AP, DDP, DDE, Discounts

[claven123]

I don't know what place to post this.

We really, really want to stay at the poly our next time we visit the world. We are planning on staying in May or Dec/Jan. We are probably going to do a split stay. I am wondering if we should get an AP and hopefully use that for a room discount and some on dinning as well.

Any thoughts on this? Do you get discounts on dinning with the AP or DDE? We tend to eat TS meals for dinner, but don't really want to buy into the DDP.

Dennis

[CA Disney Fans]

How long are you planning to be at WDW? Do you plan to visit more than once in a year? We were there in September for 15 days, so we got APs even though we might not go back within the year. It gave us the ability to go where ever we wanted (the parks, water parks, Disney Quest) without any limits and the DVC discount is nice.

Here's a link that should have the answers to your dining questions. http://www.allearsnet.com/pl/apass.htm

OT, :welcome: to the DIS family!

[Daryl]

Depending on how long you stay an annual pass can easily pay for itself with its significant resort discounts, especially at deluxe resorts like the Poly, where the prices are higher. Here's an example:

Checking in on 1/1/07, a MK view at the POLY is $511.88. The AP rate is $421.88. Jf you vacation for 5 nights, your AP is more than paid for.

Keep in mind resort discounts are not year round so planning is particularly important.
An AP does give you a 10% discount at many dining venus but if you buy the DDE you get 20% discounts at just about all of the most popular TS venues throughout WDW. If you Dine regularly at TS restaurants, the DDE will save you a lot of money. :sunny:

[Hugpug]

An AP can save you on hotels providing you can get one. This is something you cannot be sure you will get. You need to base your decision on the number of days you will visit the parks. If you get a resis with an AP discount that would be a bonus. This is a misconception that a lot of folks make when they get an AP thinking they will get a room discount. It does not always happen. As far as the DDE is you need to figture how many TS you will have and if you will have drinks then subtrac the cost of the DDE from what you believe you will spend.

[claven123]

Well we usually spend about 10 days on vacation. We are really torn on the exact dates of travel. We would love to see WDW with the christmas decorations. We really would like to be able to have fun in the sun, so we are torn between christmas time and more warmer times.

We don't have DVC, but we have considered it. My wife and I have thought about going back without the kids so the AP's might be a bonus.

Which times are you more likely to get room discounts and what does the DDE cost?

Dennis

[Daryl]

The normal price of the DDE is $85.00. With an AP its $60.00. Right now, tonight, you could book an AP rate at the POLY for Dec. in a lagoon or garden view. Hugpug makes a valid point. The fact that an AP discount is offered for a specific time period does not guarantee its availability. They do sell out.
I have been an AP holder since 1999. I got the pass specifically for the resort discounts. I have never failed to get an AP rate. It does require a lot of planning, patience, and some flexibility. You must keep your eyes open for when the rates are announced. As soon as a rate is available for the season I want I jump on it. There have been times when I've had to shift travel plans by days or weeks. It does requires a lot of persistence. There have been more than a few times when I was unable to book an AP rate, but I always kept calling and I've always been rewarded with success. Is it an iron clad surefire lock? No. Will you meet with success far more often than not? yes, if you stay on top of the offers and are persistent. IMHO it's definitely worth it :sunny:

[roryc]

I got an AP because I knew I'd be visiting 3 different times in the year for 3-5 days each so the AP saves me $ on tickets alone, but secretly I bought it because I wanted a great discount on the Grand Floridian :thumbsup2

As it turns out, AP discounts were just released and weren't offered for the room category that I am booked (Main Building Concierge). Also, the discounts were pretty much $80 off for deluxes, and the only category that the GF discounted was the Magic Kingdom view.

I got a AAA discount of about $100 off that included my room category. So, I was surprised but the AAA discount worked out better for me.

My point is, when staying in Deluxes, you might do better off with a AAA discount (15-20% on average), since the rooms are more expensive at Deluxes and they generally apply to most room categories.

You can see that a $500 room at the Poly would have a $75-$100 discount per night, which is generally the same if not better than most AP discounts. Plus, like me you could make sure that you are able to book the discount for the room category that you really want.

A $99 room at a Value, would yield a $15-$20/night discount so the AP might be a better discount in that scenario.

I bought the DDE too and after only 1 trip, I've already saved $15 over and above the cost of the card. 2 trips to go:)

For our big family trip in January we're doing a AAA MYW package that includes 1 day base tickets (the minimum you have to buy). I didn't want to buy anything more since I do have an AP after all. The other members in my party will upgrade their tickets when we arrive. Oh, and the MYW package that's out right now with the free park hopper upgrades and water park options also isn't available for my room category...not that I plan on using water parks at the end of January ;)

We also got the DDP option due to the Table Services that I was choosing (HDDR and Le Cellier among others) made it so that it's worth it for us even if we only used the Table Services. So it does matter whether you choose a $19.99 buffet, or a $45 dinner as to how much the DDP will save you, if you care about the cost and not just the ease of use of the DDP. We're doing 3 additional Table Services that won't be included on the DDP so we'll be able to take advantage of the DDE card on those choices.

Good luck. You really have to crunch the numbers and decide what's most important to you.

[Daryl]

I'm a GF fan too!!!!!!!!!!! :thumbsup2 claven123 have a great trip :sunny:

[Love That Stitch]

I love having my AP. We immediately bought the DDE and have saved so much money. We like to eat out at very nice restaurants and this saves us a bundle. The dinner shows have a great discount as well. If you get the DDE make sure to squeeze in a dinner show. We find the AP resort discounts are excellent. We saved $100 a night when we stayed at Boardwalk/Polynesian in 3/05. This more than paid for the AP. You can't count on getting the discounts but they usually do come out with a code.

Make sure to at least use your AP for two trips (with the resort discount). This way you get two trips with one AP and get resort discounts. The best case scenario is to plan on going to the parks more than 10 days in a years time. However, I have had my AP for 3 years and do not go to the parks that much. To me it is worth it with the DDE and resort discounts. If you decide to renew your AP there is a discounted rate as well.

[ticktock]

You say you have kids and are thinking of going Dec-Jan. That leads me to believe you are thinking of going over Christmas break. There are never AP or Fl resident discounts for that time. I've never heard of any room discounts for Xmas week. Just FYI, I'm surprised someone didn't mention it before:confused3 .

[Daryl]

It does seem counter-intuitive, but in fact, even as late as today, rooms were still available at an AP discount over this coming XMAS holiday. This year the catch is you have to check in by the 23rd. I have gotten AP rates that span the Xmas and Thanksgiving holidays many times. There is also a current AP rate starting New Years Day. With a little planning holidays and AP rates can work well together :sunny:

[claven123]

I guess that was one of my original questions about when the AP discounts can be had. Also, do they have to be the more expensive rooms at the resorts or can it be the cheaper rooms for the AP discount.

I think that if I was to get an AP discount on the poly in May and not an over the holiday break I would choose the May trip.

What about a split stay over the holiday break, say Jan 1 for check in?

Is there someplace I could read up on the DDE? Is this only for AP holders and certain others?

We do tend to eat at TS more that CS, and we want to take in HDDR this year.

Also, my wife and I would like to go back with out the kids, so we might get two AP's for us and normal tickets for the kids.

Dennis

[Daryl]

Hi Claven123, I just sent you a message re: availability. Yes you can split your stay. Anyone can purchase the DDE, but for AP holders there is a $25.00 discount. You pay $60.00 as opposed to $85.00. I always buy regular MYW tickets for the rest of my party. Only one person needs an AP for checkin, so yes I think it's a good plan to buy regular tkts for the kids.

Here is a link to read about the DDE:

http://www.allearsnet.com/din/dde.htm

Have a great trip :sunny:

[claven123]

So, I buy the DDE and use it for three meals at 100.00 each and it pays for itself. (with the AP rate card).

I know we will use it for more than 3 meals in a 10 day stay. Now, is it better than having the DDP that we pay for?

Dennis

[pixidust princess]

My next trip is not until May 2008 (17th - 24th), but I am a planner. I just posted a thread on the budget board asking the same question. We really want to stay at the poly or BWI, haven't decided yet. I will book our room as soon as we can, and hope to apply a code later. I know no one can predict what will be available in 2008, but are AP codes usually available for the time of year I am planning? It is regular season pricing anyway. AAA is also cheap enough, so I hope between the two I can save some money. I will most likely buy the DDE also to save on some of our TS meals. Thanks for your help. :wave:

[claven123]

I don't think I specified this, but our trip is not until 2008 as well. Or at least May 2008 or Dec 2007.


D

[Love That Stitch]

I booked my room at Wilderness months ago for Jan/Feb 07 trip. I then called with the AP code and they applied the discount. I booked a concierge level room. The discounts are not only for the standard room.

May is usually a good time to go. The post about no codes during holidays is right. Most of the time they will not give a discount during holidays.

2 years ago we used the DDE to go to the HDDR and it was a great discount. However, you had to go the late show (only time they would give you the discount) 9:30pm. That was kind of a bummer.

[coastgirl]

Just wanted to add, we've done really well with the AP. My dh bought it while the rest of got 7 day park hoppers for a trip in May/June this year. (We had no intention of going back before the year was out so the rest of us just got what we needed for that trip, as the one AP gave us access to the discounts.) We also got the DDE. We stayed 2 nts at AKL (std savannah view) and 2 nts at the Poly (std garden view) and saved enough (and more) to pay for the AP just in that. And we didn't know enough to be sitting waiting for the AP rates, but we managed to get what we wanted anyway. We are going back in January and got a discount at CBR that's saving us over $1300 (admittedly on a lot of room nights--16 for us and 10 for my sister & family). I'd really like to upgrade for 4-6 nts at WL but am having trouble getting their cheapest category for my dates. But I'll keep trying.

We also really like the DDE discounts. We have considered the DDP and just couldn't eat that much food every day, but the DDE gives us a really good discount at TS (and the occasional counter service). Don't forget you also get 10% off at WoD in DTD, and miscellaneous other discounts.

Man, we were planning on buying me a 10 day hopper for our trip in Jan as we don't expect to be back in the year--but I'm almost talking myself into it "just in case". ;)

[pixidust princess]

If I buy the AP for our May 2008 trip, it will be for the discounts only. We do not plan on going back within a year of that trip. It seems like the discount you can get pays for the AP and sometimes then some. I hope I get lucky! :)

[claven123]

We did the DDP the last time we were there and we didn't love it. We had way to much food we wouldn't have ordered anyway. I like the idea of the DDE card for meals.

Do YOU have to call everyday for the discount? Can I have my themagicforless travel agent do the calling for me for the AP discounts?

I think we are going to stay at WL this time and not the Poly based on some of the responses I have read.

Dennis

[pixidust princess]

we did the ddp last time also. my husband mentioned that a table service meal every night took up a lot of our time. you are right also. there is soooo much food. we stayed at AKL last trip and wanted to stay at WL this time, but for 5 people (3 adults and 2 children) we would have to get a deluxe room and that was pricey. I am leaning towards the poly or the boardwalk. your mention of negative reviews has me wanting to do more research. Thanks!

[claven123]

I wouldn't say negative reviews, I just have heard that the Poly is overpriced compared to WL. I have seen post that indicate that those who have stayed at both tend to stay at WL on subsequent visits for the cost factor alone.

I have never stayed at either, but have been to both and eaten at them.

Dennis

[mill4023]

Like others have said, there are no guarantees of AP discounts.
But the chances are pretty good.

For 2005 and 2006, the only dates that didn't have any AP discounts are:

10/5/05 - 10/15/05 (this is when they switched from AP rates to the Best Rate Program and because of how far in advance you had to book, these dates weren't available)
12/26/05 - 1/2/06 (christmas to new years day)
4/14/06 - 4/23/06 (weeks around Easter)
6/4/06 - 6/20/06 (peak summer ??)
12/24/06 - 1/2/06 (christmas to new years day)

This is based on the info at Mousesavers: http://www.mousesavers.com/historicalwdwdiscounts.html
They don't include the discount amount, but from what I remember over the last 2 years, the average AP discount off of rack rate has been about $25 on values, $40-$45 on moderates, and $80-$100 on deluxes.

If you like to eat a lot of table service, the DDE can save you a lot of money. In addition to table service meals, it can also be used at several counter service locations at AK and it can be used at the food courts at the value resorts. I think you can get the DDE discount at HDDR, but only for the 9 pm show.

[Daryl]

Just keep in mind the rate you pay for your entire stay is determined by the rate that applies on the day you check in ;)

[twoboysmom]

I am hoping for some clarification regarding AP rates. I currently have reservations for POLY GV for 25 Jan to 1 Feb 2007 with the AAA rate of $2207.27. We are 2 Adults and 2 children and one thankfully free 2 year old. I purchased 4 7-day MYW tickets with park hoppers last summer before the prices increased. Total for tickets was $931. I just called to see if any AP rates were available for that time period but a very pleasant cast member (Berl) informed that nothing was open. :sad2: I cannot check the website myself. I have read on these boards that AP rates are limited both by date and room choice. Question is do additional rooms open up or do cancellations usually occur and should I keep checking back? I have been holding off buying the AAA membership to determine if an AP rate would be better or maybe a general room-only code would occur. I have learned quite a bit lurking on this board and appreciate everyone's expertise. Thanks.

[mill4023]

I am hoping for some clarification regarding AP rates. I currently have reservations for POLY GV for 25 Jan to 1 Feb 2007 with the AAA rate of $2207.27. We are 2 Adults and 2 children and one thankfully free 2 year old. I purchased 4 7-day MYW tickets with park hoppers last summer before the prices increased. Total for tickets was $931. I just called to see if any AP rates were available for that time period but a very pleasant cast member (Berl) informed that nothing was open. :sad2: I cannot check the website myself. I have read on these boards that AP rates are limited both by date and room choice. Question is do additional rooms open up or do cancellations usually occur and should I keep checking back? I have been holding off buying the AAA membership to determine if an AP rate would be better or maybe a general room-only code would occur. I have learned quite a bit lurking on this board and appreciate everyone's expertise. Thanks.

I just checked the passholder site and the Poly DOES have Garden View rooms available at the AP rate for your dates. The total for 7 nights, 1/25/07 to 2/1/07 is $1960(including tax).

Apparently the CM you talked to was incorrect.

So you could save $247, which means you'll basically break even if you compare the cost of an AP to the cost of 7 day hoppers. You could just upgrade one of those hoppers you bought to an AP when you get there.

[twoboysmom]

I just checked the passholder site and the Poly DOES have Garden View rooms available at the AP rate for your dates. The total for 7 nights, 1/25/07 to 2/1/07 is $1960(including tax).

Apparently the CM you talked to was incorrect.

So you could save $247, which means you'll basically break even if you compare the cost of an AP to the cost of 7 day hoppers. You could just upgrade one of those hoppers you bought to an AP when you get there.

Thanks for your help. Our current AAA reservation is currently about $20 better than the AP rate but we still have to join AAA ($60.00 I think). In the end the AP would be about $30 cheaper-not enough for me to spend 25 minutes on the phone with Disney again.

After all is said and done, big news here is I am returning to the Poly after a 25 year absence :woohoo:

[silmarg]

Allotted rooms with the AP rate change from day to day. When I made my ressie for my trip last month I was told the only mod with AP discount was CBR (even though I really wanted CSR). I called every few days and viola CSR became available. $45/day discount for the mods.

Whats really cool is that you can make a ressie with the AP discount even though you dont have the AP in hand at the time of the ressie... And interestinly enough the reservation clerk at CSR didnt even ask for my AP when I checked in. :scratchin

Once you have you AP room discount only one member of the party needs to get an AP. So I would order the AP by phone and have it shipped to you. Once you get the AP you can call to get the DDE dining discount card (you do need a physical AP voucher in order to get the DDE card at a discount).

You can save some real money with these tricks.

[hockeybabe]

Has anyone had any success in getting std rooms at WL with an AP discount? I had been advised that they were very hard to get or not available as they can fill these rooms without a discount, so they only discount the pricier rooms. Any comments?

What if I make a ressie now, and then the AP discount comes out, will they discount my ressie, or will they consider the room I booked as unavailable?

TIA! :goodvibes

[Disney Fool]

I've gotten a standard room at WL twice at the rate of $105. AP rate. (value season). Also, regarding the DDE, it also gets you a discount on alcoholic drinks.

[A Mickeyfan]

No one has mentioned that the $60 for the DDE is for one card. If you want your spouse to have a card, it is $25 more! With only one card per family, the card holder must be present to get the discount. I have older kids so when we go, if I sent them to the food court without me, they will not get the discount. Or when my DH comes, he isn't a park person & without me there, he would not get the discount if he went to eat. You need to figure out is it worth the extra $25 for another family member to have one. I use to get it, but now it is mainly just me & either one or 2 of my kids going.. so no.. it isn't worth the extra $25 for me now...
A few years ago, the second card was free!!!! When Disney opened the DDE to all passholders (not just FL residents & FL resident passholders) they changed the policy & started charging for the second card. They know they are getting you... and many might not agree, but I think it is unfair to do this to a family. My 14 DD cannot go to the food court with my DDE card, my DL & room key to use this anymore... when the second card was free, they allowed this as well :confused: It is all about the money now with them, not the family :eek: