AP question

[dance2874]

If I want to purchase and AP for our upcoming trip, can I just add it to our reservation like I would a ticket? Can we then book a room at an AP rate since we will technically have the AP or do I need to somehow purchase the AP first to book the room?

 

[Ted in Halifax]

You purchase an AP voucher ... which you get when you check in. It starts that day when you redeem it at guest services. Technically, it is separate from you reservation. You will be a specific reference number for the voucher.

 

[wnielsen1]

You can book your room now using the AP code (check here on the boards or Mousesavers). You just need an AP (or exchange voucher) at check-in. If you don't have an AP or voucher yet, you will have to book over the phone as you will not be able to access the passholder site on disneyworld.com.

 

[WDWGeek1971]

You might want to think about buying the AP now. Historically, prices will go up in August, which is getting close. You can buy the voucher on-line from anywhere in the US and it will be mailed to you. I have done this several times and it works well.

The good part is that the AP year does not begin until you exchange the voucher for a pass. So, if you get to the resort late, hang out at the pool, and then go to a park the next morning, that will be the first day of your "year." I have had no luck exchanging vouchers at the resort. You will need to go to guest services at either Downtown Disney or a Park Entrance to do that.

You can make an AP discount reservation with your voucher, or through an agent with the promise to procure an AP/voucher. You will need either the AP or the voucher when you check-in.

Something to keep in mind about AP discounts. They are not available too far in advance. In fact, they are usually only available 60 days before your trip, so it's not quite discount utopia. Think about AAA Club discounts, too. For our upcoming trip (I belong to both AAA and have an AP) I chose to head to WDW for a quick one night trip on the tail end of a business trip just to get a Bounce Back Offer discount of around 45% on a Boardwalk Villa one-bedroom during Food and Wine. It was 8 months in advance. Usually when I try to get something that far out, with a discount the pickings are slim. Closer in, especially for Food and Wine, it is incredibly difficult to book an Epcot resort with any sort of discount.

 

[dance2874]

Something to keep in mind about AP discounts. They are not available too far in advance. In fact, they are usually only available 60 days before your trip, so it's not quite discount utopia.

Really? That gives me some hope I guess. I just called and spoke to 2 CM's. The first one found my dates but did something wrong and it was more than I am paying now which made no sense- he forgot to remove my park tickets I think. So I call back 5 min later and get a better CM who understands what I want to do...but she cant find my dates at my resort choices. All she could find was more than I am paying now or a place that doesnt really appeal to us. She made me think that if it wasnt available now it wouldnt ever be. But if the discount codes change or a new one comes out maybe it will, right?

I hate calling there. You just never know who you will get on the other end of the phone or what they know how to do. I wish I could access the AP site just to see if anything is even available, since I got 2 different responses from 2 different CM's.