Friends and Family Discount

[danielle79]

So how do I find a friend to let me use this is early february 2014 probably Feb 2-8? Usually a value season, has been in the past. I am also confused about the QSDP with this discount, can it be added at full price? Not trying to get free dining and a room discount. Thanks!

 

[aaarcher86]

So how do I find a friend to let me use this is early february 2014 probably Feb 2-8? Usually a value season, has been in the past. I am also confused about the QSDP with this discount, can it be added at full price? Not trying to get free dining and a room discount. Thanks!

Yes, the DDP can be added at full price. You can't stack discounts.

 

[KerryCM]

So how do I find a friend to let me use this is early february 2014 probably Feb 2-8? Usually a value season, has been in the past. I am also confused about the QSDP with this discount, can it be added at full price? Not trying to get free dining and a room discount. Thanks!

Do you have a good friend or relative that would be willing to book it for you? If not, I really doubt a cast member would use their discount for a stranger. We are limited to how many can be used a year and I wouldn't use my discounts for someone I did not know.

 

[aaarcher86]

Do you have a good friend or relative that would be willing to book it for you? If not, I really doubt a cast member would use their discount for a stranger. We are limited to how many can be used a year and I wouldn't use my discounts for someone I did not know.

Ditto. I don't know a single CM who would let a stranger use their discount!

 

[disnyfan4ever]

Does anyone know if you have a cast member book a Friends & Family reservation and you use your Disney VISA, do you get the 6 months 0% financing? TIA!!

 

[aaarcher86]

Does anyone know if you have a cast member book a Friends & Family reservation and you use your Disney VISA, do you get the 6 months 0% financing? TIA!!

Hmm... Honestly I'm thinking no. My reasoning - you get 0% on package reservations and the CM reservations (even with a DP) are classed as RO.

 

[4mykids]

Apologies in advance if this has already been discussed. If a CM makes the initial reservation at 40%, can I call and check to see if a deeper discount has become available and apply that discount to my reservation? And am I reading correctly that I can call and change hotels on the reservation if the F&F discount becomes available for a different hotel and still keep the F&F discount?

 

[FigmentChick]

Apologies in advance if this has already been discussed. If a CM makes the initial reservation at 40%, can I call and check to see if a deeper discount has become available and apply that discount to my reservation? And am I reading correctly that I can call and change hotels on the reservation if the F&F discount becomes available for a different hotel and still keep the F&F discount?

This is correct. Instead of my friend paying attention, I call once a week to see if the discount has been increased for my travel time (early November). This way, I don't feel like I'm bothering him.

And I do believe you an change the resort as well, as long as it is available. Please make sure you call the phone number that is on your reservation that was emailed to you though and not the main reservation number....sometimes, those CMs are unaware of F&F discount codes and guidelines (I found out the hard way).

 

[Andie272]

Has the discount been extended past Oct 26th? My trip is 25-30 so can't get the extra discount unless it is extended to include ALL of my days. Hoping for the DDP discount to be extended as well!

As of this morning it still says the Holiday Friends and Family is coming soon. It will cover Oct 27-Feb 2 (I think)..no mention on what it is though.

I am hoping it involves dining plan for Nov 11-16

 

[photos_101]

As of this morning it still says the Holiday Friends and Family is coming soon. It will cover Oct 27-Feb 2 (I think)..no mention on what it is though.

I am hoping it involves dining plan for Nov 11-16

Thanks for the update! I guess my question now is, Will we be able to apply the extra discount since we are split between the 2 offers? Current one ends the 26, next one (possibly) starts 27. My stay is during both offers. Oct 25-30. When the new extension is put out, Should I be able to call and get it applied to ALL dates?
When we asked about the 2 days that are covered now, we were told we couldn't get the extra discount since the rest of the days were not covered.

I am guessing yes, since it would be an extension of the current offer. That is what I am hoping anyways. lol We could use the extra 10% and possibly the dining discount on that as well.

 

[Andie272]

Thanks for the update! I guess my question now is, Will we be able to apply the extra discount since we are split between the 2 offers? Current one ends the 26, next one (possibly) starts 27. My stay is during both offers. Oct 25-30. When the new extension is put out, Should I be able to call and get it applied to ALL dates?
When we asked about the 2 days that are covered now, we were told we couldn't get the extra discount since the rest of the days were not covered.

I am guessing yes, since it would be an extension of the current offer. That is what I am hoping anyways. lol We could use the extra 10% and possibly the dining discount on that as well.

No problem. My nephew is the CM and he checks for me daily. I don't know about extending the offer to cover the rest of your trip, sorry. I would think though that you would be able to apply the new offer to the dates it covers. I found out it is 10/27/13-2/13/14.

 

[aaarcher86]

Thanks for the update! I guess my question now is, Will we be able to apply the extra discount since we are split between the 2 offers? Current one ends the 26, next one (possibly) starts 27. My stay is during both offers. Oct 25-30. When the new extension is put out, Should I be able to call and get it applied to ALL dates?
When we asked about the 2 days that are covered now, we were told we couldn't get the extra discount since the rest of the days were not covered.

I am guessing yes, since it would be an extension of the current offer. That is what I am hoping anyways. lol We could use the extra 10% and possibly the dining discount on that as well.

It will be 2 separate codes in the system, so you'll more than likely need to split your reservation into 2 to apply each code to each portion. It's not really an extension, versus a new offer, it just happens to be the same stuff.

If it's available during the entire time there is a slim chance a Guest Services agent could override it is and keep it all in one (but it's super slim). They're also at the mercy of the system limitations.

If you do have to split it into 2 it shouldn't be a problem and have them note you'd like to stay in the same room. Also let the front desk know the same when you check into the first one.

 

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

Thanks for the update! I guess my question now is, Will we be able to apply the extra discount since we are split between the 2 offers? Current one ends the 26, next one (possibly) starts 27. My stay is during both offers. Oct 25-30. When the new extension is put out, Should I be able to call and get it applied to ALL dates?
When we asked about the 2 days that are covered now, we were told we couldn't get the extra discount since the rest of the days were not covered.

I am guessing yes, since it would be an extension of the current offer. That is what I am hoping anyways. lol We could use the extra 10% and possibly the dining discount on that as well.

It will be 2 separate codes in the system, so you'll more than likely need to split your reservation into 2 to apply each code to each portion. It's not really an extension, versus a new offer, it just happens to be the same stuff.

If it's available during the entire time there is a slim chance a Guest Services agent could override it is and keep it all in one (but it's super slim). They're also at the mercy of the system limitations.

If you do have to split it into 2 it shouldn't be a problem and have them note you'd like to stay in the same room. Also let the front desk know the same when you check into the first one.

Thanks for all the info everyone has shared!! I promise I've read through the posts, however I need a little help if you don't mind!

My DH has a friend that has offered us many times his discount and we've just never taken him up on the offer since we used free dining or other offers. We could have booked free dining for 10/24-10/28 however we waited too long and airfare was nuts. Well, at lunch today airfare is about $200 per person so very reasonable and now, we are back to considering this trip.

We fit your situation above - appears to be between two different offers. So am I understanding the current offer is 50% off the resort and QSDP for $32 per adult through the 26th and there is currently no other F&F discounts after the 26th but one is hopefully going to be released soon, correct?

I've done split stays before so I'm aware of how they work, however I'm curious if we have to do this, will this count as two different reservations for the CM therefore taking up two of his four offers per year?

I'm trying to understand the logistics as well. Am I able to call and book this myself, then have him call and apply the discount and then we pay him through Paypal (or however we choose to)? Yes I trust him, however I don't really trust anyone with my credit card information - so I'm trying to make this as safe and easy on everyone.

I thank you in advance and aaarcher86 - you've been so kind and patient to answer everyones questions!!

Heather

 

[photos_101]

Thanks for all the info everyone has shared!! I promise I've read through the posts, however I need a little help if you don't mind!

My DH has a friend that has offered us many times his discount and we've just never taken him up on the offer since we used free dining or other offers. We could have booked free dining for 10/24-10/28 however we waited too long and airfare was nuts. Well, at lunch today airfare is about $200 per person so very reasonable and now, we are back to considering this trip.

We fit your situation above - appears to be between two different offers. So am I understanding the current offer is 50% off the resort and QSDP for $32 per adult through the 26th and there is currently no other F&F discounts after the 26th but one is hopefully going to be released soon, correct?

I've done split stays before so I'm aware of how they work, however I'm curious if we have to do this, will this count as two different reservations for the CM therefore taking up two of his four offers per year?

I'm trying to understand the logistics as well. Am I able to call and book this myself, then have him call and apply the discount and then we pay him through Paypal (or however we choose to)? Yes I trust him, however I don't really trust anyone with my credit card information - so I'm trying to make this as safe and easy on everyone.

I thank you in advance and aaarcher86 - you've been so kind and patient to answer everyones questions!!

Heather

I admit I don't know the answer to the questions above because my DD is the CM and will be staying in the room with us so basically it is HER reservation at her CM discount. But I do know that when she booked it she called and tried to have the 2 days discounted at the current discounted price and was told we could get the extra discount of those 2 days (25-26) but then we would be charged a higher rate for the last few days. So they said it was a better deal to just take the standard discount for ALL days. It was kinda confusing but I think I understood her correctly.
We will be at AOA Cars Suite. So I guess we will just have to call and see when the next offer actually comes out. I am not against doing seperate ressies but wondering if the extra 10% off is worth it??

BTW..There are only certain resorts/rooms available for CM offers and ALOT are already booked up for the year. So you may have to be flexible on which resort you will stay at to get the CM discount. I know we booked asap when my daughter got access to the hub for our Dec trip and now most of the rooms that were available are all booked. I think only CBR and ASSp are available now. We booked at Beach Club!!

 

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

I admit I don't know the answer to the questions above because my DD is the CM and will be staying in the room with us so basically it is HER reservation at her CM discount. But I do know that when she booked it she called and tried to have the 2 days discounted at the current discounted price and was told we could get the extra discount of those 2 days (25-26) but then we would be charged a higher rate for the last few days. So they said it was a better deal to just take the standard discount for ALL days. It was kinda confusing but I think I understood her correctly.
We will be at AOA Cars Suite. So I guess we will just have to call and see when the next offer actually comes out. I am not against doing seperate ressies but wondering if the extra 10% off is worth it??

BTW..There are only certain resorts/rooms available for CM offers and ALOT are already booked up for the year. So you may have to be flexible on which resort you will stay at to get the CM discount. I know we booked asap when my daughter got access to the hub for our Dec trip and now most of the rooms that were available are all booked. I think only CBR and ASSp are available now. We booked at Beach Club!!

Thanks for sharing your information! Yikes, I didn't realize only two resorts might be available We usually stay at POFQ or Pop Century and he was suggesting we try out Cars since we were potentially using his discount so I guess he didn't know either

So if you don't mind can you clarify - is it 50% off resort through the 26th, then 40% off thereafter? I agree, I might not do a split for one night only, for 10% and would be pleased if it was 50%, then 40% for our last night.

Thanks again,
Heather

 

[photos_101]

Thanks for sharing your information! Yikes, I didn't realize only two resorts might be available We usually stay at POFQ or Pop Century and he was suggesting we try out Cars since we were potentially using his discount so I guess he didn't know either

So if you don't mind can you clarify - is it 50% off resort through the 26th, then 40% off thereafter? I agree, I might not do a split for one night only, for 10% and would be pleased if it was 50%, then 40% for our last night.

Thanks again,
Heather

The 2 resorts I was talking about was for dates in late Dec. Which is SUPER busy. So I am sure there are more available for your dates.

And yes I believe for F&F that is the rate, 50% until 26th then down to 40%. Until, of course, they put out the new discount.
Actually if ours wasn't already paid for, I might go for the extra discount. lol But I am not sure how much trouble it would be to get the credit for the extra % off.

 

[aaarcher86]

Thanks for all the info everyone has shared!! I promise I've read through the posts, however I need a little help if you don't mind!

My DH has a friend that has offered us many times his discount and we've just never taken him up on the offer since we used free dining or other offers. We could have booked free dining for 10/24-10/28 however we waited too long and airfare was nuts. Well, at lunch today airfare is about $200 per person so very reasonable and now, we are back to considering this trip.

We fit your situation above - appears to be between two different offers. So am I understanding the current offer is 50% off the resort and QSDP for $32 per adult through the 26th and there is currently no other F&F discounts after the 26th but one is hopefully going to be released soon, correct?

I've done split stays before so I'm aware of how they work, however I'm curious if we have to do this, will this count as two different reservations for the CM therefore taking up two of his four offers per year?

I'm trying to understand the logistics as well. Am I able to call and book this myself, then have him call and apply the discount and then we pay him through Paypal (or however we choose to)? Yes I trust him, however I don't really trust anyone with my credit card information - so I'm trying to make this as safe and easy on everyone.

I thank you in advance and aaarcher86 - you've been so kind and patient to answer everyones questions!!

Heather

Basically, look at the CM discounts like any regular RO discount. If your dates extend beyond the offer dates you'll bump to rack rate. The regular F&F discount is 40% so you could, right now, get a room for your full length of stay at 40% (pending availability). There is a larger F&F discount of 50% through 10/26. Anything booked today that went beyond that date would be priced at rack rate. If another 50% discount comes out starting 10/27, in order to have 50% on the full length of stay you'd need 2 reservations, with the second reservation starting on 10/27.

Yes, this would be considered 2 F&F reservations.

Could you book RO reservations and have the CM apply the discount? Yes. I don't recommend doing that, only because just like regular discounts the inventory is limited. Something booked at rack rate isn't necessarily available with a CM discount. I would probably be easier to either shoot of an email with your desired resorts for the CM to check, or be on the phone in a 3 way call, or even emailing or AIM back and forth during the CM conversation.

As far as payment - the CM can book the reservation, call you with the reservation number, and you call the reservation line to put the down payment on the resort. The CM just has to make the initial booking. SOME booking CMs get really touchy and require the CM pay the moment of booking, but that's pretty rare.

 

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

I just called WDW and got a helpful c/m. I first made sure I didn't have a mysterious PIN attached to my name since I haven't received one in like 5 years - so no surprise, NO!

You were pretty close on the resort choices. I believe he said yes, we could get the 50% for 10/24-10/26 at All Star Sports and Yacht Club and that was it I believe. Luckily Yacht Club also has 40% from 10/26-10/28 so even if we did two reservations, hopefully we can stay in the same room as I have before.

CARS suite was available for the 2nd half 10/26-10/28 but I really don't want to physically move resorts during a 4 night only quick trip He tried to see if CARS was open for the 40% the entire trip and it wasn't.

He also said I could book the reservation myself, pay the deposit and our CM friend would only need to fax his ID or stop by the resort prior to 10 days of our arrival. I know this is all easy peasy for you guys but it makes me feel better. Just need to decide if the cost at 50/40% off to stay deluxe is worth it or if we just save more and do ASSp?

Heather

 

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

Basically, look at the CM discounts like any regular RO discount. If your dates extend beyond the offer dates you'll bump to rack rate. The regular F&F discount is 40% so you could, right now, get a room for your full length of stay at 40% (pending availability). There is a larger F&F discount of 50% through 10/26. Anything booked today that went beyond that date would be priced at rack rate. If another 50% discount comes out starting 10/27, in order to have 50% on the full length of stay you'd need 2 reservations, with the second reservation starting on 10/27.

Yes, this would be considered 2 F&F reservations.

Could you book RO reservations and have the CM apply the discount? Yes. I don't recommend doing that, only because just like regular discounts the inventory is limited. Something booked at rack rate isn't necessarily available with a CM discount. I would probably be easier to either shoot of an email with your desired resorts for the CM to check, or be on the phone in a 3 way call, or even emailing or AIM back and forth during the CM conversation.

As far as payment - the CM can book the reservation, call you with the reservation number, and you call the reservation line to put the down payment on the resort. The CM just has to make the initial booking. SOME booking CMs get really touchy and require the CM pay the moment of booking, but that's pretty rare.

Awesome - thank you so much!!

I was assuming it would be two F&F bookings so I'll need to make sure he knows that. If he doesn't mind, I won't worry, but if not I'm assuming we could just do the "regular" 40% off entire stay and that way not even worry about two separate reservations, correct?

Thanks again,
Heahter

 

[aaarcher86]

I just called WDW and got a helpful c/m. I first made sure I didn't have a mysterious PIN attached to my name since I haven't received one in like 5 years - so no surprise, NO!

You were pretty close on the resort choices. I believe he said yes, we could get the 50% for 10/24-10/26 at All Star Sports and Yacht Club and that was it I believe. Luckily Yacht Club also has 40% from 10/26-10/28 so even if we did two reservations, hopefully we can stay in the same room as I have before.

CARS suite was available for the 2nd half 10/26-10/28 but I really don't want to physically move resorts during a 4 night only quick trip He tried to see if CARS was open for the 40% the entire trip and it wasn't.

He also said I could book the reservation myself, pay the deposit and our CM friend would only need to fax his ID or stop by the resort prior to 10 days of our arrival. I know this is all easy peasy for you guys but it makes me feel better. Just need to decide if the cost at 50/40% off to stay deluxe is worth it or if we just save more and do ASSp?

Heather

That's not true at all about the booking.

The CM needs to attach a CM discount to the reservation and it has to be the CM. They will need to give employee information to put into the reservation itself. The CM will have to show his ID to the resort, that part is true, however, that is in ADDITION to having it added to your reservation. If the discount is not applied to the reservation before check in you'll be at rack rate and the front desk can not apply it for you.

If you're going to book it and have the CM add his discount (over the phone to the reservation - no way around this) I'd do it fast to make sure it doesn't get booked up. Just like with any other discount, availability is limited and things can change in a matter of minutes.