Could this happen?

[mom2grace]

Okay, say we book before the 120 day window for December at WL using the AP best rate plan. If only rack is available, then have we screwed ourselves by purchasing an AP and also losing out on adding dining to the rack rate room booked using the best rate plan?

Did that make sense?

 

[calie_j]

Yep that's pretty much correct.

#1 if all that's available is rack I wouldn't book best rate (and I believe it isn't best rate if it comes up as rack the fine print will show the 5 day cancelation like a regular booking)

If you buy an AP you are stuck with the ticket and the expense. Doesn't mean you have to activate it if a package comes up that you buy other tickets for but if you aren't planning other trips it's not worth it.

It's certainly a gamble and not one I'd take lightly........however I did take that gamble for these reasons: I knew we couldn't take advantage of the dining plan free or not, we're doing mainly table service and have a split stay so would need 2 sets of tickets to get package for both resorts. No public codes have come out this year so a pretty safe bet that after getting an AP discount they wouldn't release one anyone could use. With all the dining we have planned the DDE discount would pay for the difference between our planned 6 day parkhoppers and 1 AP. We need 1 day parking while we're staying offsite so add that to the money saved. This left us with only gambling about $50 (the cost to buy the DDE card), if we didn't get a discount we lost $50 extra we paid for AP/DDE, if we got a $50 room discount we broke even...........We took the gamble and could have saved $150 off our resorts but one wasn't available (and I wasn't willing to switch) so only saved $100. We still came out ahead but it was a risk. So that's my experience.

This gamble isn't for everyone and I'd for sure check to see how the availability is now because it seems alot of places are already full on the best rate plan. Being flexible in where you want might help too.



Calie

 

[SueEllen]

Yes, if a package came out that you wanted more you would lose the deposit paid on the best rate room--since it is non-refundable.

BUT, even if the rate comes up at rack on the Best Rate website and you book it, that does not mean you are stuck with rack rates. I have booked these for clients and then the rates have indeed been adjusted by Disney. Just make sure you have a best rate guarantee room booked, and then you *might* get a lower rate (it's not guaranteed that it will go lower.)

Sue Ellen