Originally Posted By LacyBelle I'm trying to decide whether I want to get a Premium AP or a Deluxe. I know this has already been covered (probably ad nauseum), but I couldn't find the topic. The parking included in the Premium is not an issue for me, as we generally stay in walking distance. In addition, we can easily avoid blackout dates, so that restriction of the Deluxe may not have an impact either. Is there a listing of restaurants and stores that offer AP discounts? Is it fairly limited, or pretty well inclusive for the Premium? If I don't think I'm going to get $120 in benefit from those discounts, I may just stick with the Deluxe. I think I remember seeing that Darkbeer has a dialog with math and such to cover this? Thanks to all for any guidance or advice you can provide.
Originally Posted By debtee We have to get the PAP as we are always at the resort at Christmas so we have no choice as we are in the parks during block out days. We also buy heaps while at the resorts so the discount really helps and my husband Barry worked out the total discount we received was over US$1,000 this last Christmas on food and other purchases, so in our case it's very worth it. The only places that we went to that did not give us the discount was certain stores within DTD, the glass store on Main Street and the Rainforest cafe, everywhere else we went within the resort gave us the discount, including all of the stores within the 3 Disney hotels! I show it whenever I buy something and they are very friendly and let you know if it's not accepted but it most cases it is. However if you don't have to buy it and can visit the parks at a different time of year, then maybe it's best to check out all your options and someone else will have more info for you soon. Good luck!
Originally Posted By godalejunior Lacybelle: I am going with the deluxe versus the premium. You can use your Disney Visa and those that have triple AAA also get discounts at restaurants etc. I don't see myself saving the extra $120 to make the deluxe worth it. I am going to try my first year with the deluxe and if I see that the next year warrants the upgrade to the premium I will do it.
Originally Posted By redlegtwo I started with the premium but have used the deluxe for the past 3 years. I live in northern California and visit 2-4 times a year. I find it easy to visit around the blockout days. I too usually stay within walking distance and don't need the parking benefit. I use my Disney Visa for shopping and receive a 10% discount if I spend at least $50. There are a few restaurants that give a 15% discount for premium ap's versus the 10% for deluxe, but most restaurant discounts for premium and deluxe are the same. It sounds like the deluxe ap will work just fine for you.
Originally Posted By MickeyMommy My experience exactly echoes redlegtwo's. We had Premiums for the last 3 years, but bought deluxe's this year and have been able to plan around the blockout dates. The biggest perk for me are the AP rates, which are available to all AP holders.
Originally Posted By Darkbeer OK, here is a great website that talks about the AP discounts (Disneyland.com has a better version, but it REQUIRES you to have an AP to look at the list... DUMB, IMHO). <a href="http://www.mousesavers.com/dlmeals.html#annual" target="_blank">http://www.mousesavers.com/dlm eals.html#annual</a> <a href="http://www.mousesavers.com/otherdl.html#annual" target="_blank">http://www.mousesavers.com/oth erdl.html#annual</a> So basically, you have a 5% difference on food in most locations, and a 10% merchandise discount that is ONLY for Premium AP holders. That is about $1,000 or more in purchases that will make a difference between the Deluxe and the Premium, so if you don't need to attend the Deluxe Blockout dates, for most folks, just stay with the Deluxe. Even if you need a Parking Pass ($49 extra with a Deluxe), you are looking at over $700 to pay for the Premium in discounts. If you are not sure, I would strongly recommend the LOWER level.
Originally Posted By TinksBestFriend Oops. Parking with the Annual Pass is $59.00 with any pass - included with the Premium. Daily parking is $11.00 credit cards accepted.
Originally Posted By Bucky N Satchel Remember if you do go for Deluxe and need parking, you only have to purchase it for one of the passes (in some cases the kid's AP so either parent can take him/her).
Originally Posted By cinderella143also Also, if you get the Deluxe and realize that you really need the PAP instead, you can always upgrade!
Originally Posted By LacyBelle Thanks, all. I was originally thinking about getting a Premium for me and a Deluxe for DH. Like godalejunior & redlegtwo stated, we use the Disney Visa for shopping discounts anyway (although a check on the Chase site this morning is not showing ANY valid offers right now. Strange.) I'm thinking it may be best for both of us to just get the Deluxe APs and see how it goes. Thanks to all for your advice and sharing your experiences.
Originally Posted By godalejunior I am going to be an AP holder in 8 more days!!!! I have decided to upgrade the night we get there to capitalize on all the discounts. I just saw on another thread that we get a free pin at Goofy's if you spend over $30 and have an AP. Great souvenir for my son's first character breakfast. I wonder if there are any other deals like this.......?
