Originally Posted By allygator206 If an out-of-stater is looking to buy a AP for a specific trip how far in advance should the passes be purchased? I'm looking to have one around August 23rd and I want to get the most time out my pass. Are there processing times and all that I should be aware of?
Originally Posted By junglejoy It depends what you want to do with the passes. We purchased 3 day parkhoppers so we could use the early entry because you can't get early entry with an annual pass unless you are staying at the DLR. Then in the park we upgraded to annual passes. The amount you spend on your parkhoppers is credited to the cost of the annual pass and you just pay the difference. We waited until we used our early entry before eating a Goofy's Kitchen and Ariel's Grotto so we could get the 10% off! I'm sure someone more experienced than I can give you more advice, but that's what worked for us.
Originally Posted By SixSparkeys Is there any advantage to buying an AP in advance? I know about the comments about getting parkhoppers for the early entry then upgrading, but if that is not an issue, why not get the AP when arriving at DL? Is there a significant delay to purchase an AP? There does not seem to be any cost saving buying ahead.
Originally Posted By mickeynewe I can't see any advantage of buying a Annual Pass ahead. We always buy the park hoppers and then upgrade. Now, the APs do give food discounts, but so does the Disney Visa, so just check out which might be most beneficial. Our park hoppers (purchased through AAA) typically gives us free parking and early entry so we keep those until the end of our trip. I'm trying to remember --- but doesn't the AAA card also give you some food discounts? LOL -- when we go I just list all my cards and ask which ones they take!
Originally Posted By nemopoppins If you're staying at a Disney Hotel, you'd want to get the AP for the hotel discount (usually at least 10%, but check, because sometimes there is no discount).
