Booking with AP codes but not buying AP

[walllo]

I just read a post where someone said they were going to book their room using the AP codes but the weren't planning on buying the AP. They were going to book it and hope the discount codes were just as good so they could rebook it using those. If the discount codes were not good they would rebook without the codes. O.K. having said all that can you do that? We are going at the end of January and still have not booked rooms because I am waiting on codes. We live in Texas and only go every 2 or 3 years so I don't need an AP. Help!!!!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

I've heard that some people have been asked to show their AP at check-in and some haven't. I guess it just depends on the CM you get. Personally, I wouldn't risk the total embarrassment of booking the AP rate and then not be able to produce the proof at check-in. But I'm sure some people take the risk just to get the discount.

Now, as for booking with the AP rate and then switching back to rack rate, I'm sure CRO can do that. Just tell them you decided not to buy ap's and so you need to change your reservation.

 

[Lou-Ann]

We live in Texas as well and benefitted by the great rates they had for Texans last fall. While we were there we purchased the AP's and are going to swing down for a brief stay over the holidays. I do not see a problem booking and purchasing the ap's when you get there but would not try to get the rate without actually intending to purchase the passes. Texas has some great plane fares and is also not that far to drive.......You might actually find it cheaper in the long run to do the AP thing and go a couple of times in a row and then skip a year or two. When we have used this method we have saved quite a bit. Wishing you a great trip in January........

 

[adams66]

I currently have rooms booked with AP rate at both Poly GV concierge and YC for January 16 arrival. I currently do not have an AP. If similar rates come out without the need for an AP, I will more than likely switch over to the other codes. If not, I will purchase an AP. Check out mousesavers.com to analyze whether it is still worth buying an AP just for the savings on room rates alone. Mary has the calculations right there.

Personally I hope that I have to buy the AP. Then it will "force" us to make another trip before the year is up!!

 

[Pluto4President]

The problem being that if they want your AP and you don't have one, so long good deal. You now pay rack rate - ouch!

 

[CarolMN]

Originally posted by walllo
I just read a post where someone said they were going to book their room using the AP codes but the weren't planning on buying the AP. They were going to book it and hope the discount codes were just as good so they could rebook it using those. If the discount codes were not good they would rebook without the codes. O.K. having said all that can you do that? We are going at the end of January and still have not booked rooms because I am waiting on codes. We live in Texas and only go every 2 or 3 years so I don't need an AP. Help!!!!

I don't see the point of booking a room with an AP discount if there is no intention of checking in with that rate. All that person is doing is keeping someone else from getting an AP-discounted room. He/She should wait for the discount codes or book at rack rate if that's what they plan to do if the discount codes aren't available to them.

If you are going at the end of January, I would book a room now. Then if a better rate (codes) come along, I would call back and ask for the code to be applied to my reservation. You can always book another room using codes and then cancel your old reservation. Sometimes CRO will allow you to transfer your deposit to the new reservation.

Good luck!

 

[hallie]

We had to show our AP's when we checked into the AKL in April.

 

[fa mulan]

I think the reason for booking first w/ an AP code is that you are assuring yourself (as I did) of a discounted room that's way lower than rack, even assuming you need to purchase the AP just to get the discount. Since I don't need the AP when I reserve, I'm free to watch for other deals in the meantime. If a similar code comes along before my trip that's available to anyone, I'll rebook w/ that code and forget about getting the AP. If no code comes out, I buy my AP and still beat the rack rate by $300+ and the DC rate by $100+.

And I don't know if Disney purposely has all these codes out there to turn people into Disney shopping addicts, but I know it has had that effect on me!! I'm new to this but rapidly becoming a Disney-holic!

 

[MOMTOMOOTOO]

In the past few years we have booked AP rates at 5 resorts and were asked for the AP 4 times. I just would not chance it. Its just not a chance I'd be willing to take.

 

[seeWDW]

Walllo,

I think the intention of the entries I've read posted here about the AP rates/no APs (mine included) are that people are booking at the AP rate to take advantage of the wonderful discounts and that if the rate for general public has not come out by the time they leave for trip, they will purchase AP either before they leave or at the park. I know there have been lots of questions about checking in first and then going to the park to purchase the AP or turning in the voucher for the AP. But to go, and intentionally not plan on buying an AP would be wrong. Yes, I'm sure someone somwhere has done that and may do it again. But if enough people do it, Disney may make it difficult for the rest of us.

For me, if I have to purchase the AP, I'm still saving $$$ over my original reservation. I changed my reservation when the APs came out. But I'm hoping the general codes will come out before the end of the year so that I can change to one of them. The best I could do was a AAA lagoon view discount for 4 nights. I purchased my Park Hopper Plus tickets already, but I will just hold onto one (don't expire) and buy/use the AP. I upgraded to concierge Garden View at Poly and saved almost $400 on the room with the AP. Even taking into account the AP purchase, I save, AND I've upgraded to concierge with all of the wonderful amenities. We will not be returning next year to use the other benefits of the AP within the year. But it is still worth it for us.

Thus said, if I were you I would book a room of some type now. Granted, it may not fill up. But you can ALWAYS change a reservation. But you cannot always guarantee there will be space.

Enjoy your trip!! This site has been a BIG help for my planning purposes. I have learned a great deal (THANKS EVERYONE!!!). Good luck with your plans as well.

 

[JulesMom]

Most posts I have read--they book with an AP code and then hope another code comes out. If it doesn't, then they buy an AP for 1 person in their group