Annual passes - WDW

[miked1e]

Hi,

I didn't want to jump on the other thread about the annual passes now on sale... but wondering if anyone who has worked out whether they would be better off investing (either 1 or for the whole family) and could briefly explain whether the maths work out... so here is our situation!

We will be a family of 4 on our next trip in '22 (2 adults, 1 x 4yr old, 1 x 9 month old). We usually get 'Free' DDP, but of course unsure if this will be back anytime soon.

We will be getting a car (not sure if includes free parking at resort?).

I expect we will likely be going again within 12 months of our next trip.

We normally buy 'a lot' of merchandise... even before kids.

I notice it says up to 20% off select dining and select merchandise. Is this very limited?

De the annual passes include waterparks or not? We would normally have at least 1 day at a Disney waterpark.

So the way I see it, the annual pass plus tax is a little under 2 x 14 day passes and we would save a lot on merchandise (if not overly limited).

But how does it work paying free dining room rates, and getting the dining plan compared to the 20% discount?

Is there anything I am missing including any other pros or cons please?

[Dr.JumbaJookiba]

Originally Posted by miked1e

We will be getting a car (not sure if includes free parking at resort?).

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AP's only cover free theme park parking.

Originally Posted by miked1e

We normally buy 'a lot' of merchandise... even before kids.

I notice is says up to 20% off select dining and select merchandise. Is this very limited?

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Merchandise discount is widely available, all Disney owned resort/theme park/springs shops will offer it. Some others also participate.

Dining is more limited, it's table service only but still worth having. Try this page for more info

disneyworld/passho...and-discounts/

[Dr.JumbaJookiba]

Originally Posted by miked1e

De the annual passes include waterparks or not? We would normally have at least 1 day at a Disney waterpark.

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Only platinum plus AP's cover water parks. AP's for water parks only are $139+tax

Originally Posted by miked1e

But how does it work paying free dining room rates, and getting the dining plan compared to the 20% discount?

Is there anything I am missing including any other pros or cons please?

See more...

I've never booked free dining even when available, I always use AP rates (25-35% off) for room only as we eat a lot of lunches off site and counter service credits are wasted on us.

I used my AP to get a Tables in Wonderland card for evening table service meals as the discount is better than AP and covers alcohol.

[miked1e]

Originally Posted by Dr.JumbaJookiba

Only platinum plus AP's cover water parks. AP's for water parks only are $139+tax



I've never booked free dining even when available, I always use AP rates (25-35% off) for room only as we eat a lot of lunches off site and counter service credits are wasted on us.

I used my AP to get a Tables in Wonderland card for evening table service meals as the discount is better than AP and covers alcohol.

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Thank you...

I didn’t consider AP room discount. Is this available all year round, and how far in advance can you book?

Tables in Wonderland sounds interesting... will have a look into this thank you.

In your opinion do you think it is worth it for 2 trips only? Also does everyone in your party have one or just 1 per party to still get the perks?

I need an online calculator to understand if it is worth it...

[STEBEE25]

Just get one, worth it for the free parking alone. I looked earlier and about same price for two 14 day passes, so going twice will break even. But with no parking fees and then discounts on food, its well worth it.

[Dr.JumbaJookiba]

Originally Posted by miked1e

Thank you...

I didn’t consider AP room discount. Is this available all year round, and how far in advance can you book?

Tables in Wonderland sounds interesting... will have a look into this thank you.

In your opinion do you think it is worth it for 2 trips only? Also does everyone in your party have one or just 1 per party to still get the perks?

I need an online calculator to understand if it is worth it...

See more...

No problem, you're welcome.

AP discounts are available 3-6months in advance. Tables in Wonderland is currently suspended but the info is here

disneyworld/dining...in-wonderland/

I'm praying it will return, I've saved thousands of $ with it over the years.

Only one person needs an AP per room or per table for room and dining discounts and that person needs to pay for all merchandise.

We had DVC discounted AP's for years, I've never done the maths properly because we always got at least two, sometimes three and for a couple of years even four trips out of them and they were way cheaper than 2 x 14 day passes. Since the big price rises it's not cut and dried at the full price Disney charge for platinum AP's.

[miked1e]

Originally Posted by Dr.JumbaJookiba

No problem, you're welcome.

AP discounts are available 3-6months in advance. Tables in Wonderland is currently suspended but the info is here

disneyworld/dining...in-wonderland/

I'm praying it will return, I've saved thousands of $ with it over the years.

Only one person needs an AP per room or per table for room and dining discounts and that person needs to pay for all merchandise.

We had DVC discounted AP's for years, I've never done the maths properly because we always got at least two, sometimes three and for a couple of years even four trips out of them and they were way cheaper than 2 x 14 day passes. Since the big price rises it's not cut and dried at the full price Disney charge for platinum AP's.

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I guess there is still availability 3-6 months out? I expect very much aimed at the American market who book this close to a trip...

Is there then a standard room rate for the hotels with the discount?

Would be great to get an idea for 10 nights Poly mid May.

Thanks again

[Dr.JumbaJookiba]

I'll switch my vpn on and have a butchers for you for May

[miked1e]

Originally Posted by Dr.JumbaJookiba

I'll switch my vpn on and have a butchers for you for May

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Thank you so very much... that would be great.

Although not sure Poly is open by then is it?

[Dr.JumbaJookiba]

You’re right Poly isn’t open but the GF is so this shows 10-17 May at GF on AP rate. 13% tax to be added.