Hi there, Caitlain! Welcome to planDisney!
I see you’re diving into some classic Disney math (my favorite kind of math and, quite honestly, the only math I truly enjoy, haha!). Subtract the stress, add in the fun, and multiply the magic. Now, that’s my kind of equation!
Caitlain, when it comes to deciding whether to purchase your
Annual Passes first or book your vacation package and upgrade later, let’s break it down like a perfectly choreographed parade.
If you buy your Annual Passes before booking your stay, you can take advantage of any available
Annual Passholder room discounts right away. These discounts can be a great way to save some Disney dollars, but keep in mind that they are subject to availability and may not be offered for every resort or date. If a discount applies to your travel dates, this option might make the most sense!
On the other hand, if you book a
vacation package (which includes theme park tickets) and later decide to upgrade to an Annual Pass, you’ll only pay the difference in price. The catch? You’d need to wait until you arrive at the magic to make the upgrade, which means you wouldn’t be able to apply any potential AP room discounts in advance. If your heart is set on staying at a specific Disney Resort hotel, this route gives you the flexibility to lock in your resort and Disney Dining Plan now without waiting to see if an AP discount becomes available.
So, what’s the best strategy for your family of four? I’d recommend checking if Annual Passholder room discounts are available for your dates and crunching those Disney numbers (the fun kind, of course)! If the savings make sense, go for the Annual Passes first. If not, booking a package and upgrading later can be a great option, especially since your upgrade must be done in person and before using the last day of your ticket.
No matter which path you choose, an 11-day stay with the
Disney Dining Plan and Annual Passes sounds like the ultimate dream vacation! If you need help deciding where to spend those dining credits (hello,
character breakfasts, and EPCOT festival eats!), you know where to find me.
Wishing you a trip filled with magic, memories, and just the right amount of Disney math!
See ya real soon,
Emille