Need advice regarding becoming an Annual Passholder?

[micknpluto]

Im just about 100% convinced on becoming an AP holder. I spoke with a CM over the phone and received all the details. Our trip is being planned for October we need to book 3 rooms, hotel preference being moderate and to be more speific, we would love to stay at POFQ. I completely understand to get AP rates on ANY given resort is based on availability. CM also said the discounts are announced quarterly. I realize there's no guarantee. How would you suggest us planning and booking a trip in October and when? Do they always have discounts available? Do they offer multiple resort discounts at one time? How does this work, and is it worth th investment and take the chance of getting a discount? If I get the AP, it is most likley I will be taking a 2nd trip even though the main reason would be toget a price break on our family vacation.

Thanks in advance

Chris

 

[weluvpluto]

You do not need to have bought an Annual Pass in order to book the room, you just need it upon check-in. So you can wait for rates to come out before actually purchasing the pass.

I wait until discounts come out before I book our room, however many people will tell you to book what you can afford, and many others will say to book the rooms at POFQ and then have them apply the discount when it comes out. We don't do that because we're not willing to pay rack rate if there are no discounts, and I don't like to increase their bookings, because if rooms are filled up at rack rates why discount any?

Discounts are usually for all the different resort types, and they usually have discounts except for holiday periods (Easter & Christmas).

 

[DebbieB]

You do not have to have the AP in hand in order to make an AP discount reservation, you just need it at check-in. So wait until the discounts come out and decide. There are sometimes code discounts that are only slightly more and do not require an AP.

 

[mbcary]

So, when you book the room you don't have to tell them your AP number or anything? I guess they don't care when booking as long as you have the AP when you check-in??

 

[LovePug]

So, when you book the room you don't have to tell them your AP number or anything? I guess they don't care when booking as long as you have the AP when you check-in??

Exactly. If your main reason for getting an AP is for a room discount, wait until you're sure you're getting it and then purchase the AP if the discount justifies paying the extra for the AP. That way you won't be sorry if one doesn't come out.

 

[soccer mom]

You do not have to purchase an AP to make the reservation. I would suggest you do not purchase your AP's until you see if you get the discount unless you are really planning on going more than once in 12 months. Go ahead and book your room and just keep watching for codes (AP and others that might help) If/when AP discounts are released for October, you can call and see if anything is available and have them apply it to your reservation. It is best to be flexible if rates do become available because sometimes they are not available at every resort or they might be better at certain resorts. I know I couldn't get an AP rate for BWI for this January, but got 45% off at POR.

I believe AP rates for October became available in late August in 2003 & 2004. It is possible for there to be more than one discount, but you can only apply one to your reservation. Also, I believe most of October is regular season, it use to be value season, so that can make a difference in cost. The first few days of the month are in value season and the rest of the month is regular. If yo check in during value season that rate will apply to your entire trip.

Things seem to be picking up with travel and I'm guessing we will see less discounts on fewer rooms.

 

[micknpluto]

The CM made it sound as if you had to have an AP member # in order to get access to discount offers? However, I was just on The Dis AP discount page and was able to view the AP rates. I saw they had "blackout dates" Our vacation will be a Saturday to Saturday probably the last week in October, are they going to black out dates during that time?? That is annoying! Why do they do that!?

 

[cinderminnie]

May I ask where is that The Dis AP discount page at? Under what forum? I searched and could not find it. I would love to see it.
Thanks!