conflicting info on sept ap rates

[EJ Gracie]

I'm sorry but I had to start a new thread, the other one was getting too long. On Friday I called CRO, like I do everyday but this time I decided to tell them my story. I told the man that I was planning my honeymoon and I had spent about $700.00 on aps (for my DF and I) and I can't book anything but we are to be married on Sept. 13, and the time is drawing near. He put me on hold and contacted guest services. I was on hold for about 40 min until he got back to me and told me to be patient that THEY WERE COMING, I did book the WL and he said he could change the rate when they came out.


Also last week I called and they said that the MM monitor was coming out we should get the info soon.

But then this morning I called and I spoke with a woman who said that she had worked for Disney for a long time and had never seen it take this long for aP rates to come out. She then said that she was pretty sure that there would be NO AP RATES FOR SEPT, due to that stupid fairytale package, she said that they sold too many rooms for that and no AP rooms would be available. I told her that I couldn't get that package cause I already had my tickets, and she said she understood and was sorry.

I know nothing is a given but they should have at least given preference to us. I'm sorry I'm whining, but I think it stinks!

 

[EJ Gracie]

One more thing. That really great rate for the swan and dolphin, is sold out!

 

[susy]

How nice that they can afford to have rooms just sit empty. They obviously have availability. Lots of great specials down here in South FL. The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne (Miami) for $169 and the Breakers in Palm Beach ( also 5 star) for $149.

 

[robinb]

Originally posted by EJ Gracie
One more thing. That really great rate for the swan and dolphin, is sold out!

Bummer! Is that the $99 rate or the $139 rate? You might want to pick up the $139 rate if it's still available. That's our current back-up plan for Christmas.

 

[cindyfan]

IMHO.....those AP rates just ain't gonna happen!!

No one seems to be able to figure this out!!
They told us to wait for the Mickey Monitor....but the only thing in there is for OKW and it ENDS on August 23rd!
Why would they tell us to wait for the MM knowing that it didn't go past August???!!!

Talk about a lot of frustrated loyal Disney guests!!!

 

[Mikenmindy]

hope everything turns out great.. keep hope alive!

 

[johnnyr]

I had a theory on this hole mess, but don't know if it will hold up. With FTP and the moving of guests from moderates to deluxes at unbelievable rates because of rehabs, are they trying to recover some of their lost profits by not offering AP discounts?

John

 

[Mikenmindy]

If the end result of them not offering AP/PAP room discounts means that people either:
A. shorten their stay
B. Stay at off-Disney resorts
C. non-renew AP's
D. Vacation elsewhere
then I think they are doing the shareholders a disservice.
If people are addicted to Disney and suck it up and pay the higher rates be it with other discounts or rack rates then maybe they do turn a profit still.

 

[frannn]

Part of the reason is that I need 10/10!!! But, I think Disney is now playing the "waiting game" with us. They don't want to give the rooms away, especially since they did that with the FTP. Maybe AP rates will come out towards the end of Aug, because I don't think the rooms will sell out at rack rate. A bunch of people will book offsite, and others will cancel their existing ressies once they get tired of waiting for a discount. With all the discount options I have (DC, Disney Visa, AP), I would think I could do better in Oct than the 15% I already have through DC. To think, I am staying at Homestead Suites for the first few days in Boca Raton,FL for about 50/night (including tax) and Holiday Inn in Ft Meyers,FL for about 50. (including tax). Both rooms supply fridge free and I believe Homestead has a microwave. If I recall correctly, Hojo gives free continental breakfast. I know I am willing to pay the extra $ to stay at Disney in a value resort, but thats as high as I go with no discount. I'm sure other people can not afford to or have no desire to spend the $ for rack rate. I wonder if Disney realizes how many phone calls we flood the CMs with every day to see if the rates came out yet. Oh, well, I guess they really do work for us-they're getting paid to say, "not yet" several times over. I'll still keep calling; I just won't hold my breath. Just remember, each hotel room that stays empty is lost revenue. They are not stupid enough to let rooms stay empty. If there is still a decent amount of availabilty, there will be AP rates or yet another pkg deal.

 

[DebbieB]

But then this morning I called and I spoke with a woman who said that she had worked for Disney for a long time and had never seen it take this long for aP rates to come out.

She better check her facts. I was waiting for May for a long time. 4/28 to 7/3 came out on 4/21. One week before. So her statement is incorrect.

http://www.mousesavers.com/faq.html#codetrends

Why would they tell us to wait for the MM knowing that it didn't go past August???!!!

Because they don't know, they are just guessing. They want to get you off the phone.

 

[BHFAN]

DebbieB, you are correct. I didn't get the AP rate until Monday and I left on Saturday! I'm still waiting. But I'm think of off-site too.

 

[johnnyr]

I don’t doubt for one minute that Disney monitors these and other boards and they are listening to every word we type. I am, however surprised at how many people don’t know how to get the discounts or are aware of the various Internet sites that are dedicated to finding the cheapest way to vacation at WDW. Just ask around (coworkers, friends, etc.) I assumed everyone knew about the Disboards when I took my last trip. I made many friends at the resort we stayed in, but none of the people I met ever heard of this or any of the other sites. Everyone I talked with booked through a travel agent and were paying full price. This is what Disney is counting on. Given that bit of information, and knowing the research they do with the public, are we just a small number? Maybe that is why they can get away with pulling the rug out from under us.

Not only do I vacation at WDW, I have been a stockholder in the Disney Company for the past three years (and not the souvenir type). Their stock has been beat up fairly bad since 911. One of the reasons they give is because of low park attendance. This year, I also became an AP holder and I can tell you that between the stock and AP issues, I am not a happy Disney investor. They need to keep their loyal guests (and investors) happy while offering the general public attractive rates. That, IMHO will fill the parks and resorts.

John

 

[dkostel]

I just checked the WDW site to see how much it would cost to bite the bullet & book rack rate. They have listed a Fairytale vacation package which doesn't seem to be a deal at all. I checked and for 2 people its almost 470 a night for AKL Savannah. Is this fabulous deal (sarcasm implied) what is holding up AP rates? Do they think people will be fooled into thinking this is the same as the other FTP?
Too funny.

Donna

 

[randbmom]

I was able to get the $139 rate at Swan just yesterday fr 8/24-8/29. Don't give up hope, the AP rate at Swan is not sold out for all dates!

 

[CarolA]

If the resorts are "fairly" full due to the success of the FTP they may be willing to let the remaining rooms stay at full price for walk ups. (And yes they have them. I have read about and seen people walk up!) Those walkups often pay full price and are VERY profitable so it might not be in Disney's best interest to turn them away.

Also, they are probably monitoring booking levels and if they are continuing to get bookings at their current rates why should they discount.

I don't know the reason, these are just some random thoughts.

 

[BEACHCLUBVILLAS]

Congrats on your wedding. Have you considered renting from a Disney Vacation Club member? You can rent points from a member on a per night basis which can vary depending on the day of the week and the resort. If you go to the DIS Discussion Forum main menu, scroll down to Disney Vacation Club forum. From there, go to the rent/trade forum. Disney Vacation Club (DVC) have Villas at WL (WLV), Beach Club (BCV), Boardwalk(BWV) and Old Key West(OKW). Most folks rent points at $10 point. During Sept, you can get a studio for 12 points per night weekdays and 22 points per night weekends at WLV, BCV and BWV. Thats $120 night, and you don't pay any additional taxes, for your Sun through Thurs night stay and $220 night for Friday night and Saturday night. It's fewer points to stay at Old KeyWest (8 pts weekday; 20 weekend).

At this late date you may need to be flexible on which resort to stay at but OKW usually has rooms. The Studios all have a queen bed, couch table, tv etc. plus a microwave, coffemaker, refridgerator. If you wanted to do it big you could upgrade to a 1 bedroom which has a separate bedroom with a King bed and jacuzzi as well as a full size kitchen. The points for those at OKW are 16 pts for each weekday and 40 points for weekend. The other resorts (WLV, BCV, BWV) are 22 pts weekdays and 45 points on weekend.

It's an option rather than waiting for the AP rates. The Studio's are very nice. The only difference is you do not get housekeeping every day. If you stay 5 days or longer they will come give you fresh towels and empty trash midway through.

Whatever you decide best wishes on your wedding.

 

[madge]

tried to delete....wouldn't let me....read ahead

 

[miko]

madge- you might want to try and post reply again! Or was the reply nothing?

 

[madge]

I sent Disney and e-mail expressing my frustration at the lack of discounts for Fall. I also expressed my disappointment that I did not get a postcard or e-mail rate, in spite of being a DC member, former AP holder and yearly Disney guest. Here's a portion of the reply I got:
As you are aware, the various Walt Disney World Resorts do periodically offer
special resort programs or rates as a courtesy to our guests; and that some
specific promotions also require a special PIN number to access. The recipients
for these PIN programs are selected randomly from various market segments.

It is most unfortunate that you did not retain the fabulous Disney Club
Fairytale Vacation Packages you booked earlier this year, as it was the best
discount promotion ever offered. Regretfully, the booking dates for this offer
ended in June.

We are sorry that we cannot be of more assistance at this time

I replied to them that I will be staying at the Dolphin resort (which I am doing anyway, looking for a code for 3 extra nights).I also let them know that the FTP was of no interest to me whatsoever. Somehow, I don't think it will matter too much

we'll see.....

 

[chinamom3]

Re the comments about the Swan being heavily booked: I have reservations there on October 16 and 17 at the AP rate, but they have absolutely no availability there or the Dolphin for the 14 and 15 using either the AP or teacher rate. I asked the operator if I just kept calling back could somthing possibly open up, and she said no, that they have a convention there and when that happens they are not allowed to sell rooms cheaper than the convention rate. (But, obviously, I can't GET the convention rate, nor would she tell me what it is.) I have never heard that before, and don't know if it's correct or not, but everytime I call and ask for the 14 and 15 they tell me they have nothing, but can book me for the 16, 17, and 18. I'm definitely doing the Swan for those last two nights because of their wonderful late (4:00pm) checkout, our flight leaves at 6:00. I have a Contemporary reservation for the other 2 nights and am hoping for an AP rate to come out. I do feel for the rest of you who need the AP NOW.