Does Anyone Ever Pay Rack Rate?

[Nora03]

We just got back last night and we're looking for next year already (still unpacking and doing laundry - still need to go grocery shopping). We spent two weeks at Disney (at an off-site vacation home which we loved) and had a great time with our kids and grandkids. We're spending two weeks on the Gulf Coast next March and thought we'd spend two or three days at Disney first (mid-March).

Thought we'd go deluxe, but I almost fell off my chair when I saw the prices. We did stay at the Caribbean Beach Resort once and liked it, but would like to try a Deluxe this time.

Does Disney have my address so they can send me a code? I upgraded and bought tickets there, and had dining reservations at a few places.

Any suggestions on getting a lower rate? I'd appreciate any advice from those who know lots more than me.

Thanks in advance. Nora

 

[raven69david]

During the times you are going, it's very hard to find discounts. You can almost count on little to no discounts during holidays and peak season dates. While it's always possible, a little pixie dust couldn't hurt so here's some for you.

To ensure that Disney has your information, register at Disneyworld.com. That's a great start to ensuring that you're on their list. Also, contact CRO and check if they have you in their system. You'd be amazed how many people call only to find out that they are on a DO NOT CALL/EMAIL list even though they never opted out of anything. The Disney reservation system is quirky for the lack of a more obscene word on such a family oriented site.

Forgot to add that we do pay rack rate but only for Value resorts (stayed one night at ASMo last December). We've only stayed at AKL and have always gotten 30%/40% off codes and have always been upgraded to savana room for free. We've never paid rack at AKL nor paid for the upgrade. WOOHOO <fingers crossed for continued luck at AKL>

 

[Nora03]

Thanks for the info and pixie dust. I'm pretty sure I'm registered as I get regular emails, newsletters, etc. However, I will call CRO to ensure I'm on their list.

We had been thinking we'd like to stay at the Grand Floridian, but not at the prices listed (and that's 2008 rates). I just couldn't consider paying $400 - $700/night when we are staying at a beautiful two bedroom, two bathroom condo right on the beach on the Gulf Coast for $1,000/week. We just spent one week there and loved it.

However, the Wilderness Lodge or Animal Kingdom Lodge are less expensive and they look pretty spectacular. I know we're paying for the privilege of staying onsite, but as retirees we need to spend our dollars carefully.

Thanks again. Nora

 

[Munchkin'sMommy]

Just wondering how you were able to get a 30-40% discount at the AKL? I am registered at disneyworld.com and recieved the planning video. Since I requested the dvd, will CRO have me in their system? I really want to stay at AKL next year, but can't really see myself paying rack rate. I want to go in May for my son's third birthday and wouldn't you know it that his birthday is in regular season!

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

We're paying rack rate for club level at AKL in August.
No AAA rates, no AP rates, no availability for club level on DVC points. Ordinarily I would NOT pay rack rate.

 

[disneyfan55]

There are codes at times to the general public. They are on the Mousesaver.com website. Sometimes WDW posts specials on their site as well. The Disney Visa card offers specials at times, too.

 

[Tess]

We're paying rack rate in June for our GVC at the Polynesian. Yeah, the rate is enough to make you go , but it is our daughter's HS graduation and probably the kids last visit on our dime. There were no discounts on that room type whatsoever, no AAA even. It is the first time we have paid rack rate in many years and it does not make me want to return.

 

[disneyfan55]

We're paying rack rate in June for our GVC at the Polynesian. Yeah, the rate is enough to make you go , but it is our daughter's HS graduation and probably the kids last visit on our dime. There were no discounts on that room type whatsoever, no AAA even. It is the first time we have paid rack rate in many years and it does not make me want to return.

There are Annual Pass discounts out there through Aug 2, it may be worth it to buy at least one to get the discount. Just an idea

 

[Disney Fool]

I have never paid rack rate. I've always utilized "bounce-back" programs (using one for Grand Floridian in August for 30% off) and annual pass discounted rooms. Although they are probably a thing of the past, the discount on an AP has been as deep as 45%. I've stayed at the GF for 200 a night. Also, there are codes for the general public and the discounts have been up to 25-30% off. Don't forget the AAA discounts --but you must watch the time of year that you are going. I always try to book during Value season for the deluxes. Hope this helps.

 

[RFrank9504]

Never!! I've always gotten some kind of special free dining, upgraded room, 7 nights for the price of 3 or 4 a few years back (disney made good on my honeymoon-9/11 happened and former NYers-our honeymoon was a bust...they honored our tickets and gave us a great package to come back with 18 mos.)-that was the bestest!...then again i probably just zapped myself for next time....lol

 

[disneyfan55]

I have never paid rack rate. I've always utilized "bounce-back" programs (using one for Grand Floridian in August for 30% off) and annual pass discounted rooms. Although they are probably a thing of the past, the discount on an AP has been as deep as 45%. I've stayed at the GF for 200 a night. Also, there are codes for the general public and the discounts have been up to 25-30% off. Don't forget the AAA discounts --but you must watch the time of year that you are going. I always try to book during Value season for the deluxes. Hope this helps.

Yes the AP rates used to be really a bargain. We paid 74 per night at the CS and 114 per night at WL in 2003! It really was worth while since we already had the AP that we went to WDW on in 2002!

 

[LaLupita]

I always pay rack rate, but for value resorts. I never seem to get a good offer or code. I used to stay offsite with my parents, but now that I have my own kids, it's easier for me to get on the ME, go to my hotel and use Disney Transportation to got to the parks..oh and we get EMH. So, rack rate doesn't seem so bad...

 

[mickeynut1]

We paid rack rate in September 2006 & 2007 to be eligible for the free dining promos at that time . All the previous years we've gone, it's been during some special Disney was running at that time . But we go to Disney every year, so we would go even if we had to pay rack rate . Our 2 favorite resorts are the Polynesian and the WL, with the Poly being quite a bit more expensive . But each resort is great in its own way, so if we couldn't do the Poly, the WL would win out . It's still a deluxe resort with a little cheaper price tag .

 

[Luv2Roam]

I have never paid it, but I'm cheap.
I have a friend though that when they book they go through their TA and just pay whatever they are told they need to. No questions asked.
We bother took the same WDW trip back in 2001 and she paid $400 more than me just because she did not want to both with what was then the Disney discount card. Not that they are rich. They just don't bother to research discounts.
I'm sure there are a lot of people like that, or just expect Disney to be expensive and pay without thinking of any discounts.

 

[twinklebug]

... it is our daughter's HS graduation and probably the kids last visit on our dime.

Keep telling yourself that

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

There are Annual Pass discounts out there through Aug 2, it may be worth it to buy at least one to get the discount. Just an idea

AP rates are based on availability. We already have APs and when the rates came out I put TONS of dates in to see if I could get a club level room at AKL to come up. Nope. Nothing. No point in buying an AP just for a discount if there are no discounts for your room type.

 

[sherry8253]

We're paying rack rate for club level at AKL in August.
No AAA rates, no AP rates, no availability for club level on DVC points. Ordinarily I would NOT pay rack rate.

We are paying rack rate for club level at AKL in Dec too. No AAA rate so I am guessing no AP rate when they come out either. We wanted to stay there the entire time but could only get 5 nights. It is tough even getting a club level room since DVC has moved into the AKL let alone one at a discount. We wanted to stay there in Jan '08 for our honeymoon and tried to book in April '07 for Jan '08 and nothing was available. My guess is discounts for club level rooms at AKL will be hard to snag.

 

[WDW~Lover]

25 trips, concierge level, all deluxe but one stay at CBR, I have also stayed suites. NEVER paid rack rate, ALAYS got a AP rate!

It is pricey enough with a good discount. I would never pay Rack!

 

[Tess]

There are Annual Pass discounts out there through Aug 2, it may be worth it to buy at least one to get the discount. Just an idea

We are all AP holders and there were zip, nada, and zilch available for the club (concierge) level. We figured there was very little hope of any type of discount this year when we couldn't even score a piddly AAA discount.

 

[Tess]

Keep telling yourself that

It has become our mantra. . .we will not take our college students, we will not take our college students. . .actually, we would really like to go again by ourselves for F&WF--maybe someday.