I have a question

[happy2bme34]

Could someone tell me what are AP rates and how to get them? We are planning our first trip to WDW in July. Thanks!

 

[precious pixie]

AP rates are discounted rates for Annual Passholders. You can use thses rates if you have an annual pass and I think (but you may want to double check) if you make a reservationa and let them know that you are going to purchase an annual pass upon arrivial they will also give you the discount (provided you buy it when you arrive). I know before the Magic Your Way tickets started they would say it's better for you to purchase a year pass if you are staying for 8 days or make multiple trip in the same year. Have fun planning your trip!

 

[rkmassa]

AP rates are for those people with AP's or planning getting AP's before check in. Codes are released at different times of the year that cover different dates of check in. Most people are waiting on AP codes for late spring and early summer now. They should be out in early March. It is a waiting game though. Nobody really knows the exact date they will be released. It is also not a given that they will be released. I have a AAA reservation right now. I am waiting on August AP rates which won't be out for some time, most likely May. My travel agent at The Magic For Less will then get my AAA rate changed to an AP rate when the code comes out. They watch and take care of everything for me. Very easy on my part, and doesn't cost me anything. If you are new to all of this, I would find a good TA that knows Disney. I recommend The Magic For Less. I have used them for a previous trip, and they are wonderful. Took care of everything for me inlcuding changing my rates for me. They also make PS reservations and help with all kinds of other aspects of my trip. I would not go to Disney without booking with them.

 

[WDW LOVR]

I think there are 4 keys when planning a trip with an AP.

1) Only one person needs the AP to get the AP room rate. The added cost of the AP over whatever ticket you would normally buy can be paid for in just a night or two of an AP room discount.

2) Reserve a room you can afford and are happy with before the AP rates come out and then either upgrade when the AP rate makes it cheaper for an upgraded room or just take the extra $$ off the rate you already have. A simple call to CRO will get it done.

3) You don't have to have the AP when you make the ressie. You just have to prove you have one when you check in. If you buy the AP in advance you'll get a voucher to convert to the actual AP at one of the theme parks. This voucher will be ok at checkin, sometimes they make you return with the actual AP, sometimes not.

4) That AP can also save you quite a bit of money in other discounts. You can also purchase a Disney Dining Experience card for $50 if you are an AP holder. The DDE card will get you 20% off all meals at a large number of restaurants at WDW.

 

[cobbler]

The best thing to remember is don't buy it just for the room discount. They may not have any avail for your time frame or resort. Also they don't have to give them out, they are not guaranteed. Is it likely they won't give them out - probably not but don't take it as a sure thing.

Also to maximize the cost of the AP, if you plan on using 8 or more days in the parks then it is worth the cost that is when the savings kick in.

The new DDE is great a wonderful perk for AP holders. This is the first year and I hope they keep it around.