New AP holder--and baffled by AP vs BRP

[GoofyB]

I just became an AP holder, and was thinking of trying to go to GF in February. Since I'd seen threads about AP discounts, I figured I'd try for that. Still don't know what they USED to be since I'm new -- but now it seems like it's all changed anyway to this Best Rate Plan? Can someone quickly fill me in on what was and, now, what is?

Thanks, I appreciate it.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

Disney use to announce the AP rates and you would be able to call in & book them when they came out. You would be able to book all the way up to the week you were going (if they had anything you would get it). There was a 5 day cancelation policy & had to put your deposit of one night down within 14 days. Now, you must book at least 60 days out (if less than 60 days, you will not get discount), you must give the 1 night deposit when you book & it is non-refundable. And it all must be done online, you can no longer call in. So if you wanted a spur of the moment trip with AP rate, forget it..... if you don't have a computer, forget it..... if in the event you had to cancel, you will not get your deposit back even if you called the day after you booked it. That is it in a nut shell

 

[GoofyB]

thanks for the explanation. A couple other questions if I may. What is a typical discount like, say for a resort like GF or the YC? Also, where do you go to get the BRP reservations -- the website, I mean, since it must be done online.

thanks again.

 

[SSPrincessMom]

I have some questions also about BR program. Are they no longer charging the $50 change fee if you need/want to change to a different resort? Do they promise you the "best rate" even if that changes or are you "locked" in at that price regardless? Also, is there a phone number to speak with someone at that AP department? Any help would be great!

 

[pennst8r]

thanks for the explanation. A couple other questions if I may. What is a typical discount like, say for a resort like GF or the YC? Also, where do you go to get the BRP reservations -- the website, I mean, since it must be done online.

thanks again.

Go to the Disney site, and click on the Passholders section. You need to enter your info from your AP or your voucher to access it. Then you'll be able to check BR and book online.

We got about $80 off our room rate/night for the end of Oct at YC.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

I have some questions also about BR program. Are they no longer charging the $50 change fee if you need/want to change to a different resort? Do they promise you the "best rate" even if that changes or are you "locked" in at that price regardless? Also, is there a phone number to speak with someone at that AP department? Any help would be great!

From reading their site & this board, they have stopped the $50 modifaction fee. Here is a copy & paste from the offical site...it can answer some of your questions:


Planning a vacation in a few months? Then it's time to try our Passholder Best Rate Program! Now Passholders booking a Disney Resort room online under the Passholder Best Rate Program at disneyworld.com/passholders can rest easy knowing they have received our best room rate offered to the general public* at that time for the room and nights booked. And, if we subsequently reduce our room rate to the general public for the same room and nights you booked online under this Program, we will automatically reduce your room rate to match that lower rate.

Rooms must be booked at least 60 days in advance and, unlike our normal cancellation policy, a non-refundable deposit of 1-night's room charge and tax must be paid at the time of booking. Currently this program is only available for arrivals through 2/15/06. The number of rooms and nights available for this Program is limited and rooms are not available every night. This Program is subject to change or discontinuance at any time and without notice.

For more details about the Passholder Best Rate Program, check out Frequently Asked Questions.

* Does not include group rates, auction rates or rates conditioned on group/club memberships or other specified eligibility requirements.

See Important Program Requirements below



Enjoy this great rate at a great time to visit! Happiest Celebration On Earth is in full swing with new attractions, including Soarin'™, Cinderellabration, and Lights, Motors, Action™ Extreme Stunt Show.

As a Disney Resort Guest, you can also enjoy these Disney Resort benefits:

Renowned Disney service 24 hours a day
Spectacular pools
A beautifully themed Resort in the heart of the Disney magic
Complimentary Transportation (motor coach, water launch, or monorail) throughout the Walt Disney World® Resort
Important Program Requirements
Program only available to adult passholders booking online at disneyworld.com/passholders. Passholder may only book one room per reservation. Reservations must be made by adult Passholder with Passholder's credit card. Passholder must present his or her valid Pass at check in.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

I have some questions also about BR program. Are they no longer charging the $50 change fee if you need/want to change to a different resort? Do they promise you the "best rate" even if that changes or are you "locked" in at that price regardless? Also, is there a phone number to speak with someone at that AP department? Any help would be great!

Here is a copy & paste of the frequantly asked questions from the offical site (I couldn't do both copy & pastes in the same post..)

Passholder Best Rate Program FAQ



INTRODUCING THE NEW PASSHOLDER BEST RATE PROGRAM
Q. What is the Passholder Best Rate Program?
Q. Why did you introduce the Passholder Best Rate Program?
Q. Am I really provided the best rates online under the Passholder Best Rate Program?
Q. What if I want to book a room for travel within 60 days?
Q. What if Passholder Best Rate Program rates are not available for my travel dates?
BOOKING ONLINE
Q. How can I make a Passholder Best Rate Program reservation?
Q. Can I make a Passholder Best Rate Program reservation through my travel agent?
Q. Do I have to register online in order to make a Passholder Best Rate Program reservation?
Q. Can I book more than one room under the Passholder Best Rate Program?
Q. Since the Passholder name must be on every reservation, what happens when the second room has two adults, not including the Passholder? Will I be charged an additional adult fee since this will show as three adults in this room?
Q. Will I receive a confirmation for my Passholder Best Rate Program booking?
Q. What if the online application is not available? Will the Disney Reservation Center be able to assist me in making a reservation?
DEPOSIT/PAYMENT
Q. How much is the Passholder Best Rate Program deposit?
MODIFY/CANCEL
Q. How do I modify a Passholder Best Rate Program reservation?
Q. How do I cancel a Passholder Best Rate Program reservation?
ELIGIBILITY
Q. Who is eligible for the Passholder Best Rate Program?
RESORT AVAILABILITY
Q. How far in advance must travel be booked?
Q. What if a Passholder Best Rate Program rate is not available for my desired Resort selection?
RESORT CHECK-IN
Q. What documentation is required at check-in for Passholder Best Rate Program reservations?
INTRODUCING THE NEW PASSHOLDER BEST RATE PROGRAM
Q. What is the Passholder Best Rate Program?
As a Passholder, you can now book a Disney Resort room online under the Passholder Best Rate Program (at the Walt Disney World® Passholder Section) and rest easy, knowing you've received our best room rate offered to the general public at that time for the room and nights booked! (Does not include group rates, auction rates or rates conditioned on group/club memberships or other specified eligibility requirements.) This new program will also save you time planning trips and provide a greater selection of Resort rooms. Rooms must be booked at least 60 days in advance and, unlike our normal cancellation policy, a non-refundable deposit of 1-night's room charge and tax must be paid at the time of booking. The number of rooms and nights available for this Program is limited; rooms are not available every night.
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Q. Why did you introduce the Passholder Best Rate Program?
We are continuously looking to improve the Passholder program and provide great benefits that enhance your experience. We know how much you value Resort room discounts and the ability to plan in advance. With this new program, we are able to offer you greater flexibility and convenience in planning your trip.
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Q. Am I really provided the best rates online under the Passholder Best Rate Program?
Yes. In the event that we subsequently reduce our room rate to the general public for the same room and nights you booked online under this Program, we will automatically reduce your room rate to match that lower rate. That means you don't even need to contact us; we will update your Resort rate for you.
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Q. What if I want to book a room for travel within 60 days?
You can book a room at varying rates based on availability at disneyworld.com or by calling 407-560-PASS. IMPORTANT, please note that those rates are not part of the Passholder Best Rate Program.
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Q. What if Passholder Best Rate Program rates are not available for my travel dates?
Sorry, if Passholder Best Rate Program rates are not available for your travel dates, you can, of course, book a room at varying rates based on availability at disneyworld.com or by calling (407) 560-PASS (7277).
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BOOKING ONLINE
Q. How can I make a Passholder Best Rate Program reservation?
Reservations can only be made online at the Walt Disney World® Passholder Section. A valid Annual Pass, Florida Resident Seasonal Pass, Premium Annual Pass or respective exchange certificate is required to access this section of disneyworld.com. Once you are logged in, click on "Special Offers" on the left side of the page and then proceed to the Passholder Best Rate Program link.
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Q. Can I make a Passholder Best Rate Program reservation through my travel agent?
Yes, a travel agent can help you make your reservation; however, you will need to supply your travel agent with your Passholder ID number. The same terms and conditions apply to a travel agent booking.
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Q. Do I have to register online in order to make a Passholder Best Rate Program reservation?
Yes, all online bookings require online registration at disneyworld.com. Since this program is designed for Passholders, you will also need your Passholder ID number on the back of your Annual Pass, Florida Resident Seasonal Pass, Premium Annual Pass or respective exchange certificate to access the Walt Disney World® Passholder Section.
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Q. Can I book more than one room under the Passholder Best Rate Program?
Currently, Passholders can only book one room per reservation. If you want to book additional rooms for the same nights, a new reservation is required for each room. The same deposit and cancellation policy applies to each reservation. All reservations must have the adult Passholder listed as the primary Guest, and deposits must be charged to the same Passholder's credit card. The Passholder making the reservation must stay in one of the rooms during the same nights in order to qualify for the Passholder Best Rate Program.
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Q. Since the Passholder name must be on every reservation, what happens when the second room has two adults, not including the Passholder? Will I be charged an additional adult fee since this will show as three adults in this room?
You should book up to two adults in each room with the Passholder name as the primary Guest for each room and then add any additional adults, if any, at resort check-in. You will not be charged an additional fee as long as the number of adults staying in the room is allowed under that Resort's booking policies.
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Q. Will I receive a confirmation for my Passholder Best Rate Program booking?
Yes. You will be able to view and print your confirmation page after you complete the online booking transaction, and you will also receive an e-mail confirmation. Please be sure to review your confirmation carefully as it includes important information and terms and conditions of the cancellation policy, as well as a reminder that a valid adult (ages 18+) Walt Disney World Annual Pass or Florida Resident Seasonal Pass, Premium Annual Pass (or respective exchange certificate) is required at check-in.
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Q. What if the online application is not available? Will the Disney Reservation Center be able to assist me in making a reservation?
Since Passholder Best Rate Program reservations can only be made online at the Walt Disney World® Passholder Section, the Disney Reservation Center will not be able to assist you. If the online application is not available, please try again later.
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DEPOSIT/PAYMENT
Q. How much is the Passholder Best Rate Program deposit?
A non-refundable deposit of 1-night's room charge and tax must be paid via credit card at the time of booking. The balance of the reservation will be due at check-in. Payments will not be accepted over the phone.
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MODIFY/CANCEL
Q. How do I modify a Passholder Best Rate Program reservation?
You must call (407) 560-PASS (7277) to modify an existing reservation; reservations cannot be modified online at this time. The adult Passholder name on the reservation cannot be changed prior to check-in; such a change would be considered a cancellation.
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Q. How do I cancel a Passholder Best Rate Program reservation?
You must call 407-560-PASS (7277) to cancel an existing reservation; reservations cannot be cancelled online at this time. Remember, your deposit is non-refundable if you cancel your reservation.
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ELIGIBILITY
Q. Who is eligible for the Passholder Best Rate Program?
Adults (ages 18+) with a Walt Disney World Annual Pass, Florida Resident Seasonal Pass, Premium Annual Pass or respective exchange voucher are eligible to make a Passholder Best Rate Program reservation. No other types of passes, including a Child Annual Pass, will be considered eligible for this program.
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RESORT AVAILABILITY
Q. How far in advance must travel be booked?
Rooms must be booked at least 60 days in advance and, unlike our normal cancellation policy, a non-refundable deposit of 1-night's room charge and tax must be paid at the time of booking. Available travel dates will be added periodically throughout the year so be sure to check the Walt Disney World® Passholder Section often. The number of rooms and nights available for this Program are limited, and rooms are not available every night.
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Q. What if a Passholder Best Rate Program rate is not available for my desired Resort selection?
When a Passholder Best Rate Program rate is not available for the travel dates and Resort you requested, a similar Resort will be returned if a rate is available under the Program. If the rate is not available under the Program in that Resort category, the next Resort category will be returned if it has a rate available under the Program. Or you can check availability for other travel dates.
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RESORT CHECK-IN
Q. What documentation is required at check-in for Passholder Best Rate Program reservations?
A valid Adult (ages 18+) Walt Disney World Annual Pass, Florida Resident Seasonal Pass, Premium Annual Pass or respective exchange voucher must be presented at check-in. No other passes will be accepted.
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† If you are under 18 years of age, you must have your parent or guardian's permission to dial this number.