Any word on discounts this morning?

[magicmouse2]

Maybe you should write to Disney with that point of view I must admit to being tempted by the S&D, but since our dates for AKL & GF are not til September 18th, we could wait for the rates. If they didnt bring out any rates then I would not buy APs any more and stay at a value resort in future, probably as part of a package.

 

[randbmom]

I did just write to Disney, letting them know of my change of plans. I have only until 8/19 to cancel Swan if AP rates come through. I have checked the website and AKL is available for all 5 days of my trip, so I know they're not sold out. It will be interesting how they answer my correspondence.

 

[DrTomorrow]

You said:

In all my AP correspondence from WDW, they list hotel discounts as a primary benefit.

We're looking at APs for next year because we'll be there for enough days to make it worth while. Of course, any additional savings would help - on the WDW site, I see no mention of hotel discounts as a benefit at all; what information do you have?

Thanks!

 

[DebbieB]

Page 3 of the booklet they give you when you buy the pass:

>>>Special passholder rates may be offered seasonally at select WALT DISNEY WORLD Resorts hotels and select Disney Vacation Club Resorts. See your Mickey Monitor newsletter for specific offers.<<<

 

[DrTomorrow]

Thanks, DebbieB, for the prompt response.

I see why everyone is so on edge - "may be offered" seems to suggest no guarantee of discounts.

Looks like these discounts aren't something to count on and to treat as a pleasant plus if they're available.

Thanks again.

 

[swilphil]

I agree with Chatty. The Swan/Dolphin is great. We just stayed at the Dolphin and the lobby there is spectacular. To me, it's a deluxe hotel at a moderate rate, and the location is ideal. The staff is also great. They are doing room renovations so they will have the Heavenly Beds like the Swan, except maybe with a different name. If you decide to stay at the Swan, join the Starwood Preferred Guest program. It's free, and you earn points for upgrades, concierage, etc.

 

[DianeV]

I find it a bit misleading to put that kind of discount information on AP info if in fact, it is just something that could be a "pleasant surprise"..

If they are planning on not giving out as much discounts for APs maybe they need to re-word the info given

 

[Mikenmindy]

I also have a hard time fathoming their business practices.. Since Sept is one of the slowest months of the year in terms of crowd traffic it would seem logical to release AP rates to entice people to come on down and fill up the rooms to maximize profits. DW and I are in the preliminary stages of planning a trip back to Poly or YC next Sept and it very interesting to see how they treat their loyal customers this year. Best of luck to everyone with your traveling plans and I'll keep my fingers crossed for you too.

 

[TigerLaw]

just called this morning (8/11) and the CM said nothing new to report. I aksed if she had any info on when they would, and she said she did not.

This is getting old isn't it?!? I'm trying to give them more money by upgarding to beach club from my current fairy tale package at CBR, and they won't give me the way!

 

[AdventurerKat]

I called this a.m. too (10:55 EST) and was told the same thing.

 

[wdwfreak]

the reason that we buy APs is because we go more than once a year. I'm waiting for AP rates as well, and I assume they'll come, but, if not, $77 a night isn't all that bad, considering a Holiday Inn or Drury here in St. Louis goes for at least that. The biggest advantage for having the pass is that this year, I'll have spent roughly 15 days in the parks, which, at the price I paid for the pass comes to approimately $32 per day in the parks, not to mention the trips to PI and BB. A room discount would just be gravy.

My advice, and I know everyone is in a different situation, is to book a room at whatever you can afford, and if an AP rate comes out, then upgrade or book the current room at the lower rate. I never book a room outside of my budget and hope for an AP rate or wait until the last minute to book a room.

If you "refuse to pay rack rate at a Disney hotel", then don't. Get a room off-site or go somewhere else.

I also don't believe that Disney is treating loyal customers badly just because they don't give you a discounted room every time you visit.

 

[Tigger Fans!]

I just spoke to CRO. They don't have new codes today but I did get some useful information. Those elusive postcard cards....those that have been sent only extend until the first part of October (I'm still keeping my fingers crossed that I get one in the mail/email).

Also, here are the AAA rates:
(please note these are rates during value season)
Value resorts - $69 w/tax included
Moderate resorts - $119 w/tax included
Deluxe resorts - $189 w/tax included

I can purchase an AAA membership at Costco for around $50. These rates might be worth booking!

TTFN!

 

[randyl]

$189 - tax included - with AAA for a deluxe resort during value season? I just called a few days ago and was quoted $279 (tax included) for the Yacht Club AAA rate for 8/28 - 9/2. I always thought that was value season but I could be mistaken. And the AAA rate for the Poly was even higher than Yacht Club for that same time.

 

[DrTomorrow]

According to Deb's Site 7/4 - 10/1 is value for YC. And the lowest rate is $289 (before tax) for std view K/2Q. So $189 is at least a 33% discount (taxes make it even better) . But $279 is a whole $10 bucks off - woo hoo. I'm really curious which is right - although with Disney, it could be both !

 

[smfnj]

Originally posted by randyl
And the AAA rate for the Poly was even higher than Yacht Club for that same time.

The Poly is always $10 higher than Y&B Club and BWI standard views.

steve

 

[Tigger Fans!]

I'm going the 2nd week in December. The CM said she could book ANY of the Deluxe Resorts at $189 including taxes with the AAA rate. Of course, I sometimes get different stories when I call.
TTFN!

 

[Disney's Deluxe Princess]

Originally posted by wdwfreak

If you "refuse to pay rack rate at a Disney hotel", then don't. Get a room off-site or go somewhere else.

I also don't believe that Disney is treating loyal customers badly just because they don't give you a discounted room every time you visit.

I totally agree! I never EXPECT a discount when I plan my trip. If you prefer off site over rack rate, go for it.

 

[bru_ellman]

I'll probably book the CBR for mid-December with the AAA rate this week, but I expect to change to AP rates which I think will be coming out on 8/17 (I'll take this date in the "pool" based on the 4/28-7/3 AP codes coming out on 4/21).

On second thought, maybe I'll wait till Sunday before booking.

 

[nancyL]

I think that 189 rate for aaa deluxe must be for wl or akl b/c Ive tried aaa rates before and never had them come close to a 30% or higher discount. Its more like 10%.
Just my experience w/ aaa. They're GREAT when you're stuck in the car somewhere tho!
NancyL

 

[DebbieB]

Originally posted by Tigger Fans!
I'm going the 2nd week in December. The CM said she could book ANY of the Deluxe Resorts at $189 including taxes with the AAA rate. Of course, I sometimes get different stories when I call.
TTFN!

My guess is that is AKL or WL standard. AAA is 15% off during value season. $199 x .85 = $169 x 1.115 = ~$189.