AP vs. Room-only codes?

[LovesDoomBuggies]

I am considering getting an AP to get the discounts on our rooms- we are staying 3 nights at AKL and 3 nights at Pop. I checked out Mousesavers, and it said historically, AP rates and room-only codes have both available in January when we are going.

So are room-only codes comparable to AP rates? Or should I definitely get the AP because it would save me the most money?

[mad4themouse]

There are no guarantees that there will be AP room discounts for any given period, regardless of their historical trends. Also, there are no guarantees as to how steep those discounts will be. With the economy improving and the travel industry rebounding from 9/11, the AP discounts have not been as generous as in previous years.

You would do better to wait until after AP rates have been announced for your travel dates before purchasing an AP. The only reason that you should purchase an AP right now would be if you intend to visit the parks 8 or more days within a 365-day period. Otherwise, it may not be cost-effective.

[hulabird]

I was going to buy an AP this year and I did book my room using AP rates, but then I got a postcard for a room only and switched it. It was the same price.

[disneychrista]

FYI Unless it has changes since i took my trip (Dec 2002) you do not have to have the AP when booking the AP rate (only have to have it when you check in). So wait to see if AP rate are better then codes before booking.

Also the AP rates when I went were $10/night cheaper then code rates.