for those of you with APs

[terribm]

How often are you unable to get an AP rate for you resort stay? Also, how far in advance can you book for the AP rate? Do you book your resort and just make changes when and if the discount rate becomes available? Sorry for all the ?'s, just doing some research.

Thanks,
Terri

 

[ctrabada]

This is the first time I've been able to get an AP rate... they were always booked when I called, but I've been able to use FL resident discounts. Then again, that was before I read these boards to be informed immediately of discounts...

Unfortunately, the codes come out shortly before they will be available, so you don't have much time to plan.. the codes for Sept just came out at the beginning of this week...

I have the luxury of being able to stay offsite for free (my parents live in Orlando and I live less than 4 hours away by car), so if there are no discounts, I stay with them. Once a year, however, we do make reservations onsite and I make reservations at rack rate and then wait for discounts, which I then apply to my existing reservation. This year we got some great rates for 4th of July weekend, so went on a spur of the moment We are going for our annual trip at the end of Sept and now decided to go again in Oct for MNSSHP. I have not booked October and I'll wait for discounts. If there are no discounts, then I'll stay at Mom's.

 

[sherry8253]

I have always been able to get AP rate. I always have at least 3 resorts in mind when I call and I never book before AP rates come out. Last year I got tired waiting and we stayed at the Swan because we got a great rate. Good luck!

 

[PamNC]

We live 30 minutes west of Winston-Salem - in Mocksville.

We hae AP's and we've been able to get what we want except once and that's because we waited until 3 weeks prior to the trip to book. Last minute decision. Book as early as you can and chances are you'll get it.

PamNC

 

[Cameo]

I've never booked AP rate before this year, but we had a cancellation of a different vacation two weeks ago and decided on a last minute trip (3 weeks out) trip to WDW. We are also going next June so decided to get an AP. I called 3 weeks out and was able to get AP rates for WL and Poly for the middle of August. Maybe people had cancelled, but I didn't have any difficulty getting what I wanted. I guess last minute sometimes helps.

 

[Ilovestitch]

I usually book the room 6 months out with the AAA discount. I save up that amt. of $$ and then wait for the AP discount. For my trip this past May, I got the AP rate at CBR and had $400 extra dollars to use for souvineers and food. I think its best to book what you can afford and then think of the AP discount as an extra bonus. -Stephanie

 

[marylandjen]

Have been booking AP rates for 4 years now. Never had a problem getting anything. May need to have a back-up resort if the one you want is full. But if you watch mousesavers.com, and book when AP rates become available, then you should be ok. The proble with AP rates is waiting for them to come out. They may be conly 3 months prior to travel. You could always make a regular resie, and then if AP rates become available cancel it and rebook under AP rates. I tried once to change from regular booking to AP booking and was told I had to cancel and rebook. Don't know for sure on this. Good luck!

 

[maggie g.]

Last April I missed the code release date by about 1 day and all I could get was a AAA rate. I called obsessively for weeks to no avail. We're going in 2 1/2 weeks and did get an AP rate @ the BC. I guess April is just a busier time. I'm planning on the Swan/Dolphin as my back up for next April or I might start trolling the DVC boards in September when my dates would open up. I've never rented DVC points so I'm a little hesitant. I like the flexibility of a "regular" reservation. Maggie

 

[bunnyfoo]

Last December, I wanted an AP rate for a standard view at WL ... I called several times but wasn't able to get anything there so I settled for a standard view at AKL instead.