Need some help, please, please!!!

[luvdisney999]

I'm very confused with this whole new Annual passholder rate. We are going in Nov. and want to get the best deal. I am also a AAA member and currently reserved a room with that discount. Should I go on-line and book with this new rate? Should I just faithfully watch for codes, like I did last trip (I really don't mind).

Or is there another option? Not really sure how I would book on-line, since I already had a room and deposit. Not really sure how to book on-line at all, actually. Would this benefit me or not?

I'm really confused and don't know what to do?

Any advice or comments? What should I do to save as much money as possible (this was a last-minute decision to go again this year). Want to stay an extra night, but promised myself not unless I get some sort of discount.

 

[fam4jc]

HI. I was just in the same situation. What I did was call and cancel my existing reservation with AAA room only discount for Dec; then I went online and reserved the Best Rate rate. You will have to pay the first night as a non refundable room deposit and wait for your refund of the original reservation. I wouldn't cancel your current reservation until you make sure there is room availability for your dates. Some people are reporting that as a problem.

I am a ta and using their online booking system is easy. Just be sure that you click on the Best Rate block on the right side of the screen, not on the regular reservation area.

BTW, you can't book BR without a credit card.

 

[luvdisney999]

But I'm wondering if it would even be worth it? If they release a discount, I could probably just call them then. I'm addicted to the disboards and you guys usually know about when they come out. Plus, maybe maybe maybe I might actually get a PIN code. I know that's wishful thinking especially with less being given out, but still.

I'm just really nervous about a non-refundable deposit also. At least with Southwest, you get a credit and we wouldn't lose any money if something came up. Why does life get in the way of Disney trips, anyway?

I'm just not sure!

 

[Hugpug]

I know how you feel. I had to make the same decision this past week. In all honestly I don't see any big discounts coming out for the general public. Mine you this is only my opinon. I decided to bite the bullet and go with The Best Rate since I don't belong to AAA. I got POFQ for 109 for Dec. which is 40 less then what I had before per night. Since I have AMX travel insurance I am taking my chances even though I don't like it. I will not buy an AP again after this. I had already gotten mine just before this new program was announced.

 

[luvdisney999]

I already had my AP before b/c we had planned 2 trips within a year. I also loved the idea of hotel discounts to help save money. But I will never get an AP again either, even if we do go for 2 trips. I guess Disney doesn't want annual pass holders anymore!

I guess what's holding me up is the NON-REFUNDABLE part. I obviously wouldn't want to cancel my trip, but life happens and you never know.

If a AP discount should come out, I would still be able to call Disney and TRY to get it, right?

 

[fam4jc]

I don't think you can get ap discounts any place other than online now. If a code comes out it will be a general public code or email pin. And if that rate is lower that the BR from your online reservation, it will automatically be applied to your ap rate. AP rates as we knew tham are gone. Now the only way to get it is online, but your ta can still make your reservation if you like using one.
The Best Rate Program IS the AP discount. It really will be the Best Rate available for your travel dates. Atleast that is what Disney is saying. I understand the hesitation with the nonrefundable deposit. It is a risk. You can change your dates though for a change fee $50 I think. The good thing is that you aren't making a reservation several months in advance so your dates should be pretty firm. But as you said LIfe happens...

 

[lham1531]

In reading other threads, some from TA's, most of them believe that the traditional AP codes will come out - just that there will be less rooms available. If you search for some people that called Disney to complain, they got responses from CMs saying that Best Rate Prorgram is an additional AP benefit, not a replacement for all other programs.

Again, I've picked this up from reading the boards, not from personal experience.

Since people planning trips the second week of October missed the free dining AND the 120 day Best Rate window, I am really hoping that Disney will offer something to pick up those of us who fell through the cracks!