Ap codes...PLEASE HELP!!!

[Princess49]

Ok could someone please help me out here... My BF & I both have AP's & I always read about codes & such & that you can save SOOO much money- how exactly does this work? I see posts about this all of the time but I just don't get it. I know you go to mousesavers... but beyond that I have no idea. How early do the codes come out? How do they work? How far in advance can I make a ressie? And is it cheaper to use the Ap rates to stay at a deluxe resort, or to rent DVC points? (for say, the BW) And I also see stuff about the Mickey Monitor or other newsletters or mailing lists, I'm not sure what they are- how do you get your name on these lists? If anyone could clear this up for me I'd really appriciate it! Thanks!

 

[jmcross]

I can't help you but I would like to add that I would love the answer to all of these questions, too!!!

 

[Gillian]

First of all, Mousesavers is an information service. The site owner lists discounts that she knows about. Once you discover a code or other discount that applies to you, you have to book it yourself through central reservations or a travel agent.

The AP discounts come out whenever Disney feels like releasing them. I'm sure they figure it out somehow, but it's never been clear to me. Last year my travel agent was surprised at how early an AP rate for september/Fall came out, after Disney had been making everyone wait earlier in the year! Mousesavers does have a list of when different types of rates became available over the past 2-3 years.

The mickey monitor is a newsletter for Annual passholders. It only comes out quarterly and often discounts are posted here before it is mailed. If you have activated your pass but don't get the mailing, call and ask for it!

Emails come through the disneyworld.com website, usually. Go there & register. There is a page of options. Check yes to receive marketing stuff from Disney.

Renting points is often cheaper, but it really depends on the season & how many weekend days you have planned. fri/sat are VERY high in points!! There is a DVC point calculator (i always lose it & have to do a google search for dvc point calculator) that tells you the exact # of points for each night of your stay.

We found that renting a studio at BCV was about $60 less per night (sun-thursday) than an AP rate room at YC/BC in September. Guess which we picked?

Sorry that was so long!

 

[Gillian]

DVC point calculator

Rent/Trade forum

(look for the FAQ link near the top)

 

[Princess49]

Thanks so much- that clears up a lot of it. But where do I find the codes & how do I know what the discount is? Thanks again!

 

[Sammie]

Originally posted by Princess49
Thanks so much- that clears up a lot of it. But where do I find the codes & how do I know what the discount is? Thanks again!

The codes as they become available are always mentioned here, you just have to check the Resort boards to find them.

They will also be listed on the website www.mousesavers.com

You will not receive a Mickey Monitor until you have purchased the Annual Pass.

Discounts are never a guarantee and are subject to availability.

 

[Gillian]

Mousesavers will help you with getting the codes. She also posts rates reported by readers.

I don't think there are any available now, for any time period. There is a group anxiously awaiting codes!!

You may find that other discounts are more readily available. I would go ahead and book at a discount if you find one for your dates. If an AP rate comes out, and it's better, you can switch.