I think the original poster meant that they might save money overall with a regular code vs an AP code.....I'm in that same boat.
We'd like to stay at a moderate resort on our next trip. Well, rack rate for our June trip would be $149 per night. Let's say an AP rate comes out at let's say $79 per night for a moderate (others have reported receiving postcard/e-mail codes at these rates and AP rates historically follow these postcard/e-mail rates).
Now...to get the AP rate...I need to upgrade my ticket from a $234 expiring MYW ticket to a $420 annual pass to get the discount. But, the discount is definitely worth it. I'm paying about $186 more for the AP over my regular ticket, but I'm saving $70 per night over my 8 night stay....$560 plus tax.
If a general public code is then released at say $89 per night....I would come out ahead by booking that code and not purchasing the AP (assuming I am not returning within the next year).
$79 AP Rate x 8 nights = $632 + $186 to upgrade MYW to AP = $818 (Avg $102 per Night)
$89 General Public Code x 8 nights = $712
Even though the AP rate is better...I come out ahead with the General Public Code.
As I said...I'm in the same boat. I'm waiting for codes just like everyone else. If no codes at all are released, then it's a value resort using the
AAA discount at around $85 per night. If codes are released, then we are upgrading to moderate....or possibly Wilderness Lodge depending on the rates
Till then...just waitin' on codes.....
speedy