Getting AP rate with Child annual pass

[doubletrouble_vb]

Obviously Disney has allowed this in the past but with all of the changes going on it wouldn't surprise me if they said the AP holder must be the name the reservation is under...which would preclude a child's AP from working.

If this IS in the process of changing then the probability of getting conflicting information from Disney CM's since relatively high.

 

[DMRick]

Maybe I will also write a letter asking this question to WDW before I purchase our AP.
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That is exactly what I suggest you do. You'll then have your own letter, and you'll be satisfied that it is correct, and it will be the latest. You will also (at least I did, and others have) get a followup phone call. Write soon, though, as it takes a couple of weeks to get a response. This is the address I used:

wdw.guest.communications@disneyworld.com

It's often in how you ask also. I wrote and said that we would be staying in Disney, and per the AP perks listed on the cover of the AP and the site, I wanted to be sure that just one person in the room had to have an AP. I then added that the person with the AP would be a child.

Docsknotinn:
Obviously mine does not have an 05 date on it, and I did not say it had an 05 date on it, but I originally wrote to Guest Services, because I had read here that you needed an adult AP. I guess I didn't realize you were saying that Disney changed the rules in 05..did you have that in writing? Yes, I agree that Disney can change the rules, but then they need to post those on the AP site. I assume you have an AP and have been to the site..do you see that rule there? If so, then I'll be the first to apologize...since as I said they obviously could have changed it, but it would have to have been pretty recent...not last March. Why don't you write yourself, rather than accusing people of scamming Disney, or insinuating someone is lying or suggesting we are taking advantage of Disney? My response from Disney said I could use it...and that is what I am basing my answer on..what do you have in writing that you are basing yours on?

Remember, writing is the way you will get the correct answer. If you call the reservation line, you'll often just get an opinion. I'll be interested in knowing if something has changed recently.

 

[gepetto]

I think the whole system will change soon. I noticed now the AP rates require checking in Sunday-Thursday this time.

If they allow you to make a reservation with a child's AP...I don't see how that is doing anything wrong. As many years as we've been AP holders, I've never been asked to show it at check-in. If you want to bash someone for being dishonest, bash the people that don't buy the AP but get the discount.

 

[DMRick]

Yes, but they actually booked people coming in other days..according to what some wrote. I hope they don't change too much, or it will curtail our frequent trips.
****************
This is from the passholders site..note that there is a † after the phone number. Look below and note it doesn't say that this is for adults only, or that children may not call..it says "

† Remember: If you are under 18 years of age, you must have your parent or guardian's permission to dial this number."
******************
Rooms at these rates are limited, so book your rooms now! Call (407) 560-PASS (7277)† to book your room. Be sure to request booking code XXX (blanked out because of board rules).

Passholders can also enjoy these Walt Disney World® Resort Guest benefits:
A beautifully themed Resort in the heart of the Disney magic
Extra Magic Hour Benefit - Each day one of the Theme Parks is open for an extra hour so guests staying at select Walt Disney World® Resort hotels can enjoy some favorite attractions. (Valid Theme Park ticket and Resort I.D. required).
Renowned Disney service 24 hours a day
Spectacular pools
Transportation (motor coach, water launch, or monorail) throughout the Walt Disney World® Resort


Important Details
Proof of valid Passholder I.D. required at check-in. Additional per-adult charges apply if more than two adults (18 or older) per room. No group rates or other discounts apply. Advance reservations required. All prices and terms of this offer are subject to change without notice.

Promotional Code: XXX(blanked out because of board rules)

†Remember: If you are under 18 years of age, you must have your parent or guardian's permission to dial this number.

 

[Leota]

I'll be happy when WDW requires your valid AP ID number to make the reservation in the first place. The way I see it, it's supposed to be a Perk for Frequent Guests. There are a limited amount of rooms available for AP discounts & they should be used by true AP holders, not folks who just buy one pass (and a child's one at that) for the discount after they assure themselves they can get the AP rate.

Just because there is a "legal" loophole which has been made very public due to the information available on the 'net, doesn't make it right to exploit that loophole. If there were unlimited rooms available to AP holders, that would be one thing - but since it is taking something from someone who the perk is designed for, that takes it to a deeper moral issue IMHO.

 

[Docsknotinn]

DMRick, Firstly I haaven't accused any one of anything. This strand is not about you.
The OP was asking if THIS YEAR, this is ok. We just spoke to Disney within the last two weeks and was told no, It's not acceptable. I'm certain you have seen the posts from several others who are saying the same thing as well as current reports that passses are now being checked. My question to Disney was straight forward and to the point. Can I buy a childs AP with no intent of buying adult AP's strictly for the room discount ? That is the question that is up for debate here. Go back and read the fine print under those ticket privlidges. You will see that it clearly states ALL POLICIES AND TERMS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.
I think it's pretty reasonable to assume that all of those reporting on this are not talking to a single rogue CM. Clearly a change is in the works. Irrespective of what a sleeve or a past dated letter might say policies can change. For the whopping grand total of $63 someone who has not yet bought passes can simply avoid getting caught in the middle. That's my advice to the OP.

 

[Docsknotinn]

LEOTA, thank you. I'm glad there are others that get the point and "The loophole" didn't fly over everyones head !

 

[skiwee1]

LEOTA, thank you. I'm glad there are others that get the point and "The loophole" didn't fly over everyones head !

It isn't a loophole. I didn't just talk to a rogue CM either. Why don't you call and ask for a CM and see what you get. I always get the same answer that a child's AP is fine. I believe it is the rogue CM that says otherwise. Until I see it in writing from Disney that is for the public then I will continue to know that a child's AP is fine.

 

[Leota]

How can it NOT be a Loophole? Do you really think The Disney Co. designed that perk for one-time, one Child's AP buyers????

Uh, no - it was designed for repeat visitors, to get the money that repeat visitors spend - not to give cheaper rates to one-time visitors........ That wouldn't make any sense from a business point of view, would it? TDC is a business.....

 

[DisneyWisher]

I'll be happy when WDW requires your valid AP ID number to make the reservation in the first place. The way I see it, it's supposed to be a Perk for Frequent Guests. There are a limited amount of rooms available for AP discounts & they should be used by true AP holders, not folks who just buy one pass (and a child's one at that) for the discount after they assure themselves they can get the AP rate.

Just because there is a "legal" loophole which has been made very public due to the information available on the 'net, doesn't make it right to exploit that loophole. If there were unlimited rooms available to AP holders, that would be one thing - but since it is taking something from someone who the perk is designed for, that takes it to a deeper moral issue IMHO.

I totally agree with you. We have been AP holders since '96. Though I always book my stay under the FL resident rate. To imagine the people that buy APs for their whole family and they can't get a room because all the AP rooms are taken, especially by people that only buy 1 child's AP. It just doesn't seem fair. I understand if Disney is letting it happen its only Disney's fault. But I do hope they change their policy. Also, posting that Disney doesn't check APs at check-in to get the AP rate is wrong too. Even if the people claiming they have APs when they really don't get found out, they have still booked a room that could have been used by a true AP holder. I would just hate it if Disney stopped offering AP rates because of some misuse. Alot of the benefits they offered a few years back have stopped. You used to get a 10% discount when buying merchandise at DTD. Now its a thing of the past.

Shirley

 

[Docsknotinn]

The simple fact that others are suggesting you be carefull about how you word your letter to Disney, Suggests that they do in fact realize it's a loophole they have been exploiting. Call it a loophole, scammimg or whatever descriptive you choose. I can sum my personal view of this up real short......GIVE ME A BREAK ! Why do people think a childs pass is less $$ if it has exactly the same benefits ????
Skiwee, please re-read my posts. I did call and ask. Please remember what has happened in the past is not indicative of what might happen this year.

 

[DMRick]

Why do you call it a legal loophole? If Disney allows it, it's considered a loophole? So which part of the child's AP isn't a loophole, and how do we know the difference?

**The simple fact that others are suggesting you be carefull about how you word your letter to Disney, Suggests that they do in fact realize it's a loophole they have been exploiting. Call it a loophole, scammimg or whatever descriptive you choose.**

That is simply not true. It is following Disneys rules. They decide who can who can't use the benefits, not you. Of course you want to be careful of how you word the letter..you don't want there to be any mistake they understand just how you intend to use it. If you are going to come back here and tell someone the answer you get, you want there to be no mistakes that you were completely honest in what you asked for. Why are you twisting my words? You are not suppose to be attacking people on these boards, but discussing the issue. I don't understand people who think they have to be the AP police. Disney sells these AP's, and I see no where where it's stated
that AP's are for the one time user. If that was so, then the issue wouldn't be if you could use a child's AP, but if your records show you came so many times. You have no idea why I used a child's AP (and frankly it's none of your business, since it's ok with Disney). Many many families buy just one adult AP, but I suppose you have a problem with that too.

As far as my not posting the link..it's the AP link. Why do you keep trying to make it sound like I am lying? Everyone here that has an AP can go to www.disneyworld.com/annualpass and read if for themselves. But you have to have an AP to get on the password sensative site.


**You used to get a 10% discount when buying merchandise at DTD.*


When did that stop? I was there in December and got 10% off. This is at the AP site:

Merchandise Discounts
Basin - Downtown Disney® Marketplace
Enjoy a 10% discount off select regularly priced merchandise.

Downtown Disney® Area Arribas Brothers - Downtown Disney® Marketplace
Get a 10% discount off the total merchandise purchase price

Ghirardelli Soda Fountain and Chocolate Shop - Downtown Disney® Marketplace
Receive a 10% discount on all retail items and old-fashioned soda fountain creations.

House of Blues® - Downtown Disney® West Side
Get 10% off regularly priced merchandise purchased in the House of Blues® retail store

LEGO Imagination Center® - Downtown Disney® Marketplace
Receive $5 off the total purchase price when the total purchase price is $50 or more.

Planet Hollywood® - Downtown Disney® West Side
Get 10% off select regularly priced merchandise purchased in the Planet Hollywood® shop.

Rainforest Café® - Downtown Disney® Marketplace
Enjoy 15% off select regularly priced merchandise purchased in the Rainforest Café® retail store.

Starabilias - Downtown Disney® West Side
Get 10% off all gift and novelty items.

Virgin™ Megastore - Downtown Disney West Side
Receive a 10% discount off total purchase.

World of Disney® Store - Downtown Disney® Marketplace
Get 10% off merchandise.

 

[DMRick]

GIVE ME A BREAK ! Why do people think a childs pass is less $$ if it has exactly the same benefits ????

Maybe because the ticket media (that gets kids into the park) also costs less for kids?

 

[Leota]

I don't wish to be the "AP Police" - I am, however, frustrated when I am blocked out of an AP room rate by folks who are one time users of a Child AP (or one time users of an adult AP for that matter). I spend alot of my money at WDW, I assume (I admit, assuming is a dangerous thing) that AP benefits were designed for AP holders who are frequent guests.

I am stating MY OPINION of what I think is a reasonable & fair policy for AP Holder Discounts - That a Valid AP ID number be neccessary to book an AP Room Rate.

It is also MY OPINION that using a child's AP pass one time to secure a code rate (thus taking that room from a true AP holder) is not fair & that the person doing so must not be considering the implications of their actions on others.

It is also MY OPINION that there are General Room Rates expressly for the General Public to use. And also, that there are AP Room Rates to be used expressly by Valid AP Holders.

Seems pretty logical to me.....

 

[Docsknotinn]

Maybe because the ticket media (that gets kids into the park) also costs less for kids?

Well I think I'm entitled to my opinions just as you are. I'm certain you really don't believe the ticket media costs $63 less and is indicative of the quality of info you are offering to this strand. As far as verbally attacking someone you certainly appear to be at the top the offenders list.
I think we have offered enough to help the OP unless you can actually produce a current letter with a official stance.

 

[DMRick]

I am stating MY OPINION of what I think is a reasonable & fair policy for AP Holder Discounts - That a Valid AP ID number be neccessary to book an AP Room Rate.
It is also MY OPINION that using a child's AP pass one time to secure a code rate (thus taking that room from a true AP holder) is not fair & that the person doing so must not be considering the implications of their actions on others.
QUOTE]

I don't agree (just my opinion) that you should need an AP when booking, since that room ressie may be a year in advance. I do believe though that the AP should be active when you get there, or within 24 hours, or you pay rack rate..however I happen to think ALL AP holders are valid and true AP holders..they just happen to be young ones. And it's their (Disney's) "place" and their AP's, so they'll get to give the rules.

We spend a lot of money at Disney, and right now I have an AP (as does my hubby)..however, I did book 3 rooms in Feb for my family. None of them have AP's. So I wonder why Disney allows me to book three rooms (we could have booked 6 with the two AP's)..when it's apparent they are not "valid" and "true" AP holders. That says to me, Disney wants to book rooms, not have them sit empty (good for my stock), in case a valid AP holder comes along. And it works. I'm only going to Disney next week, because when I called a couple of weeks ago, for MLK weekend, they had AP rooms available. If I had to pay full rate, I wouldn't have bothered. If someone called with just a child's AP, do you really believe they should have not sold the room, but instead waited to see if an adult AP came along? Naw, they wanted the sure thing.

 

[goofy4tink]

I currently hold 3 APs...all adults since dd is now 11. They expire in Aug. So, should we be a little careful here lest Disney start requiring all people staying in a room on an AP rate to have an AP? That is what will happen. It will be the same as the regular packages that Disney offers now. Sure I would love to be able to book a room at a good rate with a package and then get the rest of my family other park admission media and save a few bucks. But, I can't.

As far as what the sleeve says...it's a generic sleeve. It doesn't mention either adult or child benefits. Just benefits. So, I guess you could say it gives an okay to use an AP for a child for a discount.

But, will a time come that Disney will offer AP rates only to renewed AP cards? That way they can be sure that only repeat people are actually getting the discount rather than one time users. I would personally like to see the CMs actually check the APs at check-in. I have not been asked for mine at any point. The first time I checked into the CR, using an AP discount, I had a voucher and was going to activate it that day (hurricane Charley put that off for another day!!). So, I know I wasn't in any system as having an AP. But when I asked if they wanted to see the voucher the answer was, and I quote,...."Oh I don't need to see that. I trust you." Start asking to see the passes or vouchers please.

So, do I think you should be able to use a child's AP to get a discount? At this point, yes. Disney is doing nothing to stop this practice. They even seem to condone it. So go ahead. But, and this is just mho, if you start nitpicking about $63, then can the dreaded reusing your mugs at every resort, on every trip over the years, argument be far behind? You are spending a fortune for these trips. Plan accordingly.

 

[DMRick]

Well I think I'm entitled to my opinions just as you are. I'm certain you really don't believe the ticket media costs $63 less and is indicative of the quality of info you are offering to this strand. As far as verbally attacking someone you certainly appear to be at the top the offenders list.
I think we have offered enough to help the OP unless you can actually produce a current letter with a official stance.

You asked why the child's is less expensive. I have no idea what you mean when you say the $63 less and indicative of the quality of info I am offering to this strand. Are you saying the info I'm offering has no quality?? Only what you write is quality?

In my opinion, it's because the ticket media for that age is also less expensive.

Where have I attacked anyone or called them names? You have called people scammers, indicated they were lying, and taking advantage of Disney, and all because they are doing what the AP gives them the right to do. I have not attacked anyone, including yourself.
I even gave you the link, you insinuated I left off so my postings couldn't be backed up. I suggest you go back and read your postings.

 

[Docsknotinn]

Goofy4tink,
I think that was well said. Especially the part about theese trips costing so much and planning well. I do think that encourageing this practice is over. That is my opinion based on what I was told by Disney recently. We each just have to make a personal choice that we are comfortable with as change seems to be taking place as we speak.
DMRick....YAAAAAAWN

 

[DMRick]

Start asking to see the passes or vouchers please.
************

I agree. When shopping at DTD we are always asked to show ID to get the discount (although I wonder what they do for a child..but maybe chilldren don't have to show ID). To me, it's much more important to make sure that someone in the room actually has an AP before giving them the discount.