Confused: Are the plain old "AP rates" gone?

[Mainebound]

hi all,

I've been out of the loop on codes and there are so many threads on AP rates that I am a bit confused.

I'm wondering if there will still be regular AP rates now that best rate program has been implemented. If so, will they be as good, and as widely available, as the old AP rates? I am looking at early December.

Thanks for your input!

 

[Epscot]

Cast Members are assuring people that AP rates will still be available the "old" way, but have offerred no details (will the discounts be essentially the same as the "Best Rates" program or be not so good, will you need to have your AP or voucher in hand to book as required with the BR program or can you buy it later as in previous years, etc). Those of us that plan to check-in between 5 Oct (the day after the Free Dining promotion ends) and 15 Oct (BR program was introduced exactly 120 days prior to this date and WDTC/CRO didn't seem know the answers to any questions about the then-brand-new BR program) are anxiously awaiting the answers to these and other similar questions so that we can finalize the budget for our trip.

 

[cobbler]

Yep, that is the million dollar question. I have been told yes but have not seen anything so far. Of course for Oct- Dec they weren't out until the end of August so we have just under a month wait yet.

 

[TDC Nala]

I just booked one for November. It's less than rack rate. Don't know if the Best Rate folks are getting a better rate.

 

[snowmouse]

It seems like they could have quite a riot on their hands if they don't offer something for fall. Many who did sign on to the best rate on faith will have bought a pig in a poke.

 

[HLAuburn]

TDC Nala-
You booked a "regular" AP rate for Nov? I didn't think they were out yet. Do tell!

 

[TDC Nala]

I called, asked for my dates (Nov. 10 - 13) and said I was a passholder. My one night deposit is $88 and change (Pop Century). Asked about cancellation and they said refundable up to 5 days before checkin. Rack rate at Pop is $109 regular season.

I thought it might work because APs were out for those using Best Rate and I am within 120 days, so I couldn't use Best Rate anyway.

I don't know what the confirmation will say yet, though.

 

[Mainebound]

What a mess!!

Thanks everyone, for your input. I'll keep my eyes and ears out for those AP rates!

 

[Tiffany]

hi all,

I've been out of the loop on codes and there are so many threads on AP rates that I am a bit confused.

I'm wondering if there will still be regular AP rates now that best rate program has been implemented. If so, will they be as good, and as widely available, as the old AP rates? I am looking at early December.

Thanks for your input!

The answers coming from CM is that AP rates will still be offered the "old" way if needed and if the rate that is offered the "old" way is less than the rate that they offered through the new Best Rate Program I will automaticly reduce the rate you booked through the Best Rate Program to match the lower rate they offer through the "old" way.

The thing here is that they are only going to offer the rates via the "old" method if "they need to". If they meet their targeted booking numbers using all of their other methods they will not "need" to offer rooms via the "old" method so nothing is garenteed.

If your dates are firm I would book using the Best Rate Program as you really have nothing to lose. You are booking the best rate avaiable at the time you book and if Disney offers a lower rate in the future they will reduce your rate.

We are booked through the Best Rate Program for our November 2005 trip at a rate of $109 a night plus tax for a standard view at POR. This is truely the lowest rate out there right now.

As soon as they load the information to be consistent with the current release of the Mickey Monitor I plan on booking for our Jan 2006 trip. We already have airfare locked in for our dates so locking the room in is what we want.

 

[bicker]

The thing here is that they are only going to offer the rates via the "old" method if "they need to". If they meet their targeted booking numbers using all of their other methods they will not "need" to offer rooms via the "old" method so nothing is garenteed.

Indeed. I was an AP holder for many years, and never was able to get an AP rate because typically other AP holders reserved all the available discounted rooms before I even had a chance to call in to book them myself. Now, instead of it being a matter of luck, folks can make a non-refundable commitment and in return secure their place in the queue.

 

[CarolMN]

It seems like they could have quite a riot on their hands if they don't offer something for fall. Many who did sign on to the best rate on faith will have bought a pig in a poke.

Wow! I booked 1 night for early December using the Best Rate Program and I sure don't think I bought "a pig in a poke". I knew exactly what I was booking! I got an AP rate that is comparable to other AP rates offered this year, so I don't expect it to go down further (but of course would happily accept a lower rate if Disney decides to give me one).

My rate (at CSR) is $104.82 (incl tax). That is an AP rate - rack rate for that date (value season) is $149.41 (incl tax). I would not have booked online if an AP rate had not been offered.

I did have to pay a nonrefundable deposit - but I am willing to accept the risk that our trip will be cancelled. If my plans were not firm, I would not have booked this way. To me, it's no different than the way I book my airfare - I buy nonrefundable tickets (to get the lower price). If i change my mind or cancel the trip, I don't get my $$ back either.

Best wishes -

 

[Tiffany]

I just booked one for November. It's less than rack rate. Don't know if the Best Rate folks are getting a better rate.

Did you book using a AAA discount? Standard view rooms at the Moderates are going for $109 a night plus tax through the Best Rate Program. That was less then the rate through AAA which was $121 a night plus tax. Both were better then rack rate of course.

 

[Tiffany]

I called, asked for my dates (Nov. 10 - 13) and said I was a passholder. My one night deposit is $88 and change (Pop Century). Asked about cancellation and they said refundable up to 5 days before checkin. Rack rate at Pop is $109 regular season.

I thought it might work because APs were out for those using Best Rate and I am within 120 days, so I couldn't use Best Rate anyway.

I don't know what the confirmation will say yet, though.

So it does look like there are some AP discounted rooms for Nov using the "old" method.