[Willbegone]

Okay, I've heard so much about the AP perks that I'm starting to think about buying 1 for our March trip. Should I buy 1 and use it for the discounts on our rooms OR would I be better off just using regular codes that come out?? Also, IF (and I'm praying they will) continue the Fairytale Package thru spring would it be worth it to even have the AP?? DECISIONS, DECISIONS!!!

[mickey]

I think that decision comes down to how many days you will be there, and what else is available. The AP discounts are usually only about $10 better per night, so you really have to be staying about 7 or 8 nights to make it work. Of course, there are other benefits, but I never use them, since they are usually for restaurants we don't frequent, etc.

[kcamozzi67]

Hi Willbegone,

An AP might be worth it if you are planning to go the following year too. For example if you buy one for your March trip and you also plan to go back before your AP expires the following year (let's say in Feb of the next year), then you can continue to use your AP and all its benefits for two trips not just one. :)

[Willbegone]

Well, we won't be going back until October 2005 so it may not be worth it. I'm just trying to explore ALL my options. Thanks for responging.

[CaribBeachNut]

I would wait until the discounts come out for the times you plan on being at WDW, and then compare to the AP discount offered at that time. You can always purchase an AP, but do it at least 6 weeks prior to your planned departure date, because some Disney Stores do not give you a voucher, rather they make you wait to receive the AP in the US (snail) Mail, while other Disney Stores have the vouchers in stock.
Run the numbers for all of your scenarios, and you should get some idea of what is best for you.

[buzzsmommy]

When it got close to our May trip (in mid-Apr), when we pretty much new what codes were going to be avail, I did an AP vs. 5 day hopper comparison. And, it was $200 over-all cheaper if one of us had a AP so I went ahead and bought one AP even though I probably won't use it again this year. I'd wait until the last minute and you have all the code info to decide. You can always change the res. at the last minute (within a couple of weeks). I know its hard to play the waiting game though!!! Hope it all works out for you.

[CaribBeachNut]

Buzzsmommy, when you purchased your AP, did you get a voucher? If it was a voucher, did the hotel accept the voucher at the front desk during checkin or did you have to cash in the voucher for an AP before the front desk would accept it for the AP discount? I have heard it runs either way.

[buzzsmommy]

Believe it or not, I didn't have either!! There was a mix-up with my AP voucher and the US mail, so I had no pass or voucher when I checked into the Poly, just a confirmation number for the pass. It was late at night, 7 pm and the MK was already closed so I couldn't get my pass at the gate (only gates can track down a confirmation number - not hotel front desks). After explaining my dilemma, the people at the Poly said no problem, just show us the pass tomorrow when you get it and they checked us in at the discounted rate. The next day when I went to show the CM my pass (same guy who checked me in) he waved me away and said no need to check he "trusted me." So, again, Disney proves itself with customer service!!

[CaribBeachNut]

I telephoned WDW Reservations last night and asked them if the voucher or AP is necessary for hotel discounts. They told me that the voucher is good enough to receive the discount at checkin.