Need voices of experience (AP newbie here)

[Luv2Roam]

When we were at WDW in January, DH and I had UMP's.
At DL/DCA, we bought three day hoppers.
NOW, for January 2002, we are looking at buying AP(s).
There are just the two of us adults. (7 nights/8 days this trip)
I have room ressies at ASMo in January. I have the AAA discount applied. (Although DH's mouth is water over CSR again.)
Disney CM quoted me yesterday an AP cost of $354.04 pp. (Think this is w/the DC discount.)
I know to make AP ressies, only one person has to have an AP.
But I am guessing we both really want to have an AP. Or is there something I don't know of?

If air fares plummet, we are hoping to be able to return within the year -- hence the AP, rather than hopper tix.
Would it still be better to buy AP's at WDW? I would rather buy ahead of time, but understand the AP's would be good one year from purchase date, not activation date -- correct?

What else do I need to know?

TIA!

 

[Toby'sFriend]

no - your annual passes will be good for one year from the Activation Date -- not the purchase date.

There are two cases that I can think of that you will want to buy your pass early.

#1 - If you get an AP rate on the room you'll need the AP Voucher to show at check-in.
#2 - Disney's last price increase on AP's was January 2001 and they usually increase the prices every year. If they announce a price increase before your stay, you may want to buy early in order to lock in the old rate.

 

[JudithM]

We like to each have an annual pass, so we can come & go from the parks without worrying about using a day on the hopper pass. Once I use a day on the hopper pass, I feel I have to stay most of the day to make it worth my money. Plus having an annual pass is a good excuse for another vacation!