BRP gone, how do we book now?

[TMM]

Hello,

I never booked a room for WDW prior to the BRP. Now the program is scrapped. Our first visit was in January 2006 and we are going again in August. How do we book a room with our AP discount? Can anyone help me?

 

[Tess]

With the demise of BRP, booking an AP rate has reverted to the pre-BRP method of booking--at least that's what we are all guessing since Disney hasn't given any "official" word.

Prior to BRP it was a waiting game for the release of AP rates. Generally, the AP rates were released one or two months in advance of the season. For example, last year's AP rates for May/July 4, 2005 were released around March 9, 2005. It then becomes a telephoning frenzy on the release day.

Your best bet is to keep your eye on the boards and watch for "rumors" of a release day. We usually receive a heads-up on the AP rates a day or so in advance. Mousesavers.com also announces the release of AP rates.

There are two schools of thought with regard to AP rates. Some people, me included, prefer to book our reservation to assure that we have the reservation we desire. Then, when AP rates are released, you are able to call Disney and request the rate be applied to your standing reservation. The caveat is, there may or may not be an AP rate available for your date of vacation or the room category you have booked. If you opt to book ahead of the release of AP rates, the wisest move is to book what you are willing to pay and hope for a discount OR when the rates are released, plan to be flexible and change room category/resorts to gain an AP rate that is available.

I know it's confusing, but it is what it is at this point and it appears we are all back in the "waiting game" with regard to AP rates. Hopefully, that answers your questions--if not, I'll try to do better if you need any further explanation.

 

[TMM]

Since we live in England a last minute trip would more than likely be out of the question. I never used the old system and thought the BRP was good as I knew what the discount actually was...to each his own

 

[helenk]

Hello,

I never booked a room for WDW prior to the BRP. Now the program is scrapped. Our first visit was in January 2006 and we are going again in August. How do we book a room with our AP discount? Can anyone help me?

You can still book online with the AP discount, it just that the dates are not out for August as yet, they only go to the beginning of April.
What you can do, is book a room for the dates you want through Disney and watch for when your dates are opened up. You can then book with the AP rate and cancel your first reservation

 

[Tess]

Since we live in England a last minute trip would more than likely be out of the question. I never used the old system and thought the BRP was good as I knew what the discount actually was...to each his own

We don't live in Florida either and don't do "last minute" trips. The one thing I did like about BRP was the ability to book the discounted price much farther in advance of arrival. I've had our present reservation since August. I'm not a major fan of the "waiting game", but I'm rather used to it.

I saw by your tag you were from England and gathered you would rather book sooner versus later. I would simply book the resort for which you are willing to pay and keep your eyes and ears open for the AP release date for your time frame. Then simply call WDW and ask if you can have the AP discount applied to your current reservation. I've only been disappointed once with the AP rates, but not terribly unhappy because I already had a code rate that was a mere $5 p/day difference. August isn't a super busy time of the year for WDW, I would think that would also be in your favor.

Good luck booking your holiday and hope it all works out well for you.