Annual Passes

[Vikki]

Am considering DIYing the next holiday and with the disocunts available etc am seriously considering an annual pass.

If we are planning to go August 2006, when would we be best buying the pass? Also, do they get sent to you so you can use them in room bookings?

Thanks!

[Vikki]

Oooooops, just found the 'park tickets' thread......I'm sure some clever moderator will move this :D

[CindyC]

Vikki,

We went in August '04 with Annual Passes. I purchased them one at a time at my local Disney store ( 4 of them) from May-August so it wasn't quite as painful spending all of that $$ at once. However, I can tell you that had I purchased them when we booked the trip (Feb'04) they would have been cheaper. I know there was a price increase last winter or spring, but I don't think you know ahead of time when this might happen again.

You get a voucher from the Disney store, and redeem it for the actual AP at the first WDW park you visit. You can still book a room with the discount if it's being offered, and just show the voucher at check-in.

[joanne]

There's normally a price increase each year. But when you buy you just get a voucher which you'll exchange at the park when you arrive for the real thing.
So if you're able to, it might be a good idea to buy asap then you'll beat any price increases between now and 2006 :thumbs:

You don't need the actual AP when you book the room. Only at check-in. When you ring up to book tell them you have an AP. They won't know any different and don't ask for any AP numbers. So long as you have the voucher or the AP at check-in you'll be fine.

[Vikki]

Ok, we will be booking around Easter 05 ish (so we can compare with the Virgin brochure). So does this mean if I bought them at Easter they wouldn't be 'activated' till I got to the park in 2006?

[joanne]

That's right. They're not activated until you activate them at the parks :)

[Vikki]

Ah right, thanks for all that. I can't believe they are so cheap to be honest, they work out as about the same as an Ultimate park hopper. Are there any balckout days when you can't use them, or is annual really annual?