For those who buy APs for the resort discounts, is it worth it now?

[Bete]

I haven't bought an AP in three years. I liked the room discounts in the past especially on the deluxes. We received many other discounts, too. Most discounts were 15% including behind the scene tours, lunches at the parks, mini golf, etc.

Now, I feel the AP has been devalued to a degree. I'm thinking about taking two longer trips in 2007; so, I'm wondering if I should care about getting an AP anymore.

I've heard complaints about the so-called new AP discounts with the rooms.

Since it's been a little time for the new rules to be in affect, I was wondering if you would buy an AP, now. I'd like to hear the pros and cons. I can understand getting one, if you live in Florida or a nearby state, but how does everyone else feel?

 

[WDW Poly Princess]

Personally, unless they get rid of Best Rate, I won't be buying an AP again, since I usually only go for 7-10 days. However, if you're planning on 10 days or more, it probably does still pay off. The discounts on tours are nice, too, as well as the World of Disney discount!

 

[seashoreCM]

As far as I know, booking the AP rate the old way can still be done.

But, my understanding is that as soon as "the AP rate" or any lower rate is announced, all existing Best Rate reservations automatically and instantly drop into that rate, possibly depleting the allotment of rooms for some dates at some resorts within seconds.

As far as I know, all existing Best Rate reservations will drop into a lower rate upon IPO even if the allotment is less than the number of reservations.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[DrTomorrow]

IMHO, APs should be evaluated based on the number of days you'll be staying in one calendar year, not any other perks which - as we've always been told - may disappear at any time. It's safer that way.

As an aside, with travel demand increasing and the 'recovery' since 9/11, the kind of discounts that were available in the past 3-4 years won't be seen - or at least not seen as often....

IMHO - YMMV

 

[SnackyStacky]

As far as I know, booking the AP rate the old way can still be done.

But, my understanding is that as soon as "the AP rate" or any lower rate is announced, all existing Best Rate reservations automatically and instantly drop into that rate, possibly depleting the allotment of rooms for some dates at some resorts within seconds.

As far as I know, all existing Best Rate reservations will drop into a lower rate upon IPO even if the allotment is less than the number of reservations.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

That's not true.

The only way to book an Annual Passholder discount is via the Best Rate program. If you attempt to book one through CRO, they will refer you to the Annual Passholder webiste.

It was supposed to be an addition to the old way of booking the discounts, but they later released information that AP discounts could only be booked through best rate.

 

[kirbsam]

There are still discounts out there. Lets say, you are going for ten days total in one year. The deluxe discounts have been pretty consistently 70-75 bucks off the rack rate. Now factor in the three hundred you save from not having to buy a parkhopper ticket for those ten days, plus there still are many dining, merchandise, and golf discounts. I would say an annual pass is worth over 1000 dollars under this scenario. Well worth it in my book.

 

[boomhauer]

That's not true.

The only way to book an Annual Passholder discount is via the Best Rate program. If you attempt to book one through CRO, they will refer you to the Annual Passholder webiste.

It was supposed to be an addition to the old way of booking the discounts, but they later released information that AP discounts could only be booked through best rate.

That's not accurate. I booked through CRO for the AP rate. Not sure if he was wrong for doing so, but I and others, have been able to do so.

He just told me to make sure I had my AP or my voucher upon check in.

 

[boomhauer]

I haven't bought an AP in three years. I liked the room discounts in the past especially on the deluxes. We received many other discounts, too. Most discounts were 15% including behind the scene tours, lunches at the parks, mini golf, etc.

Now, I feel the AP has been devalued to a degree. I'm thinking about taking two longer trips in 2007; so, I'm wondering if I should care about getting an AP anymore.

I've heard complaints about the so-called new AP discounts with the rooms.

Since it's been a little time for the new rules to be in affect, I was wondering if you would buy an AP, now. I'd like to hear the pros and cons. I can understand getting one, if you live in Florida or a nearby state, but how does everyone else feel?

True, the BRP program isn't as convenient as the old AP was. However, I was able to book through CRO, and I won't be re-purchasing my AP until next month.

It's worth it for me on this trip alone - I'm paying $49 a night at All Star Movies.

 

[lentesta]

It depends on the number of nights you're staying, the type of resort you stay at, and the dates you visit.

AP discounts from earlier this year were around $70 per night for deluxe resorts, $45 per night for moderates, and....IIRC around $20 per night for values.

At those prices, the break-even point for APs was around 4 nights at deluxes, 7 at moderates, and....IIRC 12 or 13 at values. But those two factors (resort choice and length of stay) are the two variables you'd need to know.

For my January '06, I think the AP discounts I got at Beach Club are in the range of $60 to $80 per night, maybe a bit more.

Hope this helps!

Len

 

[Jynohn]

I won't be renewing my AP next year. We typically go for 10 days every January, and although we knew AP room rates weren't guaranteed, it always seemed to work out that we got a great rate with our AP's. Since my husband is military and our plans can change at a moment's notice, the non-refundable deposit for the new Best Rate Plan doesn't work for us.

 

[kmkja1]

It depends on the number of nights you're staying, the type of resort you stay at, and the dates you visit.

AP discounts from earlier this year were around $70 per night for deluxe resorts, $45 per night for moderates, and....IIRC around $20 per night for values.

At those prices, the break-even point for APs was around 4 nights at deluxes, 7 at moderates, and....IIRC 12 or 13 at values. But those two factors (resort choice and length of stay) are the two variables you'd need to know.

For my January '06, I think the AP discounts I got at Beach Club are in the range of $60 to $80 per night, maybe a bit more.

Hope this helps!

Len

When calculating a breakeven point you also need to account for any other discount you may be able to get. PIN, AAA ect...

 

[boomhauer]

When calculating a breakeven point you also need to account for any other discount you may be able to get. PIN, AAA ect...

I never do that. If you did that, then you'd have to figure in other discounts you get with the AP, such as dining and shopping.

Honestly, I bought my AP last year for the idea of going more than once a year, but it actually broke even during the first trip of 9 nights. The other 20 nights I spent at Disney last year were just an added savings.

 

[seashoreCM]

When calculating a breakeven point you also need to account for any other discount you may be able to get. PIN, AAA ect...

Yes I agree. In my past experience (one to five years ago) I have seen other discounts come within ten dollars of the AP rate for value resorts and within twenty dollars of the AP rate for moderate resorts. Admittedly these other discounts were either for select groups such as AAA or for residents of a specfic state, or were for very limited times.

My objection to the Best Rate program is that there is a cancellation penalty.

 

[boomhauer]

I think the bottom line with the AP is, unless you're going for more than 10 nights or on 2 trips a year, it's not worth worrying about.

If you're going to take 2 trips to Disney a year, there's no doubt it makes sense.

 

[oxfordcircus]

I was able to book AKL for about $95 off rack rate for my stay in January. It also beat the AAA discount and the "second coming of Jesus November 3 discount code" by a long shot - over $300 including the extra cost of the AP. Of course, my stay is 8 nights, so it was easier to accumulate the savings ("the more you spend the more you save!!")

Second, when I booked, I did it through CRO between 2-5 p.m. EST, when they handle AP questions. I got to preview the discount before I bought the AP, so it was risk free for me. Also, the CM told me about the cancellation policy, but then said not to worry, if we want to cancel inside the 5 day cancellation period, just change the reservation to a later day outside the window, then call again and cancel without losing the deposit. I didn't suggest it, the CM did.

 

[Lulu's Mom]

We are really considering buying the AP's since we will be going on 2 trips within a year but my problem with the AP is different. We love the dinning plan and see so much savings in that, that it makes me not even want to buy the AP. I hope they change it so AP holders can get the dinning plan soon.

 

[Piglette]

Oxfordcircus,
Now I'm confused about cancellations. Did you book under the AP Best Rate Program? I thought you lose the one day deposit under the Program regardless of when you cancel. Does the 5 day window apply to the AP program when booked through CRO?

 

[Got Quattro?]

yes ..... just booked BRP for $144 a night at wilderness lodge. $199 rack rate. I saved $300 this trip. $500 last trip in April. So my $400 trip has saved me $400 net....plus not having to buy a hopper 2 times 4 days each + dinning bennifits.

All in all I would say it has saved me $1,000 NET after cost of the AP

 

[boomhauer]

Last year, it saved me about $600 in park passes, $700 (at least) off the room, and more on dining and souveniers.

I'd say it's safe to say it saved me about $1,500.

 

[oxfordcircus]

Oxfordcircus,
Now I'm confused about cancellations. Did you book under the AP Best Rate Program? I thought you lose the one day deposit under the Program regardless of when you cancel. Does the 5 day window apply to the AP program when booked through CRO?

I assume I'm under the AP BRP. I definitely got an AP discount and I don't think there's another way to get the AP discount except through BRP. As for the cancellation policy, I have read about it on mousesavers and elsewhere, so I knew that was drawback for some folks. It won't be for me since I'm definitely going and won't be cancelling. Maybe my CM was confused and gave me some incorrect info - it's worth a call if you're concerned about the cancellation policy.