Calling All Code Experts! Assistance Please

[Ktharee]

I'm trying to get a firm handle on the discount code thing for my trip next year. Currently I have booked 3 rooms, with 7 day park hoppers and dining plan. All under my name and my Disney Visa. What codes/discounts can I hope for and use come September 23rd? Will having my trip already booked penalize me in any way? I've just seen conflicting info on the boards and would appreciate some clarification. Thanks!!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Are you talking about September 2009? If so, then your possible codes would come out around the same time next year as they did today. AP codes came out first, then general public codes. So far no Disney Visa codes have been released. I would start watching the boards around June or July 2009 just to keep up on everything. Then by August 2009 you should have them. Good luck!

 

[Ktharee]

Thank you! Yes, I am talking about 2009. Trying to be my own kind of expert by then.

Do you know if it is a problem, when attempting to use a code, that I already have the trip booked? Can I just apply the code to the existing reservation? Or will the CM help me right then and there to cancel and rebook?

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

If the resort you are staying at has availability with the code then they can just apply it to your exsisting reservation. If your resort doesn't have availability with the code then the CM can check other resorts on your dates. If you are flexible about where you want to stay your chances of getting a discount are pretty good. But if you have your heart set on one particular resort (especially if it's a monorail resort) you might be stuck paying full rack rate. Lots of people today have reported being able to book discounts at Pop Century, Port Orleans Riverside, Fort Wilderness Cabins, Beach Club, etc. But not many people have been able to get the Contemporary, Grand Floridian, or Animal Kingdom Lodge. It's really a crap shoot. Best of luck next summer!

 

[Ktharee]

Thank you for clarifying that!!! I feel bad, but I have one more question for you if you don't mind. With Free Dining, is there also a limited number of rooms in each resort that they will apply that to, or is it just a mass discount for anyone who asks for it? Thanks again, so much! Have fun on your trip. Won't be long now!

 

[dustyraye]

From my (albeit limited) experience, you can apply the code when it comes out. I booked my trip for this October online at rack rate, then called when the codes came out, and the CM was able to check if there were rooms available for the dates and resort that matched my reservation. She ended up having to change my room type in order to get a discount, but she took care of everything on the phone, and we saved over $800 on a room-only res.

I have heard that there may be issues with applying a code once the entire package has been paid for, but there seems to be some debate about that. (Possibly that you can apply the code, but with an additonal fee.)

Hope that helps!

 

[Ktharee]

From my (albeit limited) experience, you can apply the code when it comes out. I booked my trip for this October online at rack rate, then called when the codes came out, and the CM was able to check if there were rooms available for the dates and resort that matched my reservation. She ended up having to change my room type in order to get a discount, but she took care of everything on the phone, and we saved over $800 on a room-only res.

I have heard that there may be issues with applying a code once the entire package has been paid for, but there seems to be some debate about that. (Possibly that you can apply the code, but with an additonal fee.)

Hope that helps!

Wow, good for you! Now you had a room only reservation. Would the discount still have applied to your room portion if you had a package booked? Thanks so much for chiming in here!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Thank you for clarifying that!!! I feel bad, but I have one more question for you if you don't mind. With Free Dining, is there also a limited number of rooms in each resort that they will apply that to, or is it just a mass discount for anyone who asks for it? Thanks again, so much! Have fun on your trip. Won't be long now!

There are ALWAYS limited numbers of rooms with any code. Many times you'll see availability at a resort for the rack rate price, but if you call and try to book it with a code (like an AP code) they will say no availability. Because the certain allotment of rooms for that code at that resort are no longer available... even though they might have rooms available.

 

[Ktharee]

Ok, you have just completely confirmed what I suspected. I have to be a CRAZY Code Watcher beginning in January! Thanks so much for your patience in answering my questions I am SURE you've seen 100 times already!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Wow, good for you! Now you had a room only reservation. Would the discount still have applied to your room portion if you had a package booked? Thanks so much for chiming in here!

The code has to match what is booked. If you have a package booked and the code is for room only, then it won't work. Also vice versa, if you have a room only booked and try to use a code that is for packages it won't work. You'd have to cancel your room only and rebook as a package. They would refund your one night deposit, and then take a new deposit of $200. Then payment in full would be due 45 days prior to arrival.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Ok, you have just completely confirmed what I suspected. I have to be a CRAZY Code Watcher beginning in January! Thanks so much for your patience in answering my questions I am SURE you've seen 100 times already!

Don't worry about it, I'm happy to help. I've been helping my friends all morning! LOL It has taken me a LONG, LONG time to figure all of this code stuff out. I briefly worked as a Disney travel agent, so that along with years of booking my own travel I feel like I finally understand how it works!

 

[Ktharee]

Don't worry about it, I'm happy to help. I've been helping my friends all morning! LOL It has taken me a LONG, LONG time to figure all of this code stuff out. I briefly worked as a Disney travel agent, so that along with years of booking my own travel I feel like I finally understand how it works!

I was just thinking... how you so clearly stated what I needed to know, you must be a travel agent or a school teacher! Both need the patience of a saint.

You're the best, thanks!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

I was just thinking... how you so clearly stated what I needed to know, you must be a travel agent or a school teacher! Both need the patience of a saint.

You're the best, thanks!

I'm a MOM! Of two insane boys!

 

[Ktharee]

I'm a MOM! Of two insane boys!

And you still find the strength to keep your cool? The world (and these boards) need more people like you!