HELP! AP advice needed...

[snowmom]

My friend and her family are planning a trip to WDW from March 8-16th of 2003. Their family consists of my friend, her husband, 17-year-old son, 14-year-old daughter and 6-year-old daughter.

Just recently, she read info on the mousesavers site that led her to believe that an AP may work to her advantage even though they will only be visiting WDW once in 2003. If she understands it correctly, they could get the AP rate even if only one member of their family has an AP and the rest purchase regular passes.

So, is that correct? And, if it's correct, can they buy the child's AP pass and make the reservations under their 6-year-olds name or should they buy an adult AP in order to make the reservations?

Next question - They would like to stay at the Yacht Club if they can manage to secure an AP rate. They realize that March is peak season, so what is the likelihood of them getting a discount? If they can't get a discount, they may choose to stay at PO Riverside instead.

Last question (for now!) - How should she go about making her reservation. Should she just call now and get the days she needs for the Yacht Club and worry about the discounts later? Should she make two reservations - one at the Yacht Club and one at Riverside just in case they don't get the Yacht Club discount? Should she try to get a AAA rate when she makes the initial reservation?

OK, I realize that I just included three questions in the last paragraph. As you can see, we need lots of help!

I appreciate any feedback you can give us. Thanks!

 

[BCV23]

I would only make one reservation. I would make it right now with AAA rate. If AP rates do come out, they can always change to that.

We did have an AP rate in March of 2000 or 2001. I think it was 2001. Since Easter is in mid April, I think they have a chance for an AP rate for March

 

[snowmom]

Thank you, BCV, for your advice. If she isn't able to get a reduced AP rate for the Yacht Club and doesn't want to pack the full rate - will she still have a good chance of getting reservations at PO Riverside at that time?

Any other words of advice out there??

 

[JayCT]

We purchased a Child's AP in my 6 year olds name and used it for booking our room for our trip last May. At the time, that was the cheapest way to book the room and the added cost of a child's AP was more than covered by the savings on the hotel room. We had no problems doing this and have recmommended friends to do the same.

 

[lizzie64]

Jay,

I debated this same decision. Adult AP or Child. I am totally chicken. CRO has said that the reservation has to be in the passholders name.

You didn't have any problem at check in??

 

[JayCT]

Absolutely none.

 

[lizzie64]

Jay,

I debated this same decision. Adult AP or Child. I am totally chicken. CRO has said that the reservation has to be in the passholders name.

You didn't have any problem at check in??

 

[JayCT]

Like I said, no problems. I was nervious too (don't like to get hassled about things, especially on vacation), but it was no problem. My wife discussed this with the CRO at the time we made reservations and they said that as long as the child was staying in the room there would be no problem. The reservation was made in my son's name but we paid for it. No one said a word about it. They did not even ask to see the AP. I even think that I posted a question on this board when we did it and others said the same thing.

 

[disneydebk]

Hi!

There were no AP rates in 2002 during peak season.

 

[tar heel]

Make sure to tell her that she does not have to buy the AP until after she gets the discount. Sometimes, the code rates are just as good as AP rates. Even though March is listed as peak season, I think there's a good chance there will be plenty of discounts. I hope so anyway, since we're trying to squeeze in an extra trip on our APs!

PO-R is a pretty tight squeeze with two teens and a younger child. The last time we stayed there my older two were 16 and 12 (and the same sex) and it still was pretty tight for five people. They would have to sleep, I guess, with the ds and dad in one bed, mom and teen girl in the other, and the little one on the trundle. YC will be a much better resort for her family.

 

[snowmom]

We're appreciating all the tips - thank you so much! Any others out there?