Fall/Winter AP rate news!

[triplefigs]

Well, and for our family the free dining plan (if they extended it) would be a better deal than any of the AP rates I've seen ($75 or possibly even $100 off a Deluxe).

 

[lillygator]

I sure won't get my room at rack rate hoping that a better rate will come out and have me commited to that, heck no. I will book with my AAA rate and at least I can cancel that without penelty and then book with the AP rate if it comes out better.

IF that is the case then it doesn't eliminate our need to be on the watch constantly for a better rate.

Exactly - I currently have a Oct ressie with AAA rate although I was hoping for a larger discount....

 

[ms.ojo]

I checked for dates 11/26-12/4 (8 nights) at a moderate and the price was $1329.12 or $166.14/night!!! I'm already booked 11/28-12/4 AAA at a moderate for $119/night w/ taxes.

I might consider something like this if I was "in the queue" for deeper AP discounts...but knowing my nonrefundable deposit is only going to get me the best Gen'l public rate....and as someone else said...the whole free dining could really throw that off...I don't see this as any great incentive.

I'll stick w/ AAA and take my chances I'm lucky enough to secure AP rates if they come out. If not....I know I have a good rate. Who knows, maybe AP rates will be a thing of the past and this is the best they're willing to offer now that tourism is up again. That being said...I still prefer AAA room only. But that's just me.

 

[jenjersnap]

so no deluxes avail?

There were no discounts available at any deluxe I checked in November.

 

[Lollipop Mom]

I will book with my AAA rate and at least I can cancel that without penelty and then book with the AP rate if it comes out better.

I think that is where they are going to get people...this "program" can only be booked 120 days or more out so what are the chances of them offering other AP discounts less than 120 days out.

 

[Lollipop Mom]

this immediate deposit and booking online required also eliminates people who do not have, or do not wish to use, a credit card.

120 days out is 10/15. The current rates are through 10/4. These dates say 10/8 - 11/26. I wonder what that means for check ins between 10/8 and 10/15.

 

[cobbler]

Well currently they only put them out about 120 days out and sometimes less depending on if you are traveling at the early time of the next batch. Take the Oct- Dec time. Last year they went out on Aug 25th and that is definatly less than 120 days out for those traveling at the beginning of October.

And if they put the rates out sooner than 120 days I will still watch and snag one. But you are right, they may put a really good one for those that book online at the 100 day mark so you can't book online and get the best deal then, because then it would be too late to book for that timeframe.

 

[PNO4TE]

I checked for dates 11/26-12/4 (8 nights) at a moderate and the price was $1329.12 or $166.14/night!!! I'm already booked 11/28-12/4 AAA at a moderate for $119/night w/ taxes.

I might consider something like this if I was "in the queue" for deeper AP discounts...but knowing my nonrefundable deposit is only going to get me the best Gen'l public rate....and as someone else said...the whole free dining could really throw that off...I don't see this as any great incentive.

I'll stick w/ AAA and take my chances I'm lucky enough to secure AP rates if they come out. If not....I know I have a good rate. Who knows, maybe AP rates will be a thing of the past and this is the best they're willing to offer now that tourism is up again. That being said...I still prefer AAA room only. But that's just me.

My DH and I were sitting here discussing this as I tried to find a better rate for our October trip. We also have a AAA rate at the BoardWalk Inn. The AP rate for 4 nights is THREE HUNDRED DOLLARS MORE! In fact, that is the same as rack rate.

I wonder if what they are planning is to get our money up front and then see how little of a reduction they think they can get away with without us all screaming bloody murder.

 

[triplefigs]

And if they put the rates out sooner than 120 days I will still watch and snag one. But you are right, they may put a really good one for those that book online at the 100 day mark so you can't book online and get the best deal then, because then it would be too late to book for that timeframe.

Sneaky, sneaky, sneaky (and SMART from a business stand point!)

 

[Lewisc]

this immediate deposit and booking online required also eliminates people who do not have, or do not wish to use, a credit card.

120 days out is 10/15. The current rates are through 10/4. These dates say 10/8 - 11/26. I wonder what that means for check ins between 10/8 and 10/15.

I'd assume the system would accept a bank ATM/DEBIT card.

I agree with the previous posters. Best available rate to the public is worthless. Many of the discounted rates are AAA and targeted PIN rates. Disney wouldn't have to do anything if they offer free or even discounted dining as a promotion. Sounds like a way to get people to book an AP discount on spec.

 

[ms.ojo]

My DH and I were sitting here discussing this as I tried to find a better rate for our October trip. We also have a AAA rate at the BoardWalk Inn. The AP rate for 4 nights is THREE HUNDRED DOLLARS MORE! I wonder if what they are planning is to get our money up front and then see how little of a reduction they think they can get away with without us all screaming bloody murder.

WOW. Well, I guess we just have to keep our eyes open for GOOD AP rates that might come along and snag them....otherwise, we can sit pretty on the AAA rate we have secured. For some, who don't have the time or energy to constantly check, booking w/ a TA or using this system may relieve some headaches. They know they'll ultimately beat rack rate. But me, I'm a disneyaholic...and proud of it. So I guess I'll just stay tuned and see what comes my way!!

 

[cobbler]

I wonder how many AP holders are going to be up in arms about this.

Who wants to be the first guinea pig to see if the rates really are going to be better.

 

[PNO4TE]

I'd assume the system would accept a bank ATM/DEBIT card.

I agree with the previous posters. Best available rate to the public is worthless. Many of the discounted rates are AAA and targeted PIN rates. Disney wouldn't have to do anything if they offer free or even discounted dining as a promotion. Sounds like a way to get people to book an AP discount on spec.

That is exactly what they are doing. The rate that comes up as the "AP" rate is rack rate for that time period. To quote Triplefigs...

Sneaky, sneaky, sneaky!

 

[lvloopingbag]

Not me.....I don't want to be a guinea pig. This is unreal. I'll be interested to see what the terms for deposit and payment actually end up being, since Disney is known for changing the rules or not knowing them themselves, like when they first released the MYW packages and the dining locations, etc.

 

[zulaya]

I agree. Very sneaky. I am hoping to snag one night at AKL concierge before checking into DVC. But if they think I am not smart enough to realize rack rate when I see it, I can keep on using my points and not give them any more of my money for lodging.

I am stayin' tuned to this thread...wonder if any of the DU agents that moderate this board will chime in with anything they know...

 

[cobbler]

It might be worth the little extra money with the AAA rate not having to deal with this. If the rates are the same for value season through the end of the year and I am sure they will be. Values at an AAA rate are only $2/night more than the AP rate. Moderates are only $18/night more, and AKL Savannah is only $33/night more.

 

[lillygator]

has anyone called them? I mean, as an AP holder they are offering me this "deal" yet I can book a better rate now with AAA??

 

[Lollipop Mom]

Just to be clear...what they are saying is that if you book with this "passholder program" 120 days or more in advance, if they offer a general public OR AP rate that is lower than your current rate (which right now is rack) they will automatically drop the rates. So people who are booked with this program would not need to call in for the new discounts, they would get them automatically.

I am working on an email to our sales rep to ask a few questions. I have so far:

(1) what is the cancellation policy, guest services told me nonrefundable and the web site says 45 days. Which is correct?
(2) will the rate matching apply to PIN codes as well as public codes?
(3) is this the end of the "call in" AP rate program as we know it or will you still have those offers available for people who are planning less than 45 days in advance (many passholders plan last minute trips as well!)?
(4) can I suggest that you offer an option to purchase at least 1 adult AP in the same transaction as reserving the passholder program. This way people who are certain they want an annual pass can take advantage of the 120 day in advance offer without having to wait to receive their voucher in the mail. Alternatively, allow a space to enter the confirmation number from an annual pass purchase.

If anyone has any other questions, I'll be glad to include them!

 

[triplefigs]

Could you ask about split stays and requiring TWO non-refundable deposits?

 

[zulaya]

Lollipop Mom - Just be sure to post your answers when you get them.

It probably isn't nice to do so, but I'd probably comment on the fact that AP holders are usually smart buyers. Why should they pay one night's deposit at rack rate with no guarantee that the rate will be reduced? Do they think we are all that gullible?