs, only hoppers. APs have to be ordered by the store and can take 1-3 weeks to come in. Check with the CMs at your store for normal lag time. If you have Disney Club, order them from DC via phone, and they'll be mailed and to you within a week or so, I think.

 

[wedance]

You might want to purchase them ahead of time, so you can take advantage of the passholder room discounts usually 40% off. Right now the're offering everyone that discount, but in the summer you'll probably need your pass to get the rate.

 

[hadleybarth]

We have had to get vouchers from the Disney store previously (and got them just before the September price increase--saved a little over $100 for the 5 of us).

When we chekced on the current Disney Club price for an AP for a friend who is comming on this trip--the CMs told us they have just started stocking the vouchers at the Disney Store (no more ordering in and crosssing your fingers that they will arrive in time).

Good luck and have fun.

 

[Badger Brent]

I noticed a new display in the Disney store the other week and it was stocked with adult and kids PH passes and AP vouchers. Hope this helps.

 

[Mitzer]

From what I have experienced, it is better to purchase it ahead of time and just activate it when you get to Disney. It takes a few weeks to get (about 10 days at the most I have experienced) and it is $3.00 for shipping fees. They don't activate the pass until you get to the parks and use it for the first time...which is great. (This only applies on new passes, not renewals...renewals activate as soon as the prior one expires). Plus, you can use your DC card (if you have one...and while they last) for additional discounts on AP. Just plan ahead, because it can take up to a few weeks to get your annual pass vouchure and you need it to get your pass at the entrance. Hope this helps you some and good luck...have a great trip!

 

[all41]

Originally posted by Mitzer
Just plan ahead, because it can take up to a few weeks to get your annual pass vouchure and you need it to get your pass at the entrance. Hope this helps you some and good luck...have a great trip!

If I'm staying at a resort and have the vouchure, can you get it activated at Guest relations? (Going to Animal Kingdom Lodge in May) I'd rather not wait in some line at the park but if that's what I have to do, I will.

 

[Mitzer]

You can't get them activate at the resorts, only at the ticket counters at the parks....at least this is what I know. I am not sure if you can get it done anywhere around DTD, but you might be able to at those ticket counters too. I just walk up and do it at the window at the front of the park I am going to. Only takes a few minutes, no biggie.

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

Originally posted by Mitzer
....at least this is what I know. I am not sure if you can get it done anywhere around DTD,

Yes you can at the guest relations on Westside. It took 10 mins to do two of us.

 

[Mitzer]

That is great to know...thanks. I haven't ever tried to do mine at DTD, but I figured you could somewhere (because of the ticket counters they have). I know you can't at the resorts themselves, but maybe one day...here is to wishing. It would make it alot easier on the guests, that is for sure.