Can someone explain AP discounts?

[thisismyusername]

I'm not sure if I've missed an important thread somewhere, but I've looked for this info here and on the web, and can't really find any answers to my questions.

On our upcoming trip, we are staying in three places: GF (one night only), BC (with ticket package) for one week, and BW DXCL for three nights. This was all booked under the spring promo. On the first day of our vacation, I will be picking up our ticket package early and converting my 10 day hopper WP&M ticket to an AP.

I know that AP rates have not yet come out for our June dates, but I'm assuming they'll be released soon. IF they would be cheaper, can I convert either my GF or BW reservations to the AP rates, even though I don't have the AP yet? (I'm assuming I won't touch the BC reservation since the tickets are tied to it.)

Also, without having an AP in hand, how do I check the rates? On the Disney site, you need to enter your passholder info, which I don't have. Generally, would the AP rates be cheaper than the spring promo?

Thanks for any info! I'm appreciative!

 

[MHSweb79]

AP rates are offered when Disney needs to fill up rooms. There's no guarantee there will be a discount available for the dates of your trip, or that it would be any better than the spring promo you already have.

I would check over at Mousesavers.com - they have a pretty comprehensive list of discounts available for any given time.

 

[Masonmj84]

I know that AP rates have not yet come out for our June dates, but I'm assuming they'll be released soon. IF they would be cheaper, can I convert either my GF or BW reservations to the AP rates, even though I don't have the AP yet? (I'm assuming I won't touch the BC reservation since the tickets are tied to it.)

As PP stated, there's no guarantee that AP rates will come out or, if they do, whether they'll be cheaper than GP discount rates. I also don't know of any way to directly see specific rates for specific resorts without having access to the passholder site (which requires having an AP). However, you can go to sites like Mousesavers and Mousemisers and get a general idea.

Recently, it's seemed to me that AP discounts are, on average, about 5% better than GP discounts (i.e., when a GP discount is, say, 30% at a given resort, an AP discount is 35%) but this can vary (sometimes the AP discount isn't as good as the GP one).

It's also seems like Disney is continually delaying announcing AP discounts, so keep checking and don't give up hope.

As for converting your reservations, you should be able to do that even though you don't have an AP yet. In fact, it's unlikely that they'll ask for an AP at check-in and, even if they do, you'll have a grace period after check-in to convert your ticket to an AP.

 

[thisismyusername]

Thank you for the information! If a discount does come out (I know there's a chance it might not), can my TA check the room rates?

 

[mmmears]

You can get the AP room rates by calling Disney. You can't check them online until you actually have your AP.

Yes, you can move your room-only reservations to an AP discounted room if they are available. You do not have to have your AP when you make the reservation. You will be asked for your AP when you check in. If you are going to pick it up after check-in, they tell you to make sure you come back to the front desk and show it or you will be charged rack rate. We have done this in the past and it has not been a problem at all. Just make sure you remember to show it to them -- they do need it to give you the discount.

Hope this helps!