New AP system, blame yourselves!!

[johnsonet]

While these boards have made it quite evident that there are a lot of people cheating Disney, especially in regards to securing AP discounts without actually having APs, Disney has enabled this by not requiring verification of AP at check-in.

I totally agree! I've been asked for my AP once out of probably 6 resort stays booked at the Passholder rate. I've never understood this. Also, I never respond to the threads asking whether people were asked to produce an AP at check-in. So many people try to beat the system.
I do tend to agree with the OP~
IMO Disney is losing money on me b/c I am averaging about 15 days per year in the parks PLUS saving hundreds of dollars on their Deluxe accomodations - all with my $400+ dollar investment in an Annual Pass .
I'm buying my daughter an Annual Pass this summer and I think I figured that an AP for her was the same price as a MYW 7-day ticket w/ park-hopping option. It doesn't make sense! Maybe they're going to phase out APs altogether

 

[Alicnwondrln]

i was wondering how people were gonna feel about this
is a thread over on the community board.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=840616

 

[DebbieB]

If Disney was not happy with people who "cheated" the system, why didn't they put a stop to it? Simply require that an adult AP be produced at check-in. Or require an AP or Voucher # when booking. They didn't have to develop this new plan to stop it (I'm not saying I think that was the reason they developed it, I don't think it is).

I've used AP rates 3 or 4 times, each time legitimately. Never once was asked to show it. Whose fault is that? One time the cm even asked me if I needed to buy tickets! It was an extra night on a business trip, no one else was with me to need tickets.

 

[sherry8253]

Let me first say that I have never abused the system. However, I just went to the passholders website and it tells me I can't book my trip! I am 163 days from arrival and it says I have to arrive on or before 11/26 in order to book! What's up with that? It clearly says at least 120 days prior to arrival and before 12/19, which my dates are! This is what's going to really annoy people!

I am trying to do what is right, what Disney says I should do, and it won't let me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! By the time they straighten it out, I could be less than 120 days out OR the rooms I have already reserved will be gone. I for one am not going to cancel my current reservation, but it's not fair for me to have to pay rack rates (if no codes are released that can be applied to my current reservation) just because their computer system is screwed up. That's what irritates me the most.

I am with you on this one. If I would mess up my work as much as the people who maintain the Disney website do, I wouldn't have a job. It seems like whenever Disney announces something like this the website is never correct and will not let you do what you are supposed to be able to do.

 

[johnnyr]

I agree with DebbieB. They SHOULD ask for the AP information when you make your reservation. If you cannot produce one, you shouldn't get the discount. It's that simple!

We too are legitimate AP holders and have never ever been asked for a voucher # or pass # when booking over the phone or checking in at the resort. Heck, I even asked one CM if she needed to see our passes one time and she told me that it is not necessary.

With all the information they ask when you call, wouldn't you think they would know if you are a valid AP holder or not by their computer system? That information should be linked to their database.

John

 

[Nik's Mom]

While these boards have made it quite evident that there are a lot of people cheating Disney, especially in regards to securing AP discounts without actually having APs, Disney has enabled this by not requiring verification of AP at check-in.

So true. We just purchased our aps in May and never were asked to show the ap at check-in. I tried, but she didn't want to see it.

 

[MagicKingdom05]

This isn't replacing the AP system we are use to, but adding a new promotion that AP holders can take advantage of. You will still beable to call and make your reservations and then call back later to apply your AP discount just like before.

However, for those people who are making there reservations atleast 120 days out who don't want to mess with calling back and trying to apply an AP code, by taking part in this promotion, there is no need to call when the rates come out. They will automatically add the discounted AP rate to your reservation without having to call.

 

[bicker]

If I would mess up my work as much as the people who maintain the Disney website do, I wouldn't have a job.

I think this message, posted in another thread last night, might indicate where Disney is expending the resources that would otherwise go towards making sure their website is more accurate:

Every time I'm watching any one of the magnificent nighttime entertainment options WDW offers, I'm struck by how great of a a deal Disney is.

Disney is often guilty of putting the quality of its show and its service above the quality of its communications.

 

[jpmom]

If Disney was not happy with people who "cheated" the system, why didn't they put a stop to it? Simply require that an adult AP be produced at check-in. Or require an AP or Voucher # when booking. They didn't have to develop this new plan to stop it (I'm not saying I think that was the reason they developed it, I don't think it is).

I've used AP rates 3 or 4 times, each time legitimately. Never once was asked to show it. Whose fault is that? One time the cm even asked me if I needed to buy tickets! It was an extra night on a business trip, no one else was with me to need tickets.

My sentiments exactly. You need your AP number when accessing the AP website, so why not when booking your ressie? How difficult can that be for Disney to integrate into their system???

However, the only thing that really bothers me about this is the non-refundable deposit. We often book our hotel room first and then search for the best airfare. We have had to change a ressie or two in the past once we secured our airfare. I will be very skeptical of forking over a non-refundable deposit.

I have been using the AP discount for stays on weekends at Deluxe resorts so I can use my DVC club points on Sun-Thurs (more DVC points are required on the weekends). By having the AP, we have taken AT LEAST twice as many trips to WDW than we would if we didn't have the pass. When you are a passholder, you have a different mentality about your trips. In fact, we just got back from a trip in June and although we have the Wonder cruise booked for November, we decided to go again in September. All due to the AP rate at AKL of $129/night.

I wonder if this will effect the sale of APs in the future? I will continue to renew mine, but others who use it primarily for the discounts may think again.

 

[bicker]

I think buying an AP just for the resort discount sort of like going into a food store just to buy the items that are on sale. There's certainly nothing wrong with doing that, but it is surely not the kind of thing that the grocer was hoping would occur. If folks only buy your loss-leaders, you're going to lose money! I'm actually surprised that they're not actually requiring folks to use this new program for AP discounts -- that they're still planning on offering the traditional AP discount program as well.

 

[CarolA]

I think that the system is just an addition, not a a change so much

BUT.... It does appear some major changes are in the works and to be honest I agree with them.

1. Adult APs only qualify for the room rate. Since you have to be 18 to book a room why should your 6 year old qualify for a room rate?

2. One room per AP. So the family of 12 booking three rooms will now need at least three APs. Seems fair to me and will help make more AP rooms available to AP holders (not to friends and family of AP holders)

3. You have to HAVE the AP. I have been reading these boards long enought to know that some people have made several trips on the same "voucher" and that there are a few who book an AP rate and only buy if the CM checking them in insists on it. Once again AP rates will be more available to those who HAVE an AP.

 

[MagicKingdom05]

CarolA,

I agree with you and actually like the promotion. I tend to make my plans atleast 120-180 days out and usually don't know about the AP rates being released until either noon that day or when I get home from work at 5:30 pm, so by that time, the really good discounted rooms are taken up usually.

According to the new promotion, I don't have to worry about it, because once the discounted rate comes out, my reservation will automatically change to that rate without me calling. Also, it sounds like, those who take advantage of this promotion, and book online will be the ones who get the first dibs on the discount since they will automatically go through.

 

[Gymbomom]

I think that the system is just an addition, not a a change so much

BUT.... It does appear some major changes are in the works and to be honest I agree with them.

1. Adult APs only qualify for the room rate. Since you have to be 18 to book a room why should your 6 year old qualify for a room rate?

2. One room per AP. So the family of 12 booking three rooms will now need at least three APs. Seems fair to me and will help make more AP rooms available to AP holders (not to friends and family of AP holders)

3. You have to HAVE the AP. I have been reading these boards long enought to know that some people have made several trips on the same "voucher" and that there are a few who book an AP rate and only buy if the CM checking them in insists on it. Once again AP rates will be more available to those who HAVE an AP.

I agree with all of the above, but I hate to be penalized by not having redeemed my voucher yet, when I plan on doing so for that trip. I am NOT one who buys a AP voucher so I can get a room discount all 12 members in our party gets the AP.
From my understanding they have made the system to be able to access the discounts with a voucher. Right??

 

[CarolA]

I agree with all of the above, but I hate to be penalized by not having redeemed my voucher yet, when I plan on doing so for that trip. I am NOT one who buys a AP voucher so I can get a room discount all 12 members in our party gets the AP.
From my understanding they have made the system to be able to access the discounts with a voucher. Right??

From what someone has posted the vouchers will work. (You may have to use a TA right now as I understand it?) I would assume they will be coming up with a method to make sure vouchers are converted, but who knows?

 

[BuckNaked]

I don't see a big problem with the new program - I see the AP room rates as a nice perk, but not one that I rely on. The only thing that will cost us a bit more is having to have the voucher or AP when you make the reservations. I don't buy our APs until I arrive at WDW because I get a much better deal by buying the Florida Resident APs at SoG. Under the new system, I'll have to buy one AP ahead of time for the room reservation, and I'll buy the rest when I arrive. Not much of a pain, but a few more $$ than I would normally spend.

 

[buzzgirls&dad]

I have been gone for a few days so I am just trying to catch up on what is going on with the new AP system. My question is this what if a have already booked and payed my deposit do I have to wait until rates come out or should I try and rebook online. This is very confusing to me.

 

[MagicKingdom05]

It looks like the main advantages to this is:

1. Not having to call at 6 am when the AP rates come out since your reservation will automatically be switched for you.

2. From various reports from people who have talked with CM's about this, those who decided to make the reservation through the online system using this promotion will get a larger room discount then those who call and make a reservation.

 

[Sammie]

The nonrefundable deposit can definitely be blamed on those that booked multiple rooms, held them to the last minute, and then bailed in time to get their deposit back. This practice prevents many of these rooms from getting rebooked. No one is going to risk a days deposit to book several rooms while they decide what they are doing.

According to friends who work at the Reservation Center, a lot of money has been lost by this practice. They tried to curb this activity by stating you can only book one room at a time for the same dates, but due to Internet forums with many suggesting ways to get around that, they continued to book multiple rooms anyway.

The Internet is a great tool for planning, but a haven for scammers and this site has not been immune to that. Even if someone here did not do the actual scamming, when you broadcast to millions that AP's are hardly ever checked then Yes indirectly you contribute. You provide the catalyst for the scammer.

I mean look at how many registered users this site has versus how many actually post on a regular basis. Most are just passing through gathering info and sometimes it is not info that is in the best interest of all.

 

[C.Ann]

Is the $50 "modification penalty" new to this program? I don't remember reading about that in regards to AP's before..

As for abusing the system - well - there are ways of abusing every system Disney has - if one is so inclined..

I can't see any way that I could possibly use this new program because I will not be able to give definite dates 120 days out and I need two rooms - not to mention I'm not thrilled with the non-refundable deposit based on the "promise" of lower rates if they become available.. We've all seen how Disney implements new plans without working out the kinks first and I can see this new program being a nightmare in the intial phase as well..

 

[agnes!]

I don't see a big problem with the new program - I see the AP room rates as a nice perk, but not one that I rely on. The only thing that will cost us a bit more is having to have the voucher or AP when you make the reservations. I don't buy our APs until I arrive at WDW because I get a much better deal by buying the Florida Resident APs at SoG. Under the new system, I'll have to buy one AP ahead of time for the room reservation, and I'll buy the rest when I arrive. Not much of a pain, but a few more $$ than I would normally spend.

I noticed that you are from the Mid-Atlantic area & was wondering what the qualifications are for the SOG/Florida Resident APs. Is that something that military & dependents can buy regardless of where they are stationed?

*****

Does anybody else think that when corporate rolls out a new program it has a tendency to seem not very well thought out? Plus every time that the WDW website is tinkered with/supposedly improved, it takes forever to fully come on-line. I've also been reading that a lot of posters are still having trouble accessing the passholder section of the WDW website.

The NON-refundable one-night room reservation at rack rate coupled with the $50 change fee is my major sticking point...I wonder if you have to pay the fee even if you upgrade to a higher category room/resort?

agnes!