April/May 2006 Code Watch

[SeaSpray]

A word of warning....Ap's are dangerous. You'll spend the following year trying to squeeze in another trip.

Isn't that the whole point??

 

[jjohnson]

Isn't that the whole point??

I thought so but my DH was not under that impression last year. He thought I was getting an AP just for the room discount on our last trip. I still haven't quite gotten him to come over to the other side yet.

 

[AdventurerKat]

They came out on March 9th last year but Easter was earlier than this year so here's hoping its soon!

Thanks! And so we wait...

 

[cstraub]

The Dance of a Thousand Codes

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This is the third time I've been waiting to use AP rates, and each time, the DIS boards seem to follow the same pattern.

1. The thread starts out young and naive, eagerly awaiting the imminent release of codes.

2. By page 15 or 20, some folks start getting frantic, but the majority of poster realize we're still months away from a code.

3. By page 40, fear begins to set in. People are convince that even if codes come out, there won't be enough!

4. By page 55, the hysteria has taken root! Disney already has too many bookings! Codes aren't coming out!

5. At some point, we're going to hit page 90, and all bets are off. Seas boil, mountians tremble, vacations are cancelled or resort expectations are downgraded to value, or even (dare I mention it) off-site.

6. Magically, one morning... CODES ARE RELEASED! The boards light up with happy posters! Some poor saps aren't able to get into their preferred resort in time, but they at least have the option of selecting a different resort, if they choose.

7. Code Day + 1. Relieved reservation-holders bash their computers with a hammer and vow never to go through this again.

All I'm saying is, don't worry until you have something to worry about! Or, as my dad would say, I'll give you something to cry about!

To any other Code-Veterans -- does that sound about right?

Doug


Last years thread had almost 1500 posts! We have awhile to go!

By the way last year I got CBR for Ap rate of $109 and AKL for $139 but we ended up staying at CBR the whole time. That was for peak over Easter 2005.

 

[MrToad]

A question while we wait...

Does one have to have an AP to take advantage of the codes? It's been awhile since we did this so I am struggling to remember. I believe the last time we went this route I bought an AP for one member of our family (me) and for my wife and kids we did Park Hoppers using the AP discount. Does this sound right?

Anyway, regarding the codes...if you have to have an AP to take advantage of them I suppose I should go get my AP now at a Disney Store or is there another easier/quicker way?

Do you have to give them your AP number when you call with the codes?

Thanks for any help on this...

MrToad

 

[Disneyfun1]

If we need to get to 1500 posts before the codes come out, then here is my contribution to that number!

 

[Deedlbugg]

Ok, I got post #407...Only 1093 to go till codes...LOL!!

 

[IDoDis]

Please forgive me for my ignorance, but what is a "CM" and how do you get ahold of this person to apply a code once they come out?

 

[FutureAshleyDukes]

If we need to get to 1500 posts before the codes come out, then here is my contribution to that number!

I'll add to that!

 

[cstraub]

Hard to believe but here is the link.....................

Hey I just added a post for us!!


http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=746202

 

[DisneyGirl]

Doug--

I liked your "dance"! I haven't done the "code" thing in awhile, but it sounds right to me!!!

MrToad--

No, you don't need to have an AP to actually BOOK a room on a code, but it is likely that you will need the AP when you checkin. So, if AP rates DO come out, you can book the room, and then buy your AP later. You will at least need a voucher, and you may have to show back up at the front desk and prove you activated the voucher.

I don't want to open a can of pool hopping/ resort mug - type worms, but I've read reports of people who either weren't asked for the AP, or were just asked to see the voucher, and then subsequently returned the voucher and still go the AP rates. Of course, there are ethical issues with this, and I believe it would be fraud even under federal laws (definitely state). I wouldn't take my chances on that, but I know there are people who have.

 

[Mimi Q]

Please forgive me for my ignorance, but what is a "CM" and how do you get ahold of this person to apply a code once they come out?

Cast Member (Disney employee). You call back to WDW and ask them to apply the discount to your reservation.

 

[goofy4tink]

Doug--

I liked your "dance"! I haven't done the "code" thing in awhile, but it sounds right to me!!!

MrToad--

No, you don't need to have an AP to actually BOOK a room on a code, but it is likely that you will need the AP when you checkin. So, if AP rates DO come out, you can book the room, and then buy your AP later. You will at least need a voucher, and you may have to show back up at the front desk and prove you activated the voucher.

I don't want to open a can of pool hopping/ resort mug - type worms, but I've read reports of people who either weren't asked for the AP, or were just asked to see the voucher, and then subsequently returned the voucher and still go the AP rates. Of course, there are ethical issues with this, and I believe it would be fraud even under federal laws (definitely state). I wouldn't take my chances on that, but I know there are people who have.

Has anyone tried this lately?? This is one of the reasons Disney went to the BRP...in order to stop the habit of booking a room at AP rates, then if no rate came out, the room got canceled and that person booked a cheaper resort.
I could be wrong, but I think that you have to have at least a voucher in order to book the AP rate now. But, I have been wrong in the past!!

 

[DisneyGirl]

Has anyone tried this lately?? This is one of the reasons Disney went to the BRP...in order to stop the habit of booking a room at AP rates, then if no rate came out, the room got canceled and that person booked a cheaper resort.
I could be wrong, but I think that you have to have at least a voucher in order to book the AP rate now. But, I have been wrong in the past!!

I think this is true if you are booking online, but according to Mousesavers:

"You can book up to three rooms per pass. You can book with a valid Annual Pass, an exchange voucher or with the intent to purchase an Annual Pass, as long as you present a valid Annual Pass or exchange voucher upon check-in. Thanks to Small World Vacations for info."

So you can still book with the "intent to purchase." I always automatically showed my annual pass when I checked in, but I would assume there is a pop-up or something telling the check-in CM to ask!!

I think they would have to do it this way-- because even if you needed a voucher, you can still return the voucher before it is used, right? So all it would take is the extra step of getting the voucher!

 

[lillygator]

so basically the codes are coming out March 9th? I don't know if I can wait that long.
I called CRO last night to check on AAA prices but WL was like $1500 and I didn't even ask about the Poly....

 

[DisneyGirl]

so basically the codes are coming out March 9th? I don't know if I can wait that long.
I called CRO last night to check on AAA prices but WL was like $1500 and I didn't even ask about the Poly....

They came out last year on March 9-- there's no saying when they will come out this year. It won't be today, but it can be any day between tomorrow and April 8. Or no day at all. It's just a biiiiiiig secret mystery

 

[lillygator]

after reading last year's thread it looks like 2004 and 2005 came out on 3/9!! Freaky!

 

[allboyz]

I bought a AAA package with dining plan and included only a 1 day base ticket. I bought the rest of the tickets through Ticketmania.

We are going Easter week and I would be surprised if any further discounts came out for that week.

How much is the AAA package with the base ticket? I'm considering doing this and buying the rest of my tickets through Shades of Green.

 

[CarolA]

Doug--

I liked your "dance"! I haven't done the "code" thing in awhile, but it sounds right to me!!!

MrToad--

No, you don't need to have an AP to actually BOOK a room on a code, but it is likely that you will need the AP when you checkin. So, if AP rates DO come out, you can book the room, and then buy your AP later. You will at least need a voucher, and you may have to show back up at the front desk and prove you activated the voucher.

I don't want to open a can of pool hopping/ resort mug - type worms, but I've read reports of people who either weren't asked for the AP, or were just asked to see the voucher, and then subsequently returned the voucher and still go the AP rates. Of course, there are ethical issues with this, and I believe it would be fraud even under federal laws (definitely state). I wouldn't take my chances on that, but I know there are people who have.

At last check, vouchers weren't returnable. All you could do is get the credit applied to another ticket (Possibly.. I am not even sure about that since normally Disney only credits UP not down)???

 

[jjohnson]

At last check, vouchers weren't returnable. All you could do is get the credit applied to another ticket (Possibly.. I am not even sure about that since normally Disney only credits UP not down)???

This is correct Carol. Last year when they released the free dining, I was trying to move up my dates & switch to the package. I called & they said I would have to send a letter with the voucher explaining reasons why I wanted a credit and it was up to management to decide whether to refund the voucher. I think you need to have a really good reason for getting a credit & it won't happen at the park.