Question Regarding AP's

[crazygirley]

We are going down to WDW in July and we plan on buying AP's, however we want to use the AP discounts for AKL. We plan on making reservations after in January. Can you buy AP's and then activate them when you get to WDW, or are they activated upon purchase? Also, can we make reservations and then update them once the AP codes come out on the basis that we plan on purchasing them upon arrival, or do you have to already have AP's before you can use the codes? We don't want to but them in January when we won't be using them until July, but at the same time, we want to use the codes when they come out. How does it work?

 

[DisneyPhD]

Hi crazygirley :wave:

I am not the AP expert, but I think I can help. You do not need to buy your annual passes now. You can buy them before hand and then activate them when you get there. You will need them, or at least the vocher for them at check in (just one, not every member needs one.) I have heard of people checking in, and then coming back with the AP once going to the park to get the rate.

I think you can make ressivations now, and change them if you can get a better deal later. The AP codes don't tend to go out until a few months before, so maybe in April they might have some. Also it is not garented (sp?) that there will be AP rates (exspecailly in the summer months). So it is kinda a gamble. Check mousesavers.com every so offten to see.

We have AP this year (3 trips in 12 months) but since we are DVC members we only used the codes once, (for a night out at AKL for our aniversary.) I thought it was a really good deal, 120 a night. (that was in Aug 2003)

One word from experince, bring your ID with you to the park when you go to activate them, you will need it.

 

[s25843]

Hi,
Check out www.wdwpassholder.com for some info.

AP rates are not guarenteed to be released for June, and if you book now, if there is availability 99% of the time you can apply an AP code to a ressie once they come out.

If you purchase the AP at the Disney Store, or online at Disneyworld.com you will get a plastic voucher that you can take to the parks and get it activated, however doing it this way costs the same, and I recommend that you just wait and buy the AP at the parks.

 

[crazygirley]

Thanks, PhD. I figured that was what the answer would be, but had to ask. How are you doing?

 

[DisneyPhD]

Doing good, getting used to being at home full time. I don't feel sick yet (morning sickness) but I have zero engery. In fact I even decided to take up a little caffine again, I am much happier that way. Still a bit concerned about being 8 weeks pregnant at WDW, but I am trying to be positive. I figure if I have to feel this way, what better place to be but my favorite in the whole world. Besides there is lots of fun stuff to eat there. :slurp: Also getting away form the cold should be good too. (less then 2 weeks to go now!) Little PhD is so excited about it, she is more excited about goingt WDW then Christmas.

Take care.

Mrs. PhD.

 

[wannabeBelle]

Hey there!!! I know when you purchase an AP they give you a voucher that will become your active AP when you activate it. From then on your AP will always renew on your expiration date. I am not sure about the particulars regarding showing the AP however I will foward this thread to our own Kingdom Konsultant, Pam, who I am sure will have the correct answer as she is a Disney Specialist/ Travel Agent!! Belle

 

[lens300]

The good thing about buying ahead of time is there may be a price increase before you get there.

 

[Gucci65]

I booked a room using an AP discount back in October for last week. I bought my AP two days before leaving. I had to stop at Epcot (closest to my resort) on the way in so I could get it activated before checkin. The whole process took 5 minutes.

 

[Moustronaut]

I purchased an AP exchange card (or whatever its called) at my local Disney Store this past July. Made a AP discount room reservation for November in late August at Dolphin and Coronado Springs.

Checked into the Dolphin, then got my pass activated. Next day checked into Coronado Springs...

Not once did anyone at the resorts ask to see my pass to verify I really had one.

 

[crazygirley]

Originally posted by Moustronaut
Not once did anyone at the resorts ask to see my pass to verify I really had one.

Cool...but I seriously am getting an AP. Good to know they don't care, though!

 

[wannabeBelle]

Only sometimes though!!! I have used the AP discount a ton of times I only got askd to see the actual pass once or twice, however if you cant produce it I think they can charge you full rack rates for the room!!! OUCH!!!! Belle

 

[Kingdom Konsultant]

Originally posted by wannabeBelle
Only sometimes though!!! I have used the AP discount a ton of times I only got askd to see the actual pass once or twice, however if you cant produce it I think they can charge you full rack rates for the room!!! OUCH!!!! Belle

This is true. If you do not have it when they ask to see it, they will indeed charge you full rack rate.

Pam

 

[epcotfan]

I've always been asked to show mine when I check in.

 

[Woody13]

Originally posted by lens300
The good thing about buying ahead of time is there may be a price increase before you get there.

BINGO! Buy the voucher now just in case they rasie the price. Also, at check-in, they seldom ask to see your AP but they will honor either a voucher or an AP. :animwink:

 

[wdwforus]

How much did anyone save on their vacation( room, tickets, package, shopping) by buying the pass? I am starting to plan our 2005 trip( never too early to start) and am looking for all the angles. Thanks.

 

[all41]

When do the 2004 "benefits" for the AP come out? The AP I got in 2003 says that "Benefits Expire January 1, 2004". Of course the AP is still valid but the discounts, etc. can change and HOPEFULLY maybe even improve.

 

[wannabeBelle]

Hey there, The usual discount on the room only is about 36% off the rack rate. Remember this discount doesnt include tickets and an AP will not get you any discount on tickets for other people in your party either. There are several ways to go in terms of discounts, but your best source of information on these boards is Pam her name on the boards is Kingdom Konsultant and she is a Disney Specialist Travel Agent. Travel Agents sometimes get notice of specials that we have no idea about. Either PM her or contact her through her ad located on the main page for WDWMagic!! Good luck!! Belle

 

[Kingdom Konsultant]

Belle is correct. That is about the average percentage that you will save. The maximum discount has always been up to 45% off of your room.
Please keep in mind that depending on the CM at the counter... they may or may not accept the voucher as proof. There are CM's that insist on the actual AP in order to get the discounted room. If you have someone who insists on the actual AP and you only have the voucher, they will charge you rack rate if you cannot produce it.
Better safe than sorry. Get it activated before check in.
Pam

 

[all41]

I've seen the room discounts as very spotty this last year.

But I'm more interesting in the "official" listing of non-room type benefits. Like the 10% off lunch at Epcot during the week and World of Disney 10% discount at Downtown Disney. Those all "expired" on January 1st. Wondering when the list of ALL discounts for 2004 will be released.

 

[wdwforus]

Originally posted by all41
I've seen the room discounts as very spotty this last year.

But I'm more interesting in the "official" listing of non-room type benefits. Like the 10% off lunch at Epcot during the week and World of Disney 10% discount at Downtown Disney. Those all "expired" on January 1st. Wondering when the list of ALL discounts for 2004 will be released.

I think it was on Mousesavers that they said the discount applies as long as the pass is active for whatever discount was available when you activated it. I might be wrong but it was something like that.