AP Holder - How do you book 9 months in advance?

[planning06]

Here's the situation. I am a first time AP holder. We are planning a trip with family around August/September. I know that family will insist on booking a ressie soon to be assured a room. What do you do it you want to book something and hope AP rates come out later? Do you book a room only ressie at rack at a rate you can live with and then cancel if you can later book AP ressies? What are the cancelation rules for room only ressies?

TIA!

 

[Gary M]

Just do as you suggested, call CRO (1-800-828-0228) and book the resort at the rack rate you are willing to pay. Keep and eye on these boards and www.mousesavers.com for any future AP room discounts. When or if the discounts come out phone CRO and switch over to the AP room rate. I have done this many times and they have always transfered my deposit to the new reservation. If you change resorts I'm not sure if they will transfer the deposit, but they will refund it if it's longer than 5 days from your arrival date.

 

[speedyf]

Here is my ritual...

1. Call the 800 number (given above by Gary M) and book a room-only reservation asking for the AAA discount rate (anywhere from 10% to 20% off).

2. Wait for AP rates to be released.

3. If no AP rates are released, join AAA about 1 month before heading to WDW.

4. If AP rates are released, call and get Disney to apply the AP rate to my existing reservation (if the AP rate is better than the AAA rate).

I have done this for the past 3 years and have always found a better discount than AAA (general discount, AP discount, package discount, or pin code)....so, I have never had to join AAA.

Some people report that they are actually asked for a AAA membership number when booking the reservation. I have never personally been asked in 3 years...but, if it could happen. If it happened to me, I would just call back until I get a CM that doesn't ask....lol.....

Worse case scenario...you get at least 10% off on your room from the AAA discount.

Speed