Needing Annual Passes Advice

[jewils]

Hi there
Our family will be in DW this December 2009 (6 nights), and then will be back in October 2010 (6 or 7 nights). I'm considering an Annual Pass, seems that it will save us around $300. But we won't be able to visit again before it expires and we won't be staying longer due to pulling the kids out of school, so I'm wondering if it's worth it. I know there are some discounts that go along with having an AP. But if I want to do a package discount or bounceback for our 2010 trip, won't we all have to buy 1 day tickets with the package to get those package rates?

I'm just confused if there's a real benefit and trying to avoid any gotchas with future trip discounts.

Thanks!

 

[dreamfinder]

You may get caught for the 1 day ticket minimum for a bounce back. BUT, if you do, just save em for the next trip. You don't need to use them at that point. Save em all, and then trade them in towards season passes in 2011 or whenever you go back again.

 

[Master Yoda]

It is always kind of a gamble but I would say that it would be worth it in the long run. While AP resort rates are not guaranteed they are almost always available especially during the months you mentioned. Most promotions wind up being a wash when compared to AP room discounts plus you have considerably more freedom with them (ie 4/3 offer...you had to book 7 days with an AP rate you can book as little as one). The only exception that comes to mind that consistently beats the AP rate is free dining but the value of free dining can vary quite a bit depending on resort level and party size.

An AP also has several other perks that will offset costs such as merchandise and dining discounts, TiWL membership eligibility, free parking, etc.

 

[ClemsonTigger]

Not sure if I'm understanding the question properly, but just from a ticket cost perspective, the break even point is about 10 days, so with you confirmed at 12-15 days in the same calendar year, you would be ahead for ticket cost alone.

As Master Yoda said, while discounts are not assured, they have been available during those times for many years now. And while nothing beats the free dining promotion, when available, I get a lot of use and value out of my Tables in Wonderland card.

 

[durangojim]

As far as I remember, there is no ticket requirement for a bounce back. If you have an AP and you book a room at an AP rate (for up to 41% off sometimes) then you can always add the dining plan on top of that. If we think we're going to be at WDW for more than 8 days in a year, the AP is definately worth it. If you buy the AP in December it will still be good in October of the next year and you're all set. I see no reason not to purchase it, additionally you can then buy a Tables in Wonderland card giving you 20% off your meals at many restaurants at WDW. It's a win/win situation.

 

[durangojim]

Not sure if I'm understanding the question properly, but just from a ticket cost perspective, the break even point is about 10 days, so with you confirmed at 12-15 days in the same calendar year, you would be ahead for ticket cost alone.

As Master Yoda said, while discounts are not assured, they have been available during those times for many years now. And while nothing beats the free dining promotion, when available, I get a lot of use and value out of my Tables in Wonderland card.

Break even point depends on where you're staying as well. If you stay at mainly deluxes, the amount you save will add up more quickly than if you stay at moderates or values. That is assuming they continue to have good AP discounts (I have no reason to believe they won't given the state of the economy).

 

[Master Yoda]

As far as I remember, there is no ticket requirement for a bounce back. If you have an AP and you book a room at an AP rate (for up to 41% off sometimes) then you can always add the dining plan on top of that. If we think we're going to be at WDW for more than 8 days in a year, the AP is definately worth it. If you buy the AP in December it will still be good in October of the next year and you're all set. I see no reason not to purchase it, additionally you can then buy a Tables in Wonderland card giving you 20% off your meals at many restaurants at WDW. It's a win/win situation.

It depends on the offer. Quite frequently it is a discounted room only offer which does not require a ticket purchase but free dining bounce back requires a package booking requiring at least a one day ticket.

 

[durangojim]

It depends on the offer. Quite frequently it is a discounted room only offer which does not require a ticket purchase but free dining bounce back requires a package booking requiring at least a one day ticket.

Forgot about the free dining bounce back, as we've only used the room discount ones.