Historical AP resort discounts

[Disfamily55]

I’ve been contemplating passes for many years and feel like next year will make sense for my family. Our first trip is in January and we have atleast 3 more planned. Can anyone give me background on what you’ve saved at resorts over the years (prices have gone up so I know it won’t be super accurate) but I’m trying to get somewhat of an idea. We plan to stay at AoA in a suite in January, Poly in July and GF in October.

I do plan to have my pass purchased and ready for the discounts that hopefully release this coming week.

 

[focusondisney]

I’ve been contemplating passes for many years and feel like next year will make sense for my family. Our first trip is in January and we have atleast 3 more planned. Can anyone give me background on what you’ve saved at resorts over the years (prices have gone up so I know it won’t be super accurate) but I’m trying to get somewhat of an idea. We plan to stay at AoA in a suite in January, Poly in July and GF in October.

I do plan to have my pass purchased and ready for the discounts that hopefully release this coming week.

AP discounts are typically anywhere from 10-40% of rack rate. The rates depend on resort & dates. Popular resorts like Poly & POFQ are often on the smaller range because they are well booked at rack rate. Mousesavers has lists of the range & dates discounts were released.

https://www.mousesavers.com/historical-information-on-walt-disney-world-resort-discounts/

 

[gottalovepluto]

Math in no extra savings on resorts. AP rate availability is even tougher to come across than general discount availability and having already decided where and when you’re staying is going to make things even harder.

If you do get an AP make sure you’re looking for rates immediately upon seeing an offer has been loaded (or have a TA who you clarify with ahead of time they will do that for you if discounts drop).

 

[Disfamily55]

AP discounts are typically anywhere from 10-40% of rack rate. The rates depend on resort & dates. Popular resorts like Poly & POFQ are often on the smaller range because they are well booked at rack rate. Mousesavers has lists of the range & dates discounts were released.

https://www.mousesavers.com/historical-information-on-walt-disney-world-resort-discounts/

Thank you that’s good to know! Resorts selected were based on my kids picks for their birthdays but we may have to adjust based on what’s available.

 

[Disfamily55]

Math in no extra savings on resorts. AP rate availability is even tougher to come across than general discount availability and having already decided where and when you’re staying is going to make things even harder.

If you do get an AP make sure you’re looking for rates immediately upon seeing an offer has been loaded (or have a TA who you clarify with ahead of time they will do that for you if discounts drop).

Thank you! Our dates are locked (milestone birthdays/events) but we can definitely adjust resorts. Out January trip is booked and my TA did tell me to either get my pass loaded and/or be ready to adjust when they are released!

 

[Miffy]

OP, since you're going several times, the bounceback rate might actually prove better than an AP rate for your resort reservations. It varies. I have an AP and sometimes bounceback is better and sometimes the AP rate is.

But just taking several trips in a year, an AP is worthwhile, unless you're going to WDW and not doing the parks. The only downside with an AP is that you have to make park reservations, even if you're staying on-site. Annoying? Yes. Trip-destroying? No. I'm used to it by now and it's often pretty easy to change a park reservation while you're there.

The AP is also good for a 10% discount at some restaurants and shops. It's not like this discount pays for the AP, but it's nice to have.

 

[focusondisney]

Thank you! Our dates are locked (milestone birthdays/events) but we can definitely adjust resorts. Out January trip is booked and my TA did tell me to either get my pass loaded and/or be ready to adjust when they are released!

FYI, your AP just needs to be active at check in. You can book before you purchase it. Normally you just have to call to do it. Your agent should be able to book an AP rate without you “having it loaded”.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Thank you! Our dates are locked (milestone birthdays/events) but we can definitely adjust resorts. Out January trip is booked and my TA did tell me to either get my pass loaded and/or be ready to adjust when they are released!

The TA can book you at an AP rate without you having an AP. If they refuse dump them and book direct with Disney over the phone. As PP said the requirement is an active AP day you check in (if you don’t have one, the hotel will revert the booking to rack rate).

 

[Disfamily55]

FYI, your AP just needs to be active at check in. You can book before you purchase it. Normally you just have to call to do it. Your agent should be able to book an AP rate without you “having it loaded”.

Thank you! My TA won’t book under an AP rate unless I’ve purchased it but I will book myself if I need too!

 

[focusondisney]

Thank you! My TA won’t book under an AP rate unless I’ve purchased it but I will book myself if I need too!

Also, like @Miffy pointed out, check the BB rates too. The AP definitely makes sense for your admissions if you’re planning 3-4 trips within the year. But once you check in in January, you’ll also be eligible for a BB discount. You don’t need an email or any special invitation to qualify. Every registered guest at a WDW resort is automatically eligible. You should automatically see the rates under “special offers” in the resort section of the website when you’re signed into your WDW account. There is a whole thead here. @vinotinto keeps the first post up to date. The BB follows all the normal booking rules… 1 night deposit for room only, $200 deposit for a package, 8 day room only or 30 day package cancellations. Must be booked with in 7 days of checkout. You can make as many different trips as you want. Many people book a BB to get some type of discount, then change if something better becomes available. The current dates are listed in the BB thread.

https://www.disboards.com/threads/b...d-through-oct-2026-updated-5-22-2025.3680214/

 

[Disfamily55]

Also, like @Miffy pointed out, check the BB rates too. The AP definitely makes sense for your admissions if you’re planning 3-4 trips within the year. But once you check in in January, you’ll also be eligible for a BB discount. You don’t need an email or any special invitation to qualify. Every registered guest at a WDW resort is automatically eligible. You should automatically see the rates under “special offers” in the resort section of the website when you’re signed into your WDW account. There is a whole thead here. @vinotinto keeps the first post up to date. The BB follows all the normal booking rules… 1 night deposit for room only, $200 deposit for a package, 8 day room only or 30 day package cancellations. Must be booked with in 7 days of checkout. You can make as many different trips as you want. Many people book a BB to get some type of discount, then change if something better becomes available. The current dates are listed in the BB thread.

https://www.disboards.com/threads/b...d-through-oct-2026-updated-5-22-2025.3680214/

Thank you so much! We will definitely check those as they come.