Fall/Winter AP rate news!

[cindybasket]

To Magicx2 - I hope you don't mind but I copied/pasted your emailed response from Disney to a thread I started called .... "Do you like it? Thoughts?"

How they replied to you was what I feared but totally understand from a business perspective (not great for customer service but hey). To me, the Best Rate program can work and I just may book (who knows though). I am just not so sure I want to give them a non-refundable deposit and pay a modification fee of $50 if I have to change that would reduce my reservation (like leaving a day earlier than planned etc).

 

[WannabeBelle25]

Hey Magicx2 All I have to say is OH MY!!!!!!!! Belle

 

[Lollipop Mom]

With everything disney related we've always know we get different answers on things depending on who you talk to. All I know, was that I was speaking to the sales team (which is very different from CRO reservation sales) and guest services and this was one thing that ALL of them agreed on. They all gave me the same answer, worded the same way as though they had been given written info on it based on questions already asked. They all said the program was guaranteed to provide passholders booked with it the best available rate. An AP rate is available to them....a pin code for the Smith family next door is not, a group rate is not, a AAA rate is not (unless they are a AAA member and then they have to decide which way to book as they have no way right now of differentiating passholder who have AAA and those who don't). So if they release a passholder discount later and it is lower then by what they have written on the description of the program they are obligated to match it (remember that general public follows DISNEY's terminology, not the way DISers have come to use it).

I have no idea where people in WDW communications fall into the hierarchy of Disney. I can only go by what I've been told by guest services and sales. Sicne the info "jives" with everyone there I've spoken with, then I can only assume it is correct.

 

[C.Ann]

With everything disney related we've always know we get different answers on things depending on who you talk to. All I know, was that I was speaking to the sales team (which is very different from CRO reservation sales) and guest services and this was one thing that ALL of them agreed on. They all gave me the same answer, worded the same way as though they had been given written info on it based on questions already asked. They all said the program was guaranteed to provide passholders booked with it the best available rate. An AP rate is available to them....a pin code for the Smith family next door is not, a group rate is not, a AAA rate is not (unless they are a AAA member and then they have to decide which way to book as they have no way right now of differentiating passholder who have AAA and those who don't). So if they release a passholder discount later and it is lower then by what they have written on the description of the program they are obligated to match it (remember that general public follows DISNEY's terminology, not the way DISers have come to use it)..

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Okay..so then what you're saying you have been told is that if you signed up for this Best Rate program and the AP rate was $59 for a value, but I didn't and then received a pin rate via email or post card for $49, the Best Rate people would not get the same rate? Although I got that rate last year and I realize it's highly unlikely it would happen again this year, I could see where that might really tick off some of the Best Rate customers..

 

[MAGICX2]

To Magicx2 - I hope you don't mind but I copied/pasted your emailed response from Disney to a thread I started called .... "Do you like it? Thoughts?"

How they replied to you was what I feared but totally understand from a business perspective (not great for customer service but hey). To me, the Best Rate program can work and I just may book (who knows though). I am just not so sure I want to give them a non-refundable deposit and pay a modification fee of $50 if I have to change that would reduce my reservation (like leaving a day earlier than planned etc).

Don't mind at all!! It's not very often that one can be quoted as saying something of importance (or stupidity!)

 

[WannabeBelle25]

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Okay..so then what you're saying you have been told is that if you signed up for this Best Rate program and the AP rate was $59 for a value, but I didn't and then received a pin rate via email or post card for $49, the Best Rate people would not get the same rate? Although I got that rate last year and I realize it's highly unlikely it would happen again this year, I could see where that might really tick off some of the Best Rate customers..

This would be absolutely correct from what I know! Pin codes are NOT considered General Public codes whereas AP rates are!!! Belle

 

[MAGICX2]

With everything disney related we've always know we get different answers on things depending on who you talk to. All I know, was that I was speaking to the sales team (which is very different from CRO reservation sales) and guest services and this was one thing that ALL of them agreed on. They all gave me the same answer, worded the same way as though they had been given written info on it based on questions already asked. They all said the program was guaranteed to provide passholders booked with it the best available rate. An AP rate is available to them....a pin code for the Smith family next door is not, a group rate is not, a AAA rate is not (unless they are a AAA member and then they have to decide which way to book as they have no way right now of differentiating passholder who have AAA and those who don't). So if they release a passholder discount later and it is lower then by what they have written on the description of the program they are obligated to match it (remember that general public follows DISNEY's terminology, not the way DISers have come to use it).

I have no idea where people in WDW communications fall into the hierarchy of Disney. I can only go by what I've been told by guest services and sales. Sicne the info "jives" with everyone there I've spoken with, then I can only assume it is correct.

Yes an AP DISCOUNT is available to passholder's who book through the AP Passholder's website, however dosen't the AP CODE RATE that is released at various times throught the year have a PIN/CODE attached to it? Therefore this would not make this available to everyone. It is only available to those who have the code(I know, easily gotten info) and use the code, on a limited number of rooms only. The passholder's site is on rooms in general based on the available rooms at the time and is a discount on the room rate, it is not a code rate.
I am not trying to step on anyone's toes, but I have also spoken with Guest Services and the info that my email contained was confirmed. They will not match a rate put out through any type of Group PIN/CODE and that includes AP Codes. This is because it is something completely different from the passholder's website. This could potentially upset ALOT of people!

 

[SnackyStacky]

Yes an AP DISCOUNT is available to passholder's who book through the AP Passholder's website, however dosen't the AP CODE RATE that is released at various times throught the year have a PIN/CODE attached to it? Therefore this would not make this available to everyone. It is only available to those who have the code(I know, easily gotten info) and use the code, on a limited number of rooms only. The passholder's site is on rooms in general based on the available rooms at the time and is a discount on the room rate, it is not a code rate.
I am not trying to step on anyone's toes, but I have also spoken with Guest Services and the info that my email contained was confirmed. They will not match a rate put out through any type of Group PIN/CODE and that includes AP Codes. This is because it is something completely different from the passholder's website. This could potentially upset ALOT of people!

There's a difference between a pin and a code. A pin is some 8-16 digits long and is available ONLY to the person that the card is addressed to. Only one person is entitled to use a pin.

A code is a string of 3 letters that communicates to the computer what rate to book. ANYONE can use the codes, they just have to know about them.

 

[MAGICX2]

There's a difference between a pin and a code. A pin is some 8-16 digits long and is available ONLY to the person that the card is addressed to. Only one person is entitled to use a pin.

A code is a string of 3 letters that communicates to the computer what rate to book. ANYONE can use the codes, they just have to know about them.

Yes, a code is just what you said. However, they are not available to anyone. An AP code can only be used by a person with an AP, AND if there is a room available that falls into that code category. These rooms are very limited and only a certain number of people can secure them.
With the passholder's website, the rate is a discount on the rooms currently available to the general public. That is where I think the difference lies.

 

[7thdwarf/dopey]

Yes an AP DISCOUNT They will not match a rate put out through any type of Group PIN/CODE and that includes AP Codes. This is because it is something completely different from the passholder's website. This could potentially upset ALOT of people!

This statement IS true. I am already beginning to feel a sense of regret as I cancelled my original ressies (AAA) yesterday and jumped on board this Best Rate Plan. I feel I jumped to soon , as the finer details are just beginning to come out in better detail. My AAA rates (BC & Poly) were approx. $25 dollars cheaper than the "Best Rate" plan.

 

[SnackyStacky]

Yes, a code is just what you said. However, they are not available to anyone. An AP code can only be used by a person with an AP, AND if there is a room available that falls into that code category. These rooms are very limited and only a certain number of people can secure them.
With the passholder's website, the rate is a discount on the rooms currently available to the general public. That is where I think the difference lies.

Anybody CAN book an Annual Passholder discount. The trick is in KEEPING the discounted rate. THAT'S why the front desk is supposed to have you show your Annual Pass at check in.

Limitation on the number of rooms applies to ANY discount released. Codes that anybody can use are in limited supply - even the free dining offer is in limited supply.

Disney is saying that you will get the lowest rate that the general public can book. The Annual Passholder rates can still be booked by anybody. The Best Rate program can only be used by a passholder, but ANYBODY can still book the Annual Pass rate.

 

[MAGICX2]

Technically, anyone who has an AP can book the AP rate. Because Yes, they are supposed to have to show there AP to prove they belong to this GROUP. That is the opperative word, GROUP. Alot of CM's don't bother to ask for the AP when people check in , but, if they do you have to show proof that you are eligable for this GROUP rate or you will lose it and pay rack. That is the chance that cheaters who book the AP without having an actual AP take . However that is the technicality. ANYONE can book the AP rate, but they are supposedto have to show proof of this upon check in.
My whole point is that through the passholders site you are getting a discount on a room that is already available. With the AP Code you are getting a special rate on the room, a limited number of rooms. A lot of people refer to it as a discount but in all actuallity it is an actual rate, not a discount. Hotels have a tier level to their rates. Starting at rack and moving on down, the rates drop as the season changes, availability changes etc. The only thing that discounts a percentage off of rooms are things like AAA, AARP, formerly the Magic Kingdom Club, and now, TADA, the passholders website. Everything else, AP Codes, PIN Codes, and special offers have their own "rate" assigned to them. That is why when they release these it dosen't say "25% off" it says Deluxe starting at $xxx.xx.

 

[Lollipop Mom]

if they do you have to show proof that you are eligable for this GROUP rate or you will lose it and pay rack.

Passholder rate is not a group rate. Group rates are discounted rooms for groups booking a minimum number of rooms. This minimum can be as low as 10 rooms for one night or can be higher depending on the season. It is arranged through GROUP SALES with specific terms and conditions associated with them. The discounts can be as much (or more depending on what is offered) than what we are seeing for AP rates.

Just wanted to be clear on that. AP rates are not the same as group rates.

They specified that they will not be matching group or membership rates because that is the fine print as it reads on everything associated with this offer...not because AP rates fall in to a group or membership category.

I called again today and was assured once again by both sales and guest services that IF call in rates are released for passholder discounts then the best rate quote would be adjusted. HOWEVER they are saying that if call in rates are released they will not be less than what is being quoted now on the web. The guest services agent thinks that may be where the confusion lies. They are saying that they do not anticipate releasing rates that are lower than these. If rooms are left available to be discounted then they will be discounted but they will higher rate (as in cost, not % of discount) than what is being quoted now. That includes discounting rooms for passholders, rooms for anyone and packages for anyone. So in that sense, no they won't be adjusting because there won't be a need to adjust BUT if on the off chance they REALLY need to fill rooms and they decide to offer some phenomenal rate then yes, the best rate program will match it.

 

[lillygator]

so, I guess, what is boils down to is getting the AP rate now (if available) through the best rate program for AP holders and doubtfully there will be no further discounts.

I am still anxious to see if Florida residents are offered anything.

 

[WannabeBelle25]

Hey there Lilly, A CM that I know and trust works at CRO He has confirmed that this plan will be in addition to all existing plans ( including the AP plan under 120 days) not instead of it. The Best Rate plan will offer you the best discount but will certainly NOT be the only discount out there. We hadnt asked about the Fl resident rates and he didnt say but I wouldnt doubt that Disney would continue to do those rates the way it always has. Belle

 

[wdwhooked]

We are still trying to analyze the “Best Rate Program” , we will be in WDW July 4th - 14th I am planning to purchase AP(s) for all 4 of us (Family ) when we arrive, we were then looking into a return visit this Nov hoping for AP rates, due to the fact we do not yet have our AP(s) we are not Even able to book online or check the rates offered for AP holders. I have talked with a lot of people who purchase their AP(s) when they arrive in WDW , however if we are to use this System on line we are being told we must have a pass or voucher in hand, this part of the program alone is causing a lot of problems, I know that one has to have the AP in hand at check in; and Should, however to book a room with a pass that you will not use for 120 days is asking a lot, I do know if one has the AP because they have already been to WDW then this is not as issue , however we purchase our AP(s) the first day we need them and use them as such: July 2005, Nov 2005 and June 2006/ then we do not renew . We will then purchase new Ap(s) July 2007 for use July, Nov 2007 and June 2008. So there will be a gap of not having AP(s) in hand when we make the Res. But as stated we do purchase them when we arrive. Most of the guide books and web sites we read about Disney states that you should not purchase AP(s) until you are in WDW unless you think there will be an increase in price. The reason they state is because there is no need to spend that kind of money until you are going to use the AP(s),
I think the “Best Rate Program” might work however I feel that one should not have to have the Voucher or Pass in hand just to book a room or even find out the rate for that room . I also do not agree with those who book a room and never show an AP at check in or have them at all, we all know that this could be solved if the CM would ask for them and require them at check in. If this was strictly enforced then problem Solved. I also feel that if one checks in with an AP rate and dose not have an AP in hand and has no intention of getting them then they should pay the $50 change penalty and of Course rack rate. Again to me this would solve some of these issues.

Just my thoughts, and dose anyone know the AP rates for Nov 19-26th 2005
thanks

 

[keys2kingdom]

My whole point is that through the passholders site you are getting a discount on a room that is already available. With the AP Code you are getting a special rate on the room, a limited number of rooms. A lot of people refer to it as a discount but in all actuallity it is an actual rate, not a discount. Hotels have a tier level to their rates. Starting at rack and moving on down, the rates drop as the season changes, availability changes etc. The only thing that discounts a percentage off of rooms are things like AAA, AARP, formerly the Magic Kingdom Club, and now, TADA, the passholders website. Everything else, AP Codes, PIN Codes, and special offers have their own "rate" assigned to them. That is why when they release these it dosen't say "25% off" it says Deluxe starting at $xxx.xx.

The 'Best Rate' site is using a 3 letter code built into the programming. It is not a percentage off system. We are still dealing with the limited number of rooms. It would be great if every single room they had available was eligible for a percentage discount but that is not the way it is working with this program. It is essentially an AP code that has been loaded only onto this website.

 

[keys2kingdom]

With the passholder's website, the rate is a discount on the rooms currently available to the general public. That is where I think the difference lies.

This is incorrect, the 'best rate' web page is pulling rooms from a limited pool set aside for this offer. It is using a 3 letter code embedded in the programming.

 

[WannabeBelle25]

Hey Keys, Also my understanding is that people who book their rooms on this site will then be applied to the pool of AP rooms before any of us get a shot at them. Is this the same as what you know? Belle

 

[keys2kingdom]

Hey Keys, Also my understanding is that people who book their rooms on this site will then be applied to the pool of AP rooms before any of us get a shot at them. Is this the same as what you know? Belle

Yes, it's my understanding that it's all one pool with 'Best Rate' people getting the first shot. Call-ins will get what's leftover.