AP discounts help needed from a novice

[snookhams]

We are going as a family in August this year and accomodation is sorted but we are buying AP's as we are returning in July 2005, again accomodation is sorted. My question is this DH and I are trying to sneak in a weeks stay in may 2005 (around my 40th birthday) and will have valid AP's but I don't understand the discount system or how to book (online or on the phone) cdan someone explain it in laymans terms - we are hoping to stay at the Animal Kingdom Lodge.

 

[goofy4tink]

I'll give it a shot. At various times during the year, Disney releases AP rates for the resorts. There are only a certain number of rooms avail. for these rates. If you are planning on a trip of more than 9 days or mulitple trips within a 365 day period, then the AP is a good deal. When you add the discount on resorts, it's even better. You can save up to 40% off the regular rack rate. So, I usually make my reservations before the rates come out. Then, as soon as they come out, call and see if they can be applied to your current ressie. If not, try for a whole new one and cancel the first. The deluxe resorts tend to go first. So, watch these boards and Mousesavers.com for the release of the AP rates for your time frame. Some people suggest getting a resort that you can pay for without breaking the bank just in case the AP rates don't work for you. Hope that made sense.

 

[McCall]

Originally posted by snookhams
We are going as a family in August this year and accomodation is sorted but we are buying AP's as we are returning in July 2005, again accomodation is sorted. My question is this DH and I are trying to sneak in a weeks stay in may 2005 (around my 40th birthday) and will have valid AP's but I don't understand the discount system or how to book (online or on the phone) cdan someone explain it in laymans terms - we are hoping to stay at the Animal Kingdom Lodge.

You say you are going in August and accomdation is sorted, well if it is on site and you are buying AP's anyway then you may very well be able to change your reservation to the AP rate as soon as it comes out. You do not need to have the AP to book the rate and only need to have the voucher to check in with which you can order close to when you will be going.
So the AP could start saving you money this trip. On the other trips you need to keep watching these boards and when they say the AP rates are out call right away and try to apply to your dates that are within the time frame.
Good luck.