May 2008 code watch

[Desiree]

We've also booked CSR from May 19th - 24 using the general public code. We saved about $400 doing that so we ended up adding the dining plan!

 

[Robin4]

Our last two trips to the WL have been during this time period. Last May we came in on the Saturday before Memorial Day weekend..and left the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend. We had a discounted rate for the entire week. This year we wanted to arrive on Sunday and leave the following Sunday of Memorial Day weekend. There is no public or Visa Code that gives anything off the room rate, so we were considering the AP rate as we have a trip to FW in August. Only they are pricing the days out as weekend AP, and then AP mon-Wed...and then holiday back to rack rates of some $330.00 a night from Thurs. to Sunday of Memorial Day weekend. It's NO bargain. Nothing like what we've been able to save in the past. Between the seperate pricing for weekends, and then the holiday. It doesn't pay.
Going earlier in the month is a problem as I have one in college and she's not finished by that time..and the other in high school who can't miss more than four days of school at one time. The week prior to Memorial Day was pefectly suited to us..as he had that Fri. off, and my daughter was done with college. Looks as if we aren't going. It's hard as the kids get older to get everyone together at the same time with their various schedules. I'm so annoyed that this week is now blacked out.

We have the same problem - DD is in high school and that week before Memorial Day works really well for us. We too looked into getting an AP this year but with the present AP discount ending on the 21st there was no point as we def. need to go at that time (wanted to check-in on 21st) Last year we were able to start our stay in the reg. season and keep that rate for every night of our stay - this year with the new policy, we have reg. season rates for the first night (21st) then it jumps the next day with the season change and then jumps again on the weekend. It really does make a price difference. We're still going though as it really is the best time for us but we are cutting back on our length of stay. Thankfully, we were able to get in on the ticket upgrade offer because of checking-in on the 21st which saved us the price of PH (we don't use the WP)- glad to get some discount. I hate to say it but with the cut back in discounts and the change in resort rate policies, we may have to consider going every other year in the future

 

[steph-in-ky]

Pop century
May 4-10
2 adults and 2 juniors (13 year olds girls)
Code apf (free ticket upgrade with dining)
7 day park hopper with water park and more
disney dining plan
$2531.78

I booked this offer a few days ago. Does that seem like a good deal to you guys?

 

[auntie]

We have the same problem - DD is in high school and that week before Memorial Day works really well for us. We too looked into getting an AP this year but with the present AP discount ending on the 21st there was no point as we def. need to go at that time (wanted to check-in on 21st) Last year we were able to start our stay in the reg. season and keep that rate for every night of our stay - this year with the new policy, we have reg. season rates for the first night (21st) then it jumps the next day with the season change and then jumps again on the weekend. It really does make a price difference. We're still going though as it really is the best time for us but we are cutting back on our length of stay. Thankfully, we were able to get in on the ticket upgrade offer because of checking-in on the 21st which saved us the price of PH (we don't use the WP)- glad to get some discount. I hate to say it but with the cut back in discounts and the change in resort rate policies, we may have to consider going every other year in the future

I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one facing this. It really is a good week as far as the kids and missing class. When they are older it becomes more of an issue. With my daughter we can't possibly go earlier in the month, as she's not done with college, and my son can't miss more than four days of class without returning with a Dr.'s note.(district policy)..Since I don't know of any Dr.'s that will lie for me(only kidding)..this was the week that worked for us. Of course now all that is being shot to heck. My head is spining. I have the AP rate booked..but haven't sent deposit. Need to think about it. It's costing us a good thousand dollars more than last year. That's tough to swallow. Then I figure..it's the only time the entire family can be together..so bite the bullet. I keep going around in circles, because I've never gone and paid quite so much. I'd think of going to a moderate..but the only one they like is Caribbean Beach..and the pool will be closed for renovations. Frankly, I'm spoiled and like having a balcony also. So do I go..and spend the extra bucks..or wait and see what they offer for end of June. Of course then my older son won't be able to come. Did I mention I keep going around in circles?.....
In any case, I'm glad it worked out for you...but I know what you mean about planning for a different time next year. I had no idea this was going to such a dilemia.

 

[miss missy]

I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one facing this. It really is a good week as far as the kids and missing class. When they are older it becomes more of an issue. With my daughter we can't possibly go earlier in the month, as she's not done with college, and my son can't miss more than four days of class without returning with a Dr.'s note.(district policy)..Since I don't know of any Dr.'s that will lie for me(only kidding)..this was the week that worked for us. Of course now all that is being shot to heck. My head is spining. I have the AP rate booked..but haven't sent deposit. Need to think about it. It's costing us a good thousand dollars more than last year. That's tough to swallow. Then I figure..it's the only time the entire family can be together..so bite the bullet. I keep going around in circles, because I've never gone and paid quite so much. I'd think of going to a moderate..but the only one they like is Caribbean Beach..and the pool will be closed for renovations. Frankly, I'm spoiled and like having a balcony also. So do I go..and spend the extra bucks..or wait and see what they offer for end of June. Of course then my older son won't be able to come. Did I mention I keep going around in circles?.....
In any case, I'm glad it worked out for you...but I know what you mean about planning for a different time next year. I had no idea this was going to such a dilemia.

I dunno, I know its a tough decision, but I say GO and have a blast- paying extra money to have the fam together is well worth it. BUT I am sooo into grabbing these opportunities, for memories for our kids, ya know. Once they are grown and having kids, well then its their turn, but for now- I love building memories with and for them!

 

[newmommie77]

DH and I are planning a big vacation for just the 2 of us (to celebrate me getting out of the Army and getting into a pediatric dentistry residency). Anyways we got AP rates for Poly Lagoon View for $100 off per night. We are spending a pretty penny, but I am so excited for this one. As I was talking to the CM he first said that no there was nothing available then he was like, o wow one just popped up. WOOHOO for us. We had planned on going a couple weeks later, but I just couldnt refuse this.

 

[miss missy]

DH and I are planning a big vacation for just the 2 of us (to celebrate me getting out of the Army and getting into a pediatric dentistry residency). Anyways we got AP rates for Poly Lagoon View for $100 off per night. We are spending a pretty penny, but I am so excited for this one. As I was talking to the CM he first said that no there was nothing available then he was like, o wow one just popped up. WOOHOO for us. We had planned on going a couple weeks later, but I just couldnt refuse this.

isnt it cool when that happens!

Congrats on your residency and thanks for serving for us

Have a great much deserved trip!

 

[Robin4]

I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one facing this. It really is a good week as far as the kids and missing class. When they are older it becomes more of an issue. With my daughter we can't possibly go earlier in the month, as she's not done with college, and my son can't miss more than four days of class without returning with a Dr.'s note.(district policy)..Since I don't know of any Dr.'s that will lie for me(only kidding)..this was the week that worked for us. Of course now all that is being shot to heck. My head is spining. I have the AP rate booked..but haven't sent deposit. Need to think about it. It's costing us a good thousand dollars more than last year. That's tough to swallow. Then I figure..it's the only time the entire family can be together..so bite the bullet. I keep going around in circles, because I've never gone and paid quite so much. I'd think of going to a moderate..but the only one they like is Caribbean Beach..and the pool will be closed for renovations. Frankly, I'm spoiled and like having a balcony also. So do I go..and spend the extra bucks..or wait and see what they offer for end of June. Of course then my older son won't be able to come. Did I mention I keep going around in circles?.....
In any case, I'm glad it worked out for you...but I know what you mean about planning for a different time next year. I had no idea this was going to such a dilemia.

I completely understand the "circles" Our eldest DD is a junior in h.s. and I'm already worrying over coordinating her college schedule with our youngest's middle school schedule - how will we ever go? We haven't bought an AP because of schedules and lack of flexibility. I agree with the OP earlier that you should go if you can. And I would stay where you want if you can swing it. My DH is retired military and we can stay at SOG for much less but our kids love POR (we've only been able to do Deluxe one time but so would do WL or Poly everytime if we could ) so we figure it's worth the extra $. It's like buying a car - you're already spending alot so you might as well spend a little more and get the extras that you really want Let us know what you decide. Think of it like the commercial - Disney vacation - $5000, wonderful family memories - priceless!

 

[senecabeach]

DH and I are planning a big vacation for just the 2 of us (to celebrate me getting out of the Army and getting into a pediatric dentistry residency). Anyways we got AP rates for Poly Lagoon View for $100 off per night. We are spending a pretty penny, but I am so excited for this one. As I was talking to the CM he first said that no there was nothing available then he was like, o wow one just popped up. WOOHOO for us. We had planned on going a couple weeks later, but I just couldnt refuse this.

Ya Hoo !!! Congratulations !1

BTW...Thought I might miss the AP, room only discount since I just returned from a 4 week vacation in the Caribbean.

Your post was the 1st one I read and I just got off the phone and ... ...I also got the discount for my May room only conscierge stay.

Thanks a Bunch for posting!!!

 

[disneyaholic86]

Well since it looks like the rest of May is going to be left out in the cold for AP discounts. Does anyone know if there is a AAA discount running for the end of May. My dates are May 22- 27 and I'm hoping not to have to move from AKL std view. I don't have a AAA membership but willing to get one if there is a discount. Thanks ahead of time for any help from you guys.

 

[shoes99]

Well since it looks like the rest of May is going to be left out in the cold for AP discounts. Does anyone know if there is a AAA discount running for the end of May. My dates are May 22- 27 and I'm hoping not to have to move from AKL std view. I don't have a AAA membership but willing to get one if there is a discount. Thanks ahead of time for any help from you guys.

E

WE got 10% AAA discount at All Star Movies for 5/24 to 5/29...

 

[AlexTina]

I booked 5/23-5/30 at WL through AAA and it saved around $255 so definately worth it but nothing compared to the $1300 we could have saved if we were able to change our dates to fit in with the AP discount. Oh well take what you can get I guess.

 

[disneyaholic86]

thanks for all the help guys and gals

 

[WhenUwishUponAstar]

I have officially booked the Beach Club with the AP rate for May 6th-13th!

Anyone else going to be around at that time??

 

[suzybeezy]

What's an AP rate? And how do you get it?

 

[senecabeach]

What's an AP rate? And how do you get it?

AP is an anual passholder discount. Certain times of the year there are AAA discounts (usually 10-20%), Chase Disney credit card discounts, package discounts, fla. resident discounts and AP discounts.
As an example: my May, AP, room only discount, for 4 nights @ the Poly was 40%, which equals $536. off my reservation rate.

You get it by calling...sometimes every few days...to see if a discount has come out. Not all resorts have a discount. In the fall a POR discount came out, but, not an POFQ. So...sometimes you might need to change resorts to get it. Good Luck!!

Hope that helps?

 

[sallysue66]

May 11-16! Haven't booked yet. I keep calling for a code but no luck so far. If I don't get one soon I have to use AAA discount, not as good. First time in 4 or 5 years I haven't had a code.

 

[logan115]

I have officially booked the Beach Club with the AP rate for May 6th-13th!

Anyone else going to be around at that time??

What was the AP rate for BC ? Am thinking of buying an AP for an upcoming last minute trip.

Thanks,

Chris

 

[WhenUwishUponAstar]

What was the AP rate for BC ? Am thinking of buying an AP for an upcoming last minute trip.

Thanks,

Chris

I don't call every few days as the OP suggested, I wait for the ap discount for the time i want to be announced then I call and request prices for all the deluxe hotels then decide which i want based on availability and cost. We usually stay at the WL (as u can see by my sig) however it was just a few 100 bucks less for the week so we decided because of location and pool we would go back to BC


259/night standard room

 

[EnnEss]

Well since it looks like the rest of May is going to be left out in the cold for AP discounts. Does anyone know if there is a AAA discount running for the end of May. My dates are May 22- 27 and I'm hoping not to have to move from AKL std view. I don't have a AAA membership but willing to get one if there is a discount. Thanks ahead of time for any help from you guys.

I got 20 percent off AAA rate at pofq mat 6 - 14.