I don't hate the BR program...

[EsmeraldaX]

Maybe I'm weird, but I don't hate the BR program.

Okay, so the deposit is now non refundable. Big whoop! I know I'm going, unless something absolutely dire happens, in which case, the deposit on my room would probably be the last of my worries.

I personally loved that I could go online, and book a room at $70 off rack rate for Feb and not have to worry about "will I be able to call the SECOND that AP rates for my dates are released to be sure I get my hotel of choice??". I have a job where I can not be on the phone with Disney all day waiting for a CM to answer the phone, and where I can monitor the boards all day waiting for the magic word that codes had been released. For the lack of stress on waiting for AP rates, heck, I'll take a slightly lower discount.

If a better rate comes out, I guess I'll just have to cross that bridge when it comes. But I'll take $70 off, gladly. I have an AP because I go a lot. One of my biggest issues before with AP benefits was that I wished AP rates were more readily available. I think I even said I'd prefer a slightly lower discount where everyone who had an AP had a pretty good chance at getting a discount, over a higher discount with the stress and disapointment of not getting rates for my dates at the hotel I want.

Sorry. I just don't hate this program the way people around here seem to hate it. Is there anyone else who thinks the BR program is okay??

 

[dcgrumpy]

I don't hate it either. We knew our dates and had non-refundable airfare. I figured the only way I wouldn't be going is if I were dead or some other tragedy happened. At that point I don't think I'd give a crap about my deposit.

Anytime I can do something online instead of making a bunch of phone calls I'm a happy camper

 

[EsmeraldaX]

I don't hate it either. We knew our dates and had non-refundable airfare. I figured the only way I wouldn't be going is if I were dead or some other tragedy happened. At that point I don't think I'd give a crap about my deposit.

Anytime I can do something online instead of making a bunch of phone calls I'm a happy camper

Thank you! I'm glad I'm not the only one. When I found out I could basically book an AP rate, online, two weeks ago and reserve my room at a popular resort for FEB '06, I was like :

 

[skiwee1]

I love the new program. I know when I'm going and like to book in advance. I love that I can go online and book an AP rate because I am a real AP holder and not one that will run out to get an AP because I got a good deal. I love that I don't have to wait on pins and needles to call and compete with a million non ap holders to get a discounted room. What's not to love? LOL!

 

[Tink10]

I agree 110% (and I'll probably get flamed)!!!

In all reality, I thought booking the AP rate the old way was quite unfair. I personally knew a person who would hold multiple rooms at the AP rate and then cancel the rooms she didn't want a week before her trip & from what I've read on these boards, she wasn't the only one. In her instance, it was esentially 3 or 4 rooms that could have gone to other AP holders.

I like the non-refundable deposits & that people need to be a bit more sure about their plans. I like that people are limited in the number of rooms that they can book & I like being able to book online. I LOVE not having to wait on the phone for 30 minutes to book a room.

It's really much more fair this way & this change is LONG overdue.

 

[Sammie]

I like it, because I think it is fair to everyone using it. I might not always be able to use it, but when I do, I have an even chance with everyone else.

I agree that the booking of multiple rooms the old way really did hurt alot of people and Disney too.

I always never thought it was fair that some never even had their AP's checked and I am sure many never bought one. This way there is no confrontation at check in, it is all done at booking.

 

[kelscross]

I like the program as well. With the exception of the computer system having a "glitch" according to the CM when it charged our card twice for our deposit. I know usually well before the booking window when we want to go, even when it was 120 days out. We got a great rate for the holidays and I'm happy with that.

 

[graygables]

I have a few issues with it. I am doing a split stay in Dec (w/ a cruise in between) and had to do 2 ressies w/ 2 deposits. For me, if something happens and I do have to cancel, those deposits will be a big deal to me. Second, in our situation, I like being able to pay off the ressie in advance. That way, the money can't "twitter" somewhere else (and no lectures about money management, please...I have 4 kids and a husband...money twitters.) Third, it's just the way they've handled it. They've groomed AP holders to expect discounts (yes, I read the fine print) and to drop a bombshell like this is just unsportsmanlike conduct, as my DH would say. I, too, planned some spur of the moment trips w/ my AP and could NEVER have gone without the discounts.

The plus to the BRP? First, I got a decent rate for our December stay. Second, I won't be buying another AP so won't feel compelled to visit as often, thus saving some money for, I don't know, scrapbooking supplies, massages, maybe a trip to the Dakotas, Wyoming, and Montana to finish up all 50 states. As long as I have AAA, who needs the AP?

 

[magicmouse2]

I like it too. Much quicker and easier than calling CRO. Plus you can browse your resort options until you decide on which resort to go for!.

 

[ECurto]

I think its fine. The people with the problem are the ones who want to book, and book, and book.... And take the rooms, and then if a low enough rate doesnt come out they cancle it. The scammers. We are "to blame" for best rate. I did it, i admit it, now we live with the consequence. Anybody who says "we cant take sudden trips now"... Um yes you can, but your just going to have to go Pop or Mod... And then lets not forget the most important peice of info... THEY'RE ANUAL PASSES! They are soley to get you into the parks, everything else is a bonus, which weve manipulated, and extorted so much, that Disney was forced to create this new program, we all hate, b/c it prevents us from scamming them. AND THATS how i feel about Best Rate. lol

 

[aubriee]

I also have no problem with the BRP and I'm doing a split stay in Dec (POFQ and CSR), so have two nonrefundable deposits to lose if something goes wrong. Unless something drastic happens I am sure of my dates and if something does happen I'll just move my dates back, paying a change fee if I have to. My only problems with it were like alot of other people, I was having trouble logging onto the AP website (and still can't on my computer at home). I finally found one computer at work that lets me log onto it. My only other complaint is not being able to pay off the ressie in advance. I like having my trips paid for in advance as much as possible. I got CSR and POFQ for $94.00/night (plus tax) and even though it may not be as good a discount as they've offered in the past, I'm happy with it.

With so many AP holders booking rooms without actually having an AP and booking multiple resorts until they made their mind up, you can't blame Disney for fixing it this way. I do feel sorry for those caught in the 'October black hole' however.

 

[fun & fancy free]

I too am a fan of the BRP. I booked POFQ Nov 30-Dec 7 for $733.74. The thing I don't like is that the program was launched and left what is now known as the "black hole" dates. I know a discount is not guaranteed but to exclude any discount for those dates only is a bit, well, RUDE.

I have to admit I figured Disney could not keep going the way they were and all that chaos with the codes would come to an end. My only wish is that it was done in a better way. Maybe if I was part of the "black hole" group I would feel different but I purchased my AP because we were taking 2 trips in one year and the DDE. The discounts were in my eyes a bonus. I agree with a previous poster that the old way was just unfair. Some would get the discount and some would not. I hope I haven't upset anyone one after all this is just my opinion.

 

[sue1013]

I also have no problem with BRP for me its better than the old call in way. As mentioned before we all do not have the time to sit on hold only to hope we can get an AP rate where we want. Much, much easier to see what is available and have it all done in a couple minutes. Even the non refundable deposit doesn't bother me. If I have to cancel a trip I will reschedule it's not like I won't go again. I consider the change fee to be no different than if I need to switch my plane tickets I've got to pay a fee for that if I need to change.

 

[cobbler]

I don't hate it either. I just am not a huge fan of the non-refundable deposit. We are the only ones that have to do this.

I guess my biggest beef is that I wasn't informed about it. If it weren't for this site I would not have a clue.

At least they changed it to 60 days out instead of 120.

 

[lillygator]

Count me in!

I like the BRP - makes it fair for everyone and is pretty easy to use. I hope they keep it around for a while.

 

[shopgirl72]

I also liked the ease of BRP!! I know up front what I'm paying, and where I'll be staying, not spending every morning checking the boards for discounts!!! The ease of scheduling our vacation online!! I I have many times, along with many been calling and posting about the AP discounts! NO MORE IT SEEMS!!!

 

[Sammie]

I think its fine. The people with the problem are the ones who want to book, and book, and book.... And take the rooms, and then if a low enough rate doesnt come out they cancle it. The scammers. We are "to blame" for best rate. I did it, i admit it, now we live with the consequence. Anybody who says "we cant take sudden trips now"... Um yes you can, but your just going to have to go Pop or Mod... And then lets not forget the most important peice of info... THEY'RE ANUAL PASSES! They are soley to get you into the parks, everything else is a bonus, which weve manipulated, and extorted so much, that Disney was forced to create this new program, we all hate, b/c it prevents us from scamming them. AND THATS how i feel about Best Rate. lol

Thank you for an honest evaluation of the situation and what lead Disney to this point. I don't think we will see anyone else on these forums willing to admit they contributed to the situation.

Prior to Best Rate many of us on these forums advised guests to never book a room they could not afford without a discount. Book what you can afford then move up, if a discount is offered. But many did not listen.

There is a quote, that says: "We have seen the enemy and he is us." If the shoes fits you can only blame yourself if it is now pinching your toes.

 

[northern michigan]

What's not to love! I can leisurely wake up every morning, enjoy scanning the DIS forum without anxiety, decide at my own pace which resort is my second choice if the first choice is unavailable, find no two hour long distance WDW phone calls on my monthly bill, and I can secure an AP discount on my WDW resort stay! Plus, I don't have to wonder if I got a thorough CM who looked at all the possibilities for me; I can play with all the different date/resort options myself!

I'm a happy camper! Hopefully, no more AP visits paying rack rate for me! I've had way too many of those playing the AP discount game the old way!

Now..if we could only book our ADR's on line, I'd be ecstatic!

 

[kath1210]

I agree! Maybe it's because I am a new AP holder, but I am thrilled with my AP! We are planning 3 trips in the next year, so the AP will be used a lot.

We got $70 per night off for 5 nights at WL, plus about $230 per night off at the Contemporary for 3 nights at Christmas time. That clearly pays for my AP and much more. We could never afford concierge service any other way, especially at holiday rates.

Plus, I bought the DDE for $50 and I am sure we'll save MUCH more than that, since we love the TS restaurants. My kids are considered "adults" now, so paying 20% less for character meals is about the only way I can justify going to them.

I have no problems with the AP program as it now works.

 

[helenk]

I like the new program as well, and now that you have a 60 day window instead of 120 it makes things easier.
I booked for December as soon as the new program came out. I had already booked airfare at a great rate and that is non refundable so I figured what the heck.
Going on line and being look at the resorts that are available and browse around makes booking a lot easier.
I hated having to wait for the rates to be released, then wondering if they would apply to your resort or to the view that you wanted, it could be stressful. I have AAA as well so if I can not get an AP rate for the resort I want I do have a back up.
I do agree however, that those who had booked for October and are now in that "black hole" should be given the chance to book over the phone.