Best Rate Program is the pitts!

[Sammie]

I think you did good...but I'm still confused...does anyone believe they will ever release regular AP codes ever again? I'm new at this and I don't see it happening. Why should they bother, in their opinion, they've offered AP rates through Best rate and if the train leaves the station without you...too bad. Hope I'm wrong.

If the train leaves the station half empty; then yes Regular AP codes will be offered. However if that train is leaving full of guests that booked with Best Rate, probably not and why should they.

 

[tekmom]

Right, Sammie. If Best Rate is a marketing success it will stay.

 

[Sammie]

I think the point Bicker is trying to make that many are missing, is that something is not necessarily "unfair" simply because one does not like it.

I don't like chocolate ice cream, but would never expect Disney to quit offering it or state that offering it over strawberry is unfair. I would simply state I prefer strawberry and wish they would offer it too.

Also some seem to think Disney owes them a discounted room that can be booked at short notice. While this might have been the case in the past, and many became used to that option, that is not the case right now. Supply and demand. If Disney can fill rooms with the current plan, why should they offer any additional plans.

If Disney does not offer me a room at a discount that I can book under the conditions that best fits me and my family I would never feel that I was being mistreated. I would simply feel that I have to make changes to the way I book my vacations. As long as rooms are filled at Disney, they truly do not have any obligation to have them filled by me or anyone posting to this discussion.

 

[DMRick]

While this might have been the case in the past, and many became used to that option, that is not the case right now.

If Disney does not offer me a room at a discount that I can book under the conditions that best fits me and my family I would never feel that I was being mistreated. .

Of course we don't know that yet.
And while I don't feel I'm being mistreated, I also will speak with my own pocketbook. I always thought Dis was pricey, but because they "rewarded" AP holders, it was doable. If they fill the rooms at full price, then good for them. I'll believe they are doing really good and filling rooms, as soon as I seen the rest of Pop being built. For me, it just doesn't matter..I'll move on.

 

[lillygator]

Sharon - I am definiely taking advantage of the fact my girls aren't in school....I guess they will be missing lots....NO, I am only kidding!! We just won't be going to WDW as much, and who knows, they may not love it as much as thier mom!

 

[tekmom]

I don't have a problem with booking at least 120 days out, I would like to book now for next July. I'm just not sure if I can book now... on Best Rate. I am getting conflicting reports concerning the matter of booking further out than 120 days. I believe that I can't book best rate until 120 days out...I'm not sure if the system will let me. Therefore, I believe my best bet would be to book the old fashioned way now...and try best rate 120 days out. Does this sound correct?

 

[dcgrumpy]

I don't have a problem with booking at least 120 days out, I would like to book now for next July. I'm just not sure if I can book now... on Best Rate. I am getting conflicting reports concerning the matter of booking further out than 120 days. I believe that I can't book best rate until 120 days out...I'm not sure if the system will let me. Therefore, I believe my best bet would be to book the old fashioned way now...and try best rate 120 days out. Does this sound correct?

you have to book at least 120 days ahead. Once you hit your 120 day mark you would only have that day to book it and you chance nothing being left.

The rates are released in blocks just like other codes. The first dates that were released were10/8-12/19, then they released rates for 1/2-2/15. So no, you can't book using the best rate system for July. You can book a room through their regular reservation system at rack rate and cancel it if they release Best Rates for your date.

 

[miss missy]

I had solid dates.. BR worked just fine for me...

 

[aubriee]

I had solid dates.. BR worked just fine for me...

Me too and I was not willing to take a chance on missing the discounts by waiting to see if AP discounts will be offered the old way. I did call a couple of times and spoke with CMs as well as GS before booking. (Mainly because I was having trouble getting into the AP site, but that's another story.) Anyway, I was told that IF AP discounts are offered the old way that they 'WOULD NOT' be as much as with the Best Rate Plan. The CMs I spoke with said there was no way they could be less or even the same as Disney knows there would be an uproar from the people who took the chance and booked through the Best Rate Plan (even with the nonrefundable deposit and $50.00 change fee). They said we would be rewarded for taking that chance by having the cheapest rate available and, for the time being at least, I intend to trust them. I'm currently booked for a split stay in Dec at CSR and POFQ for $94.00/night, so would lose two deposits if I cancelled. I do know the change fee is being waived as long as you don't change to a cheaper resort. Last week I added my mom to my reservations and the change fee was waived and I've read where people have upgraded their resorts and the change fee was again waived.

It's funny. My main complaint with the Best Rate Plan is that they won't let you pay your balance until you check in. If they're not planning on lowering the rate, why wouldn't they let you pay your balance ahead of time? I want to know everything is paid for before I arrive and would love to have some money on deposit at the resort.

 

[jarestel]

Of course we don't know that yet.
And while I don't feel I'm being mistreated, I also will speak with my own pocketbook. I always thought Dis was pricey, but because they "rewarded" AP holders, it was doable. If they fill the rooms at full price, then good for them. I'll believe they are doing really good and filling rooms, as soon as I seen the rest of Pop being built. For me, it just doesn't matter..I'll move on.

And that's how we should all look at this AP program. Disney does what is best for Disney and we do what is best for our individual circumstances. If the two areas overlap sometimes then everyone can be happy, but if they don't there are plenty of alternative options available.

 

[tekmom]

Thanks, dcgrumpy! I did just that today. Just booked AKL for next July at a AAA discount through CRO. Even if i don't end up with an ap rate through best rate, I don't have to lay out for my admission to the parks.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

Ok...when I say "not fair" I am sounding like a spoild baby (it goes to show you that I have gone so often that I am spoiled by the discounts). I should word it differently. Disney has the right to discontinue any program that they offer without notice. They may be using that right now. We may never see normal AP rates again. What they should have done was tell us that. IE: when they told us of the Best Rate Program, they should have said something to the effect that program will be replacing the call in rates or they could have said this program will be in addition too. They did neither. As loyal guests, they should have the common decenicy (can't spell) to warn us. Yes, if I don't like chocolate ice cream, I shouldn't stop Disney from selling it. I can still pick from several other flavors. There aren't "several other flavors" to pick from for rates. It is clear cut.... 120 days out or rack. There was no inbetween (other than AAA) and no warning of it happening. That is one of the points I am trying to make. In addition to that, the refund policy. That is something else that would be nice to know will be happening in the future, not here is the program, no refunds or changes with a $50 fee??
Yes, I will be moving on. Disney's rack rates (to me) aren't worth it. If I cannot get a discount, I will not stay. Sorry if that offends anyone, I don't mean to. That is just how I feel.

 

[C.Ann]

Ok...when I say "not fair" I am sounding like a spoild baby (it goes to show you that I have gone so often that I am spoiled by the discounts). I should word it differently. Disney has the right to discontinue any program that they offer without notice. They may be using that right now. We may never see normal AP rates again. What they should have done was tell us that. IE: when they told us of the Best Rate Program, they should have said something to the effect that program will be replacing the call in rates or they could have said this program will be in addition too. They did neither. As loyal guests, they should have the common decenicy (can't spell) to warn us. Yes, if I don't like chocolate ice cream, I shouldn't stop Disney from selling it. I can still pick from several other flavors. There aren't "several other flavors" to pick from for rates. It is clear cut.... 120 days out or rack. There was no inbetween (other than AAA) and no warning of it happening. That is one of the points I am trying to make. In addition to that, the refund policy. That is something else that would be nice to know will be happening in the future, not here is the program, no refunds or changes with a $50 fee??
Yes, I will be moving on. Disney's rack rates (to me) aren't worth it. If I cannot get a discount, I will not stay. Sorry if that offends anyone, I don't mean to. That is just how I feel.

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The best way to voice your displeasure is with a letter to guest relations and then follow it up by speaking with your wallet.. If you have an AP that you have renewed basically for the reduced room rates, don't renew it - and if you can't get the resort and room that you want for the price you feel is a good value, take your business off-site.. By doing so, a larger portion of your vacation dollars will be spent outside of Disney World (eating; shopping; etc.) - you'll find much larger accomodations for less than a resort room would cost you and it will have minimal, if any, impact on how enjoyable your vacation is.. It may or may not have an impact on Disney if enough people do the same, but one thing is for sure - travel isn't always "up" - it varies from year to year - and if Disney suddenly finds themselves feeling the pinch again they'll be offering deals left and right..

 

[freakylick]

C.Ann...
While I don't disagree with your recommendations...I do want to say that I voiced my concern in writing to guest relations and have not heard anything back. And that was back when this was first introduced.

Of course, had they responded, I know I would have received the same BS that everyone else received..."This is not the end of AP codes, but we can't say when those will be released" or something to that effect. But my favorite response was for those who were booking in the early to mid-Oct range and were completely shut out of BR program..."Sorry".

 

[C.Ann]

C.Ann...
While I don't disagree with your recommendations...I do want to say that I voiced my concern in writing to guest relations and have not heard anything back. And that was back when this was first introduced.

Of course, had they responded, I know I would have received the same BS that everyone else received..."This is not the end of AP codes, but we can't say when those will be released" or something to that effect. But my favorite response was for those who were booking in the early to mid-Oct range and were completely shut out of BR program..."Sorry".

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And I don't expect you will hear anything back - it's more or less just to let them know how you feel and that you'll be staying elsewhere and spending the larger portion of your money elsewhere..

If this plan is a huge success (which I don't see happening for a multitude of reasons) nothing will change.. If it isn't, things likely will change.. And if tourism "tanks" again (and at some point in time it will) Disney will be bending over backwards to get you back on-site again.. In the meantime, just do whatever you need to do to have a great vacation and let the chips fall where they may..

 

[A Mickeyfan]

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The best way to voice your displeasure is with a letter to guest relations and then follow it up by speaking with your wallet.. If you have an AP that you have renewed basically for the reduced room rates, don't renew it - and if you can't get the resort and room that you want for the price you feel is a good value, take your business off-site.. By doing so, a larger portion of your vacation dollars will be spent outside of Disney World (eating; shopping; etc.) - you'll find much larger accomodations for less than a resort room would cost you and it will have minimal, if any, impact on how enjoyable your vacation is.. It may or may not have an impact on Disney if enough people do the same, but one thing is for sure - travel isn't always "up" - it varies from year to year - and if Disney suddenly finds themselves feeling the pinch again they'll be offering deals left and right..

I am not one of the AP holders that bought for the room discount, I have it for the parks. As I said, I live only 3 hours away & it is a quick, easy & fun place to go for us. I did get use to the AP rates ( I am also a FL resident & get those rates as well). I don't have a problem with going & staying offsite (There are times of the year that I do that anyway so I can afford another trip up). If that is what I have to do, then Disney will see that I am not going to the resorts. Of all the years that I had my AP, I never once rec'd a post card promo until the year I didn't renew & went with just Universal's. Seems funny to me that they did track me, saw I didn't renew by my date (actually I think the postcard came about 6+ months after my renewal date). I did end up getting my AP again (before the 12 month date of old renewal) because I really enjoy going to the parks & had missed them. I am also a Disney Dining Card holder & have been for years. I just renewed that membership. Even when not staying onsite, I still go to the value resorts to eat. It comes out cheaper with the 20% discount than going to a fast food place offsite. So Disney will still get my park & food money, just not my room money.

 

[m&m's mom]

I EXTREMELY dislike the Best Rate Program. W/ both of my girls in school now we do not know our schedules that far in advance. 120 days is not an option and I am not about to sign up for a non-refundable deposit.
For the past 6 years we have spent between $5000-8,000.00 at WDW every year. Our trip in May will be our last one for the forseeable future.
I don't like the games WDW is playing w/ it's most loyal customers and the only way I can protest is to take my $ elsewhere.
We could still go and use our AP and stay off-site but to us it's not worth it.
We have already planned our next summer vacation to Alaska, where we would have gone to WDW.
We were there during all of the "bad" years, spending money, enjoying the parks, but I feel like WDW is just no longer fun.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

I did a survey some months ago, for WDW asking about 'what would get me to book online,' just a hunch here, but I'm guessing that part of the motivation for the best rate system was to get more people to actually book rooms via the online booking as opposed to using the phone system, as this is less expensive for Disney. I have to confess, one of the things that I said would motivate me to book online was an exclusive discount that could only be booked online. I didn't know that they'd also include the non-refundable deposit ...and that they'd do away with the regular AP discount system...Jsut a hunch here, but if more people booked through the online system to begin with, maybe their policies would change?

 

[freakylick]

Personally, I would never book anything online with Disney as their website is unreliable.

 

[C.Ann]

Personally, I would never book anything online with Disney as their website is unreliable.

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I agree.. It wasn't reliable before and it's even less reliable now that they have offered this Best Rate Program.. If they expect people to book exclusively online for these offers, it seems to me they would have an obligation to make sure that their systems are up to par..