I'm new...how do i obtain ap rates?

[ctrezek]

Can I get AP rates?
Do I have to be a member to something?
When would I start looking for specials? I'm planning for June 2005

 

[Bstanley]

AP is an acronym(sp?) for 'Annual Passholder'.

You can reserve a room at an 'AP' rate just by calling WDW Central Reservations Office (CRO) and idenitifying yourself as an Annual Passholder.

If you do manage to get an AP reservation you need to make sure and buy your Annual Pass before you check-in.

AP rates generally come out once just a few months before the time that they cover, so for a June 2005 rate you would have to wait until next spring.

AP rates are generally the best discounts - but if your trip isn't going to be longer than 5 days or so you may find that the discount on the room isn't going to save you enough to cover the additional cost of the Annual Pass. It depends on what other discounts are available at that time.

 

[ctrezek]

so, how do you become an annual passholder?
Can Travel Agents get the same deals?

Since I'm planning for a week, it should be ok.

Are these rates limited? It seems like a 'race' to get to them.

 

[DebbieB]

Originally posted by ctrezek
so, how do you become an annual passholder?
Can Travel Agents get the same deals?

Since I'm planning for a week, it should be ok.

Are these rates limited? It seems like a 'race' to get to them.

You buy an annual pass. You do not have to have it when you make the reservation, but they may ask for it at check-in. You can buy an AP voucher over the phone, via disney's website or at the Disney Store. When you get to WDW, you exchange the voucher for the actual AP and your year starts then.

A travel agent can make an AP reservation for you, but you still need to buy the AP.

Discounted rates are limited.

 

[Luv2Roam]

There are WDW packages for Travel Agents. But I do not know any more about them than that.
I would call WDW and see what is available and maybe an idea of when.
If you are asking if a TA can get you the same deal as an AP rate, I would talk with them. Youmay be able to get a AAA rate, if you are a AAA member. Their rates are not as good as AP rates, but comparable and come out earlier.
Keep your eye on discounts through mousesavers.com too.