Questions for saving $$

[cibflower]

Hello All,

First let me thank all of you for the wonderful info. here on the boards! Our first vacation home this past April was wonderful because of all your great advice!

Now in the midst of planning for trip 2003 with friends, I have searched the boards trying to find answers to these questions. Got some great tips, but I need some specifics. Help! Please!

Background info- staying for ~10 days in April at BWV in 2BR, total of 4 adults, one 5 year-old and one 2 year-old

We are opting for annual passes for our family because we plan to return in 2004, however this is not possible for our friends.

Question 1: How far inadvance can the voucher for the AP be purchased? Does the voucher itself have an expiration date for redemption? I know we activate it at the park and the clock starts ticking for the AP, but I'd like to know when we can purchase the voucher to hopefully save on a new year's rate increase.

Question 2: Friends are members of DC and can thus get a discount on park tickets. Can they purchase the ultimate park hopper (which as I understand is normally for resort guests on package plans) or are they limited to the hopper pass? I wonder because the HP does not include Disney Quest (it wasn't listed on Disney's ticket description for a PLUS option).

Question 3: Don't tell anyone, but we plan to visit Sea World and possibly Universal. Friends are members of AAA and can get discount tickets... does anyone know if they can get tickets for all of us or just themselves?

Question 4: Last one, I promise. We have been to Disney many times, however this is our first trip with our son/daughter (not born yet so we don't know... 1 month to go!), and for our friends, this is their first trip ever (with 5 year-old). Would it be wise to say that we'll spend half days at the parks and the rest of day pool side, water parks, etc.? I'd like to get an idea of exactly how many days friends will need on their passes if $$ become a bigger issue. Also, because we don't have child experience, I don't want to assume too much!

Thanx a bunch!
Cheryl

 

[CarolAnnC]

These questions are best suited for our Theme Park Attractions & Strategies Board and our Universal/Islands of Adventure and Sea World Boards. I am sending this to those boards to help you out. Good luck!

 

[robinb]

Question 1: How far inadvance can the voucher for the AP be purchased? Does the voucher itself have an expiration date for redemption?

You can purchase the AP vouchers at anytime. The vouchers themselves do not expire.

Question 2: Friends are members of DC and can thus get a discount on park tickets. Can they purchase the ultimate park hopper (which as I understand is normally for resort guests on package plans) or are they limited to the hopper pass?

Hmmm. I don't know what the policy is for UPH's for only some members of your party. I think you'll need to call MS and ask them. However, the cost of UPH's for 10 nights/11 days will be more expensive for them than buying PHs or even an annual pass. BTW, if you don't belong to the DC, you may want to consider it. The difference in price for your APs makes up the cost of the card.

Question 3: Don't tell anyone, but we plan to visit Sea World and possibly Universal. Friends are members of AAA and can get discount tickets... does anyone know if they can get tickets for all of us or just themselves?

Yes, they can get tickets for you too. They should buy them from their local office before they leave.

Question 4: Last one, I promise. We have been to Disney many times, however this is our first trip with our son/daughter (not born yet so we don't know... 1 month to go!), and for our friends, this is their first trip ever (with 5 year-old). Would it be wise to say that we'll spend half days at the parks and the rest of day pool side, water parks, etc.? I'd like to get an idea of exactly how many days friends will need on their passes if $$ become a bigger issue. Also, because we don't have child experience, I don't want to assume too much!

First if all, congratulations on your baby-to-be! I went to WDW with a 4 month old and had a great time. You might want to consider returning a little sooner for a short family vacation .

As to touring plans ... everyone has their own. I like to commando to the parks early and then take the rest of the day off. This works well for my 2 year old DD since she wakes up early anyway. We have regular annual passes since we don't do the water parks (yet) and we don't go to Pleasure Island. You might want to consider a regular AP for yourselves and your friends. Your friend's 5 year old might be just as happy hanging out at the pool (or pool hopping if that's still an option in 2003) than going to a water park. Also, people who have PH's tend to want to get as much out of them as possible and your friends may view a half day itinerary as wasteful.

Here are some current prices from Deb Will's site:
http://www.wdwig.com/ticket.htm
http://www.wdwig.com/ticketchart.htm

7 Day PH (DC Price):
Adult with tax $325.44 ; child with tax $261.84
8 Day UPH (You'll need an 11 day but Deb's site only goes up to 8 days)
Adult with tax $363.58; child with tax $290.44
Annual Pass (DC Price):
Adult with tax $354.04; child with tax $301.04
Premium Annual Pass (DC Price):
Adult with tax $497.17; child with tax $404.94

 

[cibflower]

Thanks for the great info! Sorry I didn't post to the right area... wasn't even thinking, just excited to be using DVC for friends and family

Have a great day!
Cheryl

 

[pluvc1993]

AAA allows you to buy as many tickets as you want. I just purchased 6 and didn't have any problem. They don't expect everyone to be a member in the family.

 

[robinb]

Honestly, I'm not sure why your post was moved to the Universal & SeaWorld board since only one of your questions had to do with U/SW. It probably would have been better in the Budget Board than the DVC board, but I can understand wanting a DVCer's take on things .