Need Advice About AP Program

[WaltDizzygirl]

I'm planning my first trip to WDW. I've gone once before, but that was a trip my brother-in-law had won, so I didn't have to plan anything.

Anyway, from what I've gathered, the best way to go for obtaining good room rates is for someone in your party to have an AP. I would like to get one for myself and then book the rooms.

The problem I'm having is because you need an AP to view AP rates, and the staff at reservations doesn't seem to know what the rate will be in late Nov/early Dec, when I plan to go, my husband isn't convinced that this is the best way to go. He wants to book through AAA.

From what I understand, at that time of year, my AAA rate for a value hotel would be around $77 to 89 per night -20%, while the AP rate should be around $59 per night.

Is this right? What is your experience? Should I get the AP, or just stick with AAA rates?

 

[Lollipop Mom]

most of the time with a value resort unless you are staying for a really long time or getting more than one room, the savings over the AAA rate does not make up for the increased cost of an AP. Make sure you figure that an AP costs about $185 more than a 7 day pass with park hopping. So you need to make up MORE than that in the difference in rates before it becomes a good deal. Since the discounts this year have been $18/night at value resorts in value season, it's tough to make up that difference! The difference between the AAA rate and the AP rate at a value resort in value season is only like $5/night. If you have AAA, I'd stick with that unless you know for sure you will be back within a year and will benefit from the unlimited admission.

 

[WaltDizzygirl]

Thanks for the reply Lolli . I will add here that we're planning on staying 10 nights and booking two rooms. I'm torn between staying at a Deluxe resort with one room, or a value with 2 rooms, but that's another post. In either case, we'll be dropping a tidy bundle on rooms.

 

[cobbler]

Ok, I have my AAA rate booked at a value resort during the first week in December. The rate is $2/night more than the AP rate. You are better off using the AAA rate as $2 isn't that big of a difference. My AAA rate is 61 night and the AP is 59. I am keeping the AAA because it will cost us 11.60 more for our time of stay and to me it is worth it to have the flexibility and have a refundable deposit.

 

[pennst8r]

I had the same dilemma...with 3 kids, we either get 2 at a mod or 1 at a deluxe. With the new AP rates, the YC room is $200 cheaper than the 2 at CBR with a AAA rate. I know--comparing apples and oranges, but I look at it as a better hotel, and easier access to the parks for the same money. (Not much diff between the AP and AAA rate for the CBR rooms) If you like, I can check the AP rates for you and you can make your decision--I think the best rate plan that's out now goes through 12/19.

 

[WaltDizzygirl]

That would be great if you could check those rates. If there's not a huge difference in the grand scheme of thing, I may be able to talk my husband into 2 rooms at a Mod, instead of a Value. We're coming with our infant son, and teenage daughter, plus my hubby and I aren't small people, so the idea of all of us being in the same room, on double beds no less, isn't appealing. The only way I'd consider a Moderate room is if we could book two.

 

[pennst8r]

what dates are you looking for? Give me an idea of which resorts you want me to check and I'll do it for ya.

 

[WaltDizzygirl]

We're planning on Nov 28 to Dec 7. I would love to stay at the POFQ. Right now we're planning on PC with two rooms. Thanks alot!

 

[pennst8r]

I looked up your dates using 2 adults, one infant and one teen. These are for room only---PC is $592.20 POFQ is $943.38 standard view
You'll have to look these up to see what they are at the regular price to see if there's a big enough difference.
Hope this helps!

ps looked it up since I was here...the same rooms using the disney site res system are PC $772.74 and POFQ $ 1344.78

 

[WaltDizzygirl]

Thanks Pennst8r for looking all this up for me. I'm sure it'll really help me make a decision. I really appreciate it!