Do you think an AP rate will even come available for these dates?

[mrg013]

We're going to WDW from Dec. 25-31. I know, we're crazy!! We've booked our airfare, and now I can't decide what to do for the hotel. We can always do Swan or Dolphin with a teacher discount, assuming it's available.

In past years I know they have offered AP discounts, in which the last day for check-in was usually Christmas Day. If they offer this again, it would be perfect, since it's our first night. I'm worried that with the way Christmas falls this year on a Monday, they may end the discount during the weekend before. I can't decide what to do!!!! Do you think the rate will be available during my stay? I may just go ahead and book Swan or Dolphin so I know I have a room somewhere and then hope for an AP rate to come out.

 

[margiegirl]

As a Disney newbie, what is AP? And how do you find out about it? Thanks for letting me barge.

Margiegirl

 

[mrg013]

An AP is an annual pass to the Disney World parks. At various points in the year they offer discounted rates at the resorts for annual passholders. The price is somewhere in the $400s now for a basic one, and only one member of your family needs it to get the special discounts. To see if AP rates have come out for your vacation dates, you can often look around on here, or go to mousesavers.com, where they are always posted.

 

[Tink10]

AP = Annual Pass - Discounts have almost always been historically offered......Until recently.

mrg013, I wouldn't hold my breath if I were you. The number of AP discounts have diminished signifigantly and this year, the Holiday season at WDW is predicted to be busier than ever. It seems that WDW is now releasing AP rated just to fill a small number of unsold rooms.

Another thing to consider is that AP rates aren't being released as early out as they once were, so it could be as late as November before we know if they'll happen......For a week as busy as Christmas, I'd get something booked ASAP.

I'm now hoping for AP rates for October for a pre DVC stay & I decided to just book at rack rate for the nights I need. If AP rates happen, then I'll switch.

 

[n2mm]

AP discounts have changed drastically this past year. This past Easter was completely blacked-out, so I would expect Christmas to also be blacked-out. The discounts are less and less and go very quickly when they are released. If the rooms are filled, Disney will not have any incentive to release discounts. I would make sure you're comfortable with whatever accommodations you make and if a discount appears, that will be icing on the cake!

 

[spiceycat]

how about a hotel where you won't need the discount - like a value or moderate....

or you might consider renting points from a DVC member - but that is such a high season that DVC probably isn't that great either....