We're planning another Disney trip in February for 8 days - there will be 4 adults and one child (for her 5th bday).

To get an 8-day parkhopper at the kid's rate, it would cost $204. For $65 more, one of us could get an AP (we're in Canada) - what would be the benefits of this? Cheaper room rates - we're probably going to go with the HoJo again (do they offer AP discount), 10% off food, etc.? Would the savings cover the extra cost or make it even?

What about early mornings - if the rest of the clan get Parkhoppers with one early entry, do AP holders get early entry as well?

If you could share with me the pros and cons, I'd much appreciate it. Can't say whether we'll be going again within the year, so it would really only be for this one trip and just want to know if it's worth it or not

Thanks in advance!

Here's my input:

If the early entry is important, buy everyone hoppers from Getaway travel, they offer 2 Magic Mornings with their hoppers instead of just one from Disney.com, if you are 'sure' you won't be back in a year you'd have to spend over $650 in food purchases to cover the difference in the cost of the hopper vs the cost of the deluxe AP. You're planning to stay at the HoJo's I'd RUN to their website and call them to make reservations at the entertainment book rate, they just released the dates a few days ago, I also know they accept international entertainment book cards so you can spend the money on a card for your area and use the coupons. The Deluxe passes do not offer any shopping discount, only food and only at select locations and they do NOT get the Early Entry with the rest of the group so for your trip I"m not seeing the advantage.

HoJo's does offer an AP Discount, 20% off the current regular rates.

But you can get 15% off just by using the MousePlanet discount code

http://www.hojoanaheim.com/mouseplanet/

And you can find even better discounts available at...

http://www.hojoanaheim.com/phpbb/viewforum.php?f=12

So don't bother getting an AP for the discounts for HoJo's

And Deluxe Ap's main benefit is 10% off most food locations in the park, so that is $650 of food puchases just to break even.

And AP holders do not get entry for Magic Mornings, so it sounds like you shouldn't bother.

You might want to look into a CAA membership though, if you don't have one already. You do get some food savings with the Auto Club Membership...

http://www.mousesavers.com/dlmeals.html#aaa

Thanks so much - that's kinda what I thought but wasn't sure. I suppose if we were to make two trips, it would then be worth it, but I can't see that far into the future!

Thanks again for taking the time to explain it to me!!

:D