Conference koolit::disney

One of my relatives (who visited Orlando last month) commented yesterday
that 3-day passes are no longer available.  Prices of 4-day passes were 
posted 1 or 2 entries back.  The MKC discount is very small, but personnel 
provides the membership cards which enable you to save a few dollars at 
the gate if you wish to buy tickets upon arrival.
    
Shawn
    

    The Disney stores will also honor the MKC cards for discounts.
    
    Linda
    

    
    
    Thanks Shawn and Linda for your replies...  I will call to find
    about more on 3-day passes, hopefully they're still available!
    
    Do you have any input on the time of year, April 4-6?  I wonder
    if it will be really packed or not.
    
    Thanks alot.
    
    Nancy

    
    Any idea of how much an annual pass costs now?                 
           
    
    Thanks,
    
    Andy-who-is-considering-a-third-morgage-to-finance-his-Disney-addiction

    
    Here's as good as place as any to ask this:
    
    My mom has an old 5-day passport for MK/Epcot.  She never used two
    of the days on it.  Since they're good forever, would it now include
    MGM, which wasn't built then,?  I told her "fat chance," but I'd said 
    I'd ask the file, anyway...

SEAN/BEER=LABATTS

    I've changed the title of this topic to a more generic one.  This will
    be a good place to collect all the questions about tickets, passports,
    annual passports, etc. that seem to be floating all through the
    conference.

    Remember note 96 is the "official" price note.  If you have authoritative
    pricing information, post it there.  If you have questions or less
    formal information, use this topic.

RE:                 <<< Note 166.4 by AYNRND::REILLY "Chowmp!" >>>

    I doubt that it'll be good for MGM.  But I bet that you can use
    it as credit toward other tickets.

    When the studio opened, annual passes could be upgraded to one 
    which included the studio.  The unused portion of the pass was
    credited toward the purchase of a new pass.

    Marilyn

    HI, MY HUSBARD and I go down the first two week in April every year
    and we find it not bad , the weather is great and the line at the
    most to late to get on a ride is about 30 minute. Which is not bad
    you move right alone. I hope this help a little. Joan

    I had a complementary pass that was good for the MK and EPCOT Center.
    I asked and they did not allow me to upgrade, even for a price,
    to a ticket that would allow passage into all 3 parks.
    
    I would probably willing to place money that they will NOT allow
    an upgrade from the old 2 park passports to the new 3 park passports.
    
    Joel

    Hmm... I thought I Just read in the Birnbaum book that old passports
    _were_ useable for credit toward the new 3-park passports.
    
    I'll double check when I can dig the book out.. it's ready to be
    packed up (t minus 16 days!)
    
     -- John

    Re .9
    
    Don't bet. When I went in May we upgraded some passes from the prior
    year with no problem. In fact my wife found some of the old letter 
    tickets in a scrapbook and put them towards the cost of a 3 park
    passport. You may have had a problem because yours were complimentary.
    
    Bill

    RE. 166.4
    
    When I was down in December I used two old passports from 1982. Each
    had two days left. At that time there was only MK so it was only for
    MK. They told me at guest relations I could upgrade but it would
    be better to use those tickets since they were not giving much money
    for them toward the upgrade but they were still valid for admission
    to MK. The only catch was I could not move on the day we used the old
    pass from one park to another. So since your old pass has MK and
    EPCOT you'll be able to use them only for those two parks. 
    
    
    Hope this helps. Have fun.
    
    Paula
    
    
    

Hi,

Is it true that some motels or hotels around the area sell used passports.



thanks,

CLUSTA::EFRANK

    re: .13

    I would be surprised if Disney allowed this kind of thing to go on
    without some kind of legal challenge.

    There is, however, no end to the hawkers who will sell you discounted
    tickets in exchange for the opportunity to give you the hard-sell pitch
    on some timeshare condo or other.  These "people" can be found in motel
    lobbies and the like all around WDW.  Not my idea of how to spend a
    vacation. 

    
    	I have a MDC membership card, as a DEC employee.  When my
    	husband and I purchase MK 4-day passes can we BOTH receive
    	the membership discount because I am a member?
    
    	Should we purchase our tickets AT DISNEYWORLD or UP HERE SOMEWHERE,
    	before our trip?
    
    	Thx, 
    	Nancy

    Yes.  You buy both tickets.
    
    Steve
    

    If you buy them up here that's one less thing you have to worry about
    down there....you could also be avoiding lines.
    
    Mike_who_got_his_tix_last_weekend

>                     <<< Note 166.15 by RINGER::GLIDDEN >>>
>    
>    	Should we purchase our tickets AT DISNEYWORLD or UP HERE SOMEWHERE,
>    	before our trip?
    
    I strongly recommend buying your tickets up here, preferably at the
    Pheasant Lane Mall Disney store.  Not only do you avoid the lines at
    WDW that way (and there is almost always a line waiting to buy tickets,
    even at the resorts), but you can also avoid the FL 10% or 11% tax.

    FYI - 5 day (Adult) passes for for $118 at the store. I think the 5 day
          passes for children (3-9) go for just under $100.
    
    Mike

    re: .18
    	The Florida tax is 6%.

    re: .18
       The Florida sales tax is 6% and you don't avoid paying it buy
    purchasing the tickets in NH.  Because the "use" of your purchase is in 
    Florida the Disney store must assess you the 6% Florida sales tax. They
    then forward the tax money to Florida's DOR.
       The only "real" savings is with time.  By purchasing the tickets
    before you go you'll be able to enter either of the parks a little
    faster than all of those people wating in line to buy their tickets at
    the TTC.
       The only other potential savings is if you know of a pending price
    increase that will occur before your planned trip.  Go to your nearest
    Disney store and buy your tickets before the increase, they are good
    for life regardless what you paid for them.
    
    Tony
    

Can a Florida resident buy the special Florida Four Season Salute tickets on 
behalf of non-residents?  According to the information in note 31.56, the rates
on those tickets are clearly cheaper than the passports, even with the
MKC discount.  I'll be visiting my mother, a Florida resident, in May, so if 
it's legitimate for her to buy the Salute tickets for us, we could save
significantly.

   Gary

    I'm not a Florida resident, so perhaps I'm speaking out of turn.  But
    my impression is that all of the Florida resident packages require a
    photo passport just like the annual passport.  I know there were a
    BUNCH of Florida residents having their pictures made when I was having
    mine made for my annual.
    
    Can a 'reading Floridian' verify this?
    
    MAH
    

    
    ...Regarding the purchase of passes to WDW/EPCOT/MGM in advance...
    
    Make sure you call the Disney store first to make sure they have
    what you're looking for.  We drove all the way up to Pheasant Lane
    Mall in Nashua last night to buy 4-Day Adult passes - and they were
    all out of them!!!  They expect more by the end of the week, but
    we could have saved ourselves the trip with a quick phone call.
    
    We'll_know_better_next_time
    
    Nancy
    3/28/90

    RE < Note 166.24 by SCOLOX::GLIDDEN >

>    We drove all the way up to Pheasant Lane
>    Mall in Nashua last night to buy 4-Day Adult passes 

    Where did you drive "all the way up to Pheasant Lane" from?  If you're
    sort of near Burlington, Mass., there's a Disney Store at the Burlington
    Mall as well.
							-- Nina

    
    Re: Disney Store Passes....
    
     One should note that when calling a store to find out about passes,
    you should specify ** MKC ** passes. The normal passes and MKC
    discounted passes are different ! And they will not sell you the
    normal passes at the MKC rate. ( At least not for me they wouldn't 8^)
    When I went to Pheasant Lane they were out of MKC passes.
    
    George
    

    Hi!
    
    I'm a bit confused about these passes.  Could someone please help me?
    I'd like to know the difference between the normal passes and MKC 
    discounted passes, please.
    
    I have a MKC membership card.  What will this mean for me getting into
    Disney World?
    
    Also, is there any problem paying by VISA?
    
    Thanks,
    
    Karen
    (16 days and counting...)
                             

    Karen,
    
    The difference between the two is price. as a member of the Magic
    Kingdom Club you are entitled to a discount off the normal price.
    
    I'm not quite sure what the normal price for a 5-day pass is but a few
    weeks back I paid the MKC price of $112 for a 5-day pass. Add $6
    Florida sales tax.
    
    Mike

    Many thanks for your quick replies!
    
    I feel happier now :-)
    
    Karen

Please help me as I am a bit confused on tickets/passports, etc. for 
WDW.

My family and I (2 adults, 3 kids) will be leaving to go to Orlando this 
Saturday. I do not want to buy 4 or 5 day passes as there are several other
things we want to do while in Florida. We'll only be there six days.

My question is what would be the best way for us to get tickets/passports 
with the most flexibility and least cost? 

Any help would be appreciated!

  Apart from buying 1 day tickets your only option is to try and buy used 
  passes with 1 or 2 days left on. There are lots of 'toutes' on 
  International Drive, to be found in little booths at various locations.
  Their primary task is to sell time share but they do have genuine ticket 
  offers. (See my recent visit report)
  
  Robin of Warrington
  

It seems to me that last year one of the WDW attendents at the gate
told me that unused portions of passports could be refunded or 
sold back to WDW. Maybe I've got it wrong so you had better double
check with Disney. But if it is true then you could buy a 4 day passport
and use it for two days and then get a refund for the balance.

Doug

    
    The following prices were taken off the ticket booths at WDW this
    weekend. This change occurred sometime between 5/3 and 5/12. When
    we were in MGM/EPCOT/MAGIC KINGDOM back on 5/3-5/5, the prices for 4
    and 5 day passes were posted. When we returned on 5/10-5/11 they
    had a new pricing scheme.
    
    	They no longer are selling 4 and 5 day passes at the prices
    	that took effect back in February....
    
    They now are offering only the one day -one park pass, or
    
    	a 4 DAY PLUS pass    $110/adult; $88/child
        a 5 DAY PLUS pass    $130/adult; $104/child
        
    
    	(and posted in the resort hotels (Polynesian, Grand Floridian,
    		Contempory) but not at WDW ticket centers
    
    	  a 6 DAY PLUS pass  $145/adult; $116/child)
    
    
    What the PLUS means is you get the 4,5,6 days at the three parks,
    	PLUS 7 days unlimited use of Typhoon Lagoon, Pleasure Island,
    	  River Country, and Discovery Island...
    
    	The 7 days unlimited use means seven days from the first
    	 stamped date in the "three parks", our first day was
    	  5/3 so we could have upgraded and used the unlimited
    	  PLUS through 5/9. We didn't upgrade, since we already had
    	  plans and the day we found out was 5/10, so we would have
    	  passed the 7 days anyhow...
    
    
    Oh, these prices were not the MKC discounted prices. I was told
    	it is still approximately a $6 discount for MKC...
    
    This PLUS pass seems very reasonable! Since the old 5 day pass
    	(NON MKC) was $118 and admission to PLeasure Island for
    	one evening is $9.95 (thats 127.95), the new 5 day PLUS
    	is only $130 (NON MKC) which is worth it.
    
    
    Does anyone know if the DISNEY stores are selling the new PASS PLUS
    tickets?
    
    If you're leaving soon and have already purchased tickets, you might
    want to upgrade them to the PLUS version!
    
    PS: Got back lat night 11pm, will enter trip report in the next couple
    of days, was quite hot, yesterday Typhoon Lagoon was full to capacity
    (parking lot wise)....
    
    		-Annie
    

    This brings to mind an INTERESTING question:
    
    Do we now have to use our x-day PLUS passport on consecutive days in
    the PARKS, as well or ONLY for the extras like PI, TL, DI, etc?
    
    I've ALWAYS bought 5 day passports, even if I was only going to be
    there a day or two, because I always go back and it seemed like the
    best value!
    
    Thanks,
    Maryann (41 days and 3 hours . . . but who's counting?)
    

    I just called both the Pheasant Lane Disney store and the General
    Information number at WDW. (I shudder to think about my phone bill).
    The only place that the PLUS tickets will be sold is at WDW. Even at 
    ticket centers in Ocala and the airport, only regular tickets are 
    available. 
    
    I had wanted to trade a four day pass for a five day pass when we 
    arrived at WDW, but I don't want a PLUS pass -- we're not going to 
    be there long enough. The person at the information number told me
    to buy another 5 day pass, then ask for a refund for the four day pass
    at guest relations when I get to WDW. 
    
    Oh, yes, prices. For MKC members, including tax:
    
                                Adult          Child
         4 day PLUS pass       $110.90        $87.65
         5 day PLUS pass       $132.00       $104.55
    
    
    Linda
    (Just when I thought I understood what I was doing, they came up with
    something new)
     

    Hmmm,
    
    Does this mean that when I get down there I can upgrade my 5-day passes
    to a 5-day PLUS passes?
    
    Mike

    re .8 & .9
    
    These new passes are for a trial period only. This trial will run until
    6/2 at this time. You can only buy them at the parks not at Disney
    Stores. Yuo can upgrade from a regular pass. This info comes from a
    friend that works at the Disney store in Burlington. I asked for
    further clarifaction around whether you have to use the days
    consectively or not. She also said that untill the trial period is over
    these were the only passes you could buy. I'll follow up.
    
    Bill                          

    
    	You have to go all the way out to the TTC to get the PLUS upgrades?
        They don't sell/upgrade admissions at each park, right?
    
    
    	I've already got 4 day passes, but was planning on all those other
    attractions as well.  Just ONE of them pays for the price of the
    upgrade (roughly $10)!  The problem,  I'm going to Epcot first (Monday)
    and hate to drive all the way out to the TTC parking,  wait in line to 
    upgrade, then ride out to Epcot ALL on Monday Morn! (I arrive Sunday night
    but due to reservation problems will probably stay OUTSIDE of the park 
    until Mon night)  Oh Ya, Monday is Memorial Day as well, so it's
    probably not a good plan to try the TTC then.
    
    	Could go in Sunday night to do it, if TTC is the only place to
    upgrade........hassles some Church Street Station plans, though.
    
    	Recommendations?
    
    --BERT  ( 13 days and counting !!!!)

    
    YOu don't have to use your 4,5,6 days in EPCOT/MGM/or M.Kingdom in a
    row. The seven consecutive days is just for the PI,TL,DI,RC.
    
    YOu could buy the PLUS passports at the ticket counters in EPCOT, MGM,
    and the MAGIC KINGDOM, also in the Comtemporary, Grand Floridian, and
    Polynesian. Sorry, I can't tell you where upgrages were being done,
    best to call and see. If it's only a trial till June 2nd, hopefully
    those May people can make good use of them. It might also be
    interesting when you call to find out if you buy one of those PLUS
    passports but then don't use your "first day in the park" till August
    if you still get the unlimited "seven days from first stamped date",
    if so, might be worthwhile to get someone going to WDW in May to get
    you a PLUS ticket..... 
    
    	-Annie
    

My initial reaction was yuck, I'm glad I got my 5-day passports in advance.

Then I studied the numbers in advance, and now my reaction is still yuck,
but not so bad, yet I'm sorry I got my 5-day passports in advance.

The incremental cost from 4-day to 4-day Plus is about $10.  The same increment
on the 5-day versions is about $14 (MKC prices for both).  The net effect of
this is to bring the 4-day price closer, on a per-day basis, to the 5-day
prices.  Previously, the 4-day price was $25/day, and the 5-day price was
$23.65.  Now they're about $23.65 and $23.15, resp., assuming one admission
to Typhoon Lagoon.

The new scheme is good if you're planning on spending a full week there,
but lousy if you're going to spend less.  We're going for four nights/five
days, figuring four full days in the parks, and miscellany for the day we
arrive.  We had talked about Pleasure Island, but were going to skip Typhoon
Lagoon.  It certainly doesn't pay for us to spend an extra $14 to upgrade
our tickets in order to get into Pleasure Island -- not if the regular 
admission to PI is still in the $10 range.  (River Country and Discovery
Island were never in the running, and still aren't.)  We may have to rethink
our strategy, though - Typhoon Lagoon is starting to look better.

The real killer though is that this is an unusual year.  Usually when I go
to WDW it's earlier in the year, when the weather isn't hot or dry enough
to justify spending any money on Typhoon Lagoon (yes, I know it can still be 
warm enough to swim in Jan, just not $14 warm).  I doubt I'll be that 
interested in PI.  In other words, all I'd want to do is visit the parks.  That
means an effective price increase from $23.65 to $26.40/day.  Like I said,
yuck.

   Gary

    I'm hoping that this trial period is extended.
    
    I've already got my 5-day passes but would welcome the upgrade since
    that would pretty much cinch us spending Noon-5 P.M. in either River
    Country or Typhoon Lagoon for 5 days. Gotta stay cool in July.
    
    I think it's worth it.
    
    Mike_who_has_49_days_to_mull_this_over

    Hmmmm  They just increased the price for passports didn't they?
    I believe WDW has a history of offering these sorts of bonuses
    when they increase prices to keep people from rioting.  Back in
    1985 the bonus was an extra day in the park - a 3 day passport
    was good for four days, etc.  Based on that, I would guess this
    is truly a temporary thing and won't be extended.
    
    Has anyone confirmed that these tickets can be purchased now but
    used later?

    I'm going to Orlando on business next week (sigh, tough work, but
    someone has to do it!!!) and I plan to investigate; will post
    information when I get it!!!
    
    Maryann
    

    Since I couldn't find the receipt for may 4 day pass, I just called 
    the information number again. They told me the person I talked to
    yesterday goofed. If I had gone to geust relations and nicely explained
    that I didn't want the PLUS ticket, an exception probably would have
    been made. I would have been able to buy a 5 day pass without the PLUS 
    option. Now I have to go and ask for another exception -- full refund 
    for a 4 day pass. We'll see what happens.
    
    Oh, I already wrote a letter to the Guest Letters address concerning 
    this policy of PLUS tickets and my feelings on the matter. 
    
    
    Linda

    
    	Strange News Mouskateers........
    
    	I called the Info number tonight and was told that Super Passes
    (that's what they called them instead of PLUS) were indeed as described 
    in an earlier note.  Seven days unlimited us of PI, TL, DI, RC from first
    date stamped on pass.
    
    	Yes, regular passes CAN be upgraded at any of the parks, and at the
    TTC.
    
    	UNFORTUNATELY!  The guy I talked to on the phone said he showed
    those prices (and the whole special deal) expired on May 19.  He went
    off and checked several times but couldn't get a straight answer on if
    the date was going to be extended.  I did manage to get him to say
    "they" (meaning some Disney worker bees) had heard it would be extended
    but he doubted it would go very much past the end of May.
    
    	Sooooooooo, I'll be there May 28-June 1 and I'll see about
    upgrading at Epcot Monday and try to pry out how long the Super pass
    prices will be around. Stay tuned for trip report.........I'm keeping my
    fingers crossed!!
    
    	Maybe someone could try the info line again and get a more
    deinitive answer.  I'll probably try again since I've been calling
    praying someone will cancel their room on May 27 (the ONLY day I don't
    have a room at CBR, luckily it's the day I arrive and not in the middle
    of my stay!)
    
    
    Bert Grubbs (ONLY 9 days left!!!)

    I still can't believe it!! I talked to the guest services people at
    CBR when I checked in about my 4 day pass refund. They tried to tell 
    me "tough luck". I pushed back, and they called the guest services 
    people at Epcot. After some conversation, they told mne to go over 
    there, tell them I was in the "situation file", and give my name.
    When I did, I went through the whole discussion again and, after
    showing that I did have a 4 day pass and a 5 day pass, they took
    back the 4 day pass and gave me back my money!!!  They really want
    to keep people happy!
    
    Linda

    I've just received the reminder that it's time to renew my Annual 
    Passports, and my wife (She should have been a lawyer!) spotted an 
    interesting phrase in the small print.
    
    The renewal process is to send off a copy of your MKC card and 
    some money, and you receive in return a certificate which you 
    redeem at your next visit for the passport with photo. The 
    interesting phrase is "Renewal Passports become effective when the 
    new pass is issued." I rang the MKC number, and the guy who 
    answered (Emilio, I think) confirmed it. I get the certificates 
    now, at the current price, but they only become effective when I 
    redeem them, which is probably going to be May next year. 
    
    I get a whole year's use of the passport, starting May '91 at 
    today's prices! This sounds too good to be true. I know that 
    Disney are getting my money interest free, but the saving to me 
    ($20 per passport) by renewing rather than letting them lapse, and 
    then starting new in May next year is better than any interest 
    rate I'm likely to get, and that's not taking into account any 
    price hike!
    
    Has anyone actually done this yet? I know it's written down, and 
    been confirmed verbally, but I still need convincing!
    
    For interest, the rates are :--
    
                            Adult                 Child
    New Issue MKC Price     $165(plus tax)        $145(plus tax)
    Renewal  MKC Price      $145(plus tax)        $125(plus tax)
    
    Mike with 366 days to go!

    I'd like a confirmation too...my passports don't run dry until April
    1991 but it would be nice to know I can get new ones which won't cause
    me to lose alot of time (I don't know if I'm going in April but might
    be going in October).
    
    George
    

    
>>    The renewal process is to send off a copy of your MKC card and 
>>    some money, and you receive in return a certificate which you 
>>    redeem at your next visit for the passport with photo. The 

>>    I get the certificates 
>>    now, at the current price, but they only become effective when I 
>>    redeem them, which is probably going to be May next year. 
    
>>    I get a whole year's use of the passport, starting May '91 at 
>>    today's prices! 
    
    Yes, Mike it's true.  I've done it (or something similar) twice.  Once,
    the literature they sent me was ambiguous, making it sound like a
    renewal started at the end of your current year and ran for another
    year.  So I didn't renew.  But I brought the literature with me when I
    next went down, and explained that I didn't renew because I was
    confused (and I guess, looking at me that believed that).  So they let
    me buy another annual passport at the renewal rate.
    
    In any event, whether you understood that story or not, your renewed
    annual passport does not take effect until you redeem the voucher at
    the park and it lasts one year from that date.
    
    --Jay
    

Furthermore, you have 30 days from the expiration date to buy your renewal
voucher.  That let's you hold onto your money even longer.

I have not actually odne this yet, as my passports expire at the end of
November.  I will be renewing my passports at that time,  but I probably will
not be going back for quite a while.

/Jim Pappas

    Does anybody know if you save MONEY by buying passports outside of
    Florida?  We're leaving this week-end and have the option of buying in
    Nashua at the Disney store, or on the property after we get down there. 
    We have Sunday afternoon before the rest of the family arrives so could
    easy drive to Epcot or TTC and buy them.
    
    My question is do you have to pay the Florida entertainment tax (or
    whatever that tax is!) if you buy them in 'tax-free' NH?
    
    Thanks,
    MAH
    
    P.S.  I can call the Disney store and ask; problem is I'm working in
    Massachusetts this week and I never think about it when I'm home!
    

    re -1:
    even if you purchase the tickets in N.H., you pay the Florida tax.

    re: .9,.10
    
    And if you buy them in Mass., you only pay the Florida tax (no Mass.
    sales tax).
    
    - Skip

    
    Unless it's changed, you have 7 days to use it in PI, RC, Tfrom
    the first date stamped on the ticket, I don't know if this means
    you have to at least use one day in MK, EPCOT or MGM... Hopefully
    someone thats been and used the PLU pass can add more! Have fun
    for 2 WEEKS!
    
    	-Annie
    

    
    
    
    	I think you have to have used one of the days, FIRST.  Otherwise
    you could continually go to the side-parks without actually using your
    4-5 day pass!   Oh, in the fine print, the 7 day part of the pass is
    only good until May 1991 (or was it 1992?)  anyway they will eventually
    expire even if the MK,EPCOT,MGM part of the pass is not used.....
    
    	We made very good use of ours the week we stayed at WDW.  Very
    handy little pass for afternoon breaks at the water parks!
    
    --BERT

    RE: FL resident passes, from way back...
    
    To get a FL resident WDW pass, you must show proof of Florida
    residence, such as a driver's license.  The pass has your photo on it,
    and from what I hear, they check your proof of residence at the time
    you use the pass, in addition to checking the pass.  It's my
    understanding that they are very careful to issue the passes only to
    bona-fide residents.   The passes are a good bargin, but they are only
    good during the "slow" months (May, Sept, Feb, I think).  Since we
    usually go only when we have visitors, and visitors usually come during
    the not-slow months, the resident passes aren't terribly useful for
    us.
    
    Barry

    Hi,
    
    we bought the 5-day superpass and on the half of the ticket for
    TL,RC,DI and Pl there is a space for your signature and a note that
    proper picture ID is required.
    
    can anyone tell me if this picture ID rule enforced?
    
    John (29 days)

        It is not enforced.

        My mother-in law had a 5 day super pass which she used for
        River Country, Discovery Island, and Typhoon Lagoon.

        One night when we were heading out to Pleasure Island (my wife
        and I have annual passports with PI adders) and we decided to
        bring our oldest daughter.  She was able to use my M-I-L's
        super pass.  None of them ever signed the passport.

        /Jim Pappas

    Thanks Jim,
    
    I was hoping this wasn't enforced as neither my wife or I have picture
    ID's. (other than my DEC ID, which I don't want to take this on vacation)
    
    John (28 days)
    
    PS Jim thanks for the RC info!   

    When we went back in April/May, there was no enforcement on either a 
    picture or a signature on the PLUS passes.  
    
    Dennis

    Earlier notes talked about the PLUS/Superpass offer being valid only
    until early June.  Any new updates?  Are the passes still available and
    util when can they be purchased?  Can they be purchased at the local Disney
    stores?  If purchased now, can they be used in October?
    
    Thanks
    
    David

    david,
    
    I just called my local Disney Store here in NJ and plus passes are
    still available.
    
    john (14 days)

My mother bought the latest Four-Season Florida Salutes pass when we were down
there in May.  She paid $90 plus tax, for a pass that was good from May to
mid-June, mid-August through September, the period between Thanksgiving and
Christmas, and next January to mid-February.  For her purposes, it's as good as
an annual pass at a much lower price.  

They required photo id to buy the pass, as well as putting a photo on the pass.
There's a $5 charge for replacing lost passes.

   Gary

RE:  .63   SUPER PASSes

I have purchased the super passes, and can now answer my previous
questions:

>> Are the passes still available and until when can they be purchased?  
>> Can they be purchased at the local Disney stores? 

Yes they are available.  They can be purchased at the Disney Stores.  Be
sure to ask for the Magic Kingdom Club Super Passes to receive the $5.00
per ticket discount.  The Disney Stores do not have unlimited supplies.

>> If purchased now, can they be used in October?
    
The 5-day portion of the Super Pass can be used as with any 5-day
admission or MK, EPCOT, MGM.  Use any or all of the days on the pass, with no 
expiration on the portion not used.

The 7-day portion for PI, TL, RC, DI may be used for 7 days from the first
day either part of the ticket is used.  BUT....as it says on the terms of the
ticket "Not Later than May 1, 1991".

When I purchased my passes for WDW, the sales clerk told me to be sure to
have my hand stamped when leaving the parks and to show my passes when
reentering.  In fact, on the terms of the pass, it says:

	"If you are leaving the MAGIC KINGDOM Park, EPCOT Center or
Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park and plan to return or visit any of these
Theme Parks on the same day, please have your hand stamped as you exit and
present this Super Pass and show your handstamp as you enter at the
re-entry turnstyle."

Why is this?  I would think that having the pass alone would be enough. 
Especially with the Super Pass which requires positive ID for use.  Any
ideas as to why they do this?

    
    	I tend to think it's to discourage the ole' "hand the ticket through
    the fence to your buddy trick".  If your hand is stamped, then they
    know that today's date you got into a park with a ticket at some
    previous point.  With a clean hand (no stamp) but a date on your ticket
    something funny is happening and it's probably not your ticket (remeber
    they are supposed to be non-transferable, one ticket per person)
    
    	Once you are stamped though it's no problem, and they use that
    invisible ink that doesn't show up until they look for it, and it won't
    wash off in water as my many afternoon breaks in Typhoon Lagoon
    verified.
    
    -Bert_Back to the World in '95, or Bust!

    re. .67  
    
    I asked this question when I was there in April.  The reason given by
    .67 is half of the answer, though it was hard to get anyone to admit
    it.  The other half is they were doing random sampling to see which
    park a person was coming from. 
    
    On two different occasions the gate attendant noted on a pad the
    originating park.  Guess that they are tracking traffic patterns.
    

    BTW, the hand stamp is has a different code word on it each day, so you
    can't get by with yesterday's stamp.  I haven't noticed them looking
    too closely when you are readmitted though.  I think they also
    alternate which hand they stamp each day.

It helps keep track of the number of people entering the park.  With
our annual pass to Disneyland, they stamp our hand when we enter.
Granted I could just show my pass again to get in, but the bar code
reader may reject it stating that I entered the park that day.
The stamp for the annual pass is different than the one for the
daily re-admission.  Some of the cast members saw it at the
monorail station at the Disneyland Hotel and said "Oh an Annual
Pass".  The stamp also does prevent a 1,2,3 day pass holder from 
passing it to someone else.  No 5 day passes here in California.

    I don't think they alternate which hand gets stamped.  Our right
    hands only got stamped once during our last six day stay.  We
    weren't able to come up with a pattern but during our past visits
    it seemed like MGM and the Magic Kingdom always stamped our left
    hands and Epcot stamped our right hands.

    
    	Likewise, I didn't recognize any pattern to which hand they
    stamped.  I don't remeber being told  "other hand" upon exiting the
    park, course they may have positioned themselves on left or right of
    the exit turnstile based on the hand they wanted to stamp.
    
    	I did remeber looking one day as the ultraviolet wand was passed
    over my hand an the stamps were in the shape of the park's symbol where
    I was stamped.  I'm not sure if the ink they use has a life but it was
    always distinguishable to the gate attendant.  I was commented to
    several times, "Have a good time at MGM this morning?" as I went into
    Epcot or MK after the wand was passed over my hand.
    
    	Was there really a keyword in the stamp that was different each
    day?  I certainly couldn't distinguish as much from what they were
    looking at on my hand.......
    
    
    	Bert, Back to the World in '95 or bust!

    OK, maybe they don't alternate which hand by day, maybe it's by park, 
    (I did alternate which park I went to each day,)  but they were always
    particular about which hand they stamped on the way out.

    Beneath the park logo on the stamp there is a word.  It is usually
    something exciting like "monorail", or "Goofy".  It definitely was
    different each day.  (Of course they must repeat sometime!)

They definately stamp different hands depending on the park.  I talked to one of
the people about that. If I remember properly, Epcot was the right hand and MK
and MGM were on the left.

/Jim Pappas

    I met someone this weekend who insisted you can buy a lifetime WDW
    passport.  I think I've heard something like this before (maybe in
    this file?).  Does anyone know if there is such a thing?
    
    Thanks,
    Ruth

I just called W-DISNEY to find out if the famous superpass would
still be available next week when I arrive.  The operator didn't
really know what I was talking about, so I'll have to stop at
guest relations to see if it still exists.  I hope they haven't
stopped doing this one, it's too good an idea.

Bill

    I have one of the 5-day superpasses, and am really ticked off.  I just
    found out that River Country will be closed while I am in WDW.  Is
    there anything that I can do?  Obviouisly I can't go to RC, but should
    I be able to get some type of "pro-rated" refund?  Any advice?
    

    
    
         As long as Typoon Lagoon is operational during your stay,
       you may not have any luck getting any kind of a refund on
       your passport. I believe Disney has long had a disclaimer about
       attractions being closed, you know the youre out of luck 
       statement but, you never know. 	My advice is enjoy Typhoon
       Lagoon.
    
    
                                          Have Fun,
    
                                                    -Rob
    
    

    Completely unused passes can generally be exchanged at the Guest
    Services windows at any of the 3 parks or at the TTC.  My advice is to
    use the one at TTC and preferably the day of arrival (ie, later in the
    day) rather than early in the morning when the parks are opening.  
    
    Transactions at the Guest Services windows tend to be long because
    people are usually trading one kind of ticket for different kinds of
    tickets which means that there are financial decisions involved.
    
    If you are really going to be there for 5 days, you may still be better
    off than buying a 4 day passport and then a 1 day ticket, since the 1
    day ticket does not allow you to move between parks.  If however you
    are going to be there less than 5 days and bought the super passport
    soley to go to River Country, then certainly, take the time and make
    the swap.  At WDW, pennies go quickly enough without spending ones for
    things you can't use!
    
    Hope this helps!
    
    Maryann
    

    I just returned from Disney on Friday (9/14).  When I arrived on
    Sunday, 9/9, I went to the Guest Relations booth at MGM to upgrade my
    tickets from an old partially used 3-day pass to the 5 day super-pass.
    
    There were no lines at the booth.
    
    Personally, I found the 5 day super pass to be well worth the $$.
    
    Although we only had 4 full days to enjoy, the extra 32+ dollars was
    worth it!!  Here's why...
    
     5 day super pass     137 (?  under 140)
    
    
     4 day pass           105
     Typhoon Lagoon        20
     Pleasure Island       30 (we went 3 times @ 10/visit)
     extra day             30
                         -----
    			  185 approx
    
    We would have gone to Typhoon Lagoon again, too, but nap schedules and
    my husband work schedule conflicted.
    
    Now I have one day left when I go again!!!
    
    L.
    
                         
     

    
    
    Have I got a deal for you. On our last trip to the world my son spent
    an evening at the Neverland Club, and one of the goodies he received
    was a coupon making him Discovery Club member, and that as one he and
    friend to return to discovery island free with one paying adult. The
    coupon has a control no. but nowhere does it state that it is
    non-transferable(OK mr mods.:^)) The coupon does expire 31-DEC-90
    and since we won't be down there that soon :^( I'll throw it up for
    grabs to the highest bidder er I mean first to E-mail me :^):^) (please 
    someone who will realy use)
    
    EXIT26::SNODGRASS
    
    Steve
    
    EXIT26::SNODGRASS

    Donna and I checked with the DIsney store in Nashua yesterday
    at the Pheasant Lane Mall. If you buy world passes there you
    have to pay the Florida State Tax...
    
    Rick

    I believe the logic goes like this - the only place you can use
    the passes are at WDW in Florida.  So, the Disney Stores are allowed
    to offer the "service" of selling passes only if they charge the
    Florida tax on them.  Otherwise, we would all have to wait until
    arriving at WDW (or somewhere else in Florida) to purchase the passes
    and pay the tax.      
    
    peter

    BINGO!.... I was hoping to save the 6% Florida sales tax....
    
    Rick Who is going next winter for 3 weeks...

    Too bad the stores don't sell Annual Passports.
    
    Mike

    
    
    I don't know Mike. That might make the lag you enjoy when renewing ie.
    doesn't go into effect until they take your piture, differ if you were
    to purchase it at a Disney store?
    
    steve

    Where at the Pheasant Lane Mall can you buy WDW tickets?  How much
    are they with the discount?  We are planning at least 2 days there in
    May.  On a 2 day pass can you go to both the Magic Kingdom and Epcot?
    I heard on a 1 day pass you have to buy separate tickets!  Do the 2 day
    passes also allow you to go to the MGM Studio?  
    
    We are also flying down by Northwest--GREAT deal.  Boy, the offer to
    get bumped and get a free ticket to anywhere they fly sure does sound
    tempting.  
    
    Thanks for any info.
    
    Carol
    

    
    
    Carol,
    
    The place a Pheasant Lane is the Disney store. Check out note 62.39 for
    the listing. Unfortunatly the shortest passport they sell is the 4day
    multi-park one. but with the MKC discount and the savings over single
    park passes might make it worthwhile. Plus the unused portion of your
    passports are good forever.
    
    steve

    The Burlington Mall also has a DIsney store and see the passports
    there also...
    
    Rick

  Could someone please tell me if the 5 day superpass is still available. 
  When it was introduced I recall some talk of it only being temporary.
  
  I am going flydrive on June 24 for 2 weeks. Would I be wise to prebook a 
  hotel (probably in Kissimee) or wait until I get there?
  
  
  Robin from Warrington (73 days to go)

    
     Yes, the superpass is available.  It was originally going to be a
    limited time deal but some castmembers told me that the response from
    guests in support of the superpass may make it permanent.  We will see
    but for now you can sure get them.
    
                                      -Rob
    

    What tickets, if any, cover parking lot charges, and how much are the
    parking charges?
    
    Also, if I leave the parking lot and return later in the day, do I have
    to pay the charges again?
    
    I plan to drive to WDW from my hotel each day, and the cost of parking
    may influence which admission ticket I buy. (5 day, or annual).
    
    (2 days to go)
    

    If your a WDW hotel guest parking is free. If not parking is $4.00 and
    I beleive you can show your parking stub at any other lot the same day.
    
    There is no admission ticket that covers parking. Right guys?
    
    John

    re: .95

>   What tickets, if any, cover parking lot charges, and how much are the
>   parking charges?

    Parking, (as pointed out in .96),  is currently $4.00 per day.  Parking
    is free for resort guests and Annual Passport holders.  If you are on
    your way to check in at a Disney resort you can just show your
    confirmation.  Once you have checked in you show your resort ID.  Fort
    Wilderness guests get a vehicle pass that allows them access onto the
    campground itself, and also gets you through the toll booths and
    security stations.
    
    If you are only going in for a short time, say to purchase tickets at
    the TTC, you can get your parking fee refunded at the Car Care Center
    within 1 hour of entry.  Ask about this when paying at the toll booth.

>   Also, if I leave the parking lot and return later in the day, do I have
>   to pay the charges again?
    
    No. Save your parking ticket it is good all day at all three parks.

    The Annual Passport certainly gets you free parking, and at $4 per 
    day saving, its another deciding factor. We used it extensively 
    over Christmas when staying off-site (in fact, we cheated and 
    shared out the Passport Holders between ourselves and the car 
    belonging to the non-passportholders we were with. Shhhh, Don't 
    tell Mickey!).
    
    Most of the time we just waved them and sailed through, but once, 
    a guy actually came out of his booth and scrutinised the passport 
    'mug shot' and checked it against me!
    
    5 Day passes don't carry this benefit, but is it an extra on the 
    'Superpasses'?
    
    Mike.

    I don't believe the Super Passes give you free parking.
    
    Mike

    I have just purchased a 5 day super pass and have a question on the
    timing of Typhoon Lagoon, River Country, etc usage.  The clerk at the
    Disney Store told me I couldn't use the water parks until I first went
    to one of the theme parks (altho she seemed to believe some admissions
    people at TL would let you in prior to visiting the parks).  If I get
    to Orlando on Saturday afternoon and want to shoot over for a swim
    without starting my five day pass, can I do that?

    Tough call for the clerk at the TL gate to make. Remember that the pass
    is keyed from your first day at a park and because of that one would
    think it's mandatory to visit a theme park before TL.
    
    This is a good one.
    
    Mike

    When we purchased our tickets the day we arrived I asked the same
    question.  She said if you tell them you just checked in and show them
    your hotel pass they would let you in.  There doesn't seem to be a set
    policy on this so I would ask when I got there.

    
    ... need help on where to buy our passes from please.
    
    We arrive late afternoon, this Saturday.  As we only have a week, we
    want to try and get to the World on Sunday (hoping that it will be the
    least crowded day this time of year), we're buying 5-day passes because
    we are returning again in September ...... but I'd like to buy our
    passes on Saturday evening, as we want a clear run in on Sunday.
    
    SO! .... where can we get our passes from, most conveniently, on the
    Saturday evening?
    
    Do they sell them at the Disney Village now?
    Do they sell them at the airport?
    
    Failing that, which Park would be best to buy from?
    
    
    
    Thanks in advance for any help, roll-on Saturday, Disney-fix-time 
    is nigh!     
    
    
    Andy.

    Don't they sell them at the shop in the airport...?   Wherever you buy
    them from have a great time...
    
    Karen
    
    

    
        
    Thanx Karen & Len,
    
    Did what I should've done originally I guess, and invested in a 'phone 
    call to Disney Information (407 824-4321), and the scam is as follows:
    
    NO ... they don't sell passes at Disney Village
    
    YES ... they DO sell them at Orlando airport, but only 4 & 5 day passes,
    	    NOT the 1-day pass.  
    
    .... and the guy also stated that the ticket sales booths at the parks
    are open an hour earlier than the official park opening time - so I could 
    go at 8am on a 9am opening day, and the ticket booth will be ready and
    only too willing to take my hard-earned.
    
    Looks like the airport could be the best bet depending on if I can find
    it (as Len said he couldn't!) and if it's open when I get there.
    
    Andy.

    We found the shop at the airport quite easily.  I seem to remember it
    was opposite the Universal Studios shop...sort of on a big square with
    shops opposite one another, chairs in the middle, an exit on one side
    out to more seats and the doors out of the building, and people coming
    in from the other side from their 'planes...
    
    Hope you make some sense out of this :-)
    
    Karen
      

                <<< CLOSET::W7_:[NOTES$LIBRARY]DISNEY.NOTE;1 >>>
                       -< The Disneyphile's Disney File >-
================================================================================
Note 96.30                     Official Price Note                      30 of 30
MARX::MCCROSSAN "Jack McCrossan"                     11 lines  21-AUG-1991 12:20
                    -< Disney Resort Guest Admission Rates >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
re .22  "Ticket prices as of 5/27/91"

I just received an information package which included the 1991 Disney Insider 
Guide. It contains an insert with ticket prices for "Disney Resort Guests". 

It seems that these prices are *slightly* better than the MKC discounted prices.

		Adult		Child
4 day 		$111		$88
5 day super 	$145		$116
6 day super 	$161		$129

	Boy there is a lot of GOOD information in here.  I have been
	brushing up for the last little while and am now ready to ask
	a question.  I hope this is the 'appropriate' place.

	Our family is going to WDW on Oct 5th returning on the 12th.
	We currently have one vacation plan booked but it is costing
	about 1,600.00.  I think I can do it cheaper if I get a little
	creative.

	I would like some feedback for the following plan:


	1) Purchase 1 adult annual passport + adders:	250.00  (approx)

	2) Book 7 nights at Yacht and Beach Club:       750.00  (approx)
	   (use the 99.00 per night annual discount)

	3) Purchase remaining passports:		450.00  (approx)
	   (use the Resort guests discount for 2 adult
	    6 day super and 1 child 6 day super)

						      ========

						      1,450.00  (approx)

	Do these numbers look 'real' and can I do this?
	There will be 3 adults and 1 child in the group.

	Do the super and annual passports include use of the 
	transportation system along with the unlimited admissions?  

	Is there anyway to get a couple of the 'dinner shows'
	thrown in?  I know they will cost extra - but can I do
	it.

    I believe the $99 AP special ends as of Sept. 30th.
    
    -Ken

	Boo Hoo Hoo.....

	I just got off the phone with the reservations folks and the
	annual passport special goes till the end of Sept - skips the
	ENTIRE month of Oct and then pick up again for Nov and part
	of Dec.

	I guess I will stick with our first plan.....


	Lane

    I would like to know if the Walt Disney World passes have any value in 
    Disneyland?

    We bought four WDW 4-day passes and have one day left on each of them.
    Can we have these transformed into DL 1-day passes/tickets?

    Our next stop in the U.S. will be California, so it would be fine if we
    could use them over there.

    Nand STAES
    Brussels - Belgium - EUROPE

    WDW passports are only valid at WDW.  Disneyland passports are only
    valid at Disneyland.
    

    I have a couple of questions and a couple of comments.
    
    1. Can you upgrade a 5 day superpass to an annual pass (for how much if
    so).
    
    2. Can you visit one of the "lesser" parks on a 5 day superpass BEFORE
    going to EC, MK, or MGM (words say something like can use for 7 days
    from first visit to a theme park)? We want to go to RC or TL on our
    first day instead and want to be sure we don't have to PAY for it.
    
    Please indicate confidence level on response on #2
    
    3. When we went to a Disney store to buy our 5 day passes we were not
    allowed to see them until we said we were going to buy them. Then (we
    didn't ask ahead of time, maybe our fault) we found out after
    purchasing them that you cannot return for a refund (before use) nor
    are the dates of use in the "lesser" parks good for an unlimited time
    like the rest of the pass is. I don't have it in front of me but dates
    written on the back said access to those (lesser) parks "expired" or
    something like that in April, 1992.
    
    I was very disappointed about those things. 
    
    Any comments or observations? Maybe other warnings from you insiders to
    those of us on the outside about gotchas?
    
    Still excited about WDW (9 days!)
    
    Keep this notesfile alive/accessible until I go ;-)
    
    Thanks,
    
    Tim 

    re:-1
    
    The reason the refund was a big deal to us was we wanted to change our
    plans to stay on-site for 5 (of our 10) days using the Disney Channel
    special at FW. The plan included access to the parks and there were "no
    substitutions" (i.e. we couldn't use our already purchased 5-day'ers in
    lieu of a discount, and we couldn't return them to take advantage of
    the package). 
    
    I didn't think buying in advance would be hazardous. Live and learn...
    
    Tim

    There's aways some confusion surrounding the use of the Super Pass.
    
    We've seen all sorts of explanations. As far as whether or not you can
    visit TL or RC or DI or PI before the three major parks and not have
    the clock start it depends sometimes on the cast member who looks at
    your pass. Sometimes they'll stamp it and sometimes they won't.
    
    I don't understand your question on the limited visits. When I used my
    Super Passes they were good up to 7 days from the first date stamped on
    the pass and that meant unlimited use of River Country, Pleasure
    Island, Typhoon Lagoon, and Discovery Island. That DOES NOT mean the
    same for the three major parks. The number of days you are allowed to 
    use the pass for admission into TMK, MGM, and EC depends upon the type
    of pass you have. A 5-Day super pass gives you 5 days and a 6-Day super
    pass gives you 6 days. Again, unless things have changed the 7-day
    clock begins with the first date stamped on the pass. Once 7 days have
    passed the pass is no longer valid.
    
    It is for the above reasons that those who venture down for more than a 
    week or so usually go for the Annual Passes which may go a bit more
    than a super pass (especially with the adders) but aren't constrained
    by a set time.
    
    Mike

    re: .114

>   1. Can you upgrade a 5 day superpass to an annual pass (for how much if
>   so).

    Yes,  you must do so at Guest Services at WDW within some short amount
    of time of when the multi-day passport was first/last used.  They will
    give you full credit for the passport toward the price of an annual.

>   2. Can you visit one of the "lesser" parks on a 5 day superpass BEFORE
>   going to EC, MK, or MGM...?

    The official rules say no, but everyone in this conference who has tried
    it has reported success.  Confidence level of it working: 85%.


>   3. We found out after purchasing [our passports at the Disney Store]
>   that you cannot return for a refund (before use) nor are the dates of
>   use in the "lesser" parks good for an unlimited time like the rest of
>   the pass is. I don't have it in front of me but dates written on the
>   back said access to those (lesser) parks "expired" or something like
>   that in April, 1992.

    This is true of the super passes no matter where you buy them.  I guess
    Disney is not willing to have a bunch of "good forever" passes out
    there for the lesser parks.

    re: last 2
    
    Thanks for the answers. The expiration date bugger doesn't affect us
    because we'll be using them before then, but NOT KNOWING that they did
    expire was the bothersome part.
    
    Tim

    Most probably old news, but just FYI as they say, 4-day Superpasses ARE
    available, if purchased from travel company reps.  They are obviously
    'specials' as although they look just like a 5-day pass, they also have
    the travel company's name printed on them.
    
    Whilst on holiday a couple of weeks ago we met with some friends who 
    had flown out on a Jetsave (I think) packaged-holiday from the UK, and 
    were staying in the Quality Inn (Maingate West). They attended the usual
    morning rep's reception and bought a 4-day Superpass (including the
    7-day admission to PI, RC, TL etc), for $138.  They'd already bought
    them by the time we met them, so they didn't know that I could have
    used my MKC card to get them money off a 5-day pass at WDW.
    
    Do the American travel companies offer these as well?  May be useful if
    (and I know this is sacrilege), you only want 4 days in the World, but
    like the idea of lounging aroung TL or RC for a week.  
    
    
    	Andy.

    
    I'm not sure if this is too late or not but...
    
    We just returned from the World last Saturday.  We purchased our super
    passes at the reception desk of our Villa (we stayed at the Disney
    Villas).  The woman who sold us the passes told us that we could use
    them an unlimited amount of time before we went into one of the 3 main
    parks, but for only 7 days after entering one of the 3 main parks for
    the first time.  I told her I didn't think we could use them until we
    had gone into one of the main parks and she said no.  We tried it
    too...we went into Pleasure Island and Typhoon Lagoon before going into
    one of the main parks and noone gave us any trouble.  The folks at the
    gate did look at our tickets, and at Typhoon Lagoon they even stamped
    it on the back, but that was it.  
    
    I'll tell you though...we definitely got the most out of our super passes.
    We went into Pleasuer Island 4 times (we were within walking distance...),
    River Country and Typhoon Lagoon twice.  It was definitely worth it!
    
    Patty Leone

    I'm not a regular in this conference, so you'll need to send me mail if
    you have any questions.  I happen to be dealing with WDW lately as a
    customer and I noticed this:
    
    FYI, yesterday's Tampa Tribune says that both Disney and Universal
    studios will be admitting children 12 and under for free between now
    and Christmas.  The details differ for the two vendors, i.e. I think
    Disney's deal is weekends only, and Universal starts Friday, 11/15 and
    ends 12/22 or so, but is continuous.  Check it out, especially if you 
    have kids, like I do.
    
    tim
    
    

              I'm sitting here just 26 days away from 11 days at Disney
    and I jumped on this one only to learn from Disney rep that the free
    admit only applies to Universal Studios and NOT elsewhere.
              Probably wouldn't have changed my annual passports anyway
    but it seemed to be worth the call. The real message is that they're
    feeling the economic bite and trying to pull in more customers by new
    means.
    
    Gary
    

    Has there been an increase in tickets prices?  What is the price for
    the 4 day and 5 day super passes with the MKC card? I thought
    I'd read somewhere before that the prices were going up in February,
    but can't find it now.

    Prices usually go up between February and May. The poor attendance at
    the parks over the last year may actually hold the prices...
    
      WDW Finance Guy: "Well Mr. Nunis should we raise admission again?"
    
      RN: "Hmmmmm, if we do we may send someone's budget over the edge and
           make them change their mind on coming! Let's keep it as is!"
    
    Mike_151_before_I_leave

    Does anyone know the admission price to Disneyland and also whether
    you can buy multiple-day passes as you can at Disney World?
    
    Thanks,
    
    Karen

    Does WDW really have a 7 day superpass now?  If so, how much for an
    adult/jr/child with the MKC discount?
    
    Kathy_who_is_still_wishing_airfares_would_drop!
    

    Could anyone tell me what the current cost is for admission into
    Disneyland, and also if you can buy passes covering several days.
    
    Thanks,
    
    Karen
    
    PS  Sorry if I'm repeating myself, but I just noticed I entered this
        question in the wrong note yesterday.

    Karen,
    
    About a week ago I saw a '92 DL Guidebook and ticket sheet and I think
    a 1-day admission was in the $33-35 range.
    
    I do believe seeing multi-day passes being offerred but I cannot recall
    the prices.
    
    Mike

    I don,t have the prices with me but I just made reservations and I was
    told that 7 day and 8 day super passes are available.
    
    John

    Sounds like those vacationers staying more than 8 days may want to
    consider AP's..........especially the Summer people.
    
    Here's betting that the 7 and 8 day super passes will run somewhere
    around $185 for the 7 and >$200 for the 8.
    
    M

    Rep last few
    
    Didn't we already discuss this?
    
    6-8 day  superpasses  are  available to RESORT GUEST ONLY, I don't have
    the prices (Try  calling  CRO?).  The problem with the Annual's is that
    you need riders.   If your only staying for 8 full days or less and you
    plan to do the Theme Parks, Water Parks  and  Pleasure  Island, the 6-8
    day  supperpasses  may  make  more sense than getting the  annual  with
    riders.  Unless of course you are a habitual visitor  and plan on going
    before the year is out on the annual ;^).
    
    Claude

    
    Claude - we never discussed the actual price.  It has been mentioned
    that the 7 day was available in previous notes - I was curious as to
    the exact cost.
    
    OK?
    
    Kathy
    

    re: 7- & 8-day superpasses
    
    Also, I'm curious as to how long the 'free' admission to Typhoon
    Lagoon, Pleasure Island, etc. lasts with the longer passes.  Is it
    still 7 days (as is the case, I believe with the 4- & 5-day
    superpasses) or is it longer??
    
    - Skip

At Disney World, the only options available to NON resort guests are

One Day/One Park:  ~ $30

Four Day All Parks Good Any Time:   ~ $117  (MKC members $111)

Five Day Super Pass Good five days from first use:  ~ $129.


I'll post any more details I can find tomorrow.

Bill

    re: the last few...
    
    The original note that started this flurry of replies was requesting
    info on Disneyland not WDW...
    
    Cheers,
    
    -Jay
    

    Rep to <<< Note 166.135 by NOVA::FEENAN "Jay Feenan, Rdb/VMS engineering" >>>

>    re: the last few...
>    The original note that started this flurry of replies was requesting
>    info on Disneyland not WDW...

    Jay,
    
    The participants in replies .126-133  actually  knew  this,  since this
    string actually took place in Topic  96  'Official  Price Note' and was
    moved here by one of the mod's who didn't participate in the discussion
    to keep 96 just on the facts of cost.  That is why my 96.24 reply seems
    kinda out of place since I was actually replying  to .132 and .133 that
    were moved here.
    
    If there isn't a response to  the Disneyland question, chances are that
    no-one  currently  reading  the  conference  has  the info, and I would
    suggest the requestor call Disneyland Quest relations at (714) 999-4565
    or a local Disney  store  in  the  area  (see 16.39 for current list of
    stores).
    
    Claude

    Ah, now I see what happened.  I was kicking myself for not hanging onto
    my Disneyland info from DECUS this Dec.
    
    thanks
    
    -Jay
    

    I was at Disneyland in mid-November and paid $27.50 for a one day
    passport.  Hope this helps.
    
    Roger

    Sorry if my note caused any confusion...but thanks for the costs you've
    now given me.  The help has been much appreciated.
    
    Bye for now,
    
    Karen

    why doesn't the MKC get a better price than the public.  I noticed
    even with card, I was paying the very same price.

    Rep to <<< Note 166.141 by SASE::FAVORS::BADGER "One Happy camper ;-)" >>>

>    why doesn't the MKC get a better price than the public.  I noticed
>    even with card, I was paying the very same price.

    Ed,
    
    Are you refering to  Onsite  Guests?  if so your correct, seems the MKC
    card doesn't buy you anything  on  admission  prices if staying onsite.
    If staying offsite then you do get a break.
    
    Claude

>    why doesn't the MKC get a better price than the public.  I noticed
>    even with card, I was paying the very same price.
    
    
    I'm not sure it doesn't get a better discount.  I got something in the 
    mail offering another buck (or two) off since I have a Gold MKC, but
    didn't pay too much attention to whether it was good for all MKC's
    since I have an annual.
    
    tom
    [Who is not going to be able to go to Disneyland for another week
    Tough life   ;) ] 

    This file doesn't havea braindead topic - :').
    
    Last year at WDW, we used the info in this file and drove into the
    Contemporary Resort and went to the Character Breakfast. We then got
    onboard the Monorail and went into the Magic Kingdom. But where, oh
    where did I buy tickets? Was there a window outside of the MK? I really
    haven't a clue. I want to do the same this year - I found parking at
    the Contemporary to be much easier than being in the lot with
    sixty-jillion other cars.
    
    Help!
    JR

    There are ticket windows outside all 3 parks, the TTC and each on-site
    resort.  Please note that you must be a resort guest to purchase
    tickets at the hotels.

    Also, you can upgrade your tickets inside the parks. For instance, if
    you are in TMK and happen to have a 4-day PP and want to upgrade to a
    5-day SP you can do this at the City Hall.
    
    Mike 

    You can also purchase tickets at Disney Stores and get the MKC
    discount.  Oddly enough, they still still charged me the Florida
    state sales tax even though I purchased the tickets in New
    Hampshire (which has no state sales tax).  Not sure if this
    was really "legal" or not.

    It's very legal and required by federal law.  The tickets are purchased
    in NH for use in Florida.  They cannot be used anywhere else but in
    Florida, so you cannot escape the sales tax.  Convenience and the MKC
    discount are reasons to buy them before you go.
    
    
    Susan

    I thought I would make some comments here that would help people
    in deciding whether to buy single admissions to a few of the parks
    or buy the huge multi-day passes.
    
    In my own case I expect to visit two of the big parks, and one visit
    each to Typhoon Lagoon and Pleasure Island.  At first glance I might
    dismiss the 5 day SUPER pass as being way more than I need and
    way more than I want to PAY.  Upon closer inspection, this is the
    price breakdown I found, and was very suprised about!  Please note I'm
    using MKC prices that are as close to current prices as I can gather, 
    and that I ignored sales tax since that is somewhat constant cost on all 
    tickets, and yet they never tell you what it is until you buy it (i.e. 
    it's academic, since you can't get out of it no matter which options you 
    choose).
    
    2 - 1 day, one park passes (MK, EPCOT, or MGM)  =    ~$ 65
    1 -  Typhoon Lagoon one day admission	    =    ~$ 18.50
    1 -  Pleasure Island one night admission	    =    ~$ 12
    					         ----------------------
    		
    					TOTAL	    =	$ 95.50
    
    
    1 Five day, all park Super Pass	TOTAL	    =   $ 148
         (includes 7 days unlimited PI,RC,DI,TL)
    
    CONCLUSION:  For approximately $50 more dollars you can get
    3 MORE all park days, plus 7 days unlimited admissions to the
    PI, RC, and TL.  Anyone who plans on going to more than one "big" park,
    and taking in a couple of the "secondary parks", and knows
    they will return some day to use the extra all park days should
    definitely go for the 5 day pass.  Especially when you consider
    you now have free reign of all the parks, for just a few dollars
    more.  Don't let the price for the 5 day pass scare you off too quick,
    the one day passes are not camparably priced (i.e. the 5 day super pass
    is LESS expensive(per day) than the cost of  5 ONE park, one DAY passes ).
    
    --Bert  
                         
                

    I'm not  sure if this has been mentioned in the BUY Here (Disney Store)
    vs There (WDW) discussions, but something that I  noticed  when  I  got
    home after buying my 5 day SuperPass for my April trip to WDW, was that
    the Superpass portion of the ticket has an expiration date on it.  This
    wasn't mentioned  to  me  by  the  Cast  Member who explained to me the
    functions of the ticket (I like to play dumb from time to time ;^)).  
    
    Now I don't think I'll have to worry about a Feb '93 expiration  on  my
    part,  but others may, since I'm not sure if Disney would let you trade
    in a totally unused Superpass  for  another  with  a  later expiration.
    Though  I  don't see why they wouldn't since  if  you  never  used  the
    Superpass you never had time to benefit from it (vs trading up from a 5
    day to 6/7/8 day passes), but I'm sure that Disney would  hit  you  for
    any  increase  that  may  have  incured from the date you purchased the
    Superpass.
    
    Claude

    
    I think this may have been discussed before to mean that the unlimited
    use of PI,TL,DI would expire by that date if not used but that the
    all park (MGM,MK,EC) is like other passes and good forever.
    
    Seems like when went in May 91 they were talking about discontinueing
    the "SUPER" part of the 5 day all park pass........
    
    Ideas anyone....
    
    --BERT

I was there in February... All the ticket booths are redone to offer
only three options:

1. The one-day one-park

2. The 4 day world passport, each day is good anytime forever.

3. The 5 day superpass.  I'm almost positive that it is good for five
   days only from the first date of use, plus the curious expiration
   date Claude mentioned.  

   Maybe another recent visitor has one of these and can check?

bill

    Rep to <<< Note 166.152 by FPTVX1::ABRAMS "Cause I may be..." >>>

>3. The 5 day superpass.  I'm almost positive that it is good for five
>   days only from the first date of use, plus the curious expiration
>   date Claude mentioned.  

    maybe I  wasn't  clear  in my message, the expiration date only affects
    the Superpass portion of  the 5 day Superpass, that is the portion that
    allows you to enter Pleasure  Island,  Typhoon Lagoon, Discovery Island
    and River Country for 7 consecutive days from the date first stamped on
    the ticket.  In other words in  my case since the one I bought if I was
    to show up on Feb 20th I'd only  have  4  days  use  on  the  superpass
    portion, since they exp Feb 23 '93. 
    
    As to the 5 day multipass portion, they are  good  forever,  and  don't
    need  to  be done on consecutive days, hence the black  market  on  the
    unused portion of the tickets.
    
    What  I  was  driving  at in my earlier reply, was without  knowing  if
    Disney will allow you to trade in a 5day supperpass that has never been
    used  to one with a later expiration date, it would be to your  benefit
    to  check  the exp.  date when buying them at the Disney Store well  in
    advance  to  a  trip  to WDW, in the hope of not having to pay a  price
    increase in  the  future.  My gut says Disney will allow you to trade a
    unused 5day Superpass  that  has  expired  providing  you pay any price
    increase, just my guess however.
    
    Claude

    
    In other words in case I didn't make myself clear,
    
    You have  7 consecutive days from the date you first enter MK/EPCOT/MGM
    to enjoy the  superpass  portion of the superpass tickets and then that
    portion is no longer  valid.    However  there  is  an  expiration date
    associated  with  the  superpass portion if the passport has never been
    used prior to the expiration date stamped on the back.  Even though the
    multiday portion  never expires the Superpass portion will if you never
    use the ticket.   This is what I'm cautioning folks on that like to buy
    them well inadvance of going in order to beat a price increase.
    
    In other words, 
    
        - once used to enter 1  of the 3 main parks, you have 7 consecutive
          days to use the Superpass Portion.
    
        - If the Passport hasn't been used to enter one of the 3 main parks
          prior to the expiration date stamped on  the  back, the Superpass
          portion will expire.
    
        - The Multiday portion for the main Parks are  good  for the X # of
          day listed weither Consecutive or non consecutive - no expiration
          on this.
    

    
    Can someone tell me, is the ticket prices for the 4-day or 5-day pass
    more expensive at the disney stores vs at the park themselves?  We're
    talking, of course, with the MKC.
    
    I ask this because the stores quoted me a price greater then the MKC
    prices as of 2/9/92 (which are supplied as part of the MKC packet).
    
    gog
    

    Rep to <<< Note 166.155 by FSOA::OGRADY "George, 297-5322, US Retail/Wholesale SW" >>>

    you'll pay the same price on any given day  wether  you buy at the gate
    or at the store.  The reason for the dif  in  quoted  price is that the
    MKC package slip  doesn't include the Florida/California taxes, and the
    Disney Store are including the taxes since they have to by law.
    
    Claude
    
    PS Speaking of Fl taxes, if I  think  of it, I'll post how my $104 room
    rate had a $6.xx Fl tax plus a  $4.xx Fl surcharge to make it something
    like $116.xx/night.  Is Florida trying to discurouge Tourist? 

    
    There are two taxes for any Florida hotel stays; at least in the
    Orlando area. One is 6% and the other is 4%, total=10%. Hence, whenever
    you get a price on a hotel room there, automatically add 10% to the
    cost for the local/FL taxes.
    
    Jim
    

    Those lovely Florida taxes,
    
    This is how my Port Orleans nightly room charge broke out
    
        $104.00 room rate
       +  $6.24 6% Florida Sales Tax
       +  $4.16 4% Florida Resort Tax
        -------
        $114.40 Total per night
    
    and this is how my Universal Studio Tickets broke out as

         $99.00 3 Adult tickets at $33.00
       -  $9.90 10% off with Universal Fan Club Card (see Personel)
        -------
         $89.10 Sub total
       +   5.37 6% Florida sales tax
        -------
         $94.47 Total admission to US
    
    so don't forget to add the 6% Florida Sales tax to the ticket prices in
    the MKC handouts, and  any gifts etc you may buy, plus an additional 4%
    Florida Resort Tax to your Room Rate.
    
    Claude

    
    Calude, or anyone for that matter, Does resort tax pertain to hotels
    off disney property (ie, International Drive and the Maingate East
    area).
    
    Logic says, they are not in the resort but government is never logical.
    
    gog
    

re: .159

Wishful thinking may say that they're not, but logic suggests that
Disney hasn't trademarked the word "resort", and that the government's
definition is likely to be more general than "any overnight
accomodations on property owned by Disney."

A more realistic question might be: Is there a difference in rates for
the local tax between accomodations in Orlando and accomodations in
Kissimmee?  I believe that the amount called Florida Resort tax in .158
is really a local option tax on public accomodations.

   Gary

    
    Well, Gary, you got my curiosity up so
    
>>A more realistic question might be: Is there a difference in rates for
>>the local tax between accomodations in Orlando and accomodations in
>>Kissimmee?  
    
    I called a hotel and the answer is "depends what county you are in".
    Kissimmee is in a different county then Orlando.  The resort tax is the
    same in both places but Kissimmee is 7% sales while Orlando is 6%. 
    This is what the young lady at the reservations told me.  So I end up
    paying 11% tax on my lodging.  She informed me that if I eat across the
    street I save 1%.
    
    There goes my budget :-)
    

    re: "depends what county you are in"
    
    Isn't WDW in Reedy Creek county?
    Did Disney impose a resort tax on its 'guests'? 

    Rep to <<< Note 166.162 by 56649::TOHOKU::TAYLOR >>>

>    Isn't WDW in Reedy Creek county?
>    Did Disney impose a resort tax on its 'guests'? 

    Nope just a  governing  body,  that just happens to fall in Orange (top
    half of property, where  all  the  parks  and  resorts are) and Osceola
    counties (bottom half, just below  CBR  and include the nature preserve
    south of rt 192).
    
    Claude

    re: last few about taxes
    
    Did some  thinking  on this and realized something, you might be buying
    your  tickets  in  NH,  MA  or  whatever,  but  where  do  you  actualy
    use/benefit from your purchase?
    
    Florida of course, so  even  though you may purchase them out of state,
    you don't actually use or  benefit  from  owning those little pieces of
    paper until you make a trip  down  to Lake Buena Vista and present them
    at the gate, hence the need to pay the Florida  Tax,  which I'm sure is
    mandated by Florida law.
    
    Will this finally clear the issue around buying tickets up here  versus
    down there for tax reasons?
    
    Seems like we go through this every year  around  this time and a bunch
    of people start planning there summer excursion to that  place  we  all
    love.
    
    Claude

    I just recieved a mailshot on the "Be Our Guest Passes".
    
    Are these good value?
    
    This give unlimited access everywhere. A sample price for 7nights/8days
    is $191.90 Adult and $152.95 Child.
    
    I think they are only for MKC members.
    
    JK
    

    Rep to <<< Note 166.165 by VOGON::KAPPLER "Dover, Rising more slowly, Good" >>>

>    Are these good value?
>    This give unlimited access everywhere. A sample price for 7nights/8days
>    is $191.90 Adult and $152.95 Child.

    Check out  topic  96.*  and  you'll  see that this 8day pass is cheaper
    than the 7  day superpass listed there.  If what you posted is accurate
    yes I'd say it's a good deal.
    
    Claude

    
    Yeah, my parents are going with these - I think they told me they are
    getting 8 days for the price of a 6 or 7-day superpass.  Me and Liz already
    have Annual Passports, but If I'd known, I probably would have used
    these instead.
    
    - Sean

    Be careful when making comparisons between the "Be My Guest Pass" and
    a "5- (or greater) day Super-Duper Pass".

    The Be My Guest Pass is good only for the length of stay.  It expires
    on the day of departure (or it may be the day before departure).
    Unused days are not good forever as with a Super or Super-duper pass.
    In this way it is similar to the Magic Passes that have been included
    in various packages, Disney Vacation Club passes, and Annual Passes.

    I still think they are a good deal, but you can't compare them directly
    as you are getting something different.

    Hi Everyone,
    
    I'm leaving for Florida a week from today!!  As part of my vacation,
    we are going to spend two days at Disney (I wanted the whole week there
    but 5 other people didn't go for it!).  I know there isn't a two day
    pass but I was wondering if the single day passes allow you to change
    parks?  I've seen the MK 5 times and I'd like to try Splash Mountain
    and then head to Epcot or MGM.  Will this be possible?   
    
    The last time I was there, it was a 1day/1park passport.  Is this still
    the case?   I really hope they've changed it because I want to see as 
    much as I can in two days.  
    
    Thanks for any info. you have,
    
    Karen

    It is still 1 day/1park.  This is the incentive for you to buy the
    multi-day passports.  If you have any plans on returning, buy the
    multi-day tickets and use the other days later since they don't expire.
    
    John
    

    Re: .168
    
    Unfortunately there are no longer greater than 5-day "Super-Duper
    Pass"es for Resort Guests. Fresh from WDW I can state that the "Be My
    Guest" is the only one available for Resort Guests for more than 5
    days.
    
    In addition, and as I suspected, you can only take a "Be My Guest" to
    match your exact length of Resort reservation. That is, you can't take
    one for a shorter period (e.g. stay for 7 nights, and buy a 6-day "Be
    My Guest". Because we had to leave first thing on our last day to catch
    our flight, we effectively paid for but didn't use 1 day of our
    7night/8day pass.
    
    Still had a great time though, and will do a trip report, honest!
    
    JohnK

Well just confirming -.1 there are no 6,7,8 day super passes anymore. 
It looks like you HAVE to purchase the ticket for your entire length 
of stay (arrival to departure date...I've called three times today and 
got the same story from the info line, annual pass holders line and 
CRO).  As in my case I will arrive on the 14th and leave on the 
22nd....I stated that I would arrive too late to do anything on the 
14th and leave to early to do anything on the 22nd...I was told that I 
would have to buy a Be Our Guest (BOG) Pass for 8 nights/9 days.
(I really am arriving and planning on going to a park on the 14th, but 
I wanted to see if the situation changed...).  Puts kind of a turn 
into out plans of a 6 or 7 day super pass for each of my family 
members (I'm an AP holder....for the discounts) and a visit to Univ 
Studios or other area attraction.

What it looks like is that they are basically pricing the tickets the 
same as a Super pass of X-1 days. (8 day BOG price = 7 day super 
pass)...to accomodate the 'travel day'.  But on the other hand the 
pass ASSUMES that you will only be 'doing' WDW during your stay and as 
pointed out terminate upon departure.

Anyways if I decide on the BOG pass I will try to push to have it 
terminate a day early and will post my result here.

So here are the options that I'm looking at:

(All MKC discounted)

Annual Passes: Adults 184.70 Childs 163.65

(but are not good for TL,DI,RC...but the other advantages of APs)

BOG Pass: 8 nights/ 9 days - Adult 212.64 Childs 169.55
	  7 nights/ 8 days - Adult 202.67 Childs 161.56

5 day super pass, start off the week outside Disney and end the week in Disney
utilizing TL,DI,RC during the week (this way not exceeding the 7 day from
the first day of use criteria).

The old super pass prices were:
(rounded off)

5 day Adult - 166 	Child - 130
6 day Adult - 184	Child - 145
7 day Adult - 201	Child - 158

Actually after writing all of this I'm probably going to just get the BOG pass!

    (I bet Disney didn't anticpate them being abbreviated to "BOG Passes"!)
    
    My guess is that this policy is to discourage you from leaving WDW
    during your resort stay.
    
    Kinda tough, but I guess it worked for me and .-1!
    
    JohnK

    Jay,
    
    It looks like the longer your stay the cheaper the per day cost of the
    BOG Pass. The 7 day was $28+/day and the 8 day was $26+/day. I wonder
    if that means that we could expect the following estimates for the
    adult passes. THIS IS JUST A GUESS!!
    
                 9 Day - $221
                10 Day - $230
                11 Day - $236
                12 Day - $240
    
    Next time anyone calls please post any prices in here.
    
    Thanks,
    
    Mike

    I hope the info in the last note is correct because, if you stay for
    19 days and get the BOG pass it will cost you $0.00 per day.
    
    ;^)

    re: .-1  If I stay a month or two, will they start paying me to stay? 
    
    8<;^)
    
    

re: last few

It probably maxes out around 14 days or the eqiv of an annual pass with all
adders.  This would put it at 291.76 (adult) and 270.71 (child) with MKC
discount.

-Jay

>                <<< CLOSET::W7_:[NOTES$LIBRARY]DISNEY.NOTE;1 >>>
>                       -< The Disneyphile's Disney File >-
>================================================================================
>Note 166.173  Admission Media (tickets/Passports, Cnf. Pol. in 64.0)  173 of 177
>VOGON::KAPPLER "Miss Lilly kissed me!"                8 lines   5-NOV-1992 09:16
>                              -< WDW = The World >-
>--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>    (I bet Disney didn't anticpate them being abbreviated to "BOG Passes"!)
>    
>    My guess is that this policy is to discourage you from leaving WDW
>    during your resort stay.
>    
>    Kinda tough, but I guess it worked for me and .-1!
>    
>    JohnK


Well I wrote them a letter at lunch today that expressed by 
disappointment and how it really has forced me to leave WDW during my 
stay.  I costed it out on our vacation plans which would have a 
Saturday (9:00PM) arrival and Sunday (noon) departure for a family of 
5.  This is the logic:

1. I'm forced to buy a 8 night/9 day pass...for a family of 5 that prices 
out at...$933.93.

2. On my first/last day, because of arrival/departure times, they are a 
wash...so I really only have a potential 7 days to attend anything.

3. We were planning on a 6 day super pass and leave a day open to 'rest' in the 
middle of the week.

4. What I told them is that I probably will...purchase a 5 day super 
pass...$722.00 for a family of 5, get my 'rest day in' and have an 
optional day for 'bad weather', go to Universal Studios or some other 
area attraction...which would bring it up to about $842.00 for 6 days of
admission (assuming Univ. Studios) to parks.

5. Last I told them, that I would have bought a 6 day super pass and 
stayed at WDW for the entire 7 days that I am in Florida for the usual 
$803.00 for a family of 5.

If you followed this this far, they end up with less $$$ in the 
current scheme, more $$$ in the older scheme and I'm happier. (of 
course I'm goint to work the arguement that way)


Even though that it my current logic.  What I really would like to 
happen is that I can get my flights changed....arrive in WDW in the 
morning Saturday leave late in the afternoon on Sunday.  That will really give 
me 9 days potential days instead of 7...and I will buy the BOG pass, but my
wife will kill me, my kids will love me...torn...THAT'S what I'll try 
an do!!!!

Basically I see how they market these passes as a great buy...if you 
can get to a park on the arrival/departure dates and the weather is good 
the whole time that you are there.  The other point is that during 
this time of the year the parks close early, 6 PM...except for 
Saturday...at MK, 7 every night at MGM, 9 every night at EPCOT, and 
TL and RC usually are 'open on a day to day basis...based on the 
temps...although I'd probably go swimming on most of the days that 
they would close it anyways....

(People who have not gone at this time of the year...don't let the last
statement discourage you...there are tons of other advantages which 
translate into discounts on room rates and no attraction lines.)

    re: .171
    
    >In addition, and as I suspected, you can only take a "Be My Guest" to
    >match your exact length of Resort reservation. That is, you can't take
    >one for a shorter period (e.g. stay for 7 nights, and buy a 6-day "Be
    >My Guest". Because we had to leave first thing on our last day to catch
    >our flight, we effectively paid for but didn't use 1 day of our
    >7night/8day pass.
    
    Maybe BOG pass purchasers can get around this a bit by getting creative
    with their reservations.  For example, if you planned to stay for 12
    nights - arriving late the first day and leaving early the last day,
    you could make three separate reservations - for night 1, nights 2-11
    and night 12.  You could then by the appropriate pass for the middle
    of your stay.  If you wanted to have days off in the middle of your stay
    you could make even more reservations.
    
    Of course, this method has some major drawbacks.  You wouldn't be
    guaranteed the same room, although I'd request it at the time I made
    the reservations and again at check-in - if they weren't able to get
    me the same room for my entire stay I'd pester them until they did.
    Also, you would have to keep track of multiple reservations and send in
    a bunch of deposits.
    
    Perhaps Disney would make an exception to this if you suggested that
    you would get around their rules by splitting your reservation.
    
    Ruth

    Hmmm,
    
    Do I hear an argument for driving down? Sounds like it.
    
    Mike

    re:last few...
    
    I tried redoing my Disney reservations (again), but decided not to
    since I was told that I couldn't be guaranteed the same room...so I
    called up the airlines (again) and the gods must be looking down on
    me...I could get all my reservations changed (I couldn't last week....
    I'm using FF miles for all 5 of us and they have only so many seats
    allocated to F flyers.)
    
    Now I arrive at 11:30 AM on Sat and Depart at 4:45 on Sun...so the BOG
    pass is now a value item.  But I'm still disappointed in the lack of 
    flexibility...
    
    -Jay

    I was at WDW this past summer in August, do to the time constraints and a
    problem we had at TMK I still have 2 days left from my four day pass. I
    was told that I can use the pass at any time any year, so I didn't
    bother redeeming the passes for a refund because I knew I would be
    returning in a year or two.
    
    I am not planning to return to WDW until 1994, I make it a habit to go
    at least once every two years if you know what I mean. Should I not
    worry about using the pass or should I write in and get my refund.
    
    The pass was for my wife and I, so the total amount tighed up is
    substantial I dont remember the exact amount but I purchased  two 4/Day
    super passes.
    
    Has anyone ever encountered this and if so did everithing work out ok.
    I dont expect Disney to go bankrupt but you know how some employees can
    be sometimes, I would not want to run into any hassels on my vacation
    if you know what I mean. I plan my vacations carefuly and I dont like
    to waste any valuable time. 
    
    Frank 

    I don't have any experiences in trying to get a pro-rated refund (I'm
    not even sure they offer such a thing; though I have seen scalpers
    trying to buy leftover-time tickets), but I have lots of experience in
    using year-old tickets.
    
    Not only have I not had a problem, but I typically buy the maximum
    number of days, knowing that a) I'll be back, and b) It'll be more
    expensive to buy them when I am back.

    I went to DisneyWorld in 1985 and bought a 4 day pass - I only
    used three of the days. I went back in 1988 and had no trouble 
    entering the park with the fourth day.
    
    todd///

    Sounds good to me, I will hold on to the passes and use them in '94. I
    guess I should have expected notheing less from WDW. 
    
    
    Frank

    	Just got off the phone with the MKC travel center.
    
    	The lady mentioned the "Be Our Guest" passport.  This is a new type
    of passport.  It's only good for five consectutive days from the first
    day stamped on the ticket.  It's only available through specific
    packages the MKC offers.  Give you unlimited use of the various parks,
    including TL, DI, etc..  Of course after her sales pitch she did state
    TL is closed until Feb 12th for rehab, and DI will close on the 13th
    for rehab.
    	Price was $146.30 + 6% for adults, $115.90 + 6% for ages 3-9.
    
    Tony

    Tony,
    
    Does this mean the 5-Day Super Duper Pass is history? This BOG passport
    appears to be cheaper.
    
    Mike 

    RE: .187
    
    The 5-day Super Duper passport is still available for people who do not
    qualify for or are not interested in the BOG passport.  I don't know
    about the 6-day Super Duper passports that were available to resort
    guests, however.
    
    --Jay
    

    RE: 6-DAY SP
    
    I KNOW...they are no longer available.  I wrote a letter about the
    removal of the 6 + day passes and the inflexibility of the BOG pass.
    I received a nice letter back saying that they would take this
    information in review this year sometime.
    
    -Jay
    

    Jay,
    
    The AP is probably the best way to go unless you are really into
    PI and TL.
    
    Mike

    Duh............What is the BOG passport!
    
    Frank

    Duh how dumb can you be.............It was staring me right in the face
    
    Frank

>    Jay,
>    
>    The AP is probably the best way to go unless you are really into
>    PI and TL.
>    
>    Mike


Mike,

That really depends.  I'm an AP holder but my family is not, because I 
knew I'd be going by myself to WDW this past year + I wanted the AP 
discounts in the fall for the hotels.  For a family of 5 going for one 
week every other couple of years I would have said that the 6-day pass 
or the BOG pass was better....depending on your arrival departure 
times during that '7-day' vacation. (BOG passes are purchased based on 
your arrival and departure dates...you can't get around this unless 
you actually use 2 reservations at the same hotel)


For me the least expensive, most flexible way to go was:

Originally:

Me - AP (saved 50% on hotel)
Family - 6 day passes (assuming 7 possible days of admission during 
the 9 days that we were there...flights arrive late/depart early)

I then was able to change my flights (by luck...I had tried a few times before)
to arrive early and leave a day later....this changed the scenario a 
bit

to being:

Me - AP (50% savings on hotel...but ended up paying for TL only once)
Family - BOG (flights arrived early/departed late...possible 9 days of 
admission during the 9 days that we were there).

Personally I'll keep my AP for the other benefits.

Cheers,

-Jay

    An AP all for yourself Jay? Now that you've descibed your own situation
    I can see your point.
    
    Jay's reply is an indication that you really cannot make a general
    statement in this file regarding the "best" way to do this or see that
    or go here or stay there. It's up to you.
    
    When you look to this conference for help keep in mind that most people
    are describing what's best for them and that may not be to your liking.
    
    Check everything and judge whether your needs apply.
    
    Mike

    I also keep an annual pass for myself, but not for the family.  I teach
    seminars around the country and am in Orlando at least twice a year.  I
    get the hotel discounts and am able to run over and enjoy WDW when I
    have a free hour or two.  I then get the hotel discouts for the family
    when we do go down every 3 years or so.  Last family trip I got the
    trailers at FW for $99/night, a big savings over regular price.  With 4
    kids, this was the best hotel deal, besides we really like FW.
    
    John
    

    I have a 5 day + super pass left over from last year with 3 days left.
    Can this be upgraded to a new 5 day super pass which allows me to use
    typhoon lagoon?  Any ideas on how they work the price of upgrades?
    
    Thanks,
    Judy

    
     Judy,
    
         I don't know about upgrades but, you can go to the guest services
      booth at the TTC and get credit for the unused days of your year old
      passports then apply that credit to new superpasses and just pay the
      difference.
    
    
      -Rob
    
    

    
    	Please could you help me with the current prices of a four and
    	five day superpass.
    
    	Many thanks,
    
    	Wanda
    

    I'd like to pose a thought in here regarding the BOG passes.
    
    Has anyone thought about just buying a 4-day passport or a 5-day Super
    Duper passport and just upgrade them as needed?
    
    For instance, instead of getting a BOG for 8 days when you are only
    there for 7 days why not buy a 5-Day super Duper Pass, use 2 days on
    it, and then go to guest services and bump it up to a 5-day Super Duper
    Pass? 
    
    That's what I would do.
    
    Any thoughts?
    
    Mike

    re:-.1
    
    This sounds logical.  But I think that you would need to be there about
    9-10 days for this to pay off.  I can't remember the math right now but
    if you were checked in for 8 days you would pay for an 8 day BOG pass
    (as stated before, done by date not by time of checkin/checkout).  I
    think that a 2 day use of a 5 day pass and then converting the
    remaining 3 days into another 5 day pass would end up being greater
    than the 8 day BOG pass.  (I'll check later and report back).  I
    believe you need to be there 9-10 days for the pricing advantage...but
    it would give you the flexibility.
    
    -Jay
    

    Jay,
    
    I believe you're right about the number of days for this scenario to be
    worth the effort. I think 10 days will be the magic number.
    
    Mike

    Hi there
    
    We are about to embark (28 days and counting) on our Holiday of a
    Lifetime.  This will be our first time to WDW and although I've been
    avidly reading this conference, I must admit to being totally confused
    by the ticket options.
    
    We leave on 27th May from the UK, arrive at approx 17.00.  We depart on
    11th June at approx 16.30.
    
    There are two adults and three children, all under ten.
    
    I know that this is sacriledge but I guess that we will want to visit
    other places in addition to WDW whilst there.
    
    Can anybody please help with opening times for the period we are there,
    note 98 finishes at April, and for our best options on tickets (the
    children are hyped up about typhoon lagoon almost as much as MK, MGM and
    Epcot)
    
    PS we are staying at the Holiday Inn on International Drive and have a
    car for the two weeks.
    
    Thanks for any help you can offer  

    Tony,
    
    Give me a ring on 7851 1080 and I will tell you what you ask and a 
    lot more besides.
    
    Robin Kay
    
    Warrington

When I was walking past the ticket sales places into the parks last week I 
noticed that there is now a 4 day super duper pass in addition to the 5 day
supe duper and regular 4 day pass.

Re. past couple.


Any chance of sharing the lowdown with therest of us?

Regards,
Tony.

Re . 205


   What are the new costs for adults and kids?

   What do they include? Unlimited access to Typhoon etc?

   Five weeks to go and counting......

  Tony.

    The new 5 day Super Duper Pass costs $170 plus tax (non-MKC), and the
    new 4 day Super Duper Pass costs $154 plus tax (non-MKC).  They include
    unlimited access to Typhoon Lagoon, Pleasure Island, River Country, and
    Discovery Island for 7 days beyond the first date that they are used in
    a theme park.  MKC prices should be lower.
    
    Cheers,
    Ken
    

Thanks Ken.

Tony.    

                <<< CLOSET::W7_:[NOTES$LIBRARY]DISNEY.NOTE;1 >>>
                       -< The Disneyphile's Disney File >-
================================================================================
Note 351.0              Admission Prices to attractions??             No replies
WMOIS::COPPOLA_M                                     22 lines  28-JUN-1993 07:46
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    
    	Hello,
    
    	I will be going to WDW in August and we have decided to visit the
    	follwoing places.  What I'm looking for is what should I expect to
    	pay for each attraction?  
    	
    	Universal Studios
    	Sea World
    	Epcot Center
    	Majic Kingdom
    
    	Thanks for your help
    
    	Regards,
    
    	Michelle
    
    	
    	
    
    

    Latest on prices (I got this from a Disney Store and AAA):
    
    5-Day Super Duper:		$179.00 (regular)
    				$170.60 (MKC)
    			        $166.00 (AAA, by 9/1/93, then it goes up
    					 to $174.00)
    	MK,EPCOT,MGM (5 days whenever)
        TL,RC,PI,DI (7 consecutive days starting from 1st day used)
    
    4-Day Super Duper:		$132.00 (regular)
    				$126.70 (MKC)
    				(AAA doesn't offer it)
    	MK,EPCOT,MGM (4 days whenever)
    	does NOT provide free admission to the other 4 (TL,RC,PI,DI)
    
    RE: -1
    
    Michelle:  My suggestion would be to go to Employee Activities and
    	get the Magic Kingdom etc package.  It includes a Magic Kingdom
    	Card & brochure, Sea World pass & brochure, and Universal Studios
    	Card.  The personnel/EA in ZKO1 still has a bunch of them even 
    	though the office has been moved to MLO.
    	Also, if you're a AAA member, call and get their Florida book.
    	It has some good recommendations for hotels & restaurants, plus
    	coupons for some of the places you listed.
    
    Rae
    (65 days and counting)

    Rae,
    
    I assume that these are adult prices and do not include tax. 
    
    In May the 5-Day SD Pass was $170 (reg) and $161.50 (MKC) before
    taxes.
    
    Wow that means renewals on APs are a great deal. AP renewals for
    adult APs were $164 plus tax or $172 (if I remembered correctly).
    
    Glad I got my vouchers last month...probably saved myself at least
    $50.
    
    Mike 

    Hi Mike:  Yes, these are adult tickets.  I went to AAA this morning
    	      to get them (before 9/1 price increase) and they are $166
    	      each, no tax above and beyond that, so you can count on
    	      paying just that at the AAA office.  They ran out of the
    	      adult tickets (Worcester office) but are getting more in
    	      later this week, and will offer them at the $166 price until
    	      9/1.
    Have fun!
    Rae

    I apologize if this has already been answered elsewhere, but I'm
    curious. The Birnbaum Guide shows that taxes are added to the cost of
    passes purchased at the park. Would I still be charged a tax if I was
    to purchase them through either the Disney Store (or AAA) here in
    Nashua, NH?
    
    Thanks in advance,
    
    Freddie

    Check reply .18 (I think) in this topic.
    
    Mike

    Hummmm, when I went in last month to inquire about prices, they said
    they added the price of the tax into the price they quote.  They have
    to pay the tax on the tickets, so we have to!  
    
    I'll check again!

    .18 is WRONG!  You only avoid the hassles of buying there.  You *must*
    pay Florida tax because you can *only* use them in Florida.
    
    
    Susan

    The prices that I was quoted probably already include the tax then.
    I did specifically ask MKC and AAA if there was tax in addition to
    what they told me and they said those numbers were it.  I'd bought
    mine at AAA and paid $332 for two adult 5-day super duper passes,
    so, unless she charged me wrong... :)?
    
    For anyone who's going by the prices in the replies I posted, you can
    expect to pay just that, and no more.  For others purchasing the
    tickets here or in Florida, Disney store or whatnot, if you got a 
    lower price quote, the thing to do might be to ask if there's tax 
    on top of that price.  If not hey go for it!

    re: tix at AAA
    
    was this a localized promotion (i.e MA or Worcester only)? I just got
    off the phone with the Nashua, NH AAA office, and they aren't aware of
    any ticket promotion.
    
    Almost a moot point for me now, though, since I was on vacation and 
    neglected to get to a participating AAA office before the 9/1 deadline.
    
    Thanks, 
    
    Freddie

  Must have been cause there was none here in Colorado either.

I don't know the note either, you might want to try dir/tit=admission

But I do know the difference.  The BOG pass is only for resort guests its cost
is based on the dates that you arrive/depart and is only good for the length
of the stay.  The 5 day super pass is good for 5 days regardless of the stay
(except the 7 day admission to PI,DI,etc is from the first day that you use the
pass) so you can finish off a few days that you don't use if you like.

The advantage of the BOG pass is that it MAY cost less for the SAME amount of
use.

The disadvantage of the BOG pass is:

1. If you arrive late in the day or depart early in the day at the end of your
vacation you HAVE to pay for these days.  Example you arrive at 7PM stay on 
day 1, stay the next full 5 days and then on 'day 7 you depart at 10 AM'.  You 
MUST pay for a 7 day BOG pass.

2. If you would like to see other area attractions or there is REALLY bad
weather you 'waste' a day of your pass...since you have paid for something
you decided not to use.

I suggest that you figure out what you want to do down at WDW look at the actual
times of arrival and departure and then decide if you want the BOG passes.

The last time I went I sent a letter complaining about the elimination of the 
6 day Super pass, planned on purchasing a 5 day super pass and 1 day admission 
to universal studios instead because the BOG 8 day pass was too expensive 
and not flexible for our needs...at the last moment we got seats on
earlier/later flights that we were wait listed for and we flip flopped on 
our decision since we could take full advantage of the 8 day BOG pass.

Hope this helps a bit.

-Jay

Could someone please explain the 4 day super plus pass. This is the 
first time I have heard it mentioned. As a regular visitor I don't need 
5 days on my next visit (May) but I am a heavy user of TL RC and PI.

Robin (Warrington)

    The four day super plus card is advertised in the Virgin in-flight
    magazine, and the package company (Meon Villas) also offers the card.
    Is it European only? I don't know.
    
    I paid $150 for each adult ticket and $125 for the kids cards (after my
    mentioning the MKC). 
    
    The card is just like the 5 day card but for 4 days - i.e. after the
    first vist to MKC, Epcot, or MGM there is unlimited entry in the next 7
    days to: TL, DI, RC, PI, and FW. Then you can use the card to get into
    MK, Epcot or MGM for three more days.
    
    

    Phew! That comes out to $37.25/day for the adult pass and $31.25/day
    for the child.
    
    It's still a good deal IF you visit one of the other parks (TL, DI, RC,
    and PI) at least twice during your stay.
    
    Mike

    You really need to get full use of this to be worth it.
    
    The regular 4 day pass is $120 with MKC for adult ($93 for kids)
    
    At $150 you are paying $30 more for the other parks (TL, DI, RC, PI).
    The total cost of all 4 with MKC is $50.10 with TL making up the 
    largest amount at $18.50. You get a $20.10 discount only if you
    go to all of them or go more than once to one etc.
    
    YOu would need to go to TL and either PI or RC to just break even.
    If you did not go to TL you would have to go to all 3 of the others
    and still barely break even. You could go to one place multiple
    times and make up for it which might be the case for RC or PI.
    
    These 5 day and 4 day super duper passes are mainly designed to
    make Disney big bucks. since most people are there for a week
    which in most cases is really 6 full days and most people want
    to see other things outside of disney, they just end up losing most
    of the use of the super duper cards. 
    
    To really make full advantage of these super duper passes you should
    be down there for two weeks. At first go to one them park then hit
    (TL, DI, RC, PI) until you are sick of them then finish the passes.
    
    For many people on a single week schedule they may be better off
    buying single day passes. 
    
    A better possibility would buy unused park passes from resellers
    down there. Typically you can get an unused day on a multi park
    pass for the same price as a single day pass. It would allow
    going from one park to another in same day, just make sure
    if they had a signature line that they were not signed already.
    
    If your down there in Jan. then TL is probably a pass anyway because
    of temperatures, so it may not be worth anything on the special
    pass. That means you need to go to all 3 of the other extra parks
    just to break even, not much of a deal to me.
    
    If you got a packed schedule only PI is the one activity that would
    naturally follow a full day at a park and that would then be a long
    day. I like to think of vacations as having some relaxation in it,
    a typical WDW vacation is like running a marathon.
    
    If you are going down for a week then plan your week out fully and
    buy the passes that make sence. I bet the average user of these
    4/5 day super duper passes ends up going to no more than 2 extra
    items or less, does not use the rest and eventually losses the
    passes or never comes back. 
    
    The first time I went to WDW when it was much smaller I felt like
    I needed a vacation to recover after I got back. When I go down
    now I only go into WDW 2 days at most, I always try to schedule the
    last full day as a lay around the pool and relax day. 
    
    					Harold 

    You hit it in one Harold! 
    
    This was our third trip to Florida and had never been to TL, RC, etc
    before. So we knew that we'd spend quite a bit of time at them. That,
    coupled with Universal giving out "2nd day free" passes and Busch
    Gardens giving out "kids free" Cypress Gardens passes really helped
    keep the costs down this time.
    
    Next time I'm not even sure I'd buy a multi-pass card. MK was the most
    crowded I'd seen, and I guess I must be getting old 'cos staning in line
    for over an hour is not my idea of fun. But unlike some of the
    contibutors elsewhere I still find EPCOT magical - especially at night
    - and the kids loved MGM. So perhaps two, one day, passes next time? 

    What is the deal on Annual Passes ?  I think I recall reading some trip
    reports where people said they got discounts (50% ??) on Disney hotels
    because of their A.P.'s.  Is this true ?
    
    What are the benefits of an A.P. over a 5 day super duper pass.  I
    think you have to pay separately for entrance into T.L., RC, PI, etc
    with an A.P.
    
    I'm sure this question has been covered somewhere.  A short answer or a
    pointer to the relevant note would be appreciated.
    
    Don

    Topic 150 discusses Annual Passports.
    
    >>>I think you have to pay separately for entrance into T.L., RC, PI,
    >>>etc with an A.P.
    
    This is correct.
    
    Mike

    The Orlando Sentinel reported today (Dec 3rd) that WDW is putting new
    restrictions on some of the multiday passes starting today.
    
    The 4-day pass is now good for one day at EPCOT, one day at the Magic
    Kingdom, one day at Disney-MGM and one "guest's choice day" to return
    to any one park.  You can leave and return to the same park in a single
    day but can not change parks during the day.  If you decided to visit a
    second park in the same day it will count as two days on the pass.
    
    The same applies to the 5-day pass, with two "guest's choice days". 
    On the two choice days you may return to a park, visit Typhooon Lagoon,
    River Country, Discovery Island or Pleasure Island.
    
    The only excpetion to the above rules will be Disney hotel guests
    (including the Swan and the Dolphin hotels) who may purchase passes
    which will allow them to move freely among all the parks like before.
    
    Disney's reason for the change is their hope to discourage ticket
    resale of partially used multiday passes and encourage more people to 
    stay at their hotels.
    
    MY OPINION:  This really puts a damper on people who have visited the
    parks before and want to see only the "new" rides/shows (or revisit
    favorites) in each park but not spend a full day in any one.  It also
    eliminates dashing to another park when one park closes earlier due the
    time of season or special events; for example, the Magic Kingdom closes
    at 6PM this Friday & Saturday and next weekend then reopens at 8PM for
    the Disney's Merry Christmas Party which requires another special
    ticket.  Those folks not wanting to (or can't afford) the special
    ticket price, can not go over to EPCOT which will stay open later.
    
    This also eliminates some crowd-avoidance planning like during the
    winter time when the Magic Kingdom offers the light parade and
    fireworks only on Saturday night.  The park is very crowded this day so
    people "in-the-know" visit EPCOT or MGM during the day and go over to
    MK just for evening highlights.  Now if you really want to see these
    events you must spend the entire day in MK (making it more crowded) or
    use one-full day pass just for a few hours.
    
    If Disney is really trying to cut down on the reselling of the passes
    There are other methods they could use (such as, signed passes with
    driver's license for proof of signature, etc.).  My feeling is they are
    just trying to get people to stay at their hotels thus more money for
    them.
    
    So, everyone, plan you trip carefully.  Be sure you really want to
    spend a full day in any single park because once you,re in you can not
    change your mind and go to another park.
    
    Dan

    Dan,
    
    Was it clear as to whether or not on-the-property guests have to
    purchase their passes at the hotel? For instance, do you have to
    purchase a BOG pass to park hop or can you purchase a multi-day
    pass from a Disney store and still park hop if you flash your resort
    ID?
    
    I think this new policy will impact people during those extended hour
    months (May-September). I know there have been days when I've hit MGM
    in the early morning, drive over to EPCOT for lunch at a World Showcase
    restaurant, and then pop over to TMK at night to watch SpectroMagic.
    
    I would expect this policy does not hold for Annual Passports.
    
    Maybe the sale of BOG type passes and AP's have dropped off and they
    are trying to get visitors to purchase these type passes. It could also
    be a move to get more people to stay on the property. It does appear
    that the property guests are somewhat favored.
    
    I expect quite a few people will be upset.
    
    Of course if the tour groups from a certain South American country find
    they have to curtail visits to the Orlando area because of this I'd be
    devestated.
    
    Mike 

    
    Mike's question is valid....especially if the 5/4 day passes are
    going to change physically and you can run down and buy the old
    style and still use it to park hop without staying 'on property'.  
    
    I didn't think they could limit any old passes they had already
    sold as multi-park passes, so they must be changing the wording
    on the 'super' passes.
    
    bummer: guess we'll have to stay onsite from now on and forgoe the
    $30 US192 hotels    8^(
    
    --bert

    this is the wording used in the article transcript in the disney
    news group to describe the passes and rule changes:
    
    4-DAY:
    
    Other visitors and local residents who buy a "Four-day Value Pass" will
    find it good for one day at Epcot Center, one day at the Magic Kingdom,
    one day at Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park and one "guest's choice" day,
    allowing the holder to return to any one park.
    
    
    5-DAY:
    
    Similarly, The Five Day Around The World pass will entitle "day guests"
    to one day at each of Disney's three major park's and two days of
    "guest's choice" admissions, during which they can return to a major
    park or visit Typhoon Lagoon, River Country, Discovery Island or
    Pleasure Island.
    
    OTHER of NOTE:
    
    The so-called "day guest" ticket-holders can return to the same park
    the same day, but if they decide to visit a second park in one day--
    it will count as two days.
    
    
    
    Note the use of the words "DAY GUEST" meaning those who don't
    stay at a Disney resorts.  Someone in the news group posted a reply
    that this looks like a price increase, that's not called a price
    increase.  Looks pretty bad...
    
        

    The Orlando Sentinel didn't state where hotel guest must purchase the
    tickets.
    
    I talked with WDW Guest Information - (they seemed a little shakey on
    the answers) but I was told new style of tickets are being issued.  The
    old tickets would be still honored but only those with hotel IDs would
    be allow to change parks.  The term "multi-parks" still applies because
    you can use them at any park - you just can not change parks.
    
    Again, the person I talked to seemed to be "guessing" some of the answers
    but I wouldn't buy any tickets now if you're planning to stay at a
    Disney hotel until you either get to the hotel or there is a more firm
    answer.
    
    Dan

    I second Dan's suggestion. If you're staying on the property hold off
    buying your passes until you get there.
    
    The drawback is that you may have to buy a certain multi-day pass based
    on your stay.
    
    Since this is a rather hot issue anyone who calls the CRO or the Info
    desk should ask about this policy so that the policy is clearly
    understood. Pleas post all questions and answers in this topic.
    
    Here are some questions that need to be answered:
    
       1. If a hotel guest elects to purchase passes at the hotel does
          that guest get to select the number of days he wants that pass 
          to cover or is that visitor bound by his reservation? That is,
          if I book for 7 nights do I have to buy an 8-day multipass or 
          can I buy a 5-day pass?
    
       2. What if you have already made reservations and have already
          purchased passes from the Disney Store? Do you flash your Resort
          ID when you go to your second park so as to prevent them from
          stamping Day 2?
    
       3. Are AP holders exempt from this new policy?
    
    Mike   

    The more I think about this new policy, the more it ticks me off.

    For one thing, as others have pointed out, you lose the ability to move
    freely from park to park.  You no longer can start your day in one park
    avoiding the mid-day crunch for your favorite ride and then head
    somewhere else that evening for different fireworks, etc.  Nope, you're
    stuck in one park all day.  To me, this ability was the primary appeal
    of the multi-day passport, regardless of the (very) small savings you
    get over purchasing single-day passes.

    And what about that last day of your trip where you try to hit
    everyone's favorites or those attractions you missed??  You're stuck,
    unless all those attractions are in the same park.

    What's even worse though is that for your 4- or 5-day pass, you must
    spend one day each in the MK, EPCOT, and MGM.  (Disney is "gracious"
    enough to let you choose where to spend the remaining days.)  But this
    really stinks.  What if you like two of the parks, but can't stand the
    third??  You lose a day off your multi-day pass.

    And actually, Mike, I think this hurts those going in the "off-season"
    much more than those who go "on-season" because in "off-season", when
    the parks close early, your only choice will be to go home.  When MGM
    closes at 7, you won't be able to wander over to EPCOT to catch
    Illuminations or a late ride on the Maelstrom.  "On-season" the parks
    are open later and they have their own fireworks displays, etc.

    The bottom line with these changes is that there is less incentive for
    offsite guests to stay and spend their money on Disney property.  For
    example, in my own case, we're planning a trip for next May.  With this
    change, I do not see a benefit in buying a multi-day pass even though
    we'll likely spend 4 to 5 days in the parks.  As an MKC member, there
    is little difference in the cost of a 4-day pass versus 4 1-day passes
    (a 4-day pass is only 8 bucks cheaper).  Sure, I lose the use of WDW
    transportation but it's not as efficient as driving myself and besides,
    I can only get into one park per day so why would I need it anyways??

    As to the benefit of a 5-day pass, I'm still unclear on how/if this
    will really change that pass but for our trip, we'll only be there for
    about a week so we'd be hard-pressed to take full advantage of the
    "bennies" of a 5-day pass and seeing as the benefits of a multi-day
    pass have just become much more limited...

    So what I'll do is wait 'til we get down there, figure out where we
    feel like spending a particular day (MK, EPCOT, MGM, Sea World, etc.),
    buy our ticket and go.  Hmmm... actually, this change in policy *does*
    make my planning that much easier... :-)

    - Skip

    I told my wife about all this over the weekend.
    
    She wasn't hacked off at all......she just grinned real big at me and
    said "now you don't have any excuse not to stay at a Disney resort".
    
    she's right -- Port Orleans is now looking real good for our '95 trip
    	           and so is a 7 day BOG pass...
    
    --Bert

    re:-1
    
    Your note shows exactly why WDW is making the change; they want to fill
    their hotels.  With the rumered lower prices of the new "All Star
    Resorts", they are taking direct aim at the low cost hotel market in
    Orlando/Kissimmee.  This new ticket policy is in direct support of
    thier goal.  It sounds like a good business decision to me.  I'm sure
    the Disney marketing machine will position the new passes as the
    greatest thing since slice bread.
    
           "Our new tickets let you spend one full day in each of our three
           magical parks.  As an added bonus, on your fourth day, you can
           chose to re-visit your favorite park...."
    

    I think it will backfire in their face. I know in my case as a repeat
    visitor I usually only want to go in for certain things and like
    the flexibility to move. Instead of buying a multi park pass with
    most days not being used for years  to come with Disney collecting
    interest I will buy a lot less single day passes now. I will probably
    reduce my visits to WDW to a minimum in future. It does not make
    sense for me to stay inside the park normally so basically they have
    lost my average 2 or 3 days business visiting with family every two years.
    They probably will help their hotel business but I think it will cost
    them dearly in the long run in other business. Maybe they are
    trying to recover the massive losses from Euro disney on repeater's
    backs.
    
    				Harold C.
    
    
    

    I have mixed emotions about this new policy.
    
    First off I hope this doesn't pertain to AP's. If that's the case than
    those people who go for extended visits will not be affected.
    
    As Skip had mentioned, if you go during the shorter operating hour
    periods this policy really limits your choice of activities and you're 
    practically "chained" to your choice theme park for the day.
    
    At least in the Summer you can go early, take off around mid-day and do 
    other stuff and then come back in the late afternoon. That breaks up
    the day.
    
    Unfortunately most WDW veterans don't work that way. During the Summer
    I like to do MGM or EPCOT in the morning and TMK at night. You can do 
    quite a few attractions during the early SpectroMagic Parade.
    
    I'm wondering about the timing of this policy. I think that Disney
    should have given advanced notice of this policy. For instance, if this
    policy was to be adopted for 1994 then I think a 90-day notice would
    have been in order to give visitors a chance to digest the policy and
    figure out how best to adapt to it. I would think that a lot of people
    would appreciate given the chance to adjust their plans.
    
    I strongly agree with Jim that it's a business decision, and, on the
    surface, a sound one to give everyone just a bit more of an incentive to  
    stay on the property. The new resorts wouldn't suffer anyways. They are
    cheaper than the ECO-TRIO and there's nary an empty room. 
    
    This ain't EuroDisney folks.
    
    This just gives visitors an added bonus. I would guess that 75% of those
    people who stay on the property are securing their passes through their
    reservations (BOG passes) or AP's anyways.
    
    In a way Disney is protecting their guests and penalizing those people
    who are staying off the property. 
    
    Will it hurt Disney? I don't think so. Sure it will tick people off but
    I don't think it will hurt Disney financially. If they can replace a
    non resort guest with a resort guest that works for them.
    
    This policy will slightly discourage the selling of partially used
    multi-day passes. I'm sure that stuff will continue to go on but the
    seller will probably lower his price as the buyer has second thoughts.
    
    But again, if you're a resort guest or an AP holder you should not see 
    any change. If you're not a resort guest and not an AP holder you may
    have to rethink your plans.
    
    Mike
               

    I don't think this new policy could effect AP's; I don't see how.  I
    mean, with an AP, you can go into whichever of the three parks you want
    over the course of a year.  The only way they could change it is to no
    longer offer it...

    But I agree that this was purely a business decision on Disney's part
    and the reasoning is simple.  The new policy provides an added
    incentive to stay in a WDW resort hotel.  And as has been pointed out
    by others, Disney's plans for expansion include more hotels than park
    attractions.  Sorry, but a "Barbie" stage show (in EPCOT?!?!?) just
    doesn't cut it for me.  But what I really object to is that something
    was "taken" away from the general public and will now be offered
    exclusively to resort guests.  What's next??  Will character breakfasts
    be only available to resort guests??  What about trips on the
    monorail??  

    A less obvious purpose for these restrictions is that it would appear
    to bolster attendance at EPCOT and MGM.  Someone who is "duped" into
    buying a four-day pass must now visit each park at least once in order
    to get the full value from their pass so that means a trip to EPCOT
    where as they may have planned to spend all their time in the MK and
    MGM.

    Actually, I think this could hurt business at some of the theme parks'
    restaurants.  Many folks in here have reported on how they've spent
    most of their day in one park but went to dinner at a restaurant in
    another park.  For example, an often-recommended plan has been to spend
    the earlier hours of the day in MGM or the MK, back to the hotel for a
    nap or a swim, and then enjoy a meal in one EPCOT's restaurants and
    stay to enjoy Illuminations.  Bzzzzt.  Sorry, but that's no longer
    possible for "day guests"...

    What's pretty sad is that this probably won't backfire on Disney. 
    Sure, I think a lot of people like myself will be disappointed and will
    complain.  Maybe some of us will complain very loudly and Disney will
    capitulate with a small token.  But ultimately, people will just go
    along with it and take it as part of the Disney Experience. 
    Unfortunately, that "experience" gets more and more tainted as you go
    along...

    - Skip

    I guess I can gloat... my trip is all over, and I hit it just right!  

    BUT, enough of the nasties!!!  I had planned our next trip to be either
    on site or renting a house, as we did this last time (yes the trip
    report is in the works)... but now, maybe we'll go to Williamsburg
    instead.  I hear they have some horrendous rollercoasters!!!
    
    I can do without being told how to spend my money, especially with the
    prices that are charged!!!
    
    M-L

    We will still take our planned trip in March because our annual
    passes will still be good. After expiration in June, however, 
    future trips are in jeopardy. When we renewed last year we 
    bought the vouchers months in advance and had our pictures taken
    on arival. One of the things noted by the castmember was the 
    delay between actual expiration of the old pass and renewal
    of the new one. If annual passes are kept as an option I 
    wouldn't be surprised to see a change of policy in that area.
    
    We love staying on property and don't plan to change, but I'll
    be darned if I will intentionally pay for a day's admission that
    there is no way on earth I can use (arrival and departure days
    in some cases). Plus there are many local attractions that we
    have not yet visited, making it more probable that there will
    be days that we don't enter any of the WDW parks. 
    
    Linda

    I wonder if everyone would still be ticked off if they also changed
    their policy on BOG passes. If you could customize your BOG pass ("Yes
    I'll be staying at the Grand Floridian for 10 days but I need a BOG
    pass for just 7 days) that might soften the blow a bit.
    
    It doesn't make sense to change the AP policy. Like Linda I renewed my 
    AP's long before the actual picture taking is to take place. And you
    talk about stretching it out. I renewed in June 1993 and won't activate
    them until July 1994...so they'll be good up to June 1995.
    
    I think that EuroDisney's plight had a lot to do with this BUT I don't
    think this is being put in place to make up for the red caused by
    France. Instead, I think this policy has been put in place PRIMARILY to
    encourage more visitors to stay on site. Remember, in 1994 there will
    be an extra 4500 rooms, bringing the total number of rooms, campsites,
    trailers, villas, homes, and so on to a staggering total of close to 
    16,000 units. With the average nightly price being $150 (I'm sure that
    price can be debated) we're talking about a daily intake of close to
    $2.5 million. That's about $700,000 more per day. 
    
    EuroDisney scared them into establishing this policy hoping to get more
    people to stay on the property. Frankly I don't see a problem except
    that I think expanding the parks should take precedence over increasing
    hotel space.
    
    Also, you would think that the All-Star Resorts with their
    cheaper-than-CBR-PO-DL rates would fill up quickly. I do expect that
    they'll be some empty rooms during the months of January, March,
    September, and October, regardless of policy change.
    
    Mike

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    I'd like to see more details before I rant and rave but here's my
    knee-jerk reaction - no more WDW trips for us.  Although we use annual
    passes for most of our trips, this policy is enough for me to tell
    Disney to take all their passes, hotels and theme parks and shove them
    <expletive deleted>.
    
    I have a number of guesses as to why they're changing their passes.
     - to convince more people to stay on property
     - to spread the crowds out among the three major theme parks
     - to help pay for their money pit in France
     - etc.
    I can't find a single positive reason for the change.  Personally I
    hope this change causes a significant drop in park attendance and
    a huge boost for Universal Studios and the other parks in the Orlando
    area.
    
    I'm assuming the resort passes will be Be Our Guest style where you
    are required to purchase them for the entire length of your stay and
    they are only good during your stay.  I think the BOG passes are a
    waste as it is since you're likely to lose at least one day's use
    due to arrival/departure times, especially those who plan around the
    WDW check-in and check-out times.  In addition you'd be paying for
    any days you spend at Sea World, Universal Studios, Busch Gardens,
    etc..  Another BOG negative is if you spend one of your days at
    Typhoon Lagoon or River Country and don't do anything else that day
    you end up spending more than the normal admission price for that
    park.  Some discount!
    
    We've been thinking about spending about eight nights at WDW next
    December, driving down.  Buying annual passes wouldn't be economical
    because we would have a maximum seven days available for doing stuff -
    we arrive late the first night and leave by 8:00 after the last night.
    We would probably spend one day at Typhoon Lagoon and one day at
    Universal Studios.  That leaves five days for the theme parks.  Five
    day super-duper passes looked like a good choice for us and we probably
    would have split most days between parks.  If we decided to skip
    Typhoon Lagoon or Universal Studios we would have purchased two four
    day super passes, saving any extra days for a future visit.  I never
    considered BOG passes to be an option because we'd have to pay more
    nine days.  As of now this trip is probably cancelled.
    
    Ruth
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    Don't mince words, Ruth; tell us how you really feel about this! ;-)
    
    I mentioned this to my cousin, a travel agent, when I saw her Sunday. 
    She hadn't heard about it yet, but had heard that they are considering
    doing away with APs!  My aunt (her step-mother) was *furious* when I
    told her about this - and she usually stays on property for golf
    vacations.  Her reaction was a lot like Ruth's.
    
    
    Susan

    Well, I for one am not pleased.  As if Eisner doesn't have enough $$
    they have to gouge for even more!!  Kind of looses the whole spirit of
    the place, doesn't it?
    
    We have a timeshare (parent's bought it for us) and I will definately
    spend more time at other attractions in the area and on the way down!
    
    No, I don't think my decision will make a big difference, but I do plan
    to voice my displeasure at this policy change.  Afterall, disgruntled
    voices chaanged two large policies here in Digital - tuition and
    mileage!
    
    -sandy
    

    
    
    DISNEY EXPANDS LIST OF HOTELS ELIGIBLE FOR RESTRICTION-FREE PASSES
    The Orlando Sentinel, Thursday, December 9, 1993
    
    by Leslie Doolittle
    of The Sentinel staff
    
    Walt Disney World's recent decision to issue new multi-day passes that
    restrict guests' access to theme parks unless they are staying in
    Disney-operated hotels sparked quite a ruckus from other hotels on
    Disney property.
    
    The Walt Disney World Dolphin and Swan were to be the only non-Disney-
    operated hotels allowed to offer guests four- and five-day passes that
    allow the freedom to park-hop.
    
    But Disney hotel liaison Dan Darrow said when the hotels near Disney
    Village "got up in arms about it," Disney agreed to let them in on the
    deal. "They're happy campers now."
    
    Ben Fusco, president of the Disney Village Hotel Association, said
    "ecstatic" is the word. "We're thrilled it was rectified quickly--
    it's an excellent marketing advantage."
    
    
    
    

     I just got back from WDW on Wednesday the 8th.  Trip
     report soon. 

     I bought a 5 day pass on Dec. 2 the day before the new
     policy went into affect and stayed on site so I had an
     old style pass.  I don't even know if there *are* "new
     style" 4 & 5 day passes. 

     The first day I used the pass was on Friday.  I did not
     observe any difference in the way ticket takers were
     checking tickets.  I had no problem going to several
     parks in the same day.  I kind of wished I asked about
     this while I was there and had more to report.

     I don't like the new policy.  It makes all those people
     who cannot afford the much higher priced Disney hotels
     (compared to off site hotels - I saw prices as low as
     $29 per night) get less of that magic experience of
     WDW.  There are a lot of less fortunate people out there
     than the ones who can afford to stay on site like
     me/us.

     The policy may influence folk's decisions to go back on
     their 3rd,4th etc trip to WDW.  I'd love to know what
     percentage of the WDW visitors are these people. 
     Myself, if I had to stay off site and have to buy a 4
     or 5 day pass (vs. a annual pass or four seasons pass)
     I might think twice about Orlando as a destination. 
     There are lots of other resort destinations out there.

     I wonder if a compilation of the negative notes here
     sent to Disney would make any difference.  Do they know
     there are as many Disney nuts as there are out here ?

     It's just sad to find out that the magic is really only
     a business.

     Richard

    Disney has just changed its ticket policy.  If you are not staying on
    the property, your four- and five-day tickets have changed.
    
    Four-day ticket includes: 1 day TMK, 1 day EPCOT, 1 day MGM, 1 day of
                              theme park of choice.  You can no longer do
                              two parks in one day.  It counts as two days.
    
    Five-day ticket includes: 1 day at each of three main theme parks and
                              two days choice of three major parks or 
                              Typhoon Lagoon, River Country, Pleasure
   			      Island, Discovery Island.
    
    Read it and weep........
    

    
    the rec.arts.disney newsgroup has people faxing and calling these 
    numbers to complain about the new policy:
    
    >Let's work those phones and fax machines!
    > call to complain: (407) 824-4321
    > fax to Michael Eisner: 818-846-0268
    

    While XMAS shopping the other day I popped into a Disney Store and
    asked a castmember to describe the new policy to me. This is what he
    said:
    
     - If you are NOT a resort guest you must use the multi-day pass
       in the following manmer:
    
         o You must visit each theme park before returning for a second
           visit to any one park. For example, you can visit MGM on Monday but 
           cannot visit MGM again with the same pass unless you visit EPCOT and
           TMK beforehand.......unless you want to use two days worth of
           admission and visit one of the other two parks on that Monday.
    
     - He sort of hinted that there's a need to balance out the crowds
       at the theme parks. I guess TMK is really bringing in some crowds
       and EPCOT is in a funk and needs to draw more attention away
       from TMK.
    
     - He did point out that this policy does not affect you if you are a
       resort guest or if you are an AP holder. I did not ask whether or
       not AP holders need to also stay on the property. 
    
    I should have asked if it was necessary to have a BOG pass too.
    
    It sounds like AP holders and resort guests may not be affected by this
    new policy. I'd still like to see something in writing.
    
    Mike

    I failed to review this notesfile before my trip Dec 5-12. I got stuck
    with the new policy. As most of you pointed out, this stinks. I went to
    guest relations and wrote a blistering memo about this. We have gone to
    WDW for the past 11 years because of our Vistana Resort Timeshare.
    With this policy change, we have decided to start exchanging our
    timeshare and go somewhere else in the future. As with other people, we
    sometimes used the park-switching so we could eat dinner at Epcot after
    spending the day at TMK.
    
    My question is: If you stay on WDW property and buy a park-switching
    pass, do you need a valid resort ID in order to park-switch. Or can you
    stay 1 day, get a 5-day park-switch pass, and then stay the rest of the
    time off-WDW?

    
    re: -1
    
    help us clear up some questions....
    
    did you wait to buy your 5 day pass when you got to WDW, and was
    it different than the 5 day passes they used to have?
    
    did you notice any different ticket checking, or re-entry activity
    as you moved through the turnstiles?
    
    None of us (including those at CRO on the phone) seem to be too clear
    on the mechanics of how this ticket policy change (ahem, I mean 'test')
    really works.
    
    thanks,
    
    --bert

	Just got back, here's the info I was able to obtain while down
	there about the new passes:

	The 4-day pass is called the "Value Pass" You get one admission
	to EC, one to MK, one to MGM and then one day of your choice, no
	park hopping....

	The 5-day pass is called the "Around the world" Pass, same as
	above except you have two days (choice of park each day)

	Some one asked this, I didn;t see anyone answer it: No you do
	not have to do one day EC, MGM, and MK before you can use your
	extra day. So if you have a 5-day pass, then you could do MK for
	the first three days and then do mgm,epcot the last two days,
	I forgot to ask if there was a way to add on, say you buy the 5-dau
	and want a 6th day.... will they give you an add-on 6th day at
	1/5 the cost of the original 5day, or will they charge you the 
	$35/day rate(non-mkc, non-discount rate)....

	In lines, yes we saw some people being turned away from one park,
	unless they wanted to use a second day.

	The normal entry to the park did not seem any different....

	Reentry they were checking the passes and also the hadnstamp. Since
	the handstamp is differrent for each park, the handstamp had to
	match the park you were re-entrying... It seems like people had
	annual passports, or if they were on property had bought the
	BOG passes( which means your room card is barcoded for park entry),
	aloto of people had one-day pass type cards, and the rest seemed
	to have the new 4 or 5 day passes... It seems that you wouldn't buy
	one of those restricted passes if you were staying on property... Why do
	I say this? Because, upon checking in, they go out of their way to
	see if you need passes and explain what you can... It seems there
	goal was to get you to buy a BOG type pass while checking in...

	We had annual passports, not once were we asked to see a room card,
	and many times in reentry they didn;'t even bother to look for a
	handstamp. Also if you go to the regular admission line and you've
	already been in the park that day it flashes back, "reentry accepted"
	(or something like that, can't remember the exact words).

	So we went to the line which was smallest if reentering...

	Something interesting to note:

	   We renewed our annual passports in Aug 1992, and redeemed them
	on dec 22nd 1993, so they are valid until dec 22nd, 1994...

	Whil int he MK one day, we went into the walt disney story area,
	they are not showing this anymore, they are doing annual passports
	there.... I overheard one of them saying you bought this in June 1993,
	so it will expire on june xx 1994.. I am not sure what type of pass
	the person had bought, or if they were upgrading an 4-season passport
	so if you're annual passoport is about to expire, and you're going to
	renew, you might want to reverify that your year doesn't start until
	you actually redeem it... Also they area which had the future expansion
	was blocked off, and the exit from this into the disneyana area was
	also blocked off...

		- Annie

    
    Just to add to the discussion, I just called the Disney Store in the 
    Burlington Mall and the woman informed me that the "new" passes are
    being sold at WDW.  The Disney Store, at least in Burlington and Brain-
    tree are selling the "old" version of the passes, which allow you to
    move from park to park within the same day.
    
    Hope this helps...

    When I spoke with a cast member at the Nashua store I was told that
    they are only selling the old type of passes until they run out. Then
    they will be selling the new type -- limited access. 
    
    Linda

    Did she know when the pass prices were going up?  THe woman at the
    Disney Store at the Pheasan Lane Mall, just knew "sometime in January". 
    I asked how much she said about another $35 for a 5-day pass.
    
    Julie
    

    
    Thought I would add what I had also.  I was there from Dec 23rd to Dec
    28th.  
    I purchased our tickets at the Disney Store in Nashua and got the 5 DAY
    SUPER DUPER pass.  We had no trouble with them and one day My wife and
    I visited all three parks and had our hands stamed three differnt
    times. One left and 2 right.  After that we had no problems at all. The 
    other days as we moved to a second park we showed our passes and they
    stamped our hands  no problem.  I did see other people who had purched
    the new passes and they were not letting them in unless they wanted to
    have another day punched out.
    
    

    
    
    Well, I did it...I got my passes last night from the Disney Store in
    the Braintree Mall.  These are the passes that allow you to move from
    park to park within the same day.
    
    I asked about the "new" passes and was told that it is something that
    Disney is trying and will determine whether or not to continue by the
    overall response or reaction to the passes from the public.  I can't 
    imagine the public responding positively towards something that reduces
    the features of the passes or how it restricts what your options are
    while visting WDW.
    
    Hopefully the young lady at the store is correct about the experiment,
    and the public will scream "foul" and Disney will go back to the old
    passes.
    
    See you in the sunshine...7 days and I'm outa here.
    
    Alan 

    I just called the Nashua store.  They have the old style passes as well
    - just make sure you save me some.
    
    -sandy
    

Might be a stupid question.....

If I bought the old passes now , could I use them in July 94?

Regards,

    I got my passes yesterday in Salem.  there goes $1000 down the drain.
    of course, now that its gone, when I get to WDW next month, it will be
    one less thought.
    
    its interesting, I have left over old passes, I was talking to the cast
    member, they are accually worth more to a person than one day passes or
    the new passes as it does allow freedom.  I gotta wonder if I should
    hold onto these or trade them in a guest relations.
    ed
    

    re: .264
    
    Sounds like a good idea and from what I've read in here it sounds like
    you can do it...but CALL DISNEY to make sure.
    
    Mike

    
    
    
        I was in the Disney store late this afternoon, purchasing my wife
    a b-day present, and asked about the new ticket policy. (This was at
    the mall in King of Prussia, in PA) 
    
        The 2 women I spoke with said that their (the stores) tickets have 
    NOT changed yet. They don't know if or when they will. They did say that 
    the tickets in the park have changed already. They also said that
    Disney has gotten a lot of "feedback" on this policy. I believe the
    word they used was "greedy". 
    
        One women said as far as she knew, none of the store tickets have 
    changed yet, and thought that Disney was "trying this out" in the park
    first to see what kind of push back they will get. She felt that if the
    feedback was "strong" enough and enough of it, they (Michael himself)
    would probably change it back (does new Coke & classic Coke ring a
    bell).
    
        Does anyone else have any info.? Also, what was that FAX number
    again. ;^)
    
    
    
                                       Phil...

    I would think that any pushback from customers will frighten Eisner
    into bringing back the old policy. I think people can handle ticket
    price increases better than ticket policy changes.
    
    Mike

    Yes, maybe back to the time of ABCDE tickets.  It would be great for
    those, like me, who sometimes just go into the parks to watch.  I don't
    mind paying a price, but it is ?unfair? that I pay the same price that
    someone else pays who is in riding all the rides.  that would also help
    eliminate some non-producing, uninteresting attractions [maybe mission
    to mars?]
    ed [half tongue in cheek]

    I GUESS I MISSED SOMETHING, WHAT IS THE POLICY CHANGE?
    
    THANKS

    Well I've asked a number of questions of guests here.  At the hotels it
    seems that the 4 and 5 day super passes are still available....but at
    all the ticket counters the new 'value pass' with no park skipping are
    the only available passes.
    
    -Jay
    

Just a thought. When I arrive in Orlando, specifically Crossroads, in 
May, will it be possible to "wander" into a Disney hotel and buy a 
super pass or will I have to buy at the TCC? Conversely does any one 
know what they are selling at the Orlando airport shop?

Robin

(Warrington England)

    When I've bought tickets at the hotels in the past they have
    asked to see my resort id.
    
    But there does seem to be a smaller loophole here.  Stay on Disney
    property for one night, buy enough passes for your entire stay and
    then stay somewhere else for the rest of the vacation.  They might
    ask why you need 5 day passes for a one night stay.  Personally, I'd
    just tell them I'm transferring to another Disney hotel for the rest
    of my stay.
    
    Ruth

    I'm wondering if they'd say, "Sorry we can only sell you a pass that
    covers your stay at our resort."
    
    Besides, what if these new passes are valid ONLY with valid resort
    id's?
    
    Mike

    In that case, make your reservation for the duration of your stay, and
    check out after one night.  Keep your resort ID.
    
    Not that I would really recommend doing that...

    >>>Not that I would really recommend doing that...
    
       Sure Jim, give away trade secrets.
    
       But you'd still need a valid ID....I remember some parking lot
       attendants not really checking the ID for dates but others do. They
       (management) probably do spot checks from time to time.
    
    Mike

    Mike,
    
    You would have a valid ID.  The ID is printed for the duration of your
    stay.  If you check out early, your ID would still be valid.
    
    I still wouldn't recommend doing this.

    Hmmm, I wonder if they'd ask for the ID.
    
    Mike

There is no difference in the actual pass (at least in this point in time).  IF
you are a resort pass you can buy (at least at checkin) a 4 or 5 day super pass,
thus they do know if you are staying on the property and the length of stay.  
Once you get the pass it *is* a 4/5 day super pass, just as if you actually
bought it in a Disney store (at the current time).  Using the 4 or 5 day
super pass at the park entrances doesn't require a resort id.  So the real
question is if you can somehow by a super pass (as opposed to the new value
passes) besides at checkin, with just a resort Id.  Come to think of it they
always have the dates printed on the resort id so they always have the length
or your stay...so maybe there isn't a loop hole.

-Jay

    anyone got a wild guess as to the trade back value of a 5 day super
    duper pas with one day remaining?
    current adult single day is $32.97, child $25.97
    Should it be worth that as there is a day's admission left
    [accually since it allows park hoping, really more value than single
    day ticket]
    or will guest relations find a lower value?
    ed
    

    When I was down there this past month I saw a sign on one of those
    small booths in a mall advertising 'area attraction tickets'....the
    sign stated that they would buy the extra days left off multiday disney
    passes.  They told me they would pay $25.00!
    
    Which I thought was pretty good.
    
    -Jay
    

    That's up $5.00 from April '92 when I sold my mom's extra days.
    
    -sandy
    

    
    	Okay, okay ... so I don't have time [yet] to read through
    	all the notes... I've skimmed subjects, done some dir/title=""
    	and can't find the latest and greatest ...
    
    	What is the current passport policy and prices? I believe it
    	jumps from one-day passes to three-days? Can anyone give me
    	current adult prices?
    
    	MANY THANKS!
    
    		Heidi

    re:-.1
    
    How many days are you going, where are you going to say and it will be
    easy to answer.
    
    -Jay
    

    
    	Sorry, I should have thought the question through better.
    
    	I'll be spending about a week in the Orlando area, outside
    	of Disney property. I'd like a day+ at Epcot and a day+
    	at Magic Kingdom - don't care about MGM.
    
    		Heidi

Then I would go to your local Disney store (call them) and ask if they 
have any of the 'old style' 4 day Disney passes.  They will cost with a Magic
Kingdom Card about 125.00.  These will allow you the most flexibility to
go from one park to another.  Do not wait trying to get these (if you are
going in a month or so)...if you get down there/once the Disney store runs out
you will not be able to get them.  Even if you only use 3 of the 4 days, you can 
sell the extra day for around $20-25 and you will have the convenience of 
going between the 3 different parks while you are there.

Cheers,

-Jay

    YOu will probably still be able to buy unused days from resellers also
    from older multipark passes. If you are going only 2 days total then
    this may be best, worst situation is they do not have them and you
    buy 2 single day admissions with Club card, of course no park jumping.
    If going 3 days or more then I would try to buy the older style 4
    day pass locally as suggested in previous reply and sell unused
    portion.
    
    				Harold C.

    Someone is coming across to the US next week.

    Can anyone check if there are still 4 day super passes available at 
    Pheasant Lane and post the prices (Adults and Kids under 9 please)

    Regards
    Tony.
  
    p.s. Can they use my MKC card?

    >>>Can they use my MKC card?
    
       I don't think so. I recall buying my 1990 5-day passes with my
       card and they recorded certain information from my driver's license.
       I figured they had this database that held all this info.
    
       Why not buy the tickets for your friends yourself? They can
       reimburse you.
    
    Mike

    Mike,

    You seem to have picked me up wrong.

    I work in Scotland.

    A colleague is visiting in the US next week and I wanted him to buy
    Disney tickets for me using my MKC to achieve a discount on these.

    That was my question.

    Regards,

    Tony.

     Just got back from WDW.  Went down to Orlando for
     business.  Business finished by noon so spent the
     afternoon in the parks.  Used the last day on an old
     old (circa 1991) 5 day pass.  I stayed outside the
     park.  Had no problem park hopping. 
     

    Tony,
    
    Remember that once that card is used the name that is signed on the
    receipt is the name "assigned" to that card. It's worth a try either
    way. 
    
    If your friend has a card he could get the tix for you anyway. If he
    doesn't have a card maybe he should get one.
    
    
    Mike
    
    

    Back in 1990 I upgraded some 4-day passes into 5-Day Super Duper
    Passes.
    
    I was just asked if you could take a 5-day Super Duper Pass that has
    been used for one or two days and "upgrade" the pass back to a
    full-fledged 5-day Super Duper Pass.
    
    I've never done this...has anyone ever done this with success?
    
    Mike

    SOme news on the passport front:
    
    Last week a friend called the CRO to make reservations and, in a
    discussion regarding the new ticket policy, was told that the
    folks at Disney have received quite a few complaints about this
    new policy. The CRO rep candidly admitted that the policy will
    most likely revert back to the old policy. She also said that
    the more the complaints come in the quickly the change will
    take place.
    
    Mike 

From internet....will keep you posted if I hear anything else.
    
    -Jay
    
> 
>Well, the rumours are true - Walt Disney World is once agin selling 
>park-hopping tickets *and* they will include a photo of the guests to 
>whom they belong.  
> 
>Available at the Disney Stores are the 4-day "Value Passes" which, 
>believe it or not, are actually _cheaper_ than they had been.  These 
>tickets will not require a photo and allow 1 day admission into each WDW 
>park, plus 1 more "guest choice" day at one of the parks.
> 
>The 4 and 5 day "super" passes are now "hopper" passes.  A Disney Store 
>guest can buy a hopper voucher, but must get his photo pass at one of the 
>Theme Park Gate ticket booths before being admitted to any park.  5 day 
>hopper passes still include the 7-day secondary park admission period.
>(Now, one wonders why a TDS guest would want to buy his hopper pass at 
>TDS when he'll have to wait to have his photo taken down at WDW anyway.)
> 
> 
>Each US TDS has received a WDW memo explaining that different ticket 
>policies have been tested and this new program is the result, so you 
>should be able to any questions you may have about this answered by your 
>TDS management team.  I am pretty sure the memo explains that the new 
>photo-passes are meant to cut down on ticket theft and re-selling.
> 

    With all the recent changes involving media it's important to keep an
    eye on all the choices being offerred. With that in mind I'd like to
    ask everyone to keep an eye open for any changes and to post any price
    change as soon as you can.
    
    I haven't seen the latest in BOG prices so that should be right up
    there as an important bit of information to be updated.
    
    Thanks,
    
    Mike

    
    Here are new prices, including sales tax:
    
                              Adult           Child (3 to 9)
    
    One day/one park         $ 38.00          $ 30.60
    
    Four-day value pass       130.94           102.45
     (no park hopping)
    
    Four-day park hopper      141.55           113.05
     (photo pass)
    
    Five-day world hopper     189.15           151.10
     (photo pass)
    
    =========    
    ...approximately $9.00 increase for photo passes...11th price increase
    since Mr. Eisner took over in 1984.
    
    ...Universal has also just increased prices.........
    
    

I just called (407)-W-DISNEY for some up-to-date price information.  Here's
what I found out.

   Be Our Guest Pass -- 7 nights, 8 days
	$244.05 (adult)
	$194.40 (child 3-9)

   Annual Passport -- new, adult
        $209.90 base price
	$ 33.39 for Discovery Island adder
	$ 33.39 for River Country adder
	$ 66.78 for Typhoon Lagoon adder
	$ 27.56 for Pleasure Island adder

						Tracy

    
    
    Here's a little timesaver when you go to buy your picture passes. 
    Instead of going to the main gate and waiting in TWO long lines (one to
    pay, one to take a picture), go to the Beach Club/Yacht Club entrance. 
    I just got back, and they told me that they are not only selling the
    passes there, you can also get your picture taken there.
    
    

    I assume this is for AP's too?

    Just so's ya all know...I went to the Disney store in the Pheasant Lane
    Mall in Nashua, NH last night and bought 2 kids "park hopper" 4-day
    passes.  BEWARE:  they all require photo's now!!  This is to "prevent us
    from reselling/transferring them" was the quote from the manager!
    
    I was ticked to say the least.  I gave them a piece of my mind, took my
    tickets and went home! (yes, I am a principled person, but I had to
    take my tickets, my kids, you know, I couldn't disappoint them!)
    
    Anyway, just thought I'd warn you.  Looks like I'll have to plan
    another trip.  Course, I was thinking...by the time I get there again,
    those pictures will look nothing like the kids!!  
    
    Oh well.  I believe this goes for adult passes, too.  
    
    -sandy
    

    Sandy,
    
    Can you be a bit more specific? Do you mean you must have your photo 
    taken at the store when you purchase the photos?
    
    Mike

    No, I wish they took photos at the store.  I guess you have to have
    them done there.  I am calling the store today to find out.  Luckily
    for us we have a few hours to kill Sunday afternoon and can do this
    without messing up our schedule of plans.
    
    Straight from the store: There are a number of places...Int'l Gateway,
    MGM Main Entrance, MK Main Entrance or Main Entrance to park.  I am not
    that familiar with the Disney park areas.  
    
    My suggestion would be definately allow time to do this.  Since we are
    arriving mid-day and aren't planning to go to the park till the
    following day, we will probably get this done the day we arrive. 
    
    When I was picking up my tickets last night I told the manager this was
    incredibly stupid.  First they charge and arm and a leg, then they
    decide no more park hopping - which flopped, now pictures.  Can't they
    leave well enough alone?  "Well, since the tickets are
    non-transferrable" - and you certainly are making sure of that !!
    
    Maybe I'll visit one of those reseller booths and see if they will
    trade my unused ticket for equal days on the old style.
    
    Worth a shot!
    
    -sandy
    

    Just got back Saturday. At the front of Epcot and MGM one of the ticket 
    booths has been taken over and labelled "Passport Photos". Anyone
    needing a picture taken would have it done right there at the ticket 
    booth. There were separate areas for "Annual Passport Redemption"
    which I interpreted to mean having pictures taken for the annual
    passes. 
    
    I didn't specifically notice the place for regular photos at the MK, 
    but did notice the Annual Passport Redemption area just inside the 
    park next to the Disneyana store. 
    
    Linda

    >>>I didn't specifically notice the place for regular photos at the MK,
    >>>but did notice the Annual Passport Redemption area just inside the
    >>>park next to the Disneyana store.
    
       It seems that TMK is the only park in which the Annual Passport
       Redemption area is inside the turnstiles. I guess you show your
       voucher and they let you through.
    
       Mike

   Do you need to pay for the photo's as well?

   Will this be the next way to increase prices?

  

    re -.1
    
    	No photo's are free of charge :-)  A relatively quick and painless
    process ( We had ours done at Disney-MGM )  
    
    					- Jim
    

    I heard that the park-hopper passes will have scanned in photos but the
    AP's remain as real photos.
    
    Mike

    
    
    
        I purchased "5 day super duper" passes about a month and a half
    ago, before they changed at the stores. I'm staying at Port Orleans,
    so I'm wondering if we will need to have our pictures taken?
    
    
                                     Phil...

    I find all of this amazing.  I would love to see the financial
    justification for how it could possibly be to Disney's advantage to
    have to PAY additional cast members to manage all of this and to have 
    to PAY for photographic supplies, just to make sure that passes that
    are already  payed for don't get transfered, especially when (as noted
    previously!) a "transfered pass" customer is likely to spend money in 
    the park when using a pass that would not otherwise happen if the pass
    goes unused.
    
    If the objective is to drive out the sleazeball second-hand pass
    vendors, this strategy will possibly work, but at the expense of
    guest relations and financial profit.  Gee, that sounds like a good
    idea...
    
    Cheers,
    Ken
    

    RE: .308 


>>    I heard that the park-hopper passes will have scanned in photos but the
>>    AP's remain as real photos.
    
    When I renewed my AP for DisneyLAND late last month (paid for preferred
    parking, too), the photo was scanned in.  They gave me the option of
    re-doing it if I didn't like it.
    

    re .309
    
    
    If your ticket has a small block in the center for a photo, then yes,
    you will ahve to have your picture taken.  Otherwise, you bought one of
    the older style.  The two adult tickets we have are no photo, while the
    kid's are photo.
    
    -sandy
    

    Yesterday I received the Official MKC Price Guide. All prices and
    admission media are subject to change. These prices were effective as
    of 1-April-1994. The prices below are MKC prices...tax not included.
    
                                            Guest       Child
    
     Five-Day World-Hopper Pass           $170.51      $136.26
     
     Four-Day Park-Hopper Pass            $129.00      $102.00
    
     Four-Day Value Pass                  $119.00      $ 92.00
    
     Annual Passport                      $190.00      $169.00
    
     One-Day/One Park Ticket              $ 33.92      $ 26.92
    
     Be Our Guest Pass ==========> Call (407) 824-2600 for prices.
    
     Pleasure Island                      $ 12.71      $ 12.71
    
     Typhoon Lagoon                       $ 19.50      $ 14.75
    
     River Country                        $ 12.75      $  9.75
    
     Discovery Island                     $  8.75      $  4.75
    
     ---------------------------------------------------------
    
     Disneyland Admission Prices
    
     Disneyland Passport                  $ 29.00      $ 23.00
    
     Disneyland Two-Day Passport          $ 51.00      $ 40.00
    
     Annual Passport                      $ 89.00      $ 89.00
    
     Premium Annual Passport*              $189.00      $189.00
    
     *Discounts on in-park stores and restaurants.
    
     _________________________________________________________
    
     Also, the MKC is offering a "Fall Fantasy at WDW" from Aug 28 to
     Nov. 20, 1994. It's a 3-night package that includes hotel, daily
     breakfasts at a theme park, a coupon book, free transportation
     throughout WDW....but says NOTHING about admission.
    
     Prices range from $140/pp (All-Star Resorts) to $369/PP (GF). For 
     further info call (407) 824-2600.

    
    Did i read in this the Disney note that you can no longer
    jump from park to park on the same day. Last year I had a 5-day
    pass and spent one morning in the Kingdom and the afternoon in 
    MGM, I thought this was a good idea..
    
    Andy..B

    
    they did do that for awhile claiming it was to curb illegal pass
    reuse.  They've since gone back to park hopping passes with a
    photo of the original purchaser.  As always, an old unused
    pass from before the park hopping restrictions is still valid
    to use that way.
    
    BTW, since we are in the admissions/media note, does anyone
    know when the annual price increase occurs for 5 day passes?
    I think I read somewhere you can buy a voucher ahead of time 
    at the current price and then have the real photo pass made 
    when you get there.
    
    --Bert

    Bert,
    
    Prices usually change during mid-May. 
    
    Mike

    Picked up a copy of the new Unofficial Guide last night. The authors
    really rake Disney over the coals concerning the ticket fiasco last 
    spring/summer. Guests wrote them that complaints to WDW personnel 
    brought the suggestion to change lodging to WDW hotels to avoid the 
    new restrictions. Two theories are put forth as to the real reason 
    the short-lived policy was instituted:
    
            1. Trying to get higher occupancy rates in Disney 
               hotels. Disney was adding 2649 new rooms within
               an eighteen month period. 
    
            2. Force off-property guests to spend more time and 
               money in Disney parks. 
    
    The four to five pages are pretty brutal on Disney, and deservedly so. 
    
    
    
    Linda 

If buying an annual pass, can you buy the adders later?

I'm trying to avoid the situation where I buy an AP with a (for instance)
River Country adder, to then find that RC is closed during my entire stay.

    Carol

Hi Carol,

This is not a problem. A couple of years ago when I got my AP I asked to get 
a couple of adders (1 for TL an 1 for PL). I was told that I would have to buy 
those seperately at the particular attraction as I was going in the first time.

The reason given was exactly what you stated. They wanted to be sure that I 
was able to use the adder at least once (the day that I bought it) so that there 
would be no complaints, because it rained the whole time and I couldn't use the 
TL adder. 

It was a minor inconvenience, because you had to stand in line for tickets
the first time, but I did like their reasoning. 

All you need to do is show your AP when you buy your adder. (Also need to show
it each time you use the adder to enter an attraction)

Steve

Thanks, Steve!    (I love this file!)  :-)

    Carol

    Just one nit...
    
    When buying an adder at a later date, the adder expires at the same
    time as the AP, not a year from that date.
    
    -Jay
    

    
    Just got my renewal for my annual passport, it now has two options
    	
    	These are MKC prices
    Annual Passport $204.65(includes tax)
                (children   178.35 (includes tax))
    for unlimited admission for 365 days to MK, Epcot, and MGM,
    complimentary parking, plus special event savings, resort
    hotel savings(select times of the year), and exclusive discount
    coupons for food and merchandise distributed throughout the year
    
    
    Premium Annual Passport $284.15(includes tax)
                            $253.60(includes tax)-child
    	the above plus unlimited admission to PI, TL, RC, DI, and
    	Blizzard Beach(opneing Spring '95)
    
    

    I'll pass on the Premium AP's.

    
    I hope someone can clarify somethings for me! :)
    
    First of all, does anybody have updated prices from note 166.313?
    
    Also, is it possible to hop from park to park on a one-day ticket of
    any kind?   My friend and I wanted to do 1/2 day EPCOT and 1/2 day MGM
    just to catch the things we haven't seen before.
    
    Thanks in advance.
    
    /jen
    

    I don't know about updated prices, but you cannot hop from park to park
    on a one-day ticket.  You buy a ticket to one of the parks.  Period.
    I hate doing only one day at Disney!  It makes me crazy!!  ;-)
    
    If you can only do one day, choose by what you want the most.  Since
    Magic Kingdom wasn't one of your picks, I take it that the rides aren't
    as big a deal for you.  I'd have a hard time deciding between EPCOT and
    MGM, because I love both.  I'd probably vote with my stomach, though,
    and end up at EPCOT! ;-)
    
    
    Susan

    The Walt Disney Co. raised the adult price of admission at Disneyland
    by $2 to $33. The price of admission for children remains unchanged at
    $25. The last price increase at Disneyland occurred last April, when
    the park raised adult and children's rates by $1 apiece.
    
    Mike

Pass				General Public		MKC
-------------------		---------------		----------
5-Day World Hopper (guest)	$179			$170.51          "	
	           (child)	$143			$136.21

4-Day World Hopper (guest)	$134			$129
		   (child)	$107			$102

4-Day Value Pass   (guest)	$124			$119
		   (child)	$ 97			$ 92

1-Day Pass         (guest)	$ 36			$ 33.92
                   (child)	$ 29			$ 26.92

NEW! AP            (guest)	$229			$219
                   (child)	$199			$189
                                
NEW! Premium AP (includes MGM,	$319			$299 
MK, EPCOT, PI, TL, RC, DI,      $280			$260
and BB)		                                            
                                

    Prices for passes are going up effective **Apr 2** (if not already)!
    
    I called the Disney CRO and they said the prices had gone up on 
    March 20 - so that a 5 Day Hopper (2 adults/2 children) would total
    $672 (WITH MKC discount)... HOWEVER .... I then called the Disney
    Store in the Pheasant Lane Mall (Nashua) and I was able to get the
    5 Day Hopper for $650 (again with MKC discount).  These prices both
    include Florida sales tax (since the use would be in Florida).
    
    The price increase affects other passes as well - INCLUDING  the 
    Length of Stay (aka Be Our Guest pass)....eg. 5 day BOG passes for
    2adults/2 children would be ~$660.  So I'd recommend getting the 
    5 day hopper for $650 at a Disney store before Apr 2.
    
    sorry I do not have other prices... but the breakdown for
    adult/children passes are as follows (w/MKCdiscount):
    
    			4/2/95 price                    price before 4/2
    			increase:	    		at Disney Store	                	
    			-----------------------         ----------------
    		        5 day BOG	5 day Hopper	   5 day Hopper
    	Adult 		  $184.29	 $187.21	     $180.74
    	Child (3-9)	   146.02	  149.04	      144.50
    
    Note: You may ALSO find the lower rate via AAA, but call first.
    
    Granted it is not a great increase, but every little bit helps!
    BTW, the price increase is relative, Iwas told, to the opening
    of Blizzard Beach in April (the new waterpark).
    
    Good luck!	
    

    Hmmm, if the BB opening is the culprit in the price increase then the 
    4-Day Value Pass, 1-Day Pass, and the AP (non-premium) may not see an
    increase.
    
    By the way, has anyone recently renewed their AP and confirmed that
    the vouchers have no time limit on them? 
    
    Mike

Is there any way to buy the Length of Stay (aka Be Our Guest pass) before
arriving in Florida?

      Carol

I understand from Personnel that Digital is no longer a member of MKC. Does
anyone have a suggestion on how to get one?  Or the best way to get discounts? 
AAA is an option for us, but which way to go, stay in-park, outside the gates at
a place with a frig... - so many choices! :)

What's the difference between BOG and World Hopper?  When I called the park for
prices they quoted the Park Hopper and World Hopper only.  BTW, the 5 day World
Hopper was $197.16 per adult.

4 months to WDW,

-Andrea

    You could get a Gold MKC card on your own.  On the BOG passes I would
    take a look at the discussion in note 166 starting with reply 165...
    
    -Jay
    

    re: purchasing BOG beforehand....
    	
    	I was told you cannot buy it beforehand. However, I am not sure
    	how buying a Vacatin package would impact getting "today's" price.
    	I suggest you call the CRO at WDW (love those acronyms..).
    	One thing to keep in mind... if you buy a World hopper and you do
    	not use all 4 or 5 days at the theme parks, you can use them in the
    	future. They do not expire. A BOG (or length of stay pass ) DOES
    	expire.  For the minimal price difference, in my opinion, the
    	Hopper pass is a better deal (we will be leaving the park on our
    	5th day - so we wouldn't get a full day out of the 5 day BOG pass).
    
    re: Magic Kingdom cards
    	
    	I do know that someone in MKO has them... but I cannot remember
    	her name.  Call personnel or EAC and they shoudl be able to direct
    	you.
    
    
    
    

    I believe BOG passes are picked up when you check into your hotel.
    
    Yes, Donna Jean has MKC cards in MK1-2.
    
    Mike

<    	For the minimal price difference, in my opinion, the
<    	Hopper pass is a better deal 

For your situation, that may be true.  However, we will be there 9 days,
so the choice is between a Length of Stay / BOG or an Annual Pass.

Thanks for the info.

    Carol

    again, where is this enormous notes file can I find out what each of
    these passes entitles you to?
    

    I believe you are in the correct note I would look at replies starting
    around a years ago [that is when the admission media changed
    significantly].  Basically if you are going for 5 days there are four
    options [most people go at least this many days]:
    
    1. The Be Our Guest pass - priced on the number of calander days that
    you are there so be careful, may not be the best.  Allows admission to
    the three major parks and all the minor parks.  Starts the date you
    arrive...Expires the day you leave.  Can go to any park any time during
    your stay. Can only buy through WDW reservations.  Pick up upon
    arrival.  Largest disadvantages...expires, you pay for all dates you
    are at Disney...if you arrive Friday night and leave the following
    Friday morning you have to pay for a 7 day BOG pass.
    
    2. The 5 day world hopper.  Allows admission to three major parks. 
    Allows admission to the three major parks.  Allows admission to the
    minor parks for 7 days starting the first day that you use the ticket
    at a major park.  Starts the first day you use the ticket at a major
    park.  Admission to the major parks never expires [extra days can be
    used the next time you go...only by yourself, picture on ticket]. Can
    go to any park any time during your stay [park hopping].  Can buy
    through WDW or at the Disney store. 
    
    3. AP pass allows admission to the three major parks, allows park
    hopping, starts the first day you use it, costs about the same as a
    5-day world hopper, allows discounts to WDW hotels [read major
    discounts 50%] during certain times of the year.  Expires one year
    after first day of use.  Renewal is about 10% less.  Does not allow
    admission to minor parks.
    
    4. Premium AP Pass - same as the AP pass, except it allows admission to
    the minor parks. [costs something like $100.00 more].
    
    
    -Jay

ps: if you are staying more than 5 days options 1,3 and 4 area all the 
same.  You could still use option 2 + buy a single day pass but this 
is probably not ecomonical.    

.    1. The Be Our Guest pass - priced on the number of calander days that
.    you are there so be careful, may not be the best.  Allows admission to
.    the three major parks and all the minor parks.  Starts the date you
.    arrive...Expires the day you leave.  Can go to any park any time during
.    your stay. Can only buy through WDW reservations.  Pick up upon
.    arrival.  Largest disadvantages...expires, you pay for all dates you
.    are at Disney...if you arrive Friday night and leave the following
.    Friday morning you have to pay for a 7 day BOG pass.

Keep in mind that you can make separate reservations for the first and last
nights though.  In the example, you could book a reservation for Friday
night, a reservation for Saturday through Wednesday nights, and a reservation
for Thursday night.  The middle reservation is for 5 nights.  Getting a 
Be Our Guest pass for that reservation would include 6 days -- Saturday through
Thursday -- just what you'd want.

WDW has no problems with this separate reservation thing.  It's what I do
when I'm booking a package through the MKC too, so that all my days in the
parks and days with included meals are full days.  I've never had a problem
with it.  You do have to send in deposits for each reservation, but that
just makes the final bill a little smaller. :-)

						Tracy

FYI, I moved the last few notes from topic 455, since they really seemed to
belong here - except for the notes that had specific info about getting MKC
cards at Digital, which I either moved to note 2 (the MKC note) or deleted
because they were duplicates of info already in 2.*.

-- Nina, with moderator hat on

    
    .332 - Getting the ITIS bad.... I happened to run across our voucher
    as we renewed in January... It says on the back that it starts when
    you redeem it; no indication of expiry (like you must do it withint
    2 years or something like that). Plus we saved the letter that came
    with the renewal form that I beleive said you get one year from the
    date you get pick up the new passport, and no limitation. If I remembe
    I will dig it out again and post the wording... -A nnie
    

    NEW PASS!!!
    
    With the opening of Blizzard Beach comes the biggest bargain anywhere!
    Introducing: The 1-Day Water Park Hopper Pass!  For the same price you
    would have paid for a (now discontinued) one day pass to Typhoon
    Lagoon, you can now visit all three water parks on the same day, as well 
    as Discovery Island!   The cost for the 1-Day Water-Park Hopper is $22.50
    for adults (10+) and $17 for kids (3-9), not including tax.
    
    

    We're heading down to Fla in November and plan on staying in
    Disneyworld for 2 days (already have room reservations at Wilderness
    Lodge).  There will be 3 adults (me, husband and my grandmother) and
    one child (3.5 yr old daughter).  Since our daughter is still pretty
    young we'll probably only visit the Magic Kingdom.
    
    What is the best route to go for purchasing a pass without going too
    broke?  
    
    Also, since we are staying on property can we have dinner over in EPCOT
    if we don't purchase a park-hopper or 4 day value pass?
    
    Thanks,
    Susan

Without a single day pass for the Magic Kingdom, you won't (officially) be 
allowed to go into EPCOT just for dinner.  You need to have admission to EPCOT
in order to get to the restaurants.  

(That said, last time I was there my friend didn't have admission for the 
first night since our package started the next day.  We went into EPCOT 
through the International Gateway at around 4:00.  After mentioning that
we were only going in for dinner and already had reservations, the person
there gave her a complimentary pass for the day.  It was a nice surprise,
a nice touch on Disney's part, but nothing you could count on.)

If you think you'll get back there any time again, you could buy 4 or 5 day
park hopper passes and use only a couple of days now.  They are good forever
and that would let you go to EPCOT for dinner after a day at the Magic 
Kingdom.  Otherwise you could get single day passes and stay in the Magic 
Kingdom for meals, or eat meals at the Village Marketplace or the resorts.

							Tracy

    I agree with Tracy. A 4-day park hopper pass (4-day value pass is
    less expensive but you can't "park-hop") may be the best way to
    go.
    
    Mike

    Thanks for the info.
    
    Since the passes are good "forever" maybe we will go the park hopper
    route for me, my husband and our daughter but buy 2 regular MK passes for
    my grandmother.  Don't foresee us being back there too soon, with a 3.5 yr 
    old and a 4 mos old it will probably be another 3 years before we
    attempt Disney again.
    
    Even though we're only going for a couple of days, I'm getting really
    excited.  Even my 3 yr old is telling everyone she sees that she's
    going to meet Mickey and ride on Mr. Toad's Wild Ride (which she knows
    about only from the trailer in The Lion King).
    
    /Susan

    
    Does anyone have any days left on some passes they want to get rid of
    for Walt DisneyWorld?
    
    My 5 year old and I are going to Florida in March and could really use 
    a break on the $$$.
    
    Thanks,
    
    Pam
    
    244-6209
    AKOCOA::NOVITCH

    I know someone who is suppose to leave,(weather permitting), Sat. and
    she has 4 day passes, and tole me they all have to have their picture
    taken at the park, to be put on their passes, so I don't think you'll
    be able to use anybody else's.

    re: -.1
>>                            told me they all have to have their picture
>>  taken at the park, to be put on their passes, so I don't think you'll
>>  be able to use anybody else's.
    
    on the newer ones yes, but the whole reason they went to photo id was
    due to people using passes originally sold to someone else.  The old
    ones had no picture and are good forever.
    
    Two years ago, I used what was left of a pass I'd purchased for an
    ex-girlfriend the year before.  No problem (but there was no picture on
    it, either).
    
    tom

    the new passes they gave us are credit card size, plastic, and have
    a magnic strip on them.  no id required. there is no visible means of
    telling how many days are used up.  all data is kept on the master
    system.  ours were the conventional 5 day super dupper passes.  they
    exchenged them for the new passes when we went to get pictures.
    
    i don't know what happens if the strip gets demagnetized.  there are
    many holes in the new system, so I doubt it reamines as is.  If we were
    dishonest people we could have had unlimited access to parks using only
    one day for admission.  I'm sure others could have easily figured out
    what we found.
    the turnstyles are retooled to take these new cards.  According to the
    CM at the turnstyle, they have just started with this card.
    
    for my own benifit, i marked in ink on the back of the card the dates
    we used on them.
    ed
    time to come home 

We bought an Annual Pass last week and we were told the pictures took too
long to process.  That until March all we need was to show some form
of picture ID with our AP when we went into the park.

After March, they indicated they were going to be doing hand prints 
identifications.  Honest that is what they said.

Dave

I read an article about the new plastic admission cards.
The gates at pleasure island were the "test market".  Soon, all the
park gates will be retooled to read the new cards.  The card readers
will validate the # of admission days (1 to 5) and enforce single
day admissions at one park only.

It said that holders of old passes would have to turn them in at guest
relations for a plastic card.

I *DREAD* what will happen if the computers go down!  When I go, I will
ask whether the information is stored on the card or the computer.

Bill A.

I just got a set of the new annual passes last week.  I dislike them a lot.  They
appear to be simple, thin cardboard passes with your name and some other info on
the back with the magnetic stripe.  No more photo id.  So, now, when you get to
the turnstile to get into a park, you need to show a photo ID half the time.  It's
quite likely that they aren't really made of cardboard, but the words "flimsy" and
"cheap" come time mind, as well as "handle with care" and "don't get wet".

As the previous reply indicates, you insert this pass into a reader on the turnstile
and in you go.  Based on a week of use, it's not possible to get 4 cards through
without some problem.  I'm assuming that the mechanics of using them will get
better over time, but who knows.

The person who generated the new passes for me told me that there would be a 
"new biometric system" in a few months.  I asked what that would be and was told
that they would be doing some measurements of your hands and fingers and you would
simply have to insert your hand into a "reader".  I instantly asked if this was a
joke, but they were serious.

All in all - I'd prefer the older, plastic laminated, photo passes.

fwiw

    If it were anyone but Disney, I'd worry.  Disney for us has meant
    quality and satisfaction, going above and beyond to make us happy.
    
    I used the passes for a week.  The problem with them works against
    Disney and for any 'wise' user.
    
    My problem with the new pass is my memory.  That is why I put the dates
    used on the back in ink, so I would not forget.
    
    I hope that the magnetic strip lasts better than my credit card strips.
    Even if it doesn't, it would be a simple matter to reissue a new card.
    
    For the 5 day super dupper passes, they never encoded a name other than 
    my last name on each of the 4 we had.  They never asked for an ID.
    We walk up to the turnstyle, insert the pass, it zips through, flys out
    the other end to join you through the turnstyle.  I see no setup, or
    accomadates on the new turnstyle for any 'bioreader'
    
    for superduper holders like us, they even offer a means of security.
    To let the kids wonder the parks, they have to have the cards on hand
    for readmissio to the parks.  With the old passes, if they were lost,
    you stood to loose big $$$.  With these new passes, I can speculate
    that you could go to guest services and have the pass nullified, and a
    new one reissued with the remaining days on it, similar to what would
    happen if you lost a credit card.
    
    for a weeks use, they were not in any state of disrepair that I can
    notice, so they do hold up, even with the kids jaming them into their
    pockets.
    
    ed
    

    This is all very interesting...I've had my AP vouchers for six months
    and won't activate them for another 18 months. It will be interesting
    to see if any changes occur between now and then.
    
    Mike_536_days_and_counting

    when we went in november, we had the 5-day hopper (the super duper),
    and it was *not* credit card style.  it was very similar to the passes
    they had before the i.d. passes...except they were long and had my
    picture on it and were annoying to carry.  they were too big to fit
    into any small wallet/money holder we had.  i did see some people with
    the credit card style pass, and i think those are issued to people who
    get a package deal or get them thru the hotel they are staying in (we
    bought ours at aaa in massachusetts).  and we were never asked for
    another form of i.d. when we were 'processed', but then again, our
    picture was right on the pass.
    
    not sure how i feel about the upcoming change of using a hand
    print...finger prints don't change, so if that is their key, then fine,
    but hand size can change (mine swell very often and they get *huge* and
    i'd hate to be denied entrance to a park because my hand is one size
    bigger today than it was earlier in the week).
    then again, having someone having my fingerprints on file doesn't sit
    well with me either...
    
    i'd like a credit card sized pass, with my picture on it, that gets
    punched each day used...
    
    -raquel

Well, only time will tell, right ?  For a set of "n-day" passes, I'd agree that it's
a minor irritation.  With APs, though, my concern is elevated somewhat.  I do see
some signs of wear and tear after a week, I can only wonder what they'll look like
by next January.  For the week's usage, there was never a time when one of the cards
wouldn't feed properly.  Yeah, it's not a big deal, but it's one more little thing
that just isn't working as well as it used to.

As for the lack of a photo, that's just a pain.  Perhaps the new biometric capabilities
will work out, but until they do you'd better carry a photo id.  I was asked for
one about half the time.  It seemed silly when I knew that my older APs all had
my picture already on them.

When I was a student at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville
back in the 70's they used a "hand print" system to check meal
tickets, so the idea isn't really new.  I don't remember exactly
how it worked, but they did a scan and turned it into some 
data encoded onto a mag strip, then for each trip to the caf
you inserted the card in a machine, laid your hand on a something-
or-other and a light scanned your hand to make sure things matched up.

Liz

	Re. Hand swelling

	I'd guess it measures the distance between the joints on all
	your fingers. This won't change markedly even if your hands do swell.
	I'd think the chances of two people having the same dimensions on
	all their digits and likely to have access to your card would be
	extremely low. The `high tech' approach in itself would probably
	put the casual fraudster off.

	But then my guesses are usually wide of the mark.

	Richard (going in October)

    Is there an up to date ticket price list anywhere in the conf.? Also,
    we are thinking about a "be our guest" type of pass, any comments?
    
    
    Thanks, Phil...

    5 Day-Hopper w/ MKC discount is 197.38 for Adult
                                    158.10 for Child 3-9
    

    
    
    Took a ride down to the Disney store at the Emerald Square Mall
    this past sunday. Whats that commercial on tv...why drive all
    that way for nothing...when you can call...Well, we should have
    called...the woman there told us we cannot buy any passes of any
    kind until maybe the end of the week. She said to call first...
    you can count on it. She said everything about the tickets is
    going to change completely. Including the price!! Yes they are
    going up. She didn't know how much. When I asked her about the
    hand readers she gave me a funny look as if I was joking.
    She said that was a new one on her.
    
    I know I should have taken my wife's advice and gone a week ago.
    We would have spent less and would have had the old style tickets.
    
    Oh well, now who knows what we'll get.
    
    Dave
    
    

    Dave, just drive up to the Pheasant Lane Mall (Nashua).  They've got
    tickets.
    
    Julie
    

    
    Thanks Julie,
    
    I just called the Pheasant Lane Mall. See I'm learning always
    call first. The girl there said she was unaware of any ticket
    changes, other than the price going up. She told me the 4 & 5
    day passes are a long strip with places for date stamping and
    hole punching. I was unaware that the Disney stores did things
    differently from one store to another. Anyway, here are the 
    ticket prices I asked for.
    
    Disney Club Member prices:
                               Adult 5-day super hopper $197.38
                               Child  "      "     "    $158.10
                               Child 4-day hopper       $117.03
    
    Dave 

    I just phoned pheasent lane mall, they said the prices went up last
    sunday.
    
    The prices quoted a few notes back are the new prices.
    
    $197.38 for adult MKC
    $158.10 for child MKC
    
    I believe that is a $10 increase for adults and quite a big hike for
    children.
    
    I live in Scotland, and am over in NH this week. I have asked someone
    to check the prices back there. I saw a note recently that said an
    adult was 130 pounds.
    
    /Adrian (14 days to go)

    I purchased 3 5 day hopper passes a few weeks ago at the Emeral Square
    Mall ( 2 adults and 1 child) using the MKC card and paide $527.00
    
    I start the drive from Mass to WDW on the 23 of this month.
    
    10 days to go...........
    
         Tom Z.

    
    Could someone please let me know how the 4-day hopper passes work ?
    I just called the Disney store to ask the difference between the
    4-day & 5-day. The girl said the 5-day super hopper allows you to 
    go from park to park for 5 days. It also gives you unlimited use
    of all water parks for up to seven days. She said the 4-day is only
    good for hopping to the three parks. With NO usage of the water
    parks. Now here's the kicker, she said with the 4-day you have to
    use it for four consecutive days. DOES THIS SOUND RIGHT ??
    
    any answers will be a big help.
    
    Dave 

    
    Went to the AAA office in Worcester last friday and bought
    two adult and one child 5-day world hopper passes.
    
    Including tax the adult was $190.00
                      child was $150.00
    
    The girl there told me that AAA prices will be going up soon.
    
    Prices quoted over the phone at Disney store with membership
    card was:
    
    Including tax the adult was $197.38
                      child was $158.10
    
    A savings of $22.86...my advice would be to call the AAA office
    before you go to the Disney store.
    
    
    Dave

    I believe that the 4-Day Hopper Pass allows you 4 days worth of
    admission to the Parks with one stipulation....you must visit each park
    once before returning for a second visit.
    
    This means that if you visit TMK on Monday and want to return to the
    park later that week then you must first visit EPCOT and MGM.
    
    Mike

    Mike,
    
    The 4-day park hopper allows you to enter any of the three theme parks
    on any of the 4 days.  You can hop between parks, return to the same
    park in the same day, or visit the same park for all 4 days.  It's up
    to you.  There is another 4-day pass, I forget the name right now, that
    is less expensive.  This other pass requires you to visit each of the
    three parks, and on the 4th day you can return to one of the parks
    again.  The park hopper does not include other attractions like water
    parks, Pleasure Island, etc.
    
    We had 4-day park hoppers and went to MK the first 2 days, MGM on day
    3, and are saving day 4 for a future trip.
    
    Julie

Speaking of savings, I have 1 day left on a 5 day world hopper pass if someone
is interested in purchasing these tickets let me know. I have 3 adult and 2
child tickets I'd be willing to sell. Send mail to cntrol::Childs or dtn:
225-4180 if you're interested. 75 bucks for the 5 tickets and they're yours.
Don't bother trying to negotiate a lower price as I can save them for a return
trip. Just figured I'd try to do someone a favor as the next time we go we'll
probably go for a longer trip and buy annuals........

mike

    I bought adult tickets from AAA last December for $170.00 each. It
    looks like they have already gone up in pricesince then.
    
    Dave

    Just picked up our tickets for the end of the month at the
    Disney Store at the Pheasant Lane Mall.  Price was as quoted
    earlier for the 5-day park hopper passes ($197.xx adult, 
    $158.xx for child).  But the interesting thing is the
    tickets are cardboard ones with magnetic strips.  No pictures.
    No fingerprints.  Just show your ID with the tickets each
    time you enter the park.  The mag strip is used to keep track
    of days used, start day (for water parks), etc.  Just make
    sure you don't LOSE the tickets - they're small, so its risky.
    Plus, being only cardboard you have to treat them well  (i.e.
    don't get 'em wet).
    
    andy - leaving two weeks from tomorrow!
    
    

    Andy - What ID?
    
    Are we talking the resort ID or a driver's license?
    
    And then we have children...what do they use for an ID?.
    
    I think that sometime over the next several years we'll see two types
    of admission media...length of stay and Annual Passports.
    
    The length of stay pass will have two forms: one for property guests
    (it will be your resort ID) and one for off the property guests. You'll
    be able to specify how many days of admission you require. I'm also 
    betting that each ticket will have an expiration date.
    
    The only question remaining would be WDW's refund policy. If you don't
    use all your admission days do you get credit or a refund? I'm thinking
    no.
    
    Anyway, with all the recent changes regarding admission media it makes
    sence for WDW to come up with a simple method that will be around for 
    a long time.
    
    Mike

    re: ID
    
    They told me it was a drivers license for all adults, and then
    the kids would be OK.  Of course, my 10 year old son has a
    adult ticket, but no drivers license :-).  Funny thing is that
    they say it's not transferrable, but it's totally feasible that
    you could show a different ID each day.  It's not clear as to
    whether they enter "owner info" the first time used - most likely
    not.  Anyway, the interesting thing to me was it's a cardboard
    "card" with a mag strip - it makes me really wonder how well
    they'll hold up for 5 days of visiting the world plus water
    parks.
    
    andy
    

We were there this past week and we were issued cards with mag strips for 
admission.  Each entrance has a card reader and you merely slide it through.  
We were not asked once for any kind of identification.  In fact, we had a mix
of adults and children and I'm sure that each of us always did not have
the right card.  Disney may have a bit of work yet to do with this system
or they'll leave themselves open to cheating.

With a bit of care, our 5-day world hopper passes still look
like new, even after 7 days of hopping, so they seem to be pretty durable.

    We went to WDW the first week in JUL (hopefully, eventually my wife or I
    will have time to put in a trip report) and, although we had purchased
    the four-day Park Hopper passes, basically were exhausted after three
    days of Park Hopping* and just wandered around the hotels and stores on
    the fourth day.  Consequently, we now have passes with one day left on
    them which I guess I need to put in the safe deposit box since we won't
    be going back for a couple of years.  Anyway, my question is how Disney
    deals with the fact that one of our passes is a CHILD's pass, but my
    daughter will be in the ADULT category by the time we go back. 
    Admittedly they didn't seem to be checking much of anything as everyone
    streamed through the gates, but I'd like to understand how this
    category transition would work.  Anyone ever have a similar situation?  
    Thanks.
    	/jeff
    
    * - the Park Hopper feature was used two out of three days and I'd
    strongly recommend spending the little bit extra for it.

    Jeff,
    
    I'd guess that when you return to use that pass you'll need to
    "upgrade" the pass to an adult pass (which means you'll have to
    spend a few dollars.
    
    Of course there's always the possibility that you'll find a turnstile
    cast member who will let you use that child pass.
    
    I just talked with a friend who recently returned from Orlando and he
    told me that they arrived late Saturday night and around 8 P.M. went
    over to MGM. They opted to purchase a 1-day, 1-park pass for MGM and
    the cast member behind the glass questioned why they would want to
    spend so much money for only an hour or two left in the park's
    operating hours.
    
    He was told that they had just arrived in Orlando and were anxious to
    see MGM.
    
    The cast member let them in for FREE....so there's hope that you may
    also find a generous cast member.
    
    Mike

    
    	I have a couple of days remaining on a WDW park-hopper ticket. If I
    were to visit California; can I use those days at Disneyland?
    
    Bill
    

    Don't think so....but I'd try converting them.
    
    Mike

    
    I'm confused about the current methodology for the passes. I know what
    kind I want to buy (4-day Park Hopper) and I know I can buy them at
    Disney stores around here or wait until I get to Florida and get them
    at the Disney hotel we're staying at. BUT, what's the business about
    picture ID's? What would be the advantage of buying the passes here if
    we still have to wait in line at MKC to get pictures taken for the
    passes? Or are picture IDs a ticketing method that they have
    abandoned?? 
    
    Disney's web site makes makes no mention on photo id's. But there are
    lots of references in these notes, but maybe they're outdated???
    
    thanks,
    Carol (who is more excited than her 3.5 year-old about seeing Mickey
    next month!!!)
    
     
    

    We bought 5-day hopper passes last April, and they were the cardboard
    kind with a magnet swipe strip attached.  No photo ID's - nothing.
    Only differences were kids vs adults.  Not sure if it changed since
    then...
    
    andy
    

and 2 years ago when we were there last, there was a very short, fast-moving
line for getting pictures taken vs the long line to buy and get pix taken.

    Carol,
    
    I wouldn't worry about it. It's more important to determine what kind
    of pass you need and then let the folks in Orlando worry about the
    photos and/or other stuff. It's always changing and we'd all go crazy
    if we tried to keep up with it.
    
    I've had Annual Passports for five years and I'm sure the process will
    be different when I go down this year.
    
    Mike

We bought 4-day park hopper passes at the disney store in Nashua in 
November 1996.
These were small and had a magnetic stripe, no photo id was needed.

-Pradnya-

    
    RE: -.2
    
    Yeah, I need to stop being so compulsive about planning trips!
    
    RE: -.1 GOOD! it certainly simplifies things to be able to buy
    passes ahead of time and avoid standing in line. 
    
    Can't wait!
    
    -Carol G.
    
    

    We just recieved our 4 day hopper passes and they were like credit card 
    size with a magnetic strip on the back of them. 
    
    Just 38 more days and counting...............
              Tom Z.

My APs (purchased back in 1/96) didn't require a photo ID.  This was a bit
of a surprise, as they had been photo-ID cards for some time.  At that
time (1/96), we just showed the cards and got into the parks.  These cards
were very simple, with a mag stripe on the back.

When we used them again a few weeks back (1/97), we needed to use
the "finger-machines".  I have no idea what they're actually called, but
you insert your index and middle finger into a device that apparently
measures them.  I'm sure that someone has a more accurate and detailed
description somewhere.  The point being that the photo-IDs seem to be
no longer the current mechanism.

I believe the term is "biometric feedback."  All the annual passes 
switched to this last year.  The idea is that the first time through 
the turnstile with one of these passes, the system measures certain 
parameters about those two fingers you place in the machine and 
stores the information with the unique identifier for your pass.  

For future visits, the sensor information is compared with that on 
file to determine if there is a match.

I don't know if the same process is used for the multi-day passes.

Another small point...my Florida Resident AP, which I renewed last 
month, had to be bought at Guest Services at one of the parks (in 
past years I had tried to remember to buy it at the hotel rather than 
beginning my day with a long wait in line).  Although there is no 
picture, it does have my name on it.  This proves fortuitous in the 
event the machine disagrees about your identity: my wife was able to 
get in using her driver's license for ID after the sensor failed to 
verify her.

--Ed

I was just wondering if anyone has heard how the ticketing will
work when the Animal Kingdom is opened?

Doug

    Doug,
    
    I'm hearing a few things regarding the fourth theme park. The main 
    rumor that I constantly hear is that for 1998 that park will use a
    separate admission. That is, there will not be a newly issued multi-day
    admission media grouping for all four theme parks.
    
    Like everything Disney does, this could change in a minute.
    
    Moreso than ever before the Disney people are faced with an interesting
    problem. How do you alter present media and when do you start with new
    media?
    
    From what I've heard the easist way to handle this will be to offer a
    1-day, 4-day, 5-day, Length of Stay, and AP adder family of admission
    media to the animal park.
    
    This means you would use the present system for every park but the
    animal park. Eventually a new ticket system will appear but I'm
    thinking they'll wait until the Summer rush of '98 is over before
    doing so.
    
    Does anyone remember how they did it when MGM first opened?
    
    Mike

    Length of Stay Pass (Prices are as of March '97)
    
    Prices are NOT MKC prices and DO NOT include tax.
    
    Length of Stay        Adult     Child (3-9
    
    1 Night/2 Days        $94.00    $75.00
    2 Night/3 Days       $135.00   $109.00
    3 Night/4 Days       $174.00   $139.00
    4 Night/5 Days       $202.00   $162.00
    5 Night/6 Days       $228.00   $183.00
    6 Night/7 Days       $252.00   $202.00
    7 Night/8 Days       $274.00   $219.00
    8 Night/9 Days       $294.00   $235.00
    9 Night/10 Days      $312.00   $250.00
    
    It comes out to an average of $47/day for 1 Night/2 Days for an adult
    LOS to as little as $31/day for 9 nights/10 days.
    
    For a child the cost per day starts at $37.50 to as little as $25.
    
    For cost per day comparison:
    
                        ADULT                          CHILD
            Park    World    LOS      AP      Park    World     LOS     AP
           Hopper   Hopper                    Hopper  Hopper
    1 day  $150.00  $205.00  $47.00  $269.00  $120.00 $164.00  $37.50  $229.00
    5 days NA*      $ 41.20  $40.40  $ 53.80  NA**    $ 32.80  $32.40  $ 45.80
    7 days NA       NA       $36.00  $ 38.40  NA      NA       $28.85  $ 32.71
    8 days NA       NA       $34.25  $ 33.62  NA      NA       $27.37  $ 28.62
   10 days NA       NA       $31.20  $ 26.90  NA      NA       $25.00  $ 22.90
    
     *Four days at $37.50/day.
    **Four days at $30.00/day.
    

    I couldn't find current information in this notes file on the
    following: What is the added cost to a hotel room for a length of stay
    pass? For example, the Polynesian is, I think, $249/night. What would
    be the added cost for a length of stay pass for 2 adults for 5 nights? 

    166.394
    

    Karla,
    
    Mike's price note (166.394) is an excellent guage.
    
    I called the MKC today to inquire about November reservations, while I
    had them on the phone I asked for a breakdown on the 5&8 day LOS. We
    are using the 8N/9D
    
    The price quote with the MKC discount (I assume it included tax):
    
    5N/6D LOS		$ 229.60	Adult/Junior
    			$ 184.29	Child
    
    8N/9D LOS		$ 296.06	Adult/Junior
    			$ 236.65	Child
    
    
    Bill

I caught a snippet of something new in the disney
usenet news group.

Apparantly, for awhile in April, the main entrances
to the theme parks where they sell admisison were
floating some trial tickets that are essentially
like LOS, with the exception that unused days 
dont expire.

The note indicated they had 5, 6, and 7 day passes 
good for any wdw gated admission (8 parks), and unused 
days are good forever at any of these parks.  No prices
were mentioned other than they were slightly 
higher than a similar LOS pass.

I guess the main difference is that the minor parks
all count towards a day when you enter....no more
5 stamped days of main parks, 7 days from first use for
minor parks.

I would suspect this kind of ticket would replace
the 5 day park hopper.  I called the WDW info line and
they didnt have any info on it, so its not been
officially switched yet.  

You folks going on trips this summer, keep your
mouse ears to the ground and let us know if you
hear or see anything about this.

--Bert

    We were there the week of April 26th, the day of our check-out
    5/03 there was a couple checking in.  I overheard the cast member
    at the Beach Club tell them that there were no more "hopper passes" and
    that the new passes were like length of stay except they never
    expired however if you went to a water park or Pleasure Island that was
    considered a day at a park.  I thought this was strange since we did
    see park hopper passes available at the gates.
    
    I just pulled out some info that I received when I checked in and it
    looks like the types of passes they are offering are Lenght of Stay,
    All-in-One Hopper, Park Hopper, and Annual Passes.  Below is taken from
    the World Update Brochure April 16-30 Edition:
    
    Lenght of Stay - Exclusively for Walt Disney Work Resourt Guests. 
    Unlimited admission from the moment you check-in until the end of your
    stay.   From 1 Night/2 Days to 9 Nights/10 Days.
    
    All-in-One Hopper - The new all-in-One Hopper is the best way to enjoy
    absolutely all of Disney for your choice of five, six, or seven days!  
    Enjoy unlimited admission to the Magic Kindom Park, Epcot, Disney-MGM
    Studios, Pleasure Island, River Country, Typhoon, Blizzartd Beach and
    Discovery island for the number of days on your ticket*, with freedom
    to "hop" from Park to Park or play in one Park all day.  No
    expiration.  (these are not MKC discounts prices)
    
    5 Day  Adult:  $205 (plus tax)
           Child:  $164 (plus tax)
    6 Day  Adult:  $231 (plus tax)
           Child:  $185 (plus tax)
    7 Day  Adult:  $255 (plus tax)
           Child:  $204 (plus tax)
    
    *Each day the ticket is used constitutes one full-day's use.  Offer
    subject to change without notice.  Ticket is non-transferable. 
    Purchase offer valid for a limited time only.
    
    Park Hopper
    
    This pass entitles you to four days of umlimited admission to TMK,
    Epcot, and Disney-MGM Studios with park-hopping privileges.
    No expiration.
    
    Adult  $150 (plus tax)
    Child  $120 (plus tax)
    
    Annual Passports         Adult $269.00 (plus tax)
                             Child $229.00 (plus tax)
    Premium Annual Passport  Adult $359.00 (plus tax)
                             Child $305.00 (plus tax)
    
    

    Does your brochure price the Length of Stay passes for 1997 any
    differently than a note entered not too long ago (forgot the number)?

    Got my own answer in the mail today.

----------
From: 	WDW Guest Communications[SMTP:wdw_guest_communications@wda.disney.com]
Sent: 	Wednesday, May 21, 1997 1:53 PM
To: 	Karla Kutz
Subject: 	"Length of Stay" Passes

 
     Thank you for your e-mail message to the Walt Disney World Resort.  
     Please excuse the delay in our response.
     
     The Length of Stay Pass is an exclusive benefit for guests staying in 
     a participating Walt Disney World Resort.  From the moment you check 
     in until the end of the day you check out, the Length of Stay Pass 
     provides unlimited admission to the Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, the 
     Disney-MGM Studios, Blizzard Beach, Discovery Island, Pleasure Island, 
     River Country, and Typhoon Lagoon.
     
     Current prices for Length of Stay Passes are as follows (including 
     sales tax):
     
     Length of Stay           Guest    Ages 3-9
     
     1 night / 2 day stay     $99.64     $79.50
     2 night / 3 day stay    $143.10    $115.54
     3 night / 4 day stay    $184.44    $147.34
     4 night / 5 day stay    $214.12    $171.72
     5 night / 6 day stay    $241.68    $193.98
     6 night / 7 day stay    $267.12    $214.12
     7 night / 8 day stay    $290.44    $232.14
     8 night / 9 day stay    $311.64    $249.10
     9 night / 10 day stay   $330.72    $265.00
     10 night / 11 day stay  $347.68    $278.78
     11 night / 12 day stay  $362.52    $290.44
     12 night / 13 day stay  $377.36    $302.10
     13 night / 14 day stay  $380.54    $304.22
     
     (Prices are subject to change without notice)
     
     Length of Stay Passes may be reserved, but cannot be purchased in 
     advance.  For more information about Length of Stay Passes or to 
     reserve yours for pick-up at registration, please call the Disney 
     Reservation Center at 407-W-DISNEY  (407-934-7639).  Also, please know 
     that Length of Stay Passes for visits longer than 14 days are not 
     available, as the price would exceed that of our Premium Annual 
     Passport (which provides the same admission benefits).
     
     It has been a pleasure to be of assistance.  We look forward to future 
     opportunities to serve you and your family in our Vacation Kingdom!
     
     Sincerely,
     
     Lynn
     Walt Disney World Guest Communications
    

    Okay, I'm confused here.
    
    If we were to get Length of Stay passes for our 8 day stay on Disney
    grounds does that mean we can spend half the day at say, Epcot and half
    the day at Blizzard beach?  I have read some conflicting info here.
    
    Thanks!
    Carol.

Yup...

We did a morning in MGM, late afternoon in Epcot, and closed TMK from 
about 10PM till midnight all in one day, on our LOS passes.

Carol,

There are several ticketing options for WDW
You aren't required to buy an LOS just because you
have a WDW resort reservation.  In fact if you are
spending time at Universal Studios, Sea World,
and or Cape Kennedy, you may find one of the others
fits your schedule better and saves you a little
money.


LOS - length of stay pass explained in note 166.401
      basically you have the run of the place and can
      go to any park, any number of times a day, until
      you checkout of your resort.

All-in-One World Hopper 

	5, 6, 7 days unlimited use of 8 disney parks

World Hopper

	5 days unlimited use 3 main parks
	7 days from first date of use, for minor parks

Park Hopper

	4 days unlimited use of 3 main parks

4 Day pass

	1 day exclusively at each main park, one
	day park of your choice

--Bert

    Thanks for the clarification! 
    
    We'll just be going to all the parks in Disney, so we definetly want
    the Length of Stay passes.  We just wanted to make sure we could move
    around from park to park within the same day.
    
    Carol - Can't wait for November!

    Just asking if anyone has ever turned in their AP vouchers anywhere
    besides the parks....like guest services at a Disney resort/hotel.
    
    Mike

    Mike,
    
    
    Being new to the ranks of AP holders, what are AP vouchers?
    
    
    Phil

    Phil,
    
    When you purchase or renew your AP's by mail you receive vouchers which
    are turned in when you go to Orlando. You turn in your vouchers and
    they asre redeemed for the actual AP. In your case didn't you purchase
    an AP right there? If that's the case you may not have needed a
    voucher.
    
    Mike

    
    I got my at EPCOT, so it looks like there's no need for a voucher.
    
    
    Thanks, Phil (who_is_33_days_away_from_WDW!)