check on AP rates

Bella2000 · Jul 22, 2004

Originally posted by sherry8253
Also, during my last few calls, CMs have really been pressuring me to BOOK without an AP rate. The one this morning told me there may not be any rates out for early Dec. so I better book now because there may not be any rooms available when I want to go. I told her if there are no AP rates, there is always the Swan or Dolphin or other hotel in downtown Disney. I wonder if they get paid a commission if they book. I was never pressued to book until the last few days when I called.

Interesting - I just had a conversation today with a CM on this same topic. I already am booked but we were discussing codes etc and she said that she trys to tell people to book under the available code now and when the Ap or whatever code comes out to update the reservation to that one. This was something that my TA recommended to me in the past as well. This CM stated that she gets so many calls from people waiting to book under the AP rates that when the rates do come out the rooms are already booked by others and the people are very upset.

That's very unfortunate that the CM made you feel pressured. I always tell people to book at the current discount rate or even AAA rate and if no AP rates comes out you can always keep it, cancel, go somewhere else etc. If the issue is the initial higher deposit I can appreciate that as well. I took my own advice for this upcoming trip by initially booking AAA, then changing to AZZ and now waiting to see what AP rates will be so I would at least have a room in the location that I want.

deadheadbelle · Jul 22, 2004

Originally posted by Bella2000
Interesting - I just had a conversation today with a CM on this same topic. I already am booked but we were discussing codes etc and she said that she trys to tell people to book under the available code now and when the Ap or whatever code comes out to update the reservation to that one. This was something that my TA recommended to me in the past as well. This CM stated that she gets so many calls from people waiting to book under the AP rates that when the rates do come out the rooms are already booked by others and the people are very upset.

That's very unfortunate that the CM made you feel pressured. I always tell people to book at the current discount rate or even AAA rate and if no AP rates comes out you can always keep it, cancel, go somewhere else etc. If the issue is the initial higher deposit I can appreciate that as well. I took my own advice for this upcoming trip by initially booking AAA, then changing to AZZ and now waiting to see what AP rates will be so I would at least have a room in the location that I want.

I guess it's all how you look at it. I never book unless I am willing to pay what I have booked. I won't pay Rack Rate at some of the resorts, so I won't book them & make Disney think that I am willing to pay it. The last CM I talked to said that if I go ahead & book there is absolutely no guarantee that I'd be able to get an AP rate when/if it did come out. I also wouldn't be "first in line" to apply the code. They allow a certain amount of rooms to be booked at the AP rate, so it's first come first serve whether or not you already have a ressie. JMHO.

Speaking of being pressured, I had the most pressure-filled phone call with a CM the other morning. This lady wore me down. I finally gave in & booked. I was tired of arguing with her. Called back 2 hours later, talked to a different CM & cancelled. :crazy:

Bella2000 · Jul 23, 2004

Originally posted by deadheadbelle
I guess it's all how you look at it. I never book unless I am willing to pay what I have booked. I won't pay Rack Rate at some of the resorts, so I won't book them & make Disney think that I am willing to pay it. ...

Good points and added clarification to my post. I agree with you. I also would not pay rack rates, unfortunately I've run into many people who do not know about the various discounts and in those cases I recommend booking if the current discount is affordable to them explaining there is no guarantee of getting a larger discount if it becomes available and if this is where you are still planning to stay regardless book now if you are going to be disappointed if there is no availability later. That was the gist of my conversation with the CM this morning.

What I think people should consider is to not write off an area you would love to vacation in because the AP rate is not out. The current AZZ rate for example are pretty good percentage off - will the AP rates be 40% - 35%, the same as AZZ - who knows? Good CM's will lead you down the path of other rates by asking whether you belong to any clubs, etc., but just as I do for business travel I ask for the lowest rate. People do not always know that they can ask outright in this manner and assume that they are always quoted the lower rate initially. It is this bizarre rate tango or a quick hand of Go Fish. You got any APs - Go Fish (call back tomorrow), Got any AZZ's (you got what you wanted) , etc.

Do you suppose that the added push for the reservations really is an executive order push to make the numbers look better. It's just a short period to fiscal end and everyone will be looking at the books for the Resorts and the resurgence since 9/11. I personally think it is terrible that the CM's are hardselling guests. The two CM's that I spoke to today were lovely. So far my experiences this month have been very positive. Good for you for calling back and canceling.

Bobby2400 · Jul 23, 2004

Not today

wanna-b-Tink · Jul 23, 2004

Just talked to CM Posey. No October rates as of today (Friday).

TexasErin · Jul 23, 2004

I really had my hopes up. The CM got ALL of my info- even asked how many times I have been. Then she gave me the bad news. The past 3 weeks or so they have only checked and did not ask any questions. The only thing she tried to sell were tickets to Cirque or dinner shows- but she was not high-pressure and was very nice.
Really don't want to have to get up at 5:59 am on Saturday.

kathylovesdisneyworl · Jul 23, 2004

Be assured that just because you have a room booked you are not assured of the discount when it comes out. Two different times we had to change hotels in order to get the discounted rate,once because CSR was not included and the 2nd time because there were no other rooms available. So I believe it is true that there are only a certain amount of rooms at the discounted rate. We still book early and cross our fingers, but then we are also willing to pay AAA rate if nothing else is available.

sherry8253 · Jul 23, 2004

I refuse to book at rack rate and have Disney think a room is booked at that rate. I have been told by numerous people in the marketing field and a few CM's that the more rooms booked at rack rate, the less discounts available. When either AP or public codes come out, I aways have a list of at least 4 or 5 places that are acceptable. So I will just keep playing the waiting game and hope there is a code for the time I am going in early Dec.

gjerseygirl · Jul 23, 2004

What are the chances of them coming out with AP rate for October/Nov AND general public room only rates for the same time?

CindysGusGus · Jul 23, 2004

The general codes and AP rates came out on the same day for the spring dates this year.

SYDNCLAIRESMOM · Jul 23, 2004

Originally posted by gjerseygirl
What are the chances of them coming out with AP rate for October/Nov AND general public room only rates for the same time?

Depends on how they are booked at that particular time. Last year at this time there were NO Sept AP rates (Oct-Nov APs came out in late August) and NO CODES for fall at all! Just the 7for4 package.

The new argument is to not book anything until the code you need comes out because if everyone books ahead of the codes Disney wont feel the NEED to discount the rooms. I think I agree with that. Still waiting...

llebrekniT · Jul 23, 2004

Originally posted by deadheadbelle
I guess it's all how you look at it. I never book unless I am willing to pay what I have booked. I won't pay Rack Rate at some of the resorts, so I won't book them & make Disney think that I am willing to pay it.

deelam · Jul 23, 2004

My guess is the rates will come out this Sunday (7/25) It's the last Sunday in July, so I think we will finally see those October rates. Now lets just hope the discounts are good. I'm hoping for a good prce at WL.

Deneen

hightown · Jul 23, 2004

Have been following this thread (old one too) for AP discounts or something I can use in November. Just thought I'd put a big

THANK YOU!

for those of your making the calls. I have to be up and out too early for work.

I certainly agree that Disney considers discounts based on bookings. Small discounts when bookings good; larger discounts when bookings are bad.

So I'm not booking Disney till GOOD AP codes come out. I have my alternate booked on points and I may change to a $ ressie as Swan Dolphin offer good AP discounts. Whether Disney gets my money this year remains to be seen. Last year Disney got a lot of money from me. This year, they haven't gotten much at all.

Anyway, thanks everyone for making those calls!

lovesdumbo · Jul 23, 2004

Still waiting for Oct rates! Hoping for a discount %. Today is DH's birthday-a new rate in the next few days would be a great gift. :cake:

llebrekniT · Jul 23, 2004

Originally posted by lovesdumbo
Still waiting for Oct rates! Hoping for a discount %. Today is DH's birthday-a new rate in the next few days would be a great gift.

lovesdumbo · Jul 23, 2004

Thanks! It would be great as I didn't get him a gift yet. :eek:

He's so hard to buy for-he doesn't like things. I'm usually pretty good but I've been frazzled lately. I think I'm going to give him a photo of an outdoor shower that I haven't purchased yet from the Pottery Barn. It's really nice-just hook it up to a garden hose. We live 1/4 mile from the beach. He's been talking about making one but he just doesn't have the time....I'll tell him its on order but if he balks too much I won't get it.

Off to go purchase a cake. :moped:

samnbilly · Jul 23, 2004

Still wishing-gotta be soon. Maybe Sunday or Tuesday. Still have my fingers crossed. :hyper2:

-Maybe those CM's should work for some intelligence agency-boy they're tight lipped. Have a great day everyone.

tmli · Jul 23, 2004

The CM I spoke to yesterday said to call back the first week of August, they'll definitely be out by then I hope it doesn't take that long.

ugadog99 · Jul 23, 2004

Just giving us a bump and hoping for good AP news this weekend!

:bounce:

check on AP rates

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