Clarification please ;-)

[bbsecx4]

HI! Our family is going to DW Dec. 2009. I've booked (room only) at WL with AAA discount which equated to about 15% off room rates. Yesterday, I got a card in mail for 30% off for standard room at Disney Value resort.

Does anyone know if this discount can be applied with my current reservation?

Also, can someone clarify if the resorts have AP rates or do those come out in specials? I've read that it is helpful to have one person in your group have an Annual pass to get the AP rates? Are the AP rates better than what the 30% rate would be?

Regarding dining plan and park tickets? Is it best to buy everything in a package or buy separately ? Also, when you buy separately is this where you wait for specials for tickets and dining plan (like Visa's free dining)?

I'm a tad confused as to how it all goes together and what to do after making room reservations?

I've also read both ways of having a travel agent do it all vs. being able to call yourself and make changes.....not sure which way to go on that one either.

Any help is greatly appreciated ;-)

 

[rt2dz]

Yes, it may be applied to your current reservation. It would not be on top of your AAA discount, but instead of.

AP rates come out in specials. The best AP rate I’ve ever seen (and used) was 45% off and a $100 dining card. Most aren’t that good and are generally 20%-40% off. I wouldn’t buy an AP just for the rate until the deal was in place and it was the best deal out there. When we went this past October, the GP code for a package was lower than the AP rate, even after paying for tickets (one-day base). 30% off is pretty good, and you can always switch the code if a new one comes out (depending on availability).

The dining plan can only be purchased as part of a package (tickets & room). I find for our family the dining plan is a complete waste. We do better (spend less in the long run) by paying OOP. The thread http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2037222 has a few point of views on the subject (full disclosure: most are against the dining plan). Tickets can be purchased from a discount broker for less money than Disney sells them for. I would do this if you are not getting a package. Codes come out all the time for both packages and room only reservations. It is best to always keep a watch out for both, checking here or at mousesavers.com for new deals.

I have nothing against TAs, but I’ve never had good luck with one concerning Disney. I find doing it myself easier and more reliable. But I know Disney as well as most of them. If you are confused/concerned, I highly recommend purchasing a copy of The Unofficial Guide and reading it. After you book, you start planning your ADRs for the most part.