Fall/Winter AP rate news!

[n2mm]

BrianD-

No problem! Let's just hope it works out for EVERYONE!!! I promise to keep everyone posted!

Chris

Congratulations on being one of the first! We will all be watching for any news you care to share. While I do believe there will indeed be discounts, and better discounts than AAA, we are all curious to see what they might be. Someone mentioned 50% off would be nice, which I highly doubt. I don't believe that Disney will ever offer the same discount they give their employees to AP holders, so lets hope for 40% off. Of course it's the non-refundable deposit that makes me cringe. And I would find myself kicking myself, should a package with the free dining plan comes out and you can't switch to it. Good Luck and I know it will work out for you.

 

[TLinden16]

Barbeml, I'm not sure it's just the AP rate abuse that is a factor in this. I think it is in part for the folks who do book their rooms far in advance, and then call to apply that rate later. By setting up a system like this, it will give Disney the chance to lower the rates without taxing their system for a day or two when they release the codes. They will know in advance how many people have passholder rooms available, and it will be that many less people who will call in the day the rates go down to apply a code. They can probably lower the rates on all those reservations at once by using a program. That will save them money because they won't have to pay for OT for extra cast members to come in and work the phones when discounts are released. It won't be as taxing on their computer system (I can't tell you the last time I called Disney and didn't hear the cast member say, "I apologize. My system is slow or down").

Think this program is geared towards those folks who do book in advance, and call the day the codes come out to get their discount. I don't think Disney would set something like this up if they weren't going to give out those discounts. I think we'll see the same type of rates we've been seeing of late--about $25 off values, $40 off mods, and $100 off deluxe. I don't think the days of the 40% off rates are gone for now.

And I do think that people will still be able to call closer to the dates they want a room for to book a discounted rate--just like they always have. I don't think that Disney is going to alienate passholders. And they would rather have those rooms filled at a discounted rate than go empty.

I don't agree with the nonrefundable thing, and I think that is the only thing about this system that people really have a beef about (but that is my opinion).

Karen

 

[pjpoohbear]

Here is my question, when are final payments due? If this is going thru WDTC then is it going to be early then check-in?

Penny

 

[Lollipop Mom]

I think there are a lot of people who are not understanding that this is a new program but not necisarily the only way to book AP discounts now. FanofG00fy, I do believe they will release discounts and, quite honestly, I think your best chance of getting them at the resort that you want, in the exact view that you want is with this program. I think they will make sure of that! What bothers me is just that there are so many questions left unanswered and so few CMs, at the reservations center and in sales, who were not even aware this was available much less able to answer the unanswered questions.

What intrests me most is that I do think that this has a sign of things to come as far as AP rates go. I would be very surprised if they went to EVERY AP rate reservation being nonrfundable deposit, but I won't be surprises if they have 45 day, or even 60 day, cancelation policies now. I do think needing an AP # or voucher # will be required in the future. I hope that allowing the purchase of an AP either over the phone or in an online transaction will also be allowed.

My best guess is that they will make these first couple of rounds of code releases have this program appear very attractive. Maybe not that the rates will be better than you could get calling in but that the avilability for call in rates will be very slim. That there will be people saying they wish they had bit the bullet and used the program. We just have to wait and see. I think it's safe to say they will stick to the "suprise release" of AP codes now...I think it will feed that "OH NO! They're all going to be gone now!" panic when people don't realize they are out for several hours.

For people who have an AP already, I don't think this will be a bad thing. I think we will see them pushing package deals more and not necisarily see room only discounts for the public so for people debating on an AP, I think the better bet is to sit tight and wait to see what package offers come out. There will be some upset passholders if they book with this and great package offers come out BUT there were a ton of upset passholders over the Fairy Tale Package (buy a 4 day package, get 3 additional days of accomodations and tickets free) because it didn't benefit AP holders in any way so it won't be the first time they come out with an offer that thrills lots of people and upsets a large group of others.

The things I have written and expressed my concerns over are
(1) we need an FAQ on this offer on the web site. There are lots of questions that need to be addressed.
(2) why not start this off with at least SOME flat discount in order to make it more attractive to current AP holders. (and to compete w/ AAA discount)
(3) can you give some indication of how this will affect the rest of the passholder rate program? what about trips planned less than 120 days out?
(4) will this be available to book indefinitely far out. What about 2006, you typically do not allow for reservations that extend in to 2006 online untill very late into 2005, or even Jan 1 2006, will online booking for this be available at least 120 days prior to Jan 1, 2006 or does this mean that this offer will not be available for dates from 1/1/06 untill 5/1/06 (120 days from 1/1)?
(5) this nonrefundable deposit, if I need to cancel, can I rather than canceling, can I modify to a date in the future and have the deposit transfer over?
(6) will this rate allow for matching of PUBLIC discounts only or will it match later released AP codes as well?
(7) adding the option to either purchase an AP voucher in the same transaction as making the deposit OR allowing you to enter the confirmation # from the purchase of an AP so that you can order one as you are booking and enter that # to secure the rates.

IMHO, these are all questions that should have been answered in an FAQ right on the site.

There are people saying that they are regretting that they've already bought an AP voucher in anticipation of discounts. I don't think that will be a bad thing, even if you don't book this offer. I really suspect they will move towards needing that info to book codes when they are released. If that is the case, you'll be glad to have it rather than ordering it and having to wait for it to arrive before you can book.

I understnad the idea behind this and how it makes business sense for Disney, but the nonrefundable deposit part is going to be a big stickler for a lot of people, understandably so! Yes, lots of hotels have "net rates" that have nonrefundable deposits BUT they are telling you what the discounted rate is up front rather than saying "book now at full price but you have no idea what the final price of your vacation will end up being." If they could say book 120 days in advance and know you will get 40% off your resort room, there are AP holders who would book even if they had to pay 100% up front with a nonrefundable first nights deposit but saying "play roulette with your rate" isn't as attractive.

I do think there are CMs who monitor these discussions and I'm sure there will be meetings about this new plan in the future (both to discuss guest concerns and to discuss the "why weren't we told????" thing). Let's hope we get answers soon. It will set a lot of people more at ease.

For now, just realize that there is a difference between the "Passholder Best Rate Program" and AP code rates.

 

[Gillian]

Anyone else get the feeling that there's a few folks over at Disney "listening in" and letting us debug their program for them so they can release all of the fixes next week and we will have done most of their leg work?

Next time they should call us all in for a focus group! They pay people for what we're doing here!

 

[FanofG00fy]

Okay, here is what I got in my e-mail from them. Of course I changed somethings , but hey...do you really need my last name, address, ressie number?!?!?!

I was told on the website, that I final payment due at check-in.

Well, this is all for now.

Chris

____________________from email________________
MRS. CHRIS

Thank you for booking your Walt Disney World(R) vacation online.
The magic has just begun. While you're counting down the moments to
your stay, may we suggest visiting www.DisneyWorld.com for lots of
great information on how to make the most of your Disney vacation or
to purchase your Disney theme park tickets.

For your records we've also enclosed the details of your vacation. If
you haven't already, print this page and note the confirmation number
for your future reference.

************ WALT DISNEY WORLD(R) RESORT RESERVATION ************
PROCESSED BY WALT DISNEY PARKS AND RESORTS ONLINE

Confirmation number: ###########
To modify or cancel the reservation, you MUST have your reservation number when you call.

MRS. CHRIS XXXXXXX
### XXXXXXXXXX XX.
XXXXXXXXXX, XX #####
United States


Guests:
MR. MICHAEL XXXXXXXX

October 29, 2005-November 5, 2005 (7 nights)
2 Adults

_________________________________________________________________

Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort (This has been modified)
Standard View Room
Includes Disney's Room Only

_________________________________________________________________

Room Total: $1,043.00
Tax: $119.98
Total Price: $1,162.98


Payment Received: $166.14 Paid June 18, 2005


Important Information: Proof of valid Passholder ID required at check in.

_________________________________________________________________



If you have any questions, please call (407) 939-7429 from
7:00 a.m to 11:00 p.m Eastern Time.

Thanks again for choosing the Walt Disney World(R) Resort as your
vacation destination.

See you real soon!


Terms and Conditions:

DEPOSIT REQUIREMENTS:
A credit card deposit must be received at time of booking
or the reservation will be automatically cancelled. Your deposit is not refundable.


RATE REVISIONS:
Room rates are guaranteed as long as your reservation is not changed.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:
Room reservations are not accepted until confirmed by confirmation number.
For reservation information PRIOR TO ARRIVAL, please call (407) 939-7429.
Passholder must present his or her valid pass at check in.
All room reservations and transactions are made and consummated in the State of Florida. Room reservations and transactions and these Terms and Conditions for Room-Only Reservations shall be governed by the laws of the State of Florida, without giving effect to any principles of conflicts of law.
These Terms and Conditions for Room-Only Reservations are subject to change by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Online without notice.


NON-TRANSFERABLE:
Reservations are not transferable, and the guest for whom
the room(s) or package(s) are reserved may not be changed.



Passholder Best Rate Program ?Rooms must be booked at least 120 days in advance and a non-refundable deposit of 1-night?s room charge and tax must be paid at the time of booking. Currently this Program is only available for arrivals through 12/19/05. The number of rooms and nights available for this Program is limited and rooms are not available every night. This Program is subject to change or discontinuance at any time and without notice. Passholder must present valid Pass at check in. Please check our Terms and Conditions for important information.

 

[Gillian]

Lollipop mom, thanks again for your comprehensive posts and all of your research.

Although we are in the process of buying a popup for our trip next may (fort wilderness $80 including tax rack rate!) and don't really have to worry about this, lots of friends ask my advice and I like to understand the WDW programs.

 

[UrsulasMyHero]

To those who think Disney is watching this board, you can be sure they are. It -is- part of market research. I honestly believe this is just a test. We'll have to see how it "comes out in the wash". I do think the deposit will be Transferable, but I also understand that there will be a change fee for things that cause Disney to lose money. Say if you have your stay for a 8 day period and you have to shorten it, you'll be charged a change fee. Same way with dropping from a delux to a Mod or Value or even changing childrens ages.

Part of this is to quell the influx of calls to CRO where the agents are just answering questions. Having friends in the business, I know how annoyed they get. If all the get are "Are the passholder rates out" they can't process reservations.

Also it helps to quell those who book 4 & 5 different dates under the Passholder code. When someone books this they take away discounts for everyone else. Did you know that when you have multiple discounts and you cancel one, that ressie with a discount no longer is discounted? That special rate that someone else could have had just goes away because someone was greedy. I know that MOST of you don't do this, but it is something that is rampant. By having people putting down the deposit immediately, it makes sure they're earnest and want to go on the date specified.

I'm sure there will be changes and modifications to this program. I'm sure that whatever is said here will be taken into account. They ARE listening... they always do. Maybe not to the degree in which we would all like, but hey, they are a business.

Personally I think the highest you're going to see a discount will be less than 40% off, but close.

 

[Suzanne74]

Wow - so basically if you have an AP now with less then 4 months left - it is USELESS - right?? If I can not book another trip within that time frame, I in turn only paid for an 8 month hopper. Same goes with anyone with active AP's - in the next 4 months, there is NO way you can get a rate - no way to go to disney with an AP discount - so in turn another 4 months of AP wasted. Unless you stay and pay rack rate or do a package??

The whole free dining plan option for the pubic was a slap in the face when we were only given a crappy $75 off your room for a deluxe even if it was concierge? I ended up booking the dining plan - it was a MUCH better deal for my family.

This is a horrible policy. HORRIBLE!!!!!!!!

Yes, I understand the abuse but why don't you at least have a voucher or AP number when making the ressie. The vouchers maybe even purchased over the phone and added to the ressie and that is what is non-refundable if you cancel??. Then if someone decided they didn't want the voucher too bad. Why do people with active AP's have to suffer right now. This was the worst year to get an AP - I am so so so ticked off about this as I thought getting an AP would be worthwhile and it was a waste of money!!!

Ugh!! Okay I need to calm down now as I am so mad!!!

 

[Sammie]

Wow - so basically if you have an AP now with less then 4 months left - it is USELESS - right?? If I can not book another trip within that time frame, I in turn only paid for an 8 month hopper. Same goes with anyone with active AP's - in the next 4 months, there is NO way you can get a rate - no way to go to disney with an AP discount - so in turn another 4 months of AP wasted. Unless you stay and pay rack rate or do a package??

The whole free dining plan option for the pubic was a slap in the face when we were only given a crappy $75 off your room for a deluxe even if it was concierge? I ended up booking the dining plan - it was a MUCH better deal for my family.

This is a horrible policy. HORRIBLE!!!!!!!!

Yes, I understand the abuse but why don't you at least have a voucher or AP number when making the ressie. The vouchers maybe even purchased over the phone and added to the ressie and that is what is non-refundable if you cancel??. Then if someone decided they didn't want the voucher too bad. Why do people with active AP's have to suffer right now. This was the worst year to get an AP - I am so so so ticked off about this as I thought getting an AP would be worthwhile and it was a waste of money!!!

Ugh!! Okay I need to calm down now as I am so mad!!!

As Karen and I have both stated. If you bought your AP thinking you were going to save alot of money on a room, then Yes you might have made a bad decision. But many of us have always said buying an AP for anything other than park admission is not a good idea.

An Annual Pass was intended to provide savings for someone that is going to visit the parks, multiple times or even many days in one or two stays. I think the break even point on the cost of the ticket for admission is something like 9 days of going to the parks. I don't see how anyone can be upset with Disney if you get unlimited admission to the parks at a discounted rate.

Any room discounts offered to AP holders were a bonus.

 

[Debbie]

Looks like I'm going to have to dig my annual pass voucher out of the safety deposit box, just in case I get an uncontrollable urge to book a trip, NOW!

 

[wizzytoon]

Hi everyone ,

Just a quick question. I noticed that if you go on to the passholder login and click on "help me find my passholder id and login" it states "You must have a valid Pass or Exchange Certificate. This includes Premium Annual, Annual, Seasonal and Epcot After 4. It does not include Water Park, Pleasure Island, DisneyQuest, 3-Day Play Passes or any Magic Your Way Tickets."

Has anyone been able to get on with an exchanfe certificate?
TIA

 

[Suzanne74]

As Karen and I have both stated. If you bought your AP thinking you were going to save alot of money on a room, then Yes you might have made a bad decision. But many of us have always said buying an AP for anything other than park admission is not a good idea.

So you think I should have to pay rack rate for a room since I purchased an AP while the public gets these great package deals?? AND if the whole point of an AP is to go often how is booking 120 days in advance with an active AP getting you there more often?? Oh wait, thats right, we are supposed to pay rack rate - which is probably what Disney wants anyway.

 

[CharlesTD]

Just another reason not to bother with an AP we only do 5 park days a trip and we always go for 2 weeks and teh same 2 weeks every year the AP makes no sence at all for us and with the new program it is even less of a deal. I am so glad we purchased DVC.

 

[LisaS]

Wow - so basically if you have an AP now with less then 4 months left - it is USELESS - right?? If I can not book another trip within that time frame, I in turn only paid for an 8 month hopper. Same goes with anyone with active AP's - in the next 4 months, there is NO way you can get a rate - no way to go to disney with an AP discount - so in turn another 4 months of AP wasted. Unless you stay and pay rack rate or do a package??

I agree with Karen and others who have said that it will probably still be possible to get AP rates inside the 120 day window. The difference will be, those that commit to a particular resort 120+ days ahead and pay a nonrefundable deposit will be first in line to get those discounted rooms and it will happen automatically for them. Those that either choose not to gamble on the Best Rate program or cannot do so because they are traveling in less than 120 days will have to call CRO when discounts are announced, possibly be on hold for 30-45 minutes, and book whatever discounted rooms are left over the phone, which may not be at your first choice resort or your preferred view.

In other words, this Best Rate program won't be the only way to get a discounted room, but will be the way to maximize your chance of getting a discounted room at your first choice resort with no effort on your part, but via a nonrefundable deposit.

Re: the nonrefundable deposit, I could live with that if, like with nonrefundable airfares, you were booking a discounted room to begin with. This would be a win/win for both sides. I am given a good discount up front so I know what my cost will be, and it might even go down a bit more if better discounts are announced before my trip dates. In exchange for this, I commit early and give Disney a nonrefundable deposit, meaning that I am very unlikely to be tying up resources at CRO with calls to change my dates, change resorts, add additional people, whatever. I could even live with the fact that after I've booked they might offer some package deal (like free dining) after I've commited to my room-only reservation, because I got a guaranteed discount. I'm just uncomfortable with committing to rack rate up front and trusting a big corporation to lower my rate later to who knows what. And I'm also uncomfortable with their statement that I would get any discount offered to the general public. I would need to see the wording changed to include AP discounts as well because as currently worded they could argue that AP discounts would not be matched.

They also need to clarify what would happen if a discount is announced for a time period starting part way through my trip. For instance if I am traveling from Nov 29 - Dec 4 and there is a discount for Dec 1 - 19, would I get it applied for Dec 1, 2 and 3 or be ineligible because I started my trip before Dec 1st? As stated earlier, they need a FAQs page on the web site that addresses all these types of questions before I would hand over a nonrefundable deposit.

I understand why they want to do this: AP discount abuses, too many calls to CRO, etc., but if they want this program to succeed, it needs to be a win for the AP holder as well as Disney and, as currently described, I feel AP holders are taking some risk in signing up for this.

 

[Sammie]

So you think I should have to pay rack rate for a room since I purchased an AP while the public gets these great package deals?? AND if the whole point of an AP is to go often how is booking 120 days in advance with an active AP getting you there more often?? Oh wait, thats right, we are supposed to pay rack rate - which is probably what Disney wants anyway.

Well of course they want you to pay rack rate and why shouldn't they. They are in business to make money. And if they can fill rooms at the highest rate then they will. I know it does not help your situation, but why should Disney care who fills their rooms. Should it be Mr and Mrs. Smith every year for 10 years or 10 different couples for one year. It truely in a financial sense does not matter as long as rooms are filled.

I just can not see why so many are upset over something that you do not have to use. You can still book the old way, you will just not get the best discount doing that. If Disney was saying the "only" way to get any discount is to use this program then I might see some of the anger, but that is not what they are saying.

As to the public getting the great package deals, those deals were available to you also.

I still think you are missing the point. The point is not to go often and always save money on a room, it is to go often and save money on admission to the parks.

It seems some and I am not sure if this is your situation, just do not want anyone to get something better than what they get.

 

[BrianD]

Just as a side note, an annual pass is still good for theme park admission for 365 days from the date of activation.

 

[lucyanna girl]

I'm not quite sure how the new rules will work in my case. I have an AP which will expire on the 24th of July. Just got back from our 7th trip in two years on the 9th of June, called Tuesday of this week and booked a room for October 28th - Nov.2, 2005. I planed to call when and if AP rates come out and apply them to this reservation. I also planed to let my AP expire in July, stop at the Disney store in the airport in Orlando and purchase a new activated one to have in hand at check-in. ????
Another possibility, could I cancell this reservation, re-book online using my current AP #. Still let it expire and buy new one in airport as planed or will some alarm in the reservation system not allow this or cancel my reservation when my currant AP expires?
Any ideas or carification of policy? Thanks

 

[ms.ojo]

I agree with Karen and others .....

In other words, this Best Rate program won't be the only way to get a discounted room, but will be the way to maximize your chance of getting a discounted room at your first choice resort with no effort on your part, but via a nonrefundable deposit.

Re: the nonrefundable deposit, I could live with that if, like with nonrefundable airfares, you were booking a discounted room to begin with. This would be a win/win for both sides. I am given a good discount up front so I know what my cost will be, and it might even go down a bit more if better discounts are announced before my trip dates. In exchange for this, I commit early and give Disney a nonrefundable deposit, meaning that I am very unlikely to be tying up resources at CRO with calls to change my dates, change resorts, add additional people, whatever. I could even live with the fact that after I've booked they might offer some package deal (like free dining) after I've commited to my room-only reservation, because I got a guaranteed discount. I'm just uncomfortable with committing to rack rate up front and trusting a big corporation to lower my rate later to who knows what. And I'm also uncomfortable with their statement that I would get any discount offered to the general public. I would need to see the wording changed to include AP discounts as well because as currently worded they could argue that AP discounts would not be matched.

They also need to clarify what would happen if a discount is announced for a time period starting part way through my trip. For instance if I am traveling from Nov 29 - Dec 4 and there is a discount for Dec 1 - 19, would I get it applied for Dec 1, 2 and 3 or be ineligible because I started my trip before Dec 1st? As stated earlier, they need a FAQs page on the web site that addresses all these types of questions before I would hand over a nonrefundable deposit.

VERY WELL SAID! I sure hope the right someone(s) at Disney are listening!!!! To expect people to commit (nonrefundable) at rack rate is ridiculous.

 

[WDWBetsy]

Well of course they want you to pay rack rate and why shouldn't they. They are in business to make money. And if they can fill rooms at the highest rate then they will. I know it does not help your situation, but why should Disney care who fills their rooms. Should it be Mr and Mrs. Smith every year for 10 years or 10 different couples for one year. It truely in a financial sense does not matter as long as rooms are filled.

I just can not see why so many are upset over something that you do not have to use. You can still book the old way, you will just not get the best discount doing that. If Disney was saying the "only" way to get any discount is to use this program then I might see some of the anger, but that is not what they are saying.

As to the public getting the great package deals, those deals were available to you also.

I still think you are missing the point. The point is not to go often and always save money on a room, it is to go often and save money on admission to the parks.

It seems some and I am not sure if this is your situation, just do not want anyone to get something better than what they get.

I totally agree. Like I've said previously, the AP is a park pass entitling you to 365 days of fun in the parks; it is not a hotel discount card. It appears that many have been counting on it as such and have been fortunate to benefit from previous AP discounts, however, you cannot count on an AP's room discount benefit that has been offered as a "periodic discount" as something you are forever entitled to. You're paying for a park pass.

There are always going to be various offers, many of which some can't use - whether it is because it's outside of our scheduled vacation time, perhaps you're not a member/cardholder, or maybe you already have reservations and would have to pay a change fee to a TA. That doesn't mean that you're being slighted or deliberately left out. It's marketing and simply helps fill the rooms. So yes, you might want that AP discount if it's available, but there might be an offer for free dining that is a better deal. Just remember that the AP is a park pass, and if you treat it any different than that, you're just setting yourself up for disappointment.