How often does Disney run passholder discounted rooms?

[mlggator]

How often does Disney offer those room only discounts for annual passholders. I was wondering if it is worth it to get an annual pass mainly to get those discounts.

Michele

 

[i3utterfli82]

They run discounts all the time, the prices just change by season and holidays.

 

[Chadsgirl44]

Personally, we have been able to secure AP rates for the past 5 years. We go every summer and have been able to have an AP discount ever time. The only time we didn't was at Christmas time, but we still were able to take advantage of the AP discounts on January 1st.

 

[northriver]

When the AP pass rate came out for our trip in March, I called, got the rate, and purchased my AP right then over the phone to get the rate. I did not have to have the AP in advance. Everything considered, I saved over $600 on the room (7 nights at the Poly). Then we purchased the DDE card and saved even more on dining.

 

[JennyDrake]

There are usually AP discounts year round, but they don't come out until 8-12weeks in advance of the time period. There are also not always AP discount available for every resort. Still, VERY much worth it. A word of advice, don't wait for AP discounts to come out to book a room, even during slow seasons. I waited in April and almost didn't get a room--any room--not just AP rate.

 

[gardenia]

You have to be flexible - if you have your heart set on a certain resort for certain dates, you may be disappointed that there are no AP rates available. AP discounts are frequently limited to certain resorts.

 

[LindyN]

Don't purchase an AP for a discount. If Disney can sell something at full price they will not put a discount on it. Passholder rates used to be plentiful until about 2004. Lately they're doing a better deal on the Epcot resorts in the summer. Not a lot in the summer in the Values.

If you're quite flexible with your dates and resort then the AP may be a good deal. With an AP you must book a room-only reservation--the dining plan is not an option. Passholders are eligible for the Disney Dining Experience card though, which may be purchased for $65. Gets you 20% off sit-down meals, including adult beverages.

 

[swallman]

There are usually AP discounts year round, but they don't come out until 8-12weeks in advance of the time period. There are also not always AP discount available for every resort. Still, VERY much worth it. A word of advice, don't wait for AP discounts to come out to book a room, even during slow seasons. I waited in April and almost didn't get a room--any room--not just AP rate.

What would be the best approach to make sure we have a room, but be flexible for when the AP discounts are available and also to allow to cancel on short notice ?

We want to stay at a 1 BR in OKW the end of October, beg. of November.

I thought I read that the best thing to do is call now and book the room (NOT online). That would allow us to cancel the room if our plans change on short notice. Booking on the web requires full payment 45-days in advance ?

Once the AP discounts come out, can I just call and have the code applied ? Also, if we just book a room now, can we add the tickets and Dining later ?

Thanks!

 

[fAnnF]

there are AP rates for some sort of room all nights, but Dec 23-Dec 31. They have no problem selling rooms for those nights.

 

[MissMet]

What would be the best approach to make sure we have a room, but be flexible for when the AP discounts are available and also to allow to cancel on short notice ?

We want to stay at a 1 BR in OKW the end of October, beg. of November.

I thought I read that the best thing to do is call now and book the room (NOT online). That would allow us to cancel the room if our plans change on short notice. Booking on the web requires full payment 45-days in advance ?

Once the AP discounts come out, can I just call and have the code applied ? Also, if we just book a room now, can we add the tickets and Dining later ?

Thanks!

Wondering the same thing...

I need two nights at a value before our cruise in the beginning of Nov.

 

[Luv2Roam]

You can always book a room only. But if you know you want a package, I suggest just booking what you want in the first place. Maybe later a discount will be released against the package that you can take advantage of.
You could even book a AAA package (through AAA).
Switching from a room only to a package may be easy -- but it all depends on availability.
A Room Only res is just that -- a room only. Once you add on the DDP and tickets, then you have a WDTC package.
The closest you could get is to reserve a room and add the DDP, if you are a DVC member.

Having an AP does not guarantee an AP discount room rate. Most likely there would not be an issue. But it is not a guarantee of a room discount.

 

[n2mm]

Keep in mind that holidays are often blacked out for room discounts. Full resorts do not get discounts either. There are other blackouts too, especially during popular times of if resorts are filled for a big event. An AP is for admission to the parks first and room discounts and other discounts are just perks and are not guaranteed. (Been an AP holder since 1995 and have pretty much seen it all.)