AP rates vs codes in Nov

[Jomrog]

I am considering planning a trip around Thanksgiving and may get an AP because we are going to go back in July, 2004.

What types of rates (historically) should I anticipate for codes vs AP?

Also, has it been as crowded over Thanksgiving weekend the past few years as I read on WDWIG?

I am having serious Disney fever and am trying everything I can to make this trip affordable enough to convince my DH to go.
Thanks!

 

[Eeyore1954]

You might want to check out this thread before making plans to purchase an AP for a room discount:

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=354492

 

[sherry8253]

Hi... If saving money is important for your Nov trip, you should check out the Swan & Dolphin Hotwire thread on this board. I recently booked a room for $81 a night for 8 nights over the Thanksgiving holiday through hotwire and got the Swan. The thread tells you exactly how to know if it is the Swan & Dolphin being offered. I am thrilled with the price. We were going to stay at the AKL and with AAA discount it was over $2,000 for a Savanah view room. We saved about $1,200 by using hotwire for the Swan. And they also have great package rates on hotwire that include plane tickets & car. If you decide to do the package through them, you get to chose from the hotels displayed. So if you don't mind staying in a non Disney owned resort, this may be a way for you to save alot. We have APs and even with AP rates I think we would have ended up paying a little more for a moderate. Have a great trip!

 

[Jomrog]

Thanks Eeyore1954!
Here's what I learned from reading that thread.
There are no guarantees that I would get a discount with an AP.
The thing to do is, decide your dates, get the best rate possible with codes (hopefully), watch for AP discounts and decide from there weather it's worth it. There's is a possibility that I could get a good rate for the first trip w/AP but maybe not for the latter trip.
This stuff is & has always been confusing. I am "all ears" for any other suggestions, comments.

 

[soccer mom]

jomrog,

You're plan is a sound one. The last two years they have offered AP rates in November, but never before that. We got about 45% off our room last November with an AP. It was about $10 a night less than the best code. We would have bought the AP's any way because we knew we would be back in less than a year, so why buy another set of park tickets?

Just wait and see. You don't have to have the AP to book the room anyway. Just need it (or voucher) to check in. Have fun planning!

 

[PistolPete]

POFQ, POR, CB was $89 standard room with a code, $79 standard room with an AP.

Codes came out 7-22-02 for 10-3-02 to 12-19. AP rates came out 7 days later.

I have full price list from this period last year if anyone has any other hotel price questions.

 

[Jomrog]

Great info, thanks. I will keep watching the boards. Right now, it's an imaginary trip until I figure out if it's possible to do because of $$ & such.

If my DH misses out on our beach vacation in July because of his new job, then I think I will go ahead & plan it. It's great that I can book an AP rate prior to buying one. I think $10/nt is worth it, it's extra fun money to do something else.

 

[awatt]

Pistol Pete,I sent you a PM.