[BuzzLightyear]

I an now the proud owner of an AP that will expire on May 25, 2004.
The problem - Looks like our next WDW trip check in day will be on or about May 25, 2004.
I was hoping for a week earlier in order to get another 7-days worth of parks out of the deal, but looking into the future , looks like we won't be able to arrive till around the 25th again due to a graduation.
So, can I still use this pass for check in if I get an AP rate ?

Any other ways I can use it to my advantage ?

Thanks in advance!!!!!!

[alextina]

Hi buzz. I am going to jump in on your thread here and ask a quick question myself, maybe you can answer it for me. DH and I are looking into getting an AP for our next trip. Exactly how much is the resort discount that you get with the AP. It looks like our next trip will be 8 or 9 days so I think that it will definately be worth it. Also should we both get one or do we just need one to get the discounts.

Thanks in advance.:D

[goofygal1975]

My AP expires the same day! Is there NO way possible to go a week earlier?? I think that the AP can be used ON the experation date? So I would think that you could use it to check in and that rate would be good for the stay? I know Mickey will know the answer to this one!!;)

[mickey]

My understanding is that you have to have an active pass when you check in. The rules don't state whether it has to be active during your entire stay, just when you check in. (I just asked CRO, and they said it has to be active when you check in, that is it.)

Alextina, as far as the discount, it is usually about $10 more per night than other discounts available, or about the same as the FL resident discount. The nice thing is that usually these discounts are released a couple of weeks in advance of other discounts, so you have the first shot at the rooms. One other thing is that you do not need your AP to make the reservation, just when you check in.

[alextina]

Thanks for the info Mickey. A couple more quick questions. When you make your reservation do you just tell them that you want the AP discount and then present it when you check in? Does your AP have to be active when you make your reservation? Or can you make a reservation for example in March and actually buy your AP in April?

Thanks again.

[BuzzLightyear]

mickey, more questions from me too over here........

when would I see the AP discounts for next May ?

What can I expect historically to subtract from the rack rate ?

Thanks!!!!!!!!

[mickey]

You don't have to have the AP in your possesion to book the room, just when you check in (actually, the voucher works most of the time for check in, though not always). You can buy the voucher at any time, just make sure that you have the discount before buying the pass. And, you only need one pass, for the person whose name is on the reservation.

AP rates for May should be announced in March. Here are the 2003 AP rates for May:

* All Stars - $59 standard
* Moderates - $74 standard (very limited availability due to Port Orleans-French Quarter closing)
* Animal Kingdom Lodge - $124 standard, $201 savannah view, $365 concierge
* Wilderness Lodge - $139 woods view
* Polynesian - $199 garden view, $285 lagoon view, $295 garden view concierge
* Boardwalk/Beach Club/Yacht Club - $215 standard
* Grand Floridian - $275 garden view

[MrDisneyfan1]

We use the AP discount many times, and I can only remember once where the front desk CM actual asked to see it. Is this unusual?

"Check-in" tends to be, in my opinion, the slowest "event" at Disney. It may be that they take their time with every guest, answer all the questions, which is especially good for first timers, and do not want to overlook anything.
Den

[tiggerlover1971]

does anyone know if the AP rates for hotels are out for October yet ? just curious I am waiting patiently if they arent

[mickey]

Originally posted by tiggerlover1971
does anyone know if the AP rates for hotels are out for October yet ? just curious I am waiting patiently if they arent

AP rates have only been released through August 23. Sorry, look like more waiting!

[tiggerlover1971]

thanks Mickey for the fast reply I just have to wait a little longer

[qltingrl]

We bought the AP because we are going for the 3rd time this year. We saved 40% on the rack rate for AKL! It is worth it just for that! Can't wait to go.....

[BDavis932]

This is kind of off subject, but it has to do with AP's.

WHY???? are annual passes just a flimsy piece of card stock, and it is something you have to hang on to for a year, and the ultimate park hoppers, which you only need for a week are plastic like a credit card??

I understand the ultimate park hoppers are combined with your room key. But our AP's are so flimsy and could easily be damaged on a ride or in the wallet, I just don't understand why they aren't hard plastic, as well.

Anyone else ever wondered this, or know the answer??

[mickaholic4077]

You know,BDavis92,I never thought about that before,but now that you've put it in my head,I'm wondering too!!!

[MickeyMac]

This was a really stupid response, I thought, but it came from someone in the AP department... it's because they frequently have to replace Annual Passes, and the paper cuts down on the cost. Some AP holders collect the different years and want them as soon as the year comes out, and some because they frequently loose them. I've almost lost ours twice and can relate to the later, but not to the former.

I still think they could handle a bit of plastic, and thought that reasoning was just stupid! :p