ap rates

[sdevir]

I just started usings the boars and find them very helpful. My family of 4 are planning a trip next NOvember.
I am still a bit confused with the terms being used and how you find out about the AP rates.
What does it mean by rack rates? How do you find out about the AP rates.
Thanks so much for all the info.

 

[pixieprincessmom]

I am also not that knowledgeable in the area but maybe I can help. I think rack rates are the regular room rates. I find the best way to keep up with AP rates is at mousesavers.com. When the ones that are good now came out they e-mailed me. The rates come out only 3 months in advance, but if you book now you can have the rates applied when they come out. We are going in November too. I plan to book by the end of May, then watch for an AP rate. Hope this helped.

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Hello, and welcome to the Dis!!!

Rack rates are the full-price rates charged by hotels, without any discount. An "AP rate" is a discounted rate given by WDW to it's Annual Passholders, which are year-long tickets for the theme parks. These discounts are given out periodically over the year, but are not guarenteed, so may not come out at all!! They usually come out a few months in advance of the dates for which they are available, and can be 30-45%!!!

You can watch on these boards for the rates, or you can watch on mousesavers.com, a very good resource for WDW discounts.

Hope this helps, and good luck with your planning!!!

 

[sdevir]

Thanks so much. One more question. Is it better to just book the room/hotel and just purchase my tickets later? That way if a better rate comes out I can change the hotel or my rate with the new discounted codes? It sounds like I don't really need to purchase a "package deal". Just our rooms and tickets.
Hope this doesn't sound too confusing!

 

[KathyTX]

Welcome to the DIS!

It usually works out cheaper to book your room and purchase your tickets separately. Most of the package deals charge full price for all of the components in the package, and they usually include some stuff you wouldn't choose to add otherwise.

Every now and then, there will be a really special package deal with a good savings (last year's FairyTale Package), but there don't seem to be any of those out there now.

I think you're on the right track!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Yes, you can book your room, and even if you book with an available AP rate, you do not have to buy the AP until you go to WDW. In other words,you do not need to have the AP in your hand to book the rate.

Kathy TX beat me, that is exactly what I was going to say!!!

 

[sdevir]

thanks again. Love these boards!!!