AP potluck or do you stay where you really want?

[thumpersfriend]

I was just thinking about how the AP rates work and what you all do with a discount. Do you usually change from the resort you have reserved to get a better discount? Or do you wait to make a reservation to see what is available at AP rates? Do you pay the rack rates for some days and get AP rates at the same hotel for other days? Do you usually get what you want?

 

[rkmassa]

We booked our dates through a travel agent-The Magic For Less. We used our AAA discount to get the room, and then the AP rates were released. We told our agent that we were getting APs so that she could call and make the necessary changes when the rates came out. Our travel agent made the changes for us, so the rates for AP were applied to the existing reservation. We researched the "historical" rates and when they were released to have a better chance of our dates being in the AP rates. Most major holidays like Christmas never get the AP rate or room only rate. We were careful to plan accordingly. Made our dates fall in the span that historically received the discounts. Our agent was wonderful and took care of everything. I got an email to let me know my new rate and confirmation information. If you wait to make the reservation you have a harder time getting your dates I think. Easier to apply the rates to an existing reservation. Easier also to have a TA do all the work for you so you don't have to be on the phone the day of the release of codes. People talked about being on the phone for hours on hold to make reservations or changes. Get a good TA to do all this for you. Doesn't cost you anything extra. Mine also made my PS for me.

 

[hauntedcity]

I guess I've never had an "I must stay HERE" attitude. I usually have 2 or 3 different resorts that I'd like to stay at, and then I see where I can get the best deal. I know some folks out there really get their hearts set on a particular resort, but there are still so many that I haven't stayed at yet, and I want to visit them all!

Doug

 

[thumpersfriend]

I guess that makes sense to have several places you want to stay at. Thanks.

 

[missypie]

For our 1st trip, I'm staying where we have chosen (YC/CR split) no matter what. Ditto for our 2nd trip (AKL). After that, we will have been to every resort on our "must" list, so then we'll take whatever. So far I have a AAA rate for CR and AKL, but nothing for YC. It will slay me if, after all the time I've spent on the DIS and mousesavers, I pay rack rate!

 

[skiwee1]

I am in the minority. I book the resort I want whether I get a discount or not. I paid rack rate for the Poly in May when I could have gotten a cheaper rate at the GF using my AP. I am one of those "It must be the Poly or I'll just stay home" people. It is our favorite resort. A Disney vacation just wouldnt' be the same in another resort.

 

[OKW Lover]

Since traveling to WDW requires buying a plane ticket, I often plan trips far ahead of AP rates being announced. In that case I'll book one of the moderates at the best price I can find at the time I'm ready to buy the plane tickets. Then if an AP rate comes out I'll call and either book a nicer place if available, or stay at a moderate at a better price. This strategy is win-win. I'm going anyway and am happy to stay at a moderate. But if a nicer place is available at a bargain price, then even better.

 

[thumpersfriend]

So when you call for an AP rate, do you ask CRO what is available at AP rates or do you ask about rates in your choice of hotel? Do they have a list of the AP rates or do they have to check each one you ask about? Thanks.

 

[thumpersfriend]

Another question, are you usually happy with only half of the days you request or do you go to another hotel that has AP for the rest of the time?

 

[WeLoveThePoly]

Originally posted by skiwee1
I am in the minority. I book the resort I want whether I get a discount or not. I paid rack rate for the Poly in May when I could have gotten a cheaper rate at the GF using my AP. I am one of those "It must be the Poly or I'll just stay home" people. It is our favorite resort. A Disney vacation just wouldnt' be the same in another resort.

My DH & I feel exactly the same way as you!

Debbie

 

[FFerret]

Can y'all tell me if the last week after Thanksgiving / first two weeks of Dec usually have Poly (Garden) for AP rates? I'm considering whether or not to even get an AP -- I'd only use it for room discount (maybe ticket too w/ a future Dream maker....)

Thanks