April, May, June AP Watch. Let's Get it Started

[stonecreekboys]

Mother's Day is a great time to go to Disney. We were there last year and the crowds were minimal. The only place we encountered moderate crowds was AK on Mother's Day, but when we switched to MK that same day the park was empty. We'll be there this year from April 29- May 2. Have a great trip.

 

[justhat]

Mother's Day does not count as a Disney 'holiday' season so you shouldn't have to worry about checking in that day and any increased costs. Just be sure to call as soon as the codes come out to be sure that they don't run out for that time period.

 

[BuckeyeBelle]

Just wanted to share with everyone that they did not ask for my AAA membership info....and I'm not a AAA member yet.

The same thing happened to me when I switched our POFQ ressies to the AAA rate. I thought that was different from the other two times I booked AAA rates, so I CRO called back to ask if they needed the number. The second person said yes and thanked me for being so conscientious. Apparently the person who changed my res either forgot or was new, and they would have gotten into trouble if I hadn't called back. So I think they do expect you to be a AAA member at the time you book the rate.

Anyways, I was just glad to get the discount! It will really help us if AP rates are not available in early June.

 

[disneydill]

When I first made my AAA ressies, they asked for my number but I had left it in my car (I was at work ) The CM said to please call back with the number or she would be "in trouble". She said they are now under 'strict orders" to confirm AAA numbers and expiration dates because they have discovered that folks are making ressies without the membership and then never actually joining
ouch.

In the meantime...
Here's a little pixie dust for those new rates!!

 

[KatieLovesMickey]

Just called 1:30pm 2/19--nothing yet. The CM said to call back in MID-MARCH!!! Aarrrghh!

 

[susy]

Mid-March!!!! Well, last year they came out at literally the last minute.....

 

[lillygator]

Gosh - what are they waiting for.......I am so anxious already!

 

[KatieLovesMickey]

Just called 7:40am 2/20. The CM had me on hold for a long time while she was checking, and I started to get excited--usually they pull it up instantly before they tell me "not yet--keep calling back!" Anyway, she had no idea when they might be out. Enjoy your day, everyone! (sending even more pixie dust our way!)

 

[abline]

The Swan and Dolphin are offering great rates. I am starting to feel used by Disney. I know the AP rates aren't guaranteed( but like dogs it's nice to have a bone thrown to you once in a while. This is a terrible way to treat your most loyal customers. Just for the record I'm typing this in my Goofy PJs and my son is playing Kingdom Hearts (the greatest video game ever made). Lets go Disney World get off the pot and post the AP rates.

 

[lillygator]

If I make a ressie with AAA rates and an AP or Fl resident rate comes out can I get the better rate?

 

[W21981Brick]

Yes, You can still get the rate. I'm also waiting. It's so nice to know I'm not the only one.

 

[susy]

You can get it, if it's available. Remember, if the rooms are booked up, there is no need to offer a discount.

 

[ddank]

IF YOU DON'T PLAN TO KEEP A ROOM AT RACK OR AAA RATE DO NOT BOOK IT !!!!! YOU ARE PUNISHING THOSE WHO ARE PATIENT ENOUGH TO WAIT FOR DISCOUNTS!!

 

[cdpa4d]

Ouch! I guess there isn't much we can do about people wanting to book at rack early. You do need to plan with or without rates. I hope this article isn't bad news about AP rates!
ADP

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/busi...447.story?coll=orl-business-headlines-tourism

 

[speedyf]

Everyone needs to take a deep breath again.....lol

We still have plenty of time for Disney to release discount codes.

I'm sure there were people booking rooms that they did not intend to use last year and I'm sure there were people booking rooms that they did not intend to use during this last "peak season" that ends in April.......and codes were still released.

Everyone do whatever makes you comfortable....I don't think the people on this board will make the decision for Disney on whether to release codes or not.

If they don't release codes this year....THEN, everyone can yell and scream at each other...lol

Anyway....while waiting....here are some dates to consider from the Mousesavers.com historical trends area:

2001 - 4/22 to 8/25 AP Rates = Released Late March 2001
2002 - 4/21 to 9/30 AP Rates = Released January 24
2003 - 4/28 to 7/03 AP Rates = Released April 21

2004 - Rates for travel dates of 2/12 to 4/17 were released on 1/2/04.....41 days before the first possible travel date. By that trend, codes for travel dates starting 4/18/04 would be released around March 8th

2003 - Available to anyone code for Fort Wilderness = Released on 2/8/03....expired on 3/8/03

2003 - Available to anyone room-only code = Released on 3/14/03....expired on 4/26/03

2003 - AP Rates = Released on 4/21/03

2004 - Available to anyone code for Fort Wilderness = Released on 1/20/04....expires on 3/31/04.

2004 - Available to anyone room-only code.....????
2004 - AP Rates...?????

Who knows?....but, it's looking like the rates will probably come out later rather than sooner.....

Waiting patiently to upgrade to CBR or CSR......

speedyf

 

[EEyorelover22]

Last June even with the closing of POFQ they offered AP Rates. AKL was 100% full when I was there and there were AP Rates.

I am hopeful. I booked what I can afford though with rack rates and I won't move anywhere else. I will only upgrade if they are available. I've got plane tickets and I'm not taking a chance to not have a room. So, we are going regardless.

 

[speedyf]

EEyorelover22....

Same here. We have not been to WDW since our honeymoon....in 1994! We are bringing our 5 yr old for the 1st time and we already have plane reservations.

I'm perfectly fine with staying at Pop Century at $84 per night on the AAA rate....but, I'd like to upgrade to a moderate if a code comes along. If not....we are still going. I haven't stayed on-site since I was 7 years old.....(24 years ago)....in a "Treehouse" villa.

Unless the high-end, deluxe resorts fill up.....I think Disney will offer discount codes.

I think it has more to do with that....than anything else. If they can't fill up the Deluxe resorts, they offer discount codes to all of the resorts. Everyone sorta "moves up" a notch and they can book closer to capacity.

A simple example is this......Deluxes are $250 per night, moderates $150 per night, and Value $100 per night. If the Deluxes are not full....drop the rate to $150 per night....drop Moderates down to $100 per night....and drop Values down to $60 per night.

Some people in the moderates will move up to Deluxes for the same price....some people in the values will move up to moderates for the same price....then, you have your value resorts with vacancies and a competitive rate of $60 to compete with off-site hotels.

Why else would they have offered the Contemporary last year at $149 per night....or the moderates at $74 per night....?

Just my opinion.....

Anyway....I guess we'll see what happens in the coming weeks....but, I feel pretty confident that some type of discounted rate will come out before the end of April......

Good Luck Everyone........
speedyf

 

[EEyorelover22]

I'm thrilled to be going back I thought last June would be our last trip but when we were moved to AKL when POFQ closed my DH said he'd go back there. The bunkbeds, the food and the fitness room. He and DS just hung out a lot at the resort. He just loves it there and that's the only place he will stay and we are only eating one night at a different place than Boma. Those are his ground rules. I can live with those.

I am glad I bought my tickets too. They went up $40 each.

 

[EEyorelover22]

Last year our flight was cancelled too so we went a day earlier and I was able to get an AP rate for AKL and I didn't call the day they came out either. They weren't all gone in one day. I know they could be, but I was still able to get one for that one night.

 

[speedyf]

Good Deal, EEyorelover22.....

I'm hoping for the AP rates so that I can justify purchasing an AP. I'm hoping for around the same rates as last year for the moderates ($74 per night).

If I buy an AP....I will return to Disney next year around this time. I'm getting tired of Mardi Gras down here in Louisiana and it's time to go on vacation instead of watching the same parades year after year.

Getting the AP this May....will mean basically "free" entrance into the parks for me next February.....

C'mon AP codes........

speedyf