An AP is not an entitlement to codes

[dr2004]

I do not work for Disney, but I am a shareholder and flame me if you will but I ask you this.

I am sorry that the AP holders did not get their precious codes for once, but my lord how can someone that pays $400+ for an AP per person now complain that WDW has ruined their vacations because they did not get $50 off a hotel room? If you can afford an AP, thats the cash equivilant of 4 nights at a mod for crying out loud.

I'm sorry but maybe some people need to read the pass benefits, you are NOT entitled to ANY discounted room rates. Period. End of story. If you bought an AP as a hotel discount card, well, that's not what the intent is for. Next time don't.

Maybe if some of the AP holders were not booking multiple rooms at different times at every price category and then picking and chossing based on code EHD or code PMB which to keep the AP holders would not be in this situation today. If you do not think WDW was keeping track of cancellations by AP holders, you are not being realistic.

Now WDW wants you to book 60 days in advance and leave a deposit. How dare they want people to book who are serious about coming and not catering to the code bookers.

WDW is in business to make money. Not to make sure you get the Wilderness Lodge at a price that you want to pay.

 

[Renate_do]

I agree with you.

I´m a pass- and shareholder of Eurodisney S.C.A. and at Paris you will get only at perhaps 20 days in a year a discount with your AP.

If booking your vacation you always have to pay a nonrefundable deposite of 10 - 20% of the package price.

So what are all are complaining about?

I also guess that most of you have to speak to your boss in advance about vacation times, so where is the problem with booking 60 days in advance?

Greets from Germany
Renate

 

[thelionqueen]

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and here is mine.

Just because someone can afford an AP doens't mean they should pay rack rate for a hotel room. No an AP is not an entitlement to a lower priced room, BUT, CM's will tell you that when you book during the year there are AP room discounts.

As far as the actual discount goes, your quote is Way off! We stayed at the Contemporary this May w/Passholder discount. The rack rate for the exact same room we booked was $257.00 (including taxes, etc.) per night. We booked the same room with AP discount for $171.00. If we had booked a preferred room the rate difference would have been over $110.00 per night!

The thought I have is this....people who buy the AP obviously plan on visiting Disney more than once per year. These guests, IMHO, are preferred guests. These customers spend lots of $$ @WDW and Disney loves $$. I think the rationale is offering discounted rooms for these guests will encourage more visits..thus..more $$. As magical as Disney is for many, they like to make $$ too.

anyway, just my 2 cents worth.

 

[sherry8253]

I do not work for Disney, but I am a shareholder and flame me if you will but I ask you this.

I am sorry that the AP holders did not get their precious codes for once, but my lord how can someone that pays $400+ for an AP per person now complain that WDW has ruined their vacations because they did not get $50 off a hotel room? If you can afford an AP, thats the cash equivilant of 4 nights at a mod for crying out loud.

I'm sorry but maybe some people need to read the pass benefits, you are NOT entitled to ANY discounted room rates. Period. End of story. If you bought an AP as a hotel discount card, well, that's not what the intent is for. Next time don't.

Maybe if some of the AP holders were not booking multiple rooms at different times at every price category and then picking and chossing based on code EHD or code PMB which to keep the AP holders would not be in this situation today. If you do not think WDW was keeping track of cancellations by AP holders, you are not being realistic.

Now WDW wants you to book 60 days in advance and leave a deposit. How dare they want people to book who are serious about coming and not catering to the code bookers.

WDW is in business to make money. Not to make sure you get the Wilderness Lodge at a price that you want to pay.

Wow, you are a little testy this morning. Just curious do you actually go to Disney or do you just own stock. My DH and I own stock too and we are both AP holders. I have never booked more than one room for any time period. Nor have I ever booked a room 'hoping' for a code. I waited for codes to come out, found a room at the price I was willing to pay, and booked. I didn't try to book multiple room with a child's AP. But, Disney will lose my money because there will be no more quick, spur of the moment trips (and we did several of those a year in addition to 2 10+ day trips a year). Thus, I as both an AP and stock holder am not happy with Disney's typical knee jerk reaction to what they see as a problem.

 

[crs7568]

While you are correct that an annual pass is not a guarantee of a discount code, anyone with a history of staying in Disney resorts is very aware that there have been consistent discounts offered to guests for many years. No, Disney does not have to offer the deep discounts for resorts that have been offered in the past. Conversely, guests do not have to stay on Disney property. My reason for buying an AP was to visit the parks more frequently while staying on property. Now that the discounts have been reduced, I will buy the MYW tickets and visit Disney while staying off property which also means spending much less money at Disney for food. I will also spend a shorter length of time at Disney and spend more of my vacation dollars at Universal this year. There are more perks offered to guests at Universal which makes it worth while to spend the money to stay on property there. Is this going to hurt Disney? No, obviously I am only one person. However, I would not be surprised to see more people staying off site and possibly exploring more options for entertainment than Disney.

 

[MinnieM21]

I know it's not an entitlement. But when Disney assures me over and over again that AP rates are coming out any day and then they change their mind, that makes me upset. There's no need to lie to AP holders, just be upfront and let them know the BRP is replacing the old way.
I didn't buy an AP to get hotel discounts. When I planned on buying an AP it was because I knew I would be going to Disney more than once. Besides, I'm fortunate enough that I don't absolutely need a discount but it would be helpful.





Let people vent their frustration. It's not hurting anyone.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

I do not work for Disney, but I am a shareholder and flame me if you will but I ask you this.

I am sorry that the AP holders did not get their precious codes for once, but my lord how can someone that pays $400+ for an AP per person now complain that WDW has ruined their vacations because they did not get $50 off a hotel room? If you can afford an AP, thats the cash equivilant of 4 nights at a mod for crying out loud.
.

Just an FYI ... not eveyone pays that for an AP. Florida Residents pay less, and if you get the Seasonal pass, it is nearly half the price....so saying that, I have a Seasonal... guess you are saying I should be entitled to the code then correct? The price of my Seasonal will not get me 4 nights in a mod, without a discount code, it will not even get me 4 nights in a value...
That isn't the point we are all making. I think it is beyond that now. Most here are upset with how Disney is not making an announcement either way.
By the way... I am not a stock holder, but half my family members are.... and I don't feel that I am taking money away from them, I am giving more to them by the amount of times that I go. So what if I am not paying rack rate, Disney is still getting my money. If it was rack rate, they will not get my money...you do the math.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

This is the codes board, if you don't want to read about us complaining, don't read this section of the board. I thought this sub board was to post what codes & discounts are available. It is to keep everyone one informed on what is coming etc... it was done this way so those who didn't wish to weed through all the post about the codes didn't have to. If someone doesn't want to hear it (read it), then don't.... that is the purpose of this sub board, for those who want to know...not those who don't care.

 

[DisFlan]

Yup, I agree an AP isn't an entitlement. But I also think Disney planned and handled the BRP badly.

But if the gas crunch worsens or becomes prolonged, or (God forbid) we see another Florida hurricane, it'll be a moot point. We'd see codes again, as well as a variety of other discounts.

DisFlan

 

[dr2004]

You are roght but I posted here because this has crept into all boards.

I do go to WDW once a year, and first, if CM's are saying codes are included when you buy the passes, then I take it back. Every piece of lieterature I saw on AP says you may get rates, may not.

If people are being lied to when they buy passes, thats a different argument.

I do not use an AP, I usually use AAA or any public discount offered at the time.

Believe me I have no inside info, and I am not a millionaire, but I have seen a noticable shift this year from Disney. Instead of room discounts, they are offering things like free transportation, cheaper park hoppers, dining plans, etc. all designed to make sure you do not leave those WDW boundries to get a meal on I Drive or spend a day at Seaworld.

I hate to say it , but outside of casinos not many places reward frequent visits. In a perfect world , they should have some sort of reward program, but we are not entitled to one. There is a reason SeaWorld and Universal offer dicount coupons and WDW does not. WDW does not have too. If enough people flood Universal, that would change.

Look I don't direct this to be personal, just in general. I hope everyone stops booking because by rates would go down, but compared to every other mega resortarea in the world, Disney rack rates are cheap. Try to find a clean hotel room within tourist areas in San Juan, at the Atlantis, Cancun, or ciries like Miami, NYC, Chicago, Boston, for the rack rates for a WDW value or moderate.

Also, remember the rates at Dusney include free parking, free transportation around the clock, extra hours, etc. that the $59 rates on IDrive or wherever do not. To me thats a value even at my AAA rate. It may not be to another person.

Bottom line, whether you agree with me or not, have a fun trip and enjoy WDW. It's got its problems, but for my $$$ its still the best vacation spot I have been to

 

[Gary M]

We buy APs because of room discounts. Without room discounts we will not buy APs because we will not go to WDW enough to justify the cost of APs. If Disney fills the resort rooms without discounts, then we will travel to other destinations for our vacations. We do have BR dates for early Dec. and early Feb.. I think WDW rack room rates are to high, while others don't think so.

 

[C.Ann]

Hasn't "ruined" any future vacations for me.. I'll just stay offsite and spend less money on larger accomodations..

Now when they decide to close the park to anyone who doesn't stay onsite, that might cause a problem.. Then I would just move on to Plan C..

 

[SandrA9810]

Me and Kari are seasonal passholders (only 200$ a person), generally because we take quick one day trips up there. Although with as high as gas prices are now, we save a little longer to stay two days/one night.
We're poor if you want to call us. We do everything on a budget, buy clearanced/sale items, clothes from salvation army store. And with the best of luck, pay the minimum if not more on every credit card. (which is part of why we're so poor).
Last year we stayed at the valued resorts for 50$ a night. This year, we've been doing camping at Fort Wilderness because we don't have the money for the valued resorts. And one of the only perks we like about staying on property, is that we don't have to use our gas, and we don't have to worry about paying 8$ a day for parking. (With those two perks, we were better off staying on property rather than off).

Without the room discount rates, we sure as heck couldn't afford it. Everytime I call I tell them I'm a Florida resident, Passholder, and AAA member. And what really ticked me off last time I called, you can't get Passholder rates by calling, you have to book online. I don't have the internet at home and most our trips are planned in the middle of the week for the weekend. We hardly ever plan anything 7 days in advance. And our dates always change, depending on what days kari gets off work.
The way they're doing things up there is sickening. With as high as prices are skyrocketing, I think our next four trips will be lowered to two trips. This next weekend and Christmas.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

Me and Kari are seasonal passholders (only 200$ a person), generally because we take quick one day trips up there. Although with as high as gas prices are now, we save a little longer to stay two days/one night.
We're poor if you want to call us. We do everything on a budget, buy clearanced/sale items, clothes from salvation army store. And with the best of luck, pay the minimum if not more on every credit card. (which is part of why we're so poor).
Last year we stayed at the valued resorts for 50$ a night. This year, we've been doing camping at Fort Wilderness because we don't have the money for the valued resorts. And one of the only perks we like about staying on property, is that we don't have to use our gas, and we don't have to worry about paying 8$ a day for parking. (With those two perks, we were better off staying on property rather than off).

Without the room discount rates, we sure as heck couldn't afford it. Everytime I call I tell them I'm a Florida resident, Passholder, and AAA member. And what really ticked me off last time I called, you can't get Passholder rates by calling, you have to book online. I don't have the internet at home and most our trips are planned in the middle of the week for the weekend. We hardly ever plan anything 7 days in advance. And our dates always change, depending on what days kari gets off work.
The way they're doing things up there is sickening. With as high as prices are skyrocketing, I think our next four trips will be lowered to two trips. This next weekend and Christmas.

I hear eveything you are saying. I am the same with items on sale & clearance, the parking & the gas. That is how I can afford to go as often as I do. I see nothing wrong with that. I will not go for only 1 night, I will do a minimium of 2. Even before the gas went up, it wasn't worth the gas for one night.. I am 3 hours away +/-.

 

[cslittle999]

The thought I have is this....people who buy the AP obviously plan on visiting Disney more than once per year. These guests, IMHO, are preferred guests. These customers spend lots of $$ @WDW and Disney loves $$. I think the rationale is offering discounted rooms for these guests will encourage more visits..thus..more $$. As magical as Disney is for many, they like to make $$ too.

I don't think this is true. My guess is that AP holders tend to be the most savy of Disney travelers. In general they make use of discounted rooms and all of the other discounts available. They may be in Disney more often but I bet the family taking that once in a lifetime trip at rack-rate make Disney more money.

 

[Buckalew11]

There is no way a family who makes a "once in a lifetime" trip to WDW paying rack rate makes Disney more money than I do. We visit too many times and stay as many days as we can with our APs.

We ALL get APs and we buy them when we know we'll go multiple times in one years time. I don't buy it for the discount but when WDW is giving every other time of the year a discount if you have an AP, it sure would be nice if we could get our chosen time also.

 

[cslittle999]

Buckalew11, I didn't mean that a single family trip is equivalent to your multiple trips, I was saying that for each of your trips their is another family paying rack rate and that's where Disney makes there money. If you're saving $80, $100 or more per night compared to the people next door and they bought tickets that expire, ... where do you think Disney is making more money.

From reading all of the posting on this board I get the feeling that you're in the minority (or maybe a much less vocal majority) in only buying an AP when you think you can go multiple times.

Before the recent lack of discounts the boards were full of people waiting for the AP discounts to be posted to see if they should buy one (and if they didn't cancel their deluxe reservation and rebook something they could afford). Even I did the math and if there was a large enough discount (for me it was around $80 per night which used to be typical for early December) it made more sense to get an AP for a single 7 day trip.

I think it is these speculators that Disney wants to get rid of. People like yourself have just been caught in a poorly implemented transition.

I imagine that it is nearly impossible for Disney to roll things out well. Their work force is too large, turn over too high, ability level too varied, for them deliver a consistent message. I sympathize with Disney's training department.

 

[Bella2000]

I imagine that it is nearly impossible for Disney to roll things out well. Their work force is too large, turn over too high, ability level too varied, for them deliver a consistent message. I sympathize with Disney's training department.

Actually the sad thing is that many of us remember when this was not the case. Does everyone recall when the WDWBlues site began. Little did everyone know that these issues would soon be the norm. This has not been Disney's history and the thought that this is the future is very disheartening.

The positive note on the BR situation and lack of discounts at Disney hotels are the savvy hoteliers of the non-Disney hotels. I have seen many nice rates at the surrounding hotels on property (Swan/Dolphin etc.) and off. Many travelers do know that they should not pay rack rate. Those who don't will be disheartened after the fact to find out they paid too much. It actually reminds me of the old days riding on a plane and comparing flight costs with the same people you'd see every week.

 

[Sammie]

Yup, I agree an AP isn't an entitlement. But I also think Disney planned and handled the BRP badly.

But if the gas crunch worsens or becomes prolonged, or (God forbid) we see another Florida hurricane, it'll be a moot point. We'd see codes again, as well as a variety of other discounts.

DisFlan

Please be truthful in this evaluation, did Disney truly handle BRP badly or did the Internet handle it badly, thus making it look like Disney handled it badly?

 

[Sammie]

There is no way a family who makes a "once in a lifetime" trip to WDW paying rack rate makes Disney more money than I do. We visit too many times and stay as many days as we can with our APs.

We ALL get APs and we buy them when we know we'll go multiple times in one years time. I don't buy it for the discount but when WDW is giving every other time of the year a discount if you have an AP, it sure would be nice if we could get our chosen time also.

However lets say you go 5 times a year and each time you have gotten a discount which is why you went multiple times. After you use your pass more than 8 days you have broken even on the pass cost.

On the other hand you have 5 different families making that once in a lifetime trip paying rack rate, not buying an AP, they are definitely spending more money.