Can someone explain Retro Rates?

[KateDrake]

I've seen a bunch of posts mentioning "retro rates" at hotels, specifically HoJo's, lately and I'm wondering if someone can tell me what that means? I'm coming Oct. 9-14, and need two rooms. I have some booked at Del Sol(fine, but not my fav) through Get Away Today, but I'd love to switch to HoJo's if I can since it's not much father and is nicer. Do you have to do anything special to get a retro rate? Also interested in BWPPI, they were both just a couple hundred dollars more than what I booked, so if I can do a retro rate instead, that would be awesome!
Thanks in advance for all your help! I'm still a newbie, but everyone here has always been so helpful, I really appreciate it!

 

[longtimedisneylurker]

I've seen a bunch of posts mentioning "retro rates" at hotels, specifically HoJo's, lately and I'm wondering if someone can tell me what that means? I'm coming Oct. 9-14, and need two rooms. I have some booked at Del Sol(fine, but not my fav) through Get Away Today, but I'd love to switch to HoJo's if I can since it's not much father and is nicer. Do you have to do anything special to get a retro rate? Also interested in BWPPI, they were both just a couple hundred dollars more than what I booked, so if I can do a retro rate instead, that would be awesome!
Thanks in advance for all your help! I'm still a newbie, but everyone here has always been so helpful, I really appreciate it!

Retro rates is a term used specifically by Hojo Anaheim on Harbor. It's just the catch phrase they use for advertising their steeply discounted rates. Here's a link to the discount page with all the info: http://www.boards.hojoanaheim.com/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=14

 

[Girimama33]

The HOJO offers Retro rates (for DLR AP holders) for select dates that are listed in the link Disney Lurker provided. They also provide the same discount/dates for people that have the Entertainment Card. Unfortunately, the October dates have filled up, that is why they are no longer listed. I was able to book 10/22-25 with the Retro rate back in April. However, they may release more days closer to your travel time in October for the Retro/ENT rate. If you want to book HoJo, you can get the 15/20 % off the ENT card/AP provides and if your dates appear on the discount page, you can have them change the reservation to those rates.
There is no guarantee that those dates will be available though. It is up to you if the non-retro/ent discount is enough to change your reservation.
It is all a little confusing...but hope this helps.

 

[nicolispicoli]

It's worth mentioning that people cancel all the time, especially a few months out. I would check that thread daily if you have a minute every day to do so.

I actually have a retro rate for October that I am likely going to cancel, but it's not for the dates you're looking for.

 

[nicolispicoli]

Girimama33 beat me to it

But it's not true that retro rates are only for DLR AP holders, they are available to anyone with an entertainment card, which if you don't have, can be purchased on ebay for under $2.00, usually including shipping. You don't have to have the actual card until you check in or out, so if you see the dates open up, jump on it. Best to call and book through in house ressies if you see them open up.

 

[Girimama33]

The HOJO offers Retro rates (for DLR AP holders) for select dates that are listed in the link Disney Lurker provided. They also provide the same discount/dates for people that have the Entertainment Card. Unfortunately, the October dates have filled up, that is why they are no longer listed. I was able to book 10/22-25 with the Retro rate back in April. However, they may release more days closer to your travel time in October for the Retro/ENT rate. If you want to book HoJo, you can get the 15/20 % off the ENT card/AP provides and if your dates appear on the discount page, you can have them change the reservation to those rates.
There is no guarantee that those dates will be available though. It is up to you if the non-retro/ent discount is enough to change your reservation.
It is all a little confusing...but hope this helps.

I mentioned the rate was for both AP and Entertainment card in the post.

 

[Girimama33]

Best to call and book through in house ressies if you see them open up.

This x 1000...Do not book the Retro rates online...always call the in house # (not the corporate HJ #).

 

[disneegrl4eva]

This x 1000...Do not book the Retro rates online...always call the in house # (not the corporate HJ #).

amen!!!!!....and btw...when did they start giving DAP holders the retro rates??? Ive always known them to get 20% off...ive always had to book it using the entertainment card and then if they didnt have availability i could get the DAP rate...

 

[nicolispicoli]

I mentioned the rate was for both AP and Entertainment card in the post.

I'm sorry! My eyes seem to only take in 70 percent of what I see post-child! LOL! Kid ate my brain while being housed in the womb!

 

[Girimama33]

I'm sorry! My eyes seem to only take in 70 percent of what I see post-child! LOL! Kid ate my brain while being housed in the womb!

Haha...I can so relate to this!

DisneeGrl ~ I believe they started giving the rate to AP holders in Feb 2008...at least, that is when they began the AP Retro Rate page on their site. I have no idea though. I just started booking rooms for DLR trips this year. Previously, I either lived less than 1 mile away or I would stay with family.
Here is the AP retro rate page.
http://www.boards.hojoanaheim.com/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=29

 

[disneegrl4eva]

Haha...I can so relate to this!

DisneeGrl ~ I believe they started giving the rate to AP holders in Feb 2008...at least, that is when they began the AP Retro Rate page on their site. I have no idea though. I just started booking rooms for DLR trips this year. Previously, I either lived less than 1 mile away or I would stay with family.
Here is the AP retro rate page.
http://www.boards.hojoanaheim.com/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=29

ok let me rephrase this...i know its been at least since 07 when we got the retro rate but they called it entertainment rate at that time...the employee who originally got the updated website with the discussion boards was named Lorealle and the board actually was activated in 08...i was one of the first people to register over there...even before the website was revamped and relaunched, you could get the entertainment rate and AP holders would get either a 15% or 20% discount...the retro rates were not available even in 09 to AP holders or else i wouldnt have needed an entertainment card...since last year my daughter has moved to Long Beach so there is no need to book a hotel unless we just decide on a whim to do it but i was curious finding out the AP holders would get the retro rate now so thats why i was asking

 

[Girimama33]

Looking more into the HJ website, it looks like they increased the discount on low season days from 20% to 50% in February 2010. I will try and add the link where they announced the discount when I get home and am off the phone.




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[erocrobro]

It is important to check daily, because they add dates often. I originally booked our stay and only 3 of the 7 days were offered, but by the time we checked in, all of them were available. They will let you have the rate even if you are already booked if you just call or e-mail them.