New code watch - October/November

[Tink10]

I still can't quite understand why people keep saying the the BR discounts are so bad, when they are the exact same dollar amounts off as the last set of call-in AP rates.....

 

[icebaby]

I for one stated earlier that this program is not for me. And yes, I have written WDW and let them know as well as voice my dislike for the program with the CM's I have spoken with on the phone.

However, you are incorrect that the "Best Rate" is the lowest available rate. It is touted as the lowest rate available to the general public. The AP rates have always been lower than the rates available to the general public, if by only $5-$10. The disclaimer clearly states that the "Best Rate" does not include group rates or special offerings, i.e. post card rates, etc. The AAA rate is a group rate, so there is no guarantee that it will be lower than that rate. You are correct that "it's not "The AP Rates of the Past" program. Quiet frankly, it stinks because of the non-refundable deposit. If not for that, and the poorer discounts, I wouldn't care so much.

We purchase AP's because we go so often and will continue to purchase them. It wasn't until we began using the AP discounts (discovered on these boards) that we started staying on Disney property. Now without them, we will have to go to staying off-property again. As Disney has tried to cut the discounts and recapture some of the money they thought they were loosing with the room discounts, they are just loosing more of my money to off-site property hotels. This might encourage me to start looking at discounts for hotels at Universal.

My eight-year-old son who loves dinosaurs has been begging to go to Universal Studios Islands of Adventures so he can go to Jurassic Park. I know once we do, he will want to go there on every trip. Then I will probably have to buy annual passes for Universal. If we get a good deal at one of the US hotels we might start spending one or more of our limited FL vacation days at US instead of WDW parks. This may start a new trend with my family. This would mean a lot of our souvenir money would start going toward US t-shirts and US polo shirts and toys instead of WDW souvenirs (We average $250-$300 per trip for clothes and 90% of our kids Christmas gifts). Then WDW has lost more than a few $$ on a few nights hotel room. One of the reasons WDW started the bus service was to reduce the need for guest to need rental cars. The idea was if guest didn't have rental cars, they wouldn't/couldn't leave WDW property and would spend all of their vacation $$ with WDW. Now that may change with their more loyal guest who have stayed on-property in the past. If you check my signature line below, you will see that my family has been one of the loyal families that has kept spending at WDW during the travel bust after 9/11 and during the last recession; all of those visits have been on-property when we could get AP discounts, others were off WDW property--usually at the Swan/Dolphin with teacher discount.

The Best Rate Program was a business decision just like many of the others that WDW has made over the last 3-4 years in an attempt to boost profits and like so many of the policies that we have seen come and go, only time will tell if this one will be another ill-conceived attempt to boost the bottom line and fall by the way side like many others or become a new permanent way of visiting the Mouse.

Thanks Minnie Mate! My thoughts exactly! I love WDW and will always remain a loyal follower. With that said, I believe, the BRP doesn't make the majority of AP-ers happy. Most frequent WDW visitors come from two types: FL residents and AP holders. It seems WDW has taken care of the FL residents with little complaints. However, AP holders are made to make plans no less than 60 days out(only with the recent update...), and with a non refundable deposit of a night stay. (sometimes in the upwards of $250). I believe WDW needs to improve the BRP by definitely getting rid of the nonrefundable night or at the very least change it to 48 hour cancellation fee. I have to agree wholeheartedly with Minnie Mate's thoughts of more families staying off-site, therfore renting cars, visiting other Orlando resorts, and buying non-Disney souviners, etc. All this equals up to less Disney Dollars. Right now I don't think Disney will feel the less money until 11/05. Most trips have been reserved or at the least planned. I believe they will start to see less $$$ come in after Christmas time, when without a discount the rooms won't fill, the travel industry will start to feel a pinch with gas prices and airlines filing for bankrupcy. WDW is a for profit company, and they are constantly making changes (MYW pkgs, BRP just in the last year). I believe they will hear the rumblings from the former AP-ers and make a change or two in the near future. . .

 

[welovewdw]

hanks Minnie Mate! My thoughts exactly! I love WDW and will always remain a loyal follower. With that said, I believe, the BRP doesn't make the majority of AP-ers happy. Most frequent WDW visitors come from two types: FL residents and AP holders. It seems WDW has taken care of the FL residents with little complaints. However, AP holders are made to make plans no less than 60 days out(only with the recent update...), and with a non refundable deposit of a night stay. (sometimes in the upwards of $250). I believe WDW needs to improve the BRP by definitely getting rid of the nonrefundable night or at the very least change it to 48 hour cancellation fee. I have to agree wholeheartedly with Minnie Mate's thoughts of more families staying off-site, therfore renting cars, visiting other Orlando resorts, and buying non-Disney souviners, etc. All this equals up to less Disney Dollars. Right now I don't think Disney will feel the less money until 11/05. Most trips have been reserved or at the least planned. I believe they will start to see less $$$ come in after Christmas time, when without a discount the rooms won't fill, the travel industry will start to feel a pinch with gas prices and airlines filing for bankrupcy. WDW is a for profit company, and they are constantly making changes (MYW pkgs, BRP just in the last year). I believe they will hear the rumblings from the former AP-ers and make a change or two in the near future. . .

I totally agree here - we remain loyal Disney fans, but without the last minute discounts, we'll book offsite more than likely (like we did before we had AP's) If we get a decent rate and feel like we can commit 60 days out, we're there!

btw - as a side note - I've been having ALOT of trouble w/the passholders site the last few days! I decided we'd try BRP for a business trip we have coming in Jan. I did get one rate at WL for about $145/night (last year, same trip at the same time, we paid $109/night before taxes, so it's probably $20-25/night more this year) but I've never been able to get back in - I keep getting error messages that say try back later, too may users! I was finally caving in and booking, too! LOL

 

[srfrgrl07]

However, you are incorrect that the "Best Rate" is the lowest available rate. It is touted as the lowest rate available to the general public. The AP rates have always been lower than the rates available to the general public, if by only $5-$10. The disclaimer clearly states that the "Best Rate" does not include group rates or special offerings, i.e. post card rates, etc. The AAA rate is a group rate, so there is no guarantee that it will be lower than that rate. You are correct that "it's not "The AP Rates of the Past" program.

Actually, the Best Rate is the lowest available public rate as AP holders are considered public as well as the postcard offers and AAA. These are rates available to any member of the general public who qualifies. The opposite of public in the case of discounts is corporate..Disney offers corporate rates to travel agents, airline employees, WDW employees, etc. that are generally lower than any other rates. And group rates are those that require 10 or more rooms...usually for weddings, conventions, sporting events, youth groups, etc. And has anyone actually heard of someone getting a lower rate than what is on the BRP site? I don't think the FL discount for Oct 5-Dec 25 are the same rate as the BRP..I think they are a little higher. As I said before, it's not the lowest rate that was available ever but most things cost more now than they did last year.***edit: just saw the thread about the AAA rate pricing lower than the BRP for a deluxe concierge room, I believe. Not sure if maybe the BRP site brought up rack rate since no discount was available or it actually did come out higher with the BRP discount applied..I'm going to look into this and may be eating my words LOL***

Now without them, we will have to go to staying off-property again. As Disney has tried to cut the discounts and recapture some of the money they thought they were loosing with the room discounts, they are just loosing more of my money to off-site property hotels. This might encourage me to start looking at discounts for hotels at Universal.

Now that may change with their more loyal guest who have stayed on-property in the past. If you check my signature line below, you will see that my family has been one of the loyal families that has kept spending at WDW during the travel bust after 9/11 and during the last recession; all of those visits have been on-property when we could get AP discounts, others were off WDW property--usually at the Swan/Dolphin with teacher discount.

I understand the frustration and people thinking that Disney has forgotten it's "loyal" customer, but as I'm sure I've also stated before, the discount may not be available for those last minute trips anyways because 1)all discounted rooms are booked or 2)they were able to book it for someone paying at rack rate. It was always a gamble to book last minute with or without a discount, and it seems that there are more people traveling compared to years past. There have always been people staying off property as well. I'm sorry to put it so bluntly, but for everyone who decides to book offsite because of this, there is another person just as willing to book onsite for the 1st, 2nd, 100th time regardless of price. If not, then I'm sure we'll see a change, but based on availability lately it doesn't seem to be an issue. I'm sure WDW appreciates all of the FL residents and guests who continued to travel after 911 and awarded them the great discounts at that time, but the situation is different now and I just have to wonder why people think WDW now has to continue to offer the same deals to those guest for the rest of their life since they visited continuously for 4 years. I feel that the discounts offered at that time were thanks enough and without them many people wouldn't have been able to visit, so both parties benefited.
I know that this doesn't make you fell any better about all of it, and again you're entitled to your opinion and I encourage you to continue to make that known the WDW if you feel passionately about it. Staying at Universal is an option, and Disney knows that. Just remember that the grass is not always greener, there are fewer resorts there and none that compare price wise to a value resort. I've only stayed at Hard Rock and it was nice.

 

[Tink10]

Very Well Said srfrgrl07!!

I did check the AAA rate vs the Best Rate for high dollar rooms and AAA does appear to be less. So,those who want to book a concierge room should consider booking it at the AAA rate if they're really concerned with the discounts.

I've come to the conclusion that those who dislike the BRP will think whatever they want to think, which is fine, but when some intentionally misinform others about the discounts and policies, then people need to step in and get the correct info out there.

 

[Minnie's Mate]

Actually, the Best Rate is the lowest available public rate as AP holders are considered public as well as the postcard offers and AAA. These are rates available to any member of the general public who qualifies.

I don't know if your definition of general public comes from Disney's definition of general public or not, if it does, I'll stop buying my AP and expect to pay park admission once per year and return as often as I want for free during that year! I'll also start asking for post card discounts without a PIN and expect to get it, too. Obviously, I wouldn't qualify for either unless I buy an AP or receive a post card with a PIN respectively. Having said that, I'm not trying to start an arguement, I'm just pointing out that both of these offers are not avilable to members of the general public. Offers available to the general public are offers that appear in travel sections of the newspapers or on TV commercials or other offers that don't require special conditions to qualify for them. The AP rate would be available to the general public if you didn't need a AP to QUALIFY. Even you point out the need to qualify. The general public would not need to meet any qualifications to get them. Same with the AAA rate: you wouldn't have to be a member of AAA to get it. Likewise, you wouldn't need the PIN to get the post card rate if that discount was available to the general public. These are group offers offered to the AP groupand AAA members and group mailings who receive post cards.

Someone asked why people didn't like the BRP. A few have said they like it. I am not trying to mislead anyone about the short comings of the program or convence them that they shouldn't like it. I simply said why it wasn't for me. If you like it, use it. If you don't, let Disney know why.

I personally think, as was touched on earlier, that Disney will not bring the old AP discounts back until after the 50th Aniversary Celebration is over. I believe the powers-that-be feel that enough people will want to experience a once-in-a-life-time event like the 50th to not need the AP discounts. They may or may not bring the AP discounts back after that. They may see the need to fill rooms after the New Year. At this point, who knows?

 

[srfrgrl07]

This is how I am looking at it: general public rate vs. group rate. Group rates are only available for conventions, weddings, certain employees, etc. General public rates are rates that are advertised to anyone with a certain affiliation, and everyone in the general public has the ability to book that advertised rate as long as they meet the requirements. I can call WDW and be quoted a AAA/AP/FL rate and decide if I want to purchase AAA membership/AP/move to FL . Not sure where the PIN offers are categorized; I'll have to ask. I'm really not interested in arguing about this either, so I'll post what else I find out but I think my opinion has been clearly established and there's no point in continuing to repeat previous posts. We can all agree to disagree.

 

[Buddy Bear]

We finally gave up hope and have downgraded from a deluxe to a mod with the AAA discount. The good news...we added the meal plan!

I think this is what gets me the most upset is to see so many that are disappointed.

Not only is the best rate program a bad idea it was poorly implemented.

 

[Buddy Bear]

My eight-year-old son who loves dinosaurs has been begging to go to Universal Studios Islands of Adventures so he can go to Jurassic Park. I know once we do, he will want to go there on every trip. Then I will probably have to buy annual passes for Universal. If we get a good deal at one of the US hotels we might start spending one or more of our limited FL vacation days at US instead of WDW parks. This may start a new trend with my family. This would mean a lot of our souvenir money would start going toward US t-shirts and US polo shirts and toys instead of WDW souvenirs (We average $250-$300 per trip for clothes and 90% of our kids Christmas gifts). Then WDW has lost more than a few $$ on a few nights hotel room. One of the reasons WDW started the bus service was to reduce the need for guest to need rental cars. The idea was if guest didn't have rental cars, they wouldn't/couldn't leave WDW property and would spend all of their vacation $$ with WDW. Now that may change with their more loyal guest who have stayed on-property in the past. If you check my signature line below, you will see that my family has been one of the loyal families that has kept spending at WDW during the travel bust after 9/11 and during the last recession; all of those visits have been on-property when we could get AP discounts, others were off WDW property--usually at the Swan/Dolphin with teacher discount.

I couldn't agree more.

By the way, if you stay at one of the Universal Studios resorts (Hardrock, Royal Pacific, Portofino) you can use your hotel key as a fastpass. You don't have to ever go to a kiosk to get a fastpass your hotel key gets you to the fastpass line automatically.

 

[MainStreet]

My biggest problem with the BRP is that I expect better from Disney and am disappointed in the 60 day rule and the non-refundable portion of the program. IMO, this is the type of change in customer service that Roy Disney & Stanley Gold were complaining about, before they settled.

I understand the business aspect of it, but think there would be better ways around it. How about a more reasonable 30 days? How about allowing a rebook ANYTIME in the future and allowing the "non-refundable" portion to be used as a credit? Or how about a straight $ amount cancellation fee rather than the entire first day's stay? What I really liked about the AP program is being able to stay places I normally would not, such as a deluxe or concierge room, but I can not take the chance of losing hundreds of dollars, if something comes up that I, my husband or our children can not avoid. I am not a gambler.

I would even be okay with better rates being offered at 60 days out, but still some type of discount closer to check-in, rather than 60 days of nothing.

I have seen other hotels offer prepaid discounted rooms with steep cancellation penalties, but they usually have other somewhat discounted rooms (although not as good) with a more reasonable cancellation penalty. With the BRP it is all or nothing. They have not done this with the Florida residents. It sounds like they still have a decent program.

On a positive note though, in the past with the AP, we felt like it was a "waste" of money to go to the other parks such as Sea World & Universal, since we were getting into Disney for "free", but now we will most likely not renew and see some more of what Orlando has to offer.

I predict Disney will modify this program at some point, because

 

[MainStreet]

My biggest problem with the BRP is that I expect better from Disney and am disappointed in the 60 day rule and the non-refundable portion of the program. IMO, this is the type of change in customer service that Roy Disney & Stanley Gold were complaining about, before they settled.

I understand the business aspect of it, but think there would be better ways around it. How about a more reasonable 30 days? How about allowing a rebook ANYTIME in the future and allowing the "non-refundable" portion to be used as a credit? Or how about a straight $ amount cancellation fee rather than the entire first day's stay? What I really liked about the AP program is being able to stay places I normally would not, such as a deluxe or concierge room, but I can not take the chance of losing hundreds of dollars, if something comes up that I, my husband or our children can not avoid. I am not a gambler.

I would even be okay with better rates being offered at 60 days out, but still some type of discount closer to check-in, rather than 60 days of nothing.

I have seen other hotels offer prepaid discounted rooms with steep cancellation penalties, but they usually have other somewhat discounted rooms (although not as good) with a more reasonable cancellation penalty. With the BRP it is all or nothing. They have not done this with the Florida residents. It sounds like they still have a decent program.

On a positive note though, in the past with the AP, we felt like it was a "waste" of money to go to the other parks such as Sea World & Universal, since we were getting into Disney for "free", but now we will most likely not renew and see some more of what Orlando has to offer.

I predict Disney will modify this program at some point, because

because I think enough AP holders will not participate in this program and Disney will notice. I predict they will modify it(date-wise &/or $ wise) to bring them back. Disney tracks everything. They know how old my kids are, when we have been there and what resort. It's valuable "research" and they will see a trend develop.

 

[Mamu]

i've resigned myself to the fact that there will be no discounts during my stay. Still a glimmer of hope but with 30 day to go my hope is fading.

I'm paying rack rate because I missed the 120 day out, then missed the 60 days out. Never checked on AAA was hoping for an AP now there gone. Live and learn.

This will be our last trip for a few years, rack rate has taken away next year trip too. When your paying for 3 adults and 2 children to stay at the Poly there isn't much left for another trip.

Gotten my great rates in the past, guess my savings are paying for this trip. I cannot dwell on this anymore. Before I found these boards we always paid rack rate, I'm pretending like I never knew there were great rates for AP holders.

I do think the BRP is a great idea for some, but us last minute bookers are shut out. We will be letting our AP's expire. No reason to keep them.

There are other places to visit, not easy to say when your a Disney Addict.

 

[Tink10]

My biggest problem with the BRP is that I expect better from Disney

It seems that this is one of the big reasons why people don't like the BRP. Now, please don't be offended, because I'm not directing this post at you MainStreet, but, having been a CM in management for quite awhile, I've heard this complaint over & over again. A good number of times, when people really didn't like something, usually regarding a return policy, we heard "I expect better from Disney"

I've heard it over & over again, and I can tell you that when we heard it, we actually heard "I'm really mad that Disney won't let me walk all over them like I used to "

How about a more reasonable 30 days?

They did decrease the booking window from 120 days to 60 days, I think that was a very generous change. I agree that the "left over" rooms should be made available via the web to AP holders traveling last minute

How about allowing a rebook ANYTIME in the future and allowing the "non-refundable" portion to be used as a credit?

You can use your original deposit as credit towards a changed booking. One thing that people are totally overlooking is travel insurance.....If there is a possibility of cancellation of a trip of any kind, then it's a good idea to purchase insurance anyway.

I have seen other hotels offer prepaid discounted rooms with steep cancellation penalties, but they usually have other somewhat discounted rooms (although not as good) with a more reasonable cancellation penalty. With the BRP it is all or nothing.

Disney offers AAA rates with lesser penalties. I wouldn't quite say that BR is all or nothing. If you book & want to change resorts, you can. If you have to change date, you're allowed. People here have already had success & haven't lost their deposit.

Disney tracks everything. They know how old my kids are, when we have been there and what resort. It's valuable "research" and they will see a trend develop..

Because they track everything, I'm very sure they looked at the BRP from every angle. I have no doubt that they did surveys and didn't go into this lightly, but the reality, once again, is that if people want the discounts, then they'll book. For every angry person out there who won't book, there is another AP holder who will. A few angry people here are not the majority.

 

[Minnie's Mate]

General public rates are rates that are advertised to anyone with a certain affiliation, and everyone in the general public has the ability to book that advertised rate as long as they meet the requirements. I can call WDW and be quoted a AAA/AP/FL rate and decide if I want to purchase AAA membership/AP/move to FL .

I rest my case.

 

[MainStreet]

It seems that this is one of the big reasons why people don't like the BRP. Now, please don't be offended, because I'm not directing this post at you MainStreet, but, having been a CM in management for quite awhile, I've heard this complaint over & over again. A good number of times, when people really didn't like something, usually regarding a return policy, we heard "I expect better from Disney"

I've heard it over & over again, and I can tell you that when we heard it, we actually heard "I'm really mad that Disney won't let me walk all over them like I used to "

I totally disagree. Customer Service and knowing how to treat a guest is what sets Disney apart from all other theme parks. It is the primary reason we choose Disney over all other theme parks. I used to be a CM at TDS and we were very flexible with our guests and yes a few guests did take advantage of that, but all guests were treated with respect and almost all returned that respect. I can't see the comparison of walking all over Disney and being able to cancel an AP room reservation without penalty.

They did decrease the booking window from 120 days to 60 days, I think that was a very generous change. I agree that the "left over" rooms should be made available via the web to AP holders traveling last minute .

IMO, all they did was take a completely outrageous window and make it into a less outrageous window. I think they were responding to complaints which is what businesses do. That is why I hope people will keep letting management know of their displeasure with this program.

You can use your original deposit as credit towards a changed booking. One thing that people are totally overlooking is travel insurance.....If there is a possibility of cancellation of a trip of any kind, then it's a good idea to purchase insurance anyway..

Kind of true. You can not change your reservation to a week later, if you are within the 60 day window, you again have to book 60 days out from that day. Travel insurance can very be very restrictive, difficult to make claims and can add up with an entire family traveling as opposed to an individual. It is another expense that most people really want to avoid, because they want to spend that money on Disney, which is good for Disney and usually is a waste of money unless you KNOW there is a real possibilty of a cancellation. We have a trip in November, which I doubt very much will be canceled. I just feel better having some flexibility there - just because you never know what may happen.

Disney offers AAA rates with lesser penalties. I wouldn't quite say that BR is all or nothing. If you book & want to change resorts, you can. If you have to change date, you're allowed. People here have already had success & haven't lost their deposit..

I think it is sad that Disney gives a group, AAA, more flexibility than its own passholders. And again, changing your dates is more flexible with AAA than with AP. You can change an AAA to a week later, if available 30 days out. AP you need to go 60 days + out.

Because they track everything, I'm very sure they looked at the BRP from every angle. I have no doubt that they did surveys and didn't go into this lightly, but the reality, once again, is that if people want the discounts, then they'll book..

I agree that they didn't make this change on a whim, but you never know how it is going to pan out until you do it. I would not call myself an angry passholder, but disappointed would be a good term.

For every angry person out there who won't book, there is another AP holder who will. A few angry people here are not the majority.

Who knows what the majority is at this point? The program just started and I personally believe it is not done evolving into a more guest friendly program.

 

[lillygator]

I think this is what gets me the most upset is to see so many that are disappointed.

Not only is the best rate program a bad idea it was poorly implemented.

But that's just it - people are booking rooms they cannot afford (or don't want to pay full price) and holding on to them until a discount becomes available. When it doesn't they are switching rooms/resorts...

 

[Buddy Bear]

But that's just it - people are booking rooms they cannot afford (or don't want to pay full price) and holding on to them until a discount becomes available. When it doesn't they are switching rooms/resorts...

Actually people are booking rooms expecting a "good" discounted rate through the regular passholder program. In case everyone has forgotten that used to be one of the perks of the program.

We don't buy annual passes because of the ticket benefit. We only get to Disney once or twice a year; you have to visit WDW around 6 or 7 days to break even which we just about do so there is no real benefit there for us.

The major reason for buying the pass is for the resort discounts which now don't really exist (please don't bring up the best rate program because for the moment until it changes the program is a slap in the face).

 

[Buddy Bear]

OK. NOW I am officially PISSED off!! The other day I was told by a cast member that if I booked online via the Best Rate Program I could cancel the reservation, take that deposit, and apply it to another reservation if I wanted to.

Some background...I booked a concierge level room at WL last year with the hopes of a decent rate. Since this doesn't appeat that it will happed I decided to hedge my bets with a courtyard view for the same three days. After speaking to the aforementioned cast member I booked (yesterday) a courtyard view at WL online.

I called today to check to make sure that everything was in order only to find out by another cast member and guest services that the deposit ($425.00) is not transferrable to my concierge room.

Translation: If I cancel the courtyard view and want to keep the concierge room I lose the $425.00 effectively forcing me to cancel my concierge room or lose the deposit.

It is a good thing the marketing people who thought up this disaster remain nameless, because at this point I am ready to fly to Florida and hunt them down.

 

[Tink10]

Actually people are booking rooms expecting a "good" discounted rate through the regular passholder program. In case everyone has forgotten that used to be one of the perks of the program.

It's been said many many times....Tourism is up & they don't need to offer the hefty discounts of the past. I remember Universal decreasing their AP discounts as well, so it's not a Mickey-specific vendetta against passholders.

We don't buy annual passes because of the ticket benefit. We only get to Disney once or twice a year; you have to visit WDW around 6 or 7 days to break even which we just about do so there is no real benefit there for us.

That's great, but many passholders like the other perks as well & will continue to enjoy the room discounts that they're offering.

The major reason for buying the pass is for the resort discounts which now don't really exist (please don't bring up the best rate program because for the moment until it changes the program is a slap in the face).

That's funny! The main reason for buying an AP is, most certainly, the park admission, if it weren't, then nobody would buy them. If Disney offered a little card that offered no admission, but it could save you a few bucks on your resort room, would you buy it? I can't imagine many would, unless there was a guaranteed discount. The AP does not offer a guaranteed discount, so why would anyone buy it just for the possibility of a discount? The problem is not that the discounts aren't there. The problem is that there are a few here who just don't like change. They've been decreasing the AP discount over the past year and a half or so, because they can. The max AP discount off of deluxes, since they went to the flat $$$ off was only $100. That's only a $30 difference and because tourism is up, I would expect both a decrease in discounts & an increase in rack rates.

 

[Tink10]

I totally disagree. Customer Service and knowing how to treat a guest is what sets Disney apart from all other theme parks. It is the primary reason we choose Disney over all other theme parks. I used to be a CM at TDS and we were very flexible with our guests and yes a few guests did take advantage of that, but all guests were treated with respect and almost all returned that respect. I can't see the comparison of walking all over Disney and being able to cancel an AP room reservation without penalty..

I managed 2 different TDS's and we too were very respectful to our guests. We never let them know what we were really thinking. We constantly went above & beyond to make them happy, but on those occasions that we couldn't, it was usually the same old story. I have yet to meet a CM who has the "fantasyland" attitude 100% of the time with 100% of the guests.

Kind of true. You can not change your reservation to a week later, if you are within the 60 day window, you again have to book 60 days out from that day. Travel insurance can very be very restrictive, difficult to make claims and can add up with an entire family traveling as opposed to an individual. It is another expense that most people really want to avoid, because they want to spend that money on Disney, which is good for Disney and usually is a waste of money unless you KNOW there is a real possibilty of a cancellation. We have a trip in November, which I doubt very much will be canceled. I just feel better having some flexibility there - just because you never know what may happen...

It's true that nobody plans for a cancellation, but that's what insurance is for. If people want to guarantee that they'll get every penny back if they have to cancel a trip, then insurance is money well spent.

I think it is sad that Disney gives a group, AAA, more flexibility than its own passholders. And again, changing your dates is more flexible with AAA than with AP. You can change an AAA to a week later, if available 30 days out. AP you need to go 60 days + out....

I do too, but it was the passholders & those pretending to be that caused the change in the first place.

Who knows what the majority is at this point? The program just started and I personally believe it is not done evolving into a more guest friendly program.

I too think it will evolve, but, they do need to keep some restrictions in place to prevent the blatant abuse. Again, I agree that passholders should be able to book at last minute.