Fall/Winter AP rate news!

[MinnieM21]

What is the AP exchange certificate? Is this the voucher they mail you?

Yes it's the voucher.

 

[geetey]

I haven't seen this mentioned but AP discounted rates on rooms have been around for a long time - way before 2001. We have booked AP rooms before 2001. And since.

Also, the Passholder 2005 Sleeve I received when I exchanged my voucher for a PAP lists a lot of benefits for Passholders, so admission to the parks isn't the only thing you are buying. Disney even provides this small booklet listing them.

Lollipop Mom - thanks for your continued posting of information. I am looking to return to WDW in January so I am especially interested in how things are going to work!

Let's hope the non-refundable deposit thing will be worked out, as well as only being able to book 1 room.

 

[ms.ojo]

I posted this in it's own thread too so that you don't have to dig for it but here is the summary of all of the info I got from Disney on this deal...

my list of questions I am sending to my sales rep Sunday night:
if you have others, let me know! I'll be glad to add them and report back with the answers!

• any info on what this will mean for the future of AP disocunts as we have known them? Is it possible that they are all going to be sold out to best rate guests and nothing available for call in or are rooms going to be held out to make SOME call in for last minute planning available?
• my clients have expressed frustration over that they like the overall idea here, but that they are currently booked with AAA rates while we wait for AP rates to be released. They don't like giving up a discount we've already secured (and that has a 5 day cancellation policy!) to book at rack rates with a nonrefundable deposit when they can't be given any assurance that the rate will end up better than their AAA rate.
• a suggestion that in addition to asking for an activated pass # or voucher # that they allow you to purchase one adult AP in the same transaction as placing your deposit.
• clarification on if a client gets a PIN offer that beats the AP rate (as has happened before) can we call and apply that PIN to the ressie without losing the deposit?
• will the Florida resident rate program have this same offer?
• clarification on how they will match public discounts if the discount is not on the room. For instance, the free dining offer the room is at rack rate, it's one of the added features that are discounted. Will AP holders booked with this plan be given a discount as well? )I have a feeling I'll be told it's apples and oranges since one is room only and one is a package so there would be no discount for the AP holders but it can't hurt to ask, right?!)
• and of course following up on the stuff above that we don't have written confirmation on.

I'll update Monday with the new info as I get it.

What a FABULOUS summary!!!!! And I think your questions are right on the money! I'm so glad your asking Question #2 re:AAA rate vs. rack rate and hoping. Can't wait to see what you hear / post for us on Monday.

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!

 

[wizzytoon]

I figured out how to log on with my AP Exchange Certificate!!!
At the top of your AP,EC you will see this:
NB### MM/DD/YYYY WDW:### Tr: ## ###
On the passholders site you will select WDW from the options and then in the first box type in those first three #'s after WDW(WDW:###), then the MM/DD/YY shown on your card and then you put in ONLY the LAST THREE DIGITS of that Tr:## ###.
I called WDW Ticketing office and the nice young lady I spoke with helped me figure it out. Your letters may be different than NB or Tr:. Hope this works for everyone! Bad thing is that when I did check our dates the rate for BC was $371 with tax. I got it for $249+tax with my AAA!

Thank you so much. I knew there must b a way to get in with it.

 

[idofabric]

Something Disney hasn't taken into consideration: I've read posts where AP holders have not been able to get into the Passholder's site. I'm one of those. I activated my AP in January and have only been able to get into the site twice and that was as I was talking to the CM. I've called several times and all I ever get is that the site is down alot. Well, I've tried repeatedly since last night to get in and still can't. I've tried putting my name in all Caps, putting just the first letter of my first and last name in caps, putting my entire name in small letters. My final digits are just two numbers so I've tried putting a zero, then two zeros in front of them. I've tried on my computer at work and also on my computer at home. I STILL CAN'T GET IN!!! How can someone like me that has a current activated pass get into the 'Passholder Best Rate Program' if I can't even get into the dad blasted site?

Well, Thank Goodness it is not only ME! I thought that I was the only PAP user that had a 'puter that "sneezes" and "seizes" on the Disney site(s). I have sent emails to Disney- when I could get to a place on there website that said"Contact us". Never have heard from anyone at Disney... I think that must also be somethng to do with computer issues... I do swear that my otherwise great 'puter really does have Disney issues... Maybe if I promise to take it to me next time...

 

[WannabeBelle25]

I posted this in it's own thread too so that you don't have to dig for it but here is the summary of all of the info I got from Disney on this deal...

OK, I started the thread on AP news and since starting it I've gotten lots of new info. I've tried updating it but it is spread out so here it is in concise form....

I spent many hours on the phone with Disney reservations, guest services and sales yesterday. I even had a lengthy conversation with a sales rep while I was supposed to be having dinner with my family at a restaurant! Her is a summary of the information I was able to get in those conversations:



What we know absolutely for sure:

• this is NOT the release of AP rates, this is a new program but not the rate release
• it is only available online
• online reservations can only be done for one room at a time, the system isn't set up to let you book multiple rooms in one reservation. That is why you can't book 3 rooms with this offer (unless you have 3 APs) [side note...sales says they will be looking at addressing this issue]
• you must use an ADULT AP
• you must have either an activated AP (that does not expire before the trip you are trying to book) or have an ADULT AP voucher in hand. You will need the numbers off of the back of the AP or voucher in order to make the reservation.
• there is a NONREFUNDABLE one night deposit required.
• it must be booked 120 days or more in advance.
• Disney will automatically reduce your rate should any offers be made to the general public that are less expensive than your current rate
• they will not match AAA rates, PIN rates, group rates or "auction rates" (no one could tell me what auction rates were though)
• just like any other offer, it will only be available for a limited # of rooms per resort/room type/view per night
• if you book a split stay, they are 2 independent reservations so yes, you would have to make 2 deposits and yes, they are both nonrefundable.

What both sales and guest services have told me is true but WE haven't seen it in writing just yet (even if they say they have it in writing):
(my sales rep and I had a conversation about the need for an FAQ on this offer to addresss some of these issues in writing. She said she will definitely be bringing that up first thing Monday morning)

• this is NOT the end of the AP rate program as we know it, it's just a way to book and guarantee you don't have to be on the lookout for a discount, it will be applied for you automatically.
• you will still be able to call in and book AP rates as they are released. They will just be subject to availability just as they always have been. Availability will be more limited b/c the rate will be applied to all "best available rate" guests first.
• they will be matching AP rates and general public rates (the wording as it stands currently only guarantees general public rates)
• if you need to reschedule (as in cancel this stay but immediately book another) your reservation will transfer over with a $50 change fee assessed.

what I have(unofficially) been told they believe to be true from all of the info they have been given, but they don't have written confirmation on

• there will definitely be discounts, and discounts better than AAA
• since it is only available to a limited # of resort/type/view rooms per night, there will be no "it's not available for this resort/view" with this offer. If a code is release, everyone on the best rate program will get it.
• since it is limited, there is every possibility that certain resorts/views etc. will be sold out or VEEERRRRY limited (think 2-3 rooms per night) just with best rate guests
• they don't think that ALL AP rate rooms will require a nonrefundable deposit, only rooms booked with this program. The thought is that you take the risk because they guarantee you will get the discounts as they are released. With regular call in rates, that isn't guaranteed
• you will still be able to book 3 rooms by calling in, again, you just won't be guaranteed the best rate.

what I have been led to suspect this may mean for the future
remember, this is all just suspicion...it is not based on anything concrete.

• more than likely you will need an AP or voucher to book AP rates when they are released (remember AP rates and the Passholder Best Rate Program are 2 ENTIRELY different things). Disneyland has had this policy in place and I was told at least a year ago that they expected to see it start happening at WDW soon too.
• one sales CM mentioned that there have been discussions of making ANY discounted room into a package (even if it is just room only) so it would have a 45 day cancellation policy. I wouldn't be surprised if we see this happen. As of now, if you book an AP rate online (again, RATE, not best rate program) the cancellation policy is 45 days. If you made the same reservation by calling in, it is 5 days. Considering that they have been looking for ways to encourage online booking and decrease call volume, I wouldn't be surprised if the call in policy changes.
• one sales rep suspects the possibility of 2 tiers of AP rates, a lower one for best rate guests who have booked well in advance and a higher for guests calling in to book one closer to their travel dates.

my list of questions I am sending to my sales rep Sunday night:
if you have others, let me know! I'll be glad to add them and report back with the answers!

• any info on what this will mean for the future of AP disocunts as we have known them? Is it possible that they are all going to be sold out to best rate guests and nothing available for call in or are rooms going to be held out to make SOME call in for last minute planning available?
• my clients have expressed frustration over that they like the overall idea here, but that they are currently booked with AAA rates while we wait for AP rates to be released. They don't like giving up a discount we've already secured (and that has a 5 day cancellation policy!) to book at rack rates with a nonrefundable deposit when they can't be given any assurance that the rate will end up better than their AAA rate.
• a suggestion that in addition to asking for an activated pass # or voucher # that they allow you to purchase one adult AP in the same transaction as placing your deposit.
• clarification on if a client gets a PIN offer that beats the AP rate (as has happened before) can we call and apply that PIN to the ressie without losing the deposit?
• will the Florida resident rate program have this same offer?
• clarification on how they will match public discounts if the discount is not on the room. For instance, the free dining offer the room is at rack rate, it's one of the added features that are discounted. Will AP holders booked with this plan be given a discount as well? )I have a feeling I'll be told it's apples and oranges since one is room only and one is a package so there would be no discount for the AP holders but it can't hurt to ask, right?!)
• and of course following up on the stuff above that we don't have written confirmation on.

I'll update Monday with the new info as I get it.

Thank you again for all your hard work on this Lollipop Mom!!! Belle

 

[PNO4TE]

Well, Thank Goodness it is not only ME! I thought that I was the only PAP user that had a 'puter that "sneezes" and "seizes" on the Disney site(s). I have sent emails to Disney- when I could get to a place on there website that said"Contact us". Never have heard from anyone at Disney... I think that must also be somethng to do with computer issues... I do swear that my otherwise great 'puter really does have Disney issues... Maybe if I promise to take it to me next time...

I could not ever get into the site either... until my brilliant daughter got home from college in May.

She downloaded Mozilla Firefox and if I use that browser (similar to IE) I can get in every single time.

 

[scoutsmom99]

Thank you again for all your hard work on this Lollipop Mom!!! Belle

I agree thanks for all of the hardwork Lollipop Mom it is greatly appreciated

BTW welcome to the Dis WannabeBell25

 

[trola2]

Thank you also to lollipop mom for all your legwork on this issue.

I am anxiously waiting to see what happens to our FL resident rates. They tend to mimic the AP rate, although sometimes I could book and AP rate adn get a slightly lower FL rate.

My question is this...would any of us take our money to walmart and plunck down there and say, Just charge me what you think is fair? No. We would want t make informed decisions about how our money (and at what rate) was being spent. Same thing with airline tickets. Would you book at the high and then wait to see if they wanted to give you a lower fare?

My biggest question on this and I'm not sure it has been raised...if AP rates are designed to fill EMPTY rooms...the heads in beds theory...well, if you have everyone booking at RACK rate, why bother to discount, or discount very deeply since you already have the heads scheduled for your beds? Or if you discounted closer in would it also minimize the cancellations after that point? Some people will cancel at 46 days even with the penalty. But if you've seen that they drop the discounts at 14 days, prior, (for example) are you more likely to hold on to that reservation past day 46 and take the chance that there might be a last minute discount? So many gambles with this program.

For my family (who must have 2 rooms, BTW) We plan our trips at a certain time, with a certain amount of money to spend on our resort. AP and FL resident discounts have controlled the length of our stay and the level of our resort. With those quantities unknown, it would be hard for me to book my room only ressie and then pay $50 to make changes as I have in the past. For us, we may be looking at offsite or DTD hotels in the future and also taking some of our vacation time to spend with other orlando attractions. We rarely venture off of Disney property, but this program may change that. It makes me sad because I sort of feel that it's the end of my family's vacation tradition....

 

[barbeml]

My biggest question on this and I'm not sure it has been raised...if AP rates are designed to fill EMPTY rooms...the heads in beds theory...well, if you have everyone booking at RACK rate, why bother to discount, or discount very deeply since you already have the heads scheduled for your beds? Or if you discounted closer in would it also minimize the cancellations after that point? Some people will cancel at 46 days even with the penalty. But if you've seen that they drop the discounts at 14 days, prior, (for example) are you more likely to hold on to that reservation past day 46 and take the chance that there might be a last minute discount? So many gambles with this program.

Bingo!

 

[CharlesTD]

cobbler the other thing to consider to is if for some reason you can't take a trip one year for whatever reason you can rent out your DVC points this will help to cover teh MF's and usually lets you pocket some extra cash. We couldn't go last year because I was recovering from an operation on my knees so we rented out our points and paid cash for our upcoming cruise. We made enough to pay our MF's our cruise and still have extra money in our US account for our cruise so the DVC works great in many ways plus with the new AP deal the DVC rentas will IMHO become more lucrative as discounts become harder and harder to come by. I mean a renter can pick up a deluxe accomodation at a DVC resort for about half of rack rate sometimes lower. A studio at OKW would be 45 points in value season from Sunday to a Friday check out so say you could pick up points for 12.00 a point that would be 540.00 dollars for a studio for a week at OKW. In the studio you get a mini fridge a microwave a toaster coffee maker plates bowls and cutlery and 2 queen beds. So at that rate it breaks down to 96.00 dollars a night for a deluxe accomodation. You also don't have to pay tax on that unlike the 11% tax you pay when booking through CRO or WDWTC.

 

[Tinkaroo]

I have a concern about the level of discount - who's to say Disney wouldn't take, say $10, off the rack rate, and consider they did right by you. It IS a discount from the rack rate, but in most instances isn't what you could get with a AAA rate, and most certainly isn't any sort of a deal when you look at prices offsite.

I have no rose-colored glasses when it comes to the business acumen of Disney, and realize first and foremost that they have to turn a profit to keep the parks nice, clean, etc. However, I just worry that this program might end up taking advantage of people. Maybe not (and I certainly hope not), but this fish isn't going to bite anytime soon, unless this program should change drastically.

I agree with those that have already stated this - I want to have an upper threshhold of my price (and rack rate doesn't cut it) before I would take the gamble. Vacation (and the money you invest in it) is precious, and I want to be in the driver seat - as much as I love Disney, I don't expect them to be looking out for my best interest when it comes to my money!

 

[Sammie]

I have a concern about the level of discount - who's to say Disney wouldn't take, say $10, off the rack rate, and consider they did right by you. It IS a discount from the rack rate, but in most instances isn't what you could get with a AAA rate, and most certainly isn't any sort of a deal when you look at prices offsite.

I have no rose-colored glasses when it comes to the business acumen of Disney, and realize first and foremost that they have to turn a profit to keep the parks nice, clean, etc. However, I just worry that this program might end up taking advantage of people. Maybe not (and I certainly hope not), but this fish isn't going to bite anytime soon, unless this program should change drastically.

I agree with those that have already stated this - I want to have an upper threshhold of my price (and rack rate doesn't cut it) before I would take the gamble. Vacation (and the money you invest in it) is precious, and I want to be in the driver seat - as much as I love Disney, I don't expect them to be looking out for my best interest when it comes to my money!

If Disney states in writing that the users of this program will get the best discount, then legally they have to offer the best. Now the best might not be enough for some, but for those that were going to pay rack rate anyway then it is a wonderful deal.

This program is not going to be for those that book above their budget, depending on a discount. This program is for the guest who knows upfront they can pay rack rate, can book 120 days out and does not plan to cancel.

This program will not be for everyone but for those that use it will give them the best discount and I don't see any reason it shouldn't.

Any rooms left over, closer to arrival, will probably be discounted the old way. There just might not be many of them. But surely everyone knew the discounts Disney has offered since 9-11 were only offered to fill empty rooms. If Disney can fill rooms at rack rate, or fill them with guest using this new program there is no need to offer any other discounts.

 

[freediverdude]

Yes, you're right, this program is for the few passholders who usually just casually book their room online at disneyworld.com at rack rate many months in advance, and don't care much about the price. But I bet very few passholders actually book that way. Every passholder I know (and I know quite a few) knows about the usual discounts and knows to try and call to get one, even if they can afford rack rate. So if this program is aimed at passholders who usually book online at rack, this program isn't going to be very successful. Disney would have to give out pretty consistent discounts with this program to make it worth it and be successful. I doubt very much most passholders would be willing to book at that price plus have all those restrictions (giving up refundability, giving up flexibility on when to book), for maybe a 25-50% chance of a discount. It would have to be more like a 90% chance. But I think that's what Disney is saying anyway. I think reading between the lines, Disney is saying "Yeah, there will be the usual passholder discount coming, but if you book now and give us a deposit at rack, you can be assured of the room and not have to keep calling us." Just what I think reading between the lines there....

 

[Tinkaroo]

If Disney states in writing that the users of this program will get the best discount, then legally they have to offer the best. Now the best might not be enough for some, but for those that were going to pay rack rate anyway then it is a wonderful deal.

This program is not going to be for those that book above their budget, depending on a discount. This program is for the guest who knows upfront they can pay rack rate, can book 120 days out and does not plan to cancel.

This program will not be for everyone but for those that use it will give them the best discount and I don't see any reason it shouldn't.

Any rooms left over, closer to arrival, will probably be discounted the old way. There just might not be many of them. But surely everyone knew the discounts Disney has offered since 9-11 were only offered to fill empty rooms. If Disney can fill rooms at rack rate, or fill them with guest using this new program there is no need to offer any other discounts.

I definitely have never been one of those people to do, or to encourage, booking beyond your means in hopes of a discount. If an AP rate comes out that will either lower my nightly rate from AAA, and/or allow me to upgrade my resort choice or extend my stay, then that is just a bonus. But, I always start out with a rate that is palatable/payable to me - and we all know that Disney rack rates on face value (particularly as you move into the deluxe category) are excessive.

I also don't think that Disney owes me a discount. However, I worry that this program (particularly to maybe a not more educated consumer than those that have done all their research) might take advantage of people some (if not all) of the time. If Disney even takes $2 off the rack rate you book at, then they have contractually met their obligation to you (and they have your one night's nonrefundable deposit and your inability to cancel more than 46 days out to boot). Now, for those that are going to stay on property regardless and would take rack rate if they had to, then even $2 off a night I guess is better than nothing. However, I think the intention of this program is misleading from the get go, and when you can book either with a AAA rate (which this program states specifically it will NOT match), or go offsite, for less money, then it just doesn't make financial sense, at this stage, to gamble and HOPE that some pixie dust will come your way as to rates. I can just see a lot of people being seriously upset.

Now, I realize Disney can't be held responsible for people's expectations and/or lack of reading the fine print, but it just seems like they could have a real mess on their hands. If they were looking for ways to fix the abuse of the AP program (which I'm all for), I think they could have gone about it differently (and maybe they still will).

 

[Sammie]

Yes, you're right, this program is for the few passholders who usually just casually book their room online at disneyworld.com at rack rate many months in advance, and don't care much about the price. But I bet very few passholders actually book that way. Every passholder I know (and I know quite a few) knows about the usual discounts and knows to try and call to get one, even if they can afford rack rate. So if this program is aimed at passholders who usually book online at rack, this program isn't going to be very successful. Disney would have to give out pretty consistent discounts with this program to make it worth it and be successful. I doubt very much most passholders would be willing to book at that price plus have all those restrictions (giving up refundability, giving up flexibility on when to book), for maybe a 25-50% chance of a discount. It would have to be more like a 90% chance. But I think that's what Disney is saying anyway. I think reading between the lines, Disney is saying "Yeah, there will be the usual passholder discount coming, but if you book now and give us a deposit at rack, you can be assured of the room and not have to keep calling us." Just what I think reading between the lines there....

And if you are right, then the program will fail and changes will again be made. However based on info from friends in management at CRO, more people book at Rack rate then many on these forums would ever think. There is no chance they won't get the best discount and except for AAA, it will be the best discount offered. However what is best to some, might not be enough for others. You might not be interested in anything less than 45% off, while another guest would be thrilled to get 25% off.

For the person who pays rack rate it is a win situation.

 

[freediverdude]

Once again, you are right in that a lot of people pay rack. But I'm not going to agree that necessarily a lot of passholders pay rack, unless they are inflexible with their dates or something. Most every passholder that I know, again, knows to call to at least try to get a passholder rate before they consider paying the rack rate. But I agree, if you're talking about just all the calls that come into CRO, then yes, the majority of callers probably are not passholders or florida residents or anyone who might be eligible for a discount, and end up paying rack rate. But I think most passholders are a little more educated now about looking for a possible discount, and would not consider doing all those restrictions just for a small chance at a discount, it would have to be a large chance. Otherwise, why not just wait and get the best discount by phone? hehe

 

[geetey]

I mean a renter can pick up a deluxe accomodation at a DVC resort for about half of rack rate sometimes lower. A studio at OKW would be 45 points in value season from Sunday to a Friday check out so say you could pick up points for 12.00 a point that would be 540.00 dollars for a studio for a week at OKW. In the studio you get a mini fridge a microwave a toaster coffee maker plates bowls and cutlery and 2 queen beds. So at that rate it breaks down to 96.00 dollars a night for a deluxe accomodation. You also don't have to pay tax on that unlike the 11% tax you pay when booking through CRO or WDWTC.

CharlesTD,
I hear what you are saying but please understand that DVC isn't for everyone. We have taken the tour and done the analysis and it isn't as clean and clear as it is portrayed.
Renting isn't always the best or cheapest solution either. Who only visits WDW Sunday to Friday (avoiding the huge jump in weekend points)? A mini fridge is now available in all of the moderates and deluxes. Each time we have considered renting, the cost has been more than using the offered AP rate, and we would have two queen beds with daily maid service versus a bed/sofa sleeper combination with trash & towels on the 4th day.
Now, if we are talking 1 or 2 bedroom units - they are definitely more luxurious than renting 2 rooms. You can't beat the free washer and dryer in your room. Enjoy your DVC!

 

[Sammie]

Once again, you are right in that a lot of people pay rack. But I'm not going to agree that necessarily a lot of passholders pay rack, unless they are inflexible with their dates or something. Most every passholder that I know, again, knows to call to at least try to get a passholder rate before they consider paying the rack rate. But I agree, if you're talking about just all the calls that come into CRO, then yes, the majority of callers probably are not passholders or florida residents or anyone who might be eligible for a discount, and end up paying rack rate. But I think most passholders are a little more educated now about looking for a possible discount, and would not consider doing all those restrictions just for a small chance at a discount, it would have to be a large chance. Otherwise, why not just wait and get the best discount by phone? hehe

Agreed, hopefully the percentage of discount will make the restrictions worth it.

 

[CharlesTD]

Geetey at OKW you get 2 queen beds and the others you get the queen ans sleeper sofa but all of the resorts for DVC have free laundy facilities for guests they are by the pool like at the other resorts but at DVC you don't have to pay for them. We also like the larger rooms even the studio is larger than even a regular deluxe room. I prefer teh trash and towel day rather than daily maid service we always stay sun-friday then go to All Stars for the weekends and then back for the next week or we go to the coast for the weekends. Plus I have never seen a deluxe at 96 dollars a night not even with tax additional. The rental side of DVC is very easy we rent ours on E bay and routinely get more than 15.00 dollars a point.