To AP or not to AP

[cheekytink]

I am seriously likely to buy an infinity pass when we visit in 3 weeks, but I am wrestling with the cost/benefit analysis a little...
Can any AP holders let me know what the perks might be, other than the standard discounts and buying rooms at "no ticket" rates etc..

Is there an AP lounge like at some of the other parks around the world? Special events etc etc?

[MissJRabbit]

They have special events that you pay extra for. This is usually a nighttime event in the parks with a theme and special merchandise that costs extra.

No lounge or anything like that.

You get to use hotel pools, but this must be booked. You get special viewing areas for parade and fireworks, but this also must be booked in advance.

[HFJohnson]

There isn't an AP lounge but there are a few special events throughout the year.

For me it all comes down to cost as it's cheaper for me to have an AP if I go at least twice a year. I don't often book rooms direct with Disney as there are usually good room-only rates to be found on Expedia etc plus I have the option to get an even cheaper offsite room.

I only get the Magic Plus though as the extra benefits of the Infinity don't justify the extra cost for me (I wouldn't get enough use out the photopass etc). The MP gets me the AP entrance, free bag storage, free drink at sit-down meals and 10% discount which is enough for me.

[sammykitten]

Originally Posted by HFJohnson

There isn't an AP lounge but there are a few special events throughout the year.

For me it all comes down to cost as it's cheaper for me to have an AP if I go at least twice a year. I don't often book rooms direct with Disney as there are usually good room-only rates to be found on Expedia etc plus I have the option to get an even cheaper offsite room.

I only get the Magic Plus though as the extra benefits of the Infinity don't justify the extra cost for me (I wouldn't get enough use out the photopass etc). The MP gets me the AP entrance, free bag storage, free drink at sit-down meals and 10% discount which is enough for me.

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yep, when I had AP's this was my experience also, not worth it unless you know you'll go to DLP at least twice in a year, and we stayed offsite more often than onsite when we had APs, (or booked room only onsite with Expedia etc) as even with AP discount the room-rates at DLP were usually more expensive than those other options.

[cheekytink]

Thanks everyone - do you buy your AP there? I feel happier going into the office when there in 3 weeks?

[vickiell]

Annual passes are worth it for us even if we only do one trip. We want to do Davy Crockett for 7 nights in August, through Disney that’s just over £3000 but annuals are just over £900 for us and Davy Crockett on Expedia is £1000 (probably less with ap rate if we phone and get a price) so saves us £1000.
Totally worth it even though they do not have a lounge, we also love that we get discounts on food and merchandise.
We normally buy ours there but think this year we will buy before go as I want to book the room on an annual pass discount.

[Jules32]

we had annual passes up until November as we visited twice per year its definitely worth it if your going for more than 3 days the perks of the magic plus were enough for us, the infinity we didn't feel we would benefit much from TBH. felt very sad not renewing our pass this year but were not going for at least a year as we have florida booked but will definitely be purchasing again next time we go

[sammykitten]

Originally Posted by cheekytink

Thanks everyone - do you buy your AP there? I feel happier going into the office when there in 3 weeks?

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yes, its really easy to do in the parks, just remember to take your passport with for photo ID.

[tinker82]

If you find a sponsor you can get 10% discount off your annual pass what dates are you in DLP - we're there 18-20 Feb & could meet you in the park to sponsor x

[cheekytink]

I do have another couple of questions around the AP - if anyone is able to shed some light for me?
1. How many discounted entrance tickets (the 39E ones) are you allowed to buy per day? ie. if I went with my family for 3 days - could I buy 3 per day for 3 days?
2. How do you buy these tickets? is it at the gate?
3. The benefits like booking reserved parade/fireworks viewing- is this just for the AP holder, or can you take guests along too? ie. Will I be waving at my family from in the VIP area?

thanks everyone! We go on Wednesday so trying to make a final decision!