Complaints...AP Codes

[DMRick]

Also, there have been posts indicating the "Childs AP" loophole is going away. I wouldn't continue to risk it.
***
My email from Disney didn't indicate that at all. So far all I've seen was speculation. Several of us wrote to Disney guest services when some first mentioned that in January and again in February (although I have decide to renew my own AP, now that new rates did come out, in spite of so many saying their TA said they had it right from the horse's mouth and they weren't coming out). In any case the difference isn't enough in the price of the AP's and the amount of people that would do that IMO would be so small, as to not even matter to Disney. I always write direct to guest services, when something comes up on this board saying changes are coming to find out what Disney says. I don't consider it a loophole in anycase, but what Disney allows.

 

[CarolA]

Someone posted something that they said was from Guest Services. (I Have no idea where the post is now!) The post said you needed an adult AP. I have no idea. Since I am a single person I only buy the one adult AP. I would just hate for someone to have a problem.

 

[jpeltier]

I had a reservation and then I read about the codes-cool idea.So you know what-I called this morning and got the code applied to my reservation.Now some people are angry-sorry.Last time I checked I live in a free country. Let's take this further.
1.I guess that means that only department store credit card holders are entitled to sale merchandise.
2.You can only shop at the SAM's club in your neighborhood.
3.Only smart people can go to college.
4.ETC.
Oh and by the way,I'm buying an AP for my 11 year old and that's the pass I plan to use.

 

[DMRick]

Usually the answers don't change from guest services. I know some have asked CM's and been told no, but guest services is where I would ask. My question was simple, I asked, "Can any AP be used for the discounts offered, such as rooms, including a child's" Their answer was yes. Other's also wrote at the time, and all of our answer's matched. Of course anything could change, but I can see no reason why they would have different rules for different AP's. It does say on the AP site that children need to have parents permission to call.

 

[lclark0621]

Oh and by the way,I'm buying an AP for my 11 year old and that's the pass I plan to use.

While I agree with your entire post...

Your 11 year old is considered an adult & will need an adult pass. Kids 3-10 are considered "children" & gave a cheaper park pass.

 

[jpeltier]

oops!

 

[Luv2Roam]

We have been AP holders for 3 - 4 years. I was always hopeful (and sometimes nagging ) for a discounted rate. Anyone not want a discounted room rate?
Once I was not able to get an AP room rate. I lucked out by getting a rate open to anyone.
I think in these days with travelocity, hotels.com, etc most expect some sort of discount for a room.
But as booked up as the WDW resorts have been this year, anyone getting a good rate should consider themselves lucky indeed.
From a business stand point (and my two cents only) which would be worse having a slightly lower number of guests that pay a higher rate? Or more guests at a lower rate? More guest = more staff
Of course Disney wins with more guests since they all know we buy, buy, buy.
I know a discount resort rate for me just meant more money to spend in the parks! So either way, they got my $.
I am very glad for those who got a good rate.
For those who did not -- keep trying.
What is the time frame for guests to book and have to pay a deposit? 10 days? I would imagine rooms may become available again.
If a CM said they would call back and did not, if it were me I would at least write an e-mail complaining, and stating the facts. (But honestly would not have relied on that. We can all imagine how extremely busy they were today.)
And as far theose booking AP rates with a child's AP, I still say that is between them and Disney. If Disney doesn't close that option, I say it must be okay with them. It has been going on for years.
We always both had AP's. But just because it fit our needs does not mean it does everyone else too.

 

[Leota]

Agree, disagree, I don't really care that much. That is my opinion.

As far as being condescending to newbies, not at all. Actually, if anything, I feel bad that some of our code rate discussions might be misleading & discouraging to new folks. That a heightened & unrealistic expectation is being set up with the attitude often seen here that any of us are owed a code rate. That somehow paying rack is wrong. Or that you should stay deluxe even if you can't afford it. I don't feel that is fair to the newcomer to WDW vacationing.

As far as is rewarding & enticing repeat & valued customers a valid marketing tool? Absolutely. Companies ranging from banks, credit cards, grocery stores & department stores do it all the time. They offer certain discounts to their card holders that are not offered to the general public. I get reward points on my credit card for using that. I get discounts at my grocery store because I have a frequent shopper's card. I earn free flights based on how often I fly.I shop at warehouse discount stores like Sam's club because I have a membership.When you reserve a room at DL on an AP rate, you must provide your valid AP ID number. This is nothing new.
I feel Disney is offering the same enticement/reward with AP rates when they become available. Yes, they do it to fill rooms & yes they offer that first to FL residents & AP holders, then the general public. I believe they do it in that order for a reason.

Whatever, I am not saying folks are bad because they don't see it my way. I said I get disappointed when it shuts out valid AP holders & that I view it as a loophole.

 

[Carnotaurus]

About missed rates. Higher rates. Confusing rates.

Disney forces you to plan way ahead if you want to have a successful trip. (If you want to enjoy a character breakfast, for example.)

So it's frustrating when Disney doesn't give you the tools you need to plan your trip -- opening hours, rate info, etc.

The best you can do is plan according to past years. So, it
is disappointing when the rates are late or scarce. It is especially disappointing when the very people who answer the phone for Disney are more confused than you.

Disney doesn't owe us discounts. But when we do our best and are foiled -- of course we're disappointed.

 

[DMRick]

I said I get disappointed when it shuts out valid AP holders & that I view it as a loophole
**
The difference is, Disney gets to decide who the valid AP holders are, and right now they consider children and potential holders the same as what you consider valid. They own the keys to the place, so our opinions, unfortunately don't matter. But if they did...boy could we tell them how to run the place right

 

[jiminy14]

I called at 5:30 this evening and every resort that I inquired about still had availability. I asked about WL, POR, AKL, and the Poly and could have gotten the AP discount at any of them. I booked the AKL standard pool view for $183, since I couldn't justify paying $280/night at the Poly for a garden view.
I paid $215/night for the same room during Christmas week.
As for availability opening up, it does happen. When I was booking our Christmas trip last October there was nothing available at the Poly. I booked the AKL (Savannah view $169/night) and kept calling back every two weeks. Finally at the beginning of December, rooms became available at the Poly with the AP discount. I just canceled my AKL ressie and rebooked at the Poly. Don't give up hope just yet. You may get what you want after the initial frenzy dies down.

 

[Ergens2]

Don't give up hope yet. I didn't get my resort I wanted in Dec. so I waited 3 days after the rates came out and called back. I was on hold for less than 3 min(if you call that a hold) and I got the resort and the AP rate when just 3 days earlier I was told they were booked! Be patient and keep trying!!!

 

[Nik's Mom]

My complaint is that the Boards lead people to believe they are entitled to an AP rate, even if they aren't AP holders - That it is perfectly fine to book the AP rate & get a child's AP just for the discount, which possibly shuts an AP holder out of the rate designed for them. Yes I know Disney allows this loophole & yes allows folks to exploit it, but I do find it disappointing.....

I think all our talk of codes here really raises peoples expectations & sends the signal to not go unless you get a code. I think you should go to WDW & stay where you want & can afford & if you get a code, count your blessings instead of expecting it or taking it for granted.

Maybe I'm wrong, but I thought you could not get an ap rate with just a child's ap. I agree that people should not book something they can't afford though.
Sorry to the op. I hope you still have a magicl wedding and honeymoon.

 

[ndmommy]

I think you need to remember that anyone who want's to utilize an AP code by buying one AP pass is a valid AP holder and the code was designed for use by him/her also. Disney uses the codes as a marketing tool to get people to buy an AP pass as well as a "perk" for regular AP buyers.QUOTE]

Amen to that! I am one of those people using the AP for discounts. I am planning only one trip this year staying for 7 nights. However, I am getting an AP to get the room discount for my room and my sisters. I will also be using the pass to get a DDE card so that our group of 8 can get discounts on our dining. What's wrong with that?

 

[Nik's Mom]

A manager just told me that she's so very very sorry that i've had this kind of treatment...she is going to see if she can get the FL Resident rate approved for my stay....keep ya posted

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you! We honeymooned at WDW 9 years ago and it was perect!

 

[offtheice]

I was told by a CM yesterday that if I place a room on hold last night, that I'd be able to apply any AP discounts when they were released. When I called back this morning, they were not able to apply the discount and told me to call back tomorrow. When I questioned what was happening, I was told that they were having a problem with the back system and applying AP discounts to Deluxe hotels. Whatever all that mumbo-jumbo means, I'm certainly glad I have a back up plan in place to stay at the Swan.

We where told the same thing sat. Called back today .Sold out. Called back 5 min later and waited for 45min. Was able to get my Family a room at pops for $74 bucks .. If the say no the first time, just try back again.

 

[pumpkinfish]

Well I still consider myself a "newbie" (hasn't been my one-yr anniversary yet ), and I have learned a lot since my last trip (in Sept). Because of my fellow DISers, DH and I will be buying our MYW tix tomorrow from AAA, and then upgrading DH's to AP when we get to the parks. Between our April and October (still being planned) trips, we will save over $250 (after the purchase of the upgrade to AP for DH). PLUS, I will try to get us in one last trip before his AP expires in April '06!

I have worked really hard these last few days to pull together final arrangements. I went from POP for $94/nt through AAA, to POR for $126/nt with AAA, to finally getting the AP rate for POR of $109.

I still learn new things everyday, like Tracy Bell is the nicest CRO person I have met so far (talked to her earlier this evening)! She told me herself to keep trying! I was so worried that I was pestering them so much! She simply told me to keep trying, and those are the people who will get what they want.

 

[disfamily2]

Pumpkinfish,

Do you save any money when you buy your tickets through AAA and then have it upgraded to an AP when you get to Disney ? Just wondering how that works ??????

Jo Ann

 

[MaryKatesMom]

I think you need to remember that anyone who want's to utilize an AP code by buying one AP pass is a valid AP holder and the code was designed for use by him/her also. Disney uses the codes as a marketing tool to get people to buy an AP pass as well as a "perk" for regular AP buyers.QUOTE]

Amen to that! I am one of those people using the AP for discounts. I am planning only one trip this year staying for 7 nights. However, I am getting an AP to get the room discount for my room and my sisters. I will also be using the pass to get a DDE card so that our group of 8 can get discounts on our dining. What's wrong with that?

Nothing is wrong with that. The problem IMHO is that people are buying AP's EXPECTING a room discount and there was never a guarantee of a room discount. Ever. A room discount should be a nice surpise and bonus.

 

[pumpkinfish]

Pumpkinfish,

Do you save any money when you buy your tickets through AAA and then have it upgraded to an AP when you get to Disney ? Just wondering how that works ??????

Jo Ann

Well, according to the CM I spoke with today, she said it is perfectly ok to buy the MYW tix DH and I had planned on buying from AAA, and then upgrading when we visit our first park. This is how I figured it out for DH and myself:

2 MYW tix with AAA (5 day base + park hopper option) = $470
1 upgrade for DH (to use AP rates)= $178.

Total =$648.

I do believe you save money (a little) if you buy your tix through AAA and then upgrade. At least how I did the math! LOL!