Out of state annual pass holders

[Tip Top Club Resident]

We live in Michigan and have out-of-state APs (for both Disney and Universal). We at least do 2 separate 10-day trips each year (usually will do 7 nights at WDW each trip) so the math definitely makes sense for us. I just view the merch and dining discount as an added bonus. We're also DVC members, which is really the main reason we go so often. The more I can go to theme parks AND escape these winters, the better

 

[mitchk]

We live in Michigan and have out-of-state APs (for both Disney and Universal). We at least do 2 separate 10-day trips each year (usually will do 7 nights at WDW each trip) so the math definitely makes sense for us. I just view the merch and dining discount as an added bonus. We're also DVC members, which is really the main reason we go so often. The more I can go to theme parks AND escape these winters, the better

I hear you loud and clear on getting away for the cold weather… It gets pretty chilly here in Jersey… We are not DVC members.. although we definitely could’ve been when I would’ve bought back in the early 2000s when they were gone for like 7000 apiece but besides that… Thank you for your input. I truly appreciate it and I hope you have a magical day. thank you so much. Take care.

 

[Doberge]

We would definitely be going more than once… I just don’t want it to become a thing where we feel like we have to go because we bought those

I don't think that's really a problem because it's easy enough to mitigate. If you don't have a trip planned within about two months of letting the AP expire then just don't renew it, and before next trip think about if you really think you'd go again within a year of new AP. If likely yes then get a new AP. If not then get day tickets again, and if later changing mind you should be able to upgrade to AP before last ticket day.

 

[mitchk]

I don't think that's really a problem because it's easy enough to mitigate. If you don't have a trip planned within about two months of letting the AP expire then just don't renew it, and before next trip think about if you really think you'd go again within a year of new AP. If likely yes then get a new AP. If not then get day tickets again, and if later changing mind you should be able to upgrade to AP before last ticket day.

Very true thank you so much. have a Magical day. Thank you again.

 

[Basil of Baker Street]

To add on the suggestion above, if you get the AP and opt for photo pass, only get it on 1 AP then use the MB tied to the Photopass AP on touch points. That will save you a couple of bucks.

 

[Raxel7851]

To add on the suggestion above, if you get the AP and opt for photo pass, only get it on 1 AP then use the MB tied to the Photopass AP on touch points. That will save you a couple of bucks.

That’s a great idea! We tried that for the first time last year. It worked out well. We did it again this year when we renewed.

 

[StarWarsGirl]

I have both a WDW AP and a DL Magic Key. I live in Maryland.

These are factors I think you should consider:
1. Flight costs: I can get to California actually fairly easily. We can get non-stops to LAX, Long Beach, and Ontario. We can also get red eyes out of LAX. This is a relatively new thing and was a deciding factor; it used to be much harder because we had to stop and basically the option was LAX. For Orlando, we have 10-12 non-stops per day. I'm also only about 40 minutes away from BWI, and it's an easy airport. I have two airline credit cards so I can reduce my costs for flights. If you find you can't easily get down to Orlando or you're like "NO! NOT THAT AIRPORT!" Factor that into your decision.
2. Compare how much you pay for tickets verses the price of an AP. For me, I bought a DL MK because they only sell five day tickets and they offer 25% off LLs for Magic Key holders. I think my last tickets were over $700 discounted from Undercover Tourist. When I did the math, between additional discounts, choosing not to do LL if there's a lower crowd day but buying it with the discount when I choose, and other additional discounts I couldn't get with just my Disney Visa, it was worth it.
3. Factor in discounts. I booked a room only discount on my AP in January; however, my bounce back rate was better than an AP rate would be for my upcoming trip. But the 20% merchandise discount is helpful. They also do 10% off sit-down restaurants. Disney does surprise increased discounts, which is nice, but can make it harder to plan.
4. I do like that I can go into the park for a few hours and not worry about using an entire day on a pass.

 

[arich35]

We had them previously and let them expire because dates just didn't match up. I wish they let you renew and they activate them again the first time you go.

If you are DVC and already paid in to get rooms and you get the discounted passes it makes more sense IMO, which is what we have done

We are really thinking about getting them again for our upcoming trip starting in December, we will be there for 7 or 8 days in December. Originally we were going to get 3 day park hoppers for the 4 of us and have more resort days and go to a party. It was going to cost my wife and I $664 for 3 day park hopper plus water park, annual pass is $1,150 plus we would get the $75 gift card. So now if we go again before they expire it more than pays for itself and now we will get to go into the parks 5-6 days plus the holiday party. My daughter and I will go down for 3 nights in March plus hopefully another family vacation in October or November

 

[mitchk]

To add on the suggestion above, if you get the AP and opt for photo pass, only get it on 1 AP then use the MB tied to the Photopass AP on touch points. That will save you a couple of bucks.

That’s a really good tip thank you so much

 

[mitchk]

I have both a WDW AP and a DL Magic Key. I live in Maryland.

These are factors I think you should consider:
1. Flight costs: I can get to California actually fairly easily. We can get non-stops to LAX, Long Beach, and Ontario. We can also get red eyes out of LAX. This is a relatively new thing and was a deciding factor; it used to be much harder because we had to stop and basically the option was LAX. For Orlando, we have 10-12 non-stops per day. I'm also only about 40 minutes away from BWI, and it's an easy airport. I have two airline credit cards so I can reduce my costs for flights. If you find you can't easily get down to Orlando or you're like "NO! NOT THAT AIRPORT!" Factor that into your decision.
2. Compare how much you pay for tickets verses the price of an AP. For me, I bought a DL MK because they only sell five day tickets and they offer 25% off LLs for Magic Key holders. I think my last tickets were over $700 discounted from Undercover Tourist. When I did the math, between additional discounts, choosing not to do LL if there's a lower crowd day but buying it with the discount when I choose, and other additional discounts I couldn't get with just my Disney Visa, it was worth it.
3. Factor in discounts. I booked a room only discount on my AP in January; however, my bounce back rate was better than an AP rate would be for my upcoming trip. But the 20% merchandise discount is helpful. They also do 10% off sit-down restaurants. Disney does surprise increased discounts, which is nice, but can make it harder to plan.
4. I do like that I can go into the park for a few hours and not worry about using an entire day on a pass.

Thank you for all the information. I truly appreciate it. Have a magical day.

 

[mitchk]

We had them previously and let them expire because dates just didn't match up. I wish they let you renew and they activate them again the first time you go.

If you are DVC and already paid in to get rooms and you get the discounted passes it makes more sense IMO, which is what we have done

We are really thinking about getting them again for our upcoming trip starting in December, we will be there for 7 or 8 days in December. Originally we were going to get 3 day park hoppers for the 4 of us and have more resort days and go to a party. It was going to cost my wife and I $664 for 3 day park hopper plus water park, annual pass is $1,150 plus we would get the $75 gift card. So now if we go again before they expire it more than pays for itself and now we will get to go into the parks 5-6 days plus the holiday party. My daughter and I will go down for 3 nights in March plus hopefully another family vacation in October or November

Thank you for your input. This is gonna be a really tough decision… Thank you again have a magical day.