Could someone please explain the "codes" to me.

[Beth76]

I keep reading about codes, AP codes, general-public codes, code-watchers etc. I'm guessing that these are good rates for the resorts. I understand that AP means annual pass, and I don't have one. We will only go to Disney once a year (if that), so I won't get that. But, what about the general public codes (or any other codes)? How do I get those, how do they work? I really feel like I know absolutely nothing about traveling to Disney, or at least on a budget. Will you share your "secret" with me?

 

[MiJo]

Someone may be able to explain it better than me but here goes:
Disney offers discount codes for resorts. They can be found here or at mousesavers.com. A code might be something like "BDY". They usually have a specific period of time for which they are good and some seem to include certain resorts and not others. We usually book the Moderates for around $85/night, standard view, with a code. Value Resorts can sometimes be had with a code for around $55 and Deluxes, such as Animal Kingdom Lodge, can be had for $165 (Savannah View). When you get a code you would like to use, you call Disney's CRO and request the code when booking. If you don't get it the first time, call back again until you do. It pays to start calling at 7:00 AM and be persistent. We don't go without a code, but we look for discounts on almost everything (flights, transportation, etc.)

 

[wdwgoofeeee]

Discount information is available on mousesaver.com. We used the Disney "specialist" from them last year (WDWVacations.com). They saved us $800.00 by changing our original AAA discount two more times as codes and other discounts came out. Saves a lot of time and worrying to let them do it. This is especially true since the service is FREE!!!!! They also made our PS for us. Again, a real time saver....and a big money saver. I will never again go crazy looking for and worrying about codes and discounts when they can do it better.

 

[tekmom]

Is it easier to have a public code applied to an existing reservation?

 

[dudspizza]

It is very easy to apply a code to an existing reservation, BUT, you have to be prepared that there may not be availability in the resort you want with the code.

I am booked at POFQ, but am willing to move to another moderate if I need to. POFQ is small and may not have rooms available with the code.....

As suggested above, if you a set on staying at a particular resort, keep calling and asking if the code is available for that resort...

Duds

 

[Beth76]

Thanks everyone. I'm just clueless about this whole thing. I guess I should probably find a travel agent. I thought I could do this on my own.

 

[tigerlilly]

The thing I worry about with codes is if I make a reservation at a resort now then I am not likely to get a postcard with "code rates" in the future since they already "have" me on the books so to speak. We have not gone in 6 years to WDW and have either recieved some sort of post card or email every summer but have been unable to use it.
Also I understand making a reservation and then hoping codes come out later and then applying them to your reservation. But if we all make reservations at the rack rates there may be no incentive for Disney to offer discounts if there is high room occupancy for certain dates....is there? Maybe I am thinking to much as I know they seem to offer codes every year

 

[WillCAD]

Disney release discount codes in a variety of places. They are typicaly three-letter codes that you can use to book a room at the discounted rate. All you have to do to use a code is to call Disney to book your room, and before you tell the CM your dates, tell them "I have a discouont code." Then tell them the 3-letter code and they will enter it into the computer along with your dates. If the code is available for your dates at your resort, the rate will appear on the CM's computer.

General public codes are usually published in newspaper and magazine ads. Some codes go to specific publications, such as Spanish-speaking newspapers, and others go to more mainstream publications like major newspapers (New York Times, etc).

Then there are codes restricted to certain membership groups, such as AAA or WDW Annual Passholders. To use these codes you have to be members of the group and show proof of membership at check-in.

And finally there are person-specific codes, which are sent out by postcard or by email. Codes like these have a PIN associated with them so that only the person who got the postcard can use them. I don't know how strictly they enforce that, however; it may be possible for someone to use a postcard or email code that was sent to someone else.

 

[soccermom5]

our family of 7 is goinf 4/22 4/29 it seems as if my timeshare deal fell through now i am booking a hotel off site but hearing abiut these codes i just might be able to swing a value resort any one know where i can find a code for these dates
thanks in advance

 

[DisneyGirl2005]

First off I am sorry to jump into your thread with another question. It just seems like this might be a good place to ask.

Ok it seems like people call every day even after they have been told no there is nothing available and eventually they get a discount. My husband made our reservations about a week or so ago. Rack rate for Pop June 18th - 24th. After the reservation was made I found this site and started learning about the codes and postcards, etc...

Well I received a postcard in Dec. or Jan. and threw it away because at the time we were talking about going to the beach. Yes I am still sick about it. I have now made a file for anything that comes in the mail about vacations. I will never throw anything away again. Well after reading here I decided to call and see if I could still get the postcard rate. Unfortunately she told me it was not available.

My question is this.. Should I keep trying even though I don't have the postcard? I feel like I am being a pest if I keep calling, especially since I don't actually have the card anymore. I definitely want to save the money but I don't know how far to push it.

I am also thinking about upgrading to an AP for myself if a discount comes out for June and appying that if the postcard thing doesn't work. Any input is greatly appreciated.

 

[scoutsmom99]

Well after reading here I decided to call and see if I could still get the postcard rate. Unfortunately she told me it was not available.Well I received a postcard in Dec. or Jan. and threw it away because at the time we were talking about going to the beach. Yes I am still sick about it. I have now made a file for anything that comes in the mail about vacations. I will never throw anything away again. Well after reading here I decided to call and see if I could still get the postcard rate. Unfortunately she told me it was not available.

My question is this.. Should I keep trying even though I don't have the postcard? I feel like I am being a pest if I keep calling, especially since I don't actually have the card anymore. I definitely want to save the money but I don't know how far to push it.

I am also thinking about upgrading to an AP for myself if a discount comes out for June and appying that if the postcard thing doesn't work. Any input is greatly appreciated.

Gotta love those postcards...I would try calling again! June is a long ways away and people will change thier plans or upgrade to other resorts. Plus it is highly unlikley you would talk to the same person again. Also general codes could come out in the next few months for June as well (make sure to keep your eyes on the boards so you can call and apply it right away to your ressie). As far as an AP goes take a look at this website to calculate if actually purchasing an AP will help you save money. It helped me decide to buy one last fall. http://www.mousesavers.com/annualpass.html.

 

[laurabelle]

First off I am sorry to jump into your thread with another question. It just seems like this might be a good place to ask.

Ok it seems like people call every day even after they have been told no there is nothing available and eventually they get a discount. My husband made our reservations about a week or so ago. Rack rate for Pop June 18th - 24th. After the reservation was made I found this site and started learning about the codes and postcards, etc...

Well I received a postcard in Dec. or Jan. and threw it away because at the time we were talking about going to the beach. Yes I am still sick about it. I have now made a file for anything that comes in the mail about vacations. I will never throw anything away again. Well after reading here I decided to call and see if I could still get the postcard rate. Unfortunately she told me it was not available.

My question is this.. Should I keep trying even though I don't have the postcard? I feel like I am being a pest if I keep calling, especially since I don't actually have the card anymore. I definitely want to save the money but I don't know how far to push it.

I am also thinking about upgrading to an AP for myself if a discount comes out for June and appying that if the postcard thing doesn't work. Any input is greatly appreciated.

Some people have pin numbers associated with their names on the CRO computers. I wonder if you chose a different date, if a a pin would come up? If that's not feasible, AAA offers a 15-20% discount, but availablility may be limited. I have AAA rate booked through a travel agent, and she'll apply codes for me if they become available.
Here's some pixie dust for luck!

 

[WillCAD]

our family of 7 is goinf 4/22 4/29 it seems as if my timeshare deal fell through now i am booking a hotel off site but hearing abiut these codes i just might be able to swing a value resort any one know where i can find a code for these dates
thanks in advance

There are no general codes or AP codes out yet for dates past April 17.

Last year Disney released codes and AP rates for late April/early May around March 9, so we are all holding our breath to see if they release some codes and AP rates this March. Well, at least February is the shortest month of the year!

 

[DisneyGirl2005]

No luck with the pin being attached to our name. I guess now I will have to keep an eye out for the general or AP codes (Not a member of AAA). Thanks for all the advice.

 

[rcraw45425]

Hey Disney Girl. see you're from GA too! Last year about the end of May they ran an ad in the Sunday paper offering GA residents rates for the first part of June. I was able to book Contemporary Resort Garden view for $149 a night. That's the cheapest we've ever stayed there. Wilderness Lodge was aven less than that. So keep an eye on the Sunday travel secttion of the Atlanta Journal/Constitution! HTH Oh yeah, AP codes are great too! We just came back from a get out of the ice storm trip to the "world". I got the Yacht Club for $227 a night with tax. I use Sue Ellen at Dreams Unlimited for my trips now. Had always planned myself, but she makes things so easy and there is no fee to you. She got me several different rooms for our April trip, just changed from CR tower to the Grand Floridian, though the rate is high, it's still about $150 a night off rack rate! Have already recouped the cost of my AP in YC savings alone. PM or email me!