Are AP discounts becoming harder and harder to get?

[k5thbeatle]

Are AP discounts, practically speaking, becoming harder and harder to get than in years past? Consider the following:

In the past an AP fall discount would come out and we were able to take advantage of this with little trouble and without having to "hawk" over the phone the second the discount was announced. It would seem the last few years have been different? While AP discounts are still released the majority of rooms are already booked and so while the AP discount is technically offered and available, from a practical standpoint there is no discount as the rooms are already taken.

It would seem more than ever that to catch that one or two available rooms that may be left un-booked one must constantly monitor for the exact time when the discount is released and be lightening quick on the phone.

Is this what getting an AP room discount has come to?

 

[MsThumper]

Guess maybe it depends on what accommodations you are looking for. Speaking for myself (as an AP and Florida Resident), at this very moment, I can go in thru their website and book the exact room that I already have booked for November at the AP discounted price. I've also checked on some of the other resorts and have found rooms that would be acceptable to us still available. No phone call necessary.

When we decide to stay at Disney and are ready to book, we know that our first choice may not be available, so we always have 2 other choices ready.

Don't get me wrong, I like a discount as much as the next person and would probably never pay "rack" price for a room, but I also manage my expectations. Supply and demand. Disney doesn't owe anybody a discount. If they can book all their rooms at full price, why would they offer discounts?

 

[Babsy]

You are right that AP discounts are much lower, allocated later so with fewer resorts and room types offered and harder to get. The discounts are not much different from the GP RO discounts and are offered later so are fewer and harder to get. It is not nearly as appealing as it once was.

I remember when AP discounts were 40% and even sometimes 45% off. AT that time rack rates were more in the reasonable realm as well. The AP was a great deal and we used it to visit WDW multiple times per year.

We have decided that we will probably not be buying another AP. We will use GP RO rates or rent DVC points or perhaps rent a car and stay off site.