[MagicalMoments]

There are so many packages and options to choose from...which is best?
We are annual passholders, they expire the last day of our trip in April. I am considering renewing them however would have to convince DH that it is the best way to go. Is it? With all of the new packages etc, is the AP still the best option? I hear of all of these packages, packages with meals etc. Pretty confusing!!

[bali]

I'm in the same boat. Our APs expire the last day of our trip in May, and I'm not sure whether to renew or not. My decision hinges on how our DVC rental situation goes this trip, and on the probability of AP room discounts in the future. If everything goes without a hitch regarding rental on this trip, then we'll probably renew our APs and plan on renting points/using AP discounts in the future because APs just make everything so easy; and the money that can be saved through renting points is astonishing. I've plugged some numbers into the Disney World package calculator on disneyworld.com and haven't come up with anything cheap enough to justify going with a package versus renting points/using AP discounts.

Then again, you have to take into account how often you use your AP (we've been going twice a year lately, but are thinking about going for one long trip each year instead of two short ones), how often you use the water parks/disney quest/pleasure island (we only visit one water park per trip, and usually go to pleasure island only once or twice, so the "plus" options on the magic your way tickets wouldn't be worth it for us), and how much you rely on flexibility, ease, and convenience (with APs, you never have to worry about "using up a day" if you go into a park). We also like the passholder perks like exclusive pins, dining, shopping, and pleasure island discounts, etc.

So, we'll see. I'm waiting to hear how other folks like the MYW experience. APs are expensive, but I'm leaning toward just biting the bullet and renewing. Sorry for the looooooon post! :)

[disneyguy]

It is either get an AP, or get the packages. With the packages you have to buy MYW tickets. As far as the question of renewing your AP's. How much do you go to WDW? If you go more than 10 days a year, renew your AP's. Otherwise, go with the MYW with Dining package.

[MagicalMoments]

Originally Posted by disneyguy

If you go more than 10 days a year, renew your AP's.

It used to be if you go 8 or more, is it 10 now due to an AP rate increase? Does anyone know how much it costs to renew APs?

[MagicalMoments]

I read somewhere that we have 30 days to decide if we want to renew. If that is correct, does the renewal start on the day we decide or does it start on the date the old one ended, regardless of when we renew...hope that makes sense.

[mickaholic4077]

It starts on the date the old one ended. I just renewed my Florida resident pass and it was $298.20.

[bali]

Yep, you used to have 30 days to decide to renew, but no longer. Now you must renew by the date your AP expires. An AP renewal costs about $380 this year, and a brand new AP costs $420.

[mickaholic4077]

You need to renew by your anniversary date if you want the renewal price. You can still renew after the date,but you will pay a higher price.