AP Best Rate Program

[shellybaxter]

Okay, when I first read about the APBR program I hated the idea of this NEW way. I hated I had to book so far in advance. I hated the deposit was nonrefundable. I hated there was a change fee. But guess what? I had two reservations for Dec (CBR Dec 2-6 and GF Dec 6-12) with AAA rates. I bought my airfare today, so we are all set on days and times. I checked the best rate site and it could save me $50.00 at the CBR and over a $100.00 at the GF. Now those savings are nothing like the savings from January of this year, but they are savings. So I made new reservations with the APBR program and canceled my ressies with the AAA rate. I'm not planning on canceling, so I'm not worried about the deposits and if I have to change, I don't think $50.00 is that much. I guess, if I understand the program right, I could even get a further reduction in price. So maybe this APBR program isn't so bad??

Shelly

 

[wdwcindy]

The same thing happened with me for my December trip. I checked the AAA rate, checked the APBR rate, and booked through APBR because it was cheeper.

I think if you have made up your mind where you are staying and dates you are going more that 120 days out (which I usually do) the APBR program makes sense. It won't work for everyone.

That said, it appears that the old way of AP rates being released is still available and it's a matter of waiting to see if this really happens for the end-of-the-year time.

wdwcindy

 

[CarolMN]

I like the new program. I like being able to check for AP rates online and book it myself. No need to put myself through the ordeal of calling CRO/WDWTC. I don't even mind the non-refundable deposit since now my 1 extra night is paid for.

When I checked the rates, the best rate program was giving me the AP rate for my night ($104.85 in value season at a mod, including tax). I don't expect it to go lower, because AP rates have not been any better than that this year. Of course I would be happy if it did go lower, but would be surprised if it does.

I do wish there had been AP rates available at one of the monorail hotels, but there were none. I don't expect to see any later, either - apparently bookings for the rest of the year are up considerably over the same time periods in previous years.

Best wishes -