What are the advantages to getting an Annual Pass?

[DisneyDadof4]

My family goes to WDW about once a year. What is the advantage to getting an Annual Pass? We where thinking about buying into DVC but after reading about AP discounts it may be worth it for just the AP. I am very confused about the whole thing and need some help.:veryconfu

 

[surfsupdon]

We were lured into the AP world strictly for the discounts at Resorts, which are not always offered.

For example, we usually travel yearly around Christmas time when the rack rate for Yacht Club is 545/night for water view. The AP rate allows us to stay in the same room for about 169/night.

They are never guaranteed, but we have been fortunate to grab them when they do arise.

 

[imamouse]

If your travel dates are flexible, you can often snag an AP room-only discount, which as the previous posted explains, provides big savings. You can also order the Disney Dining Experience card (for $65) which saves you 20% on table service dining and a few counter service locations.

I bought my first AP in 2003 for an 8-day trip and it saved me so much money that I've renewed every year. Something else to consider is how many days you'll visit WDW during the term of your AP. I think the break-even point is seven days, so if you're going for a week or more it's a bonus to get the extra savings on room-only discounts.

 

[donniedisney]

you get a crappy paper ticket while all the other guest get durable credit cards.....

 

[Tim G]

you get a crappy paper ticket while all the other guest get durable credit cards.....

Those "crappy" paper tickets are more durable and more reliable, than the plastic ones you just mentioned. :lookaroun

 

[mousermerf]

No one gets a "credit" style ticket. They're cheap plastic and used for room keys - they're not durable at all. Nothing like credit cards.

I buy giftwrap that's more durable then those plastic cards.

 

[denrock]

Free Parking

If you have your own car, an Annual Pass will allow you free parking at the parks. $11 a day adds up!

 

[skeeder]

My husband and I are DVC members and get the discount on buying AP. AP discounts include:
1. 10% off of spa treatments at GF and SS.
2. 50% off of miniature golf at Fantasia Gardens and Mickey's Winter
Summerland for AP and I think up to 3 guests.
3. Discount on admission to Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon.
4. Discount on admission to MNSSHP, MVMCP, and the P&P on select nights.
5. The big one for fizzle and I is 10% off of merchandise at World of Disney.
6. 15% off of some backstage tours.
7. Select Dining Discounts.

There are many more but this should give you a good idea.:wave:

 

[sknydave]

If you have your own car, an Annual Pass will allow you free parking at the parks. $11 a day adds up!

If you have the Premium Annual Pass

 

[Saintsfan75]

How much does the Annual Pass cost per person? What does it include?

 

[Woozle]

How much does the Annual Pass cost per person? What does it include?

same question

 

[frazierle]

ap's

I LOVE my AP'S:sohappy:

$ 434.52 for each adult and $ 383.40 for my 8 year old.

 

[DolFan]

Another perk is getting a "Sneak Peak" before a new ride officially opens.

 

[PintoColvig]

With the benefit of 365 days in the parks, an AP gives you a convenient reason to "go one more time".

 

[MissM]

If you have the Premium Annual Pass

You just need a full AP, not a premium. The FL-resident only Seasonal AP is the only one that doesn't give free parking. But if the OP is a non-Florida resident, it's a moot point.

And what is the advantage? Why, you can go 365 days a year! :lol:
-m

 

[mousermerf]

You just need a full AP, not a premium. The FL-resident only Seasonal AP is the only one that doesn't give free parking. But if the OP is a non-Florida resident, it's a moot point.

And what is the advantage? Why, you can go 365 days a year! :lol:
-m

And VIP entrance to the ultra-exclusive Merfcove

Why? Cuz aint nobody else gonna be hanging around there when they spent $70 a day to be in Epcot!

 

[daliseurat]

As long as you are going to go for more than 7 full days it's a bargain. And as someone else mentioned , it gives you an excuse to stay longer. I loved it the year I was able to use it. It saved my money right away on a nine day trip. Especially since I used every discount. And I knew I was returning within the year. What was REALLY great was that I could go to the parks on my travel day, which was always half day or less and not feel gypped. I even ran in for an hour one day, just because I could. Just wonderful.

 

[DisneyWales]

premium passes give you year round access to the Water Parks, what's left of PI, and DQ.

For us as a UK guest its about the same cost a a UK resident 3 week pass. So for us, its worth it just for a 2 week trip, the money you save on Dining, merchandise and parking makes the difference between a 3 week UK pass and a premium annual.

That and we normally spend at least 4-6 weeks a year in Orlando.

The best perk we find, is that you can enjoy the parks at a slower rate... Coz you not using one of your 4 days etc, you can just take it nice a slow, and take in the atmosphere of the park bit by bit.

 

[Master Yoda]

So far it looks like all the AP perks have been mentioned with the exception of 2.
1. Exclusive AP only merchandise. This can include shirts, watches and more importantly for some...pins.
2. Disney Dining Experience. This is a Disney Dining discount card open only to AP holders and Florida residents. The price for AP holders is either $60 or $70 per year and this gets you a 20% discount on nearly every table service on property and a few of the counter service ones. It will also get you half price admission to PI and free valet parking at the resorts. The only bad thing is a mandatory 18% tip has been added to TS resturants when using your DDE card.

 

[Nansafan]

If you travel to WDW every year, you can get 2 big trips out of an annual pass. Here's how we do it, i.e. July 2008, 8 days then June 2009 8 days, plus maybe a Christmas quickie for 3-5 days. Add the room discounts, shopping etc and it's a great money savings.