New passholder plan

[DisFlan]

bicker -

Right now, I am VERY glad we joined DVC. We get a discount on APs and we know we have a room that's already paid for. BUT...we may not extend future stays by staying in non-DVC on-site rooms to stretch our points. This was fine when we knew far enough ahead that we could get discounts for those nights, but not so good at rack rate and/or on short notice. The new plan complicates things a bit. We may make shorter trips, or fewer trips.

DisFlan

 

[Laugh O. Grams]

So now wait a minute...maybe I'm not seeing it, but can't you still call and make reservations using the code the old way at a posted rate??

 

[bicker]

can't you still call and make reservations using the code the old way at a posted rate??

There is no reason to think otherwise.

 

[Laugh O. Grams]

There is no reason to think otherwise.

So what's all the hubbub, bub? Sounds like Disney's just giving another way to get a discount. If you want to know what kind of rate your getting, wait for the code and call...crisis averted!

 

[Liz]

No deposit should even be non-refundable. That's just bad business.

Exactly!

 

[#1 TITANS FAN]

I dislike the idea of a non refundable deposit ( I wonder if you'll be allowed to transfer it to a future res. if you have to cancel?) ; but I think the idea of giving active pass holders a means of getting the jump on everyone else when it comes to getting an ap discount on a resort res. is a good one. If you don't like the restrictions you can always book the old way and take your chances. No offence, but too many people around here seem to think they should be guaranteed an ap rate. Prior to 2001, this wasn't the case, there were times of the year when no ap rates were offered. I think we've all gotten spoliled by year round ap rates often obtainable near or at the last minute.

 

[bicker]

No deposit should even be non-refundable. That's just bad business.

Someone should tell the airlines and the cruise lines. In the case of the airlines, it could be what's keeping them from going out of business, and in the case of the cruise lines, it could be the basis on which they're achieving record profits.

Wait... that doesn't sound like bad business to me!

 

[Christopher Robin 26]

We're FL Ap's and have made last minute reservations on at least 2 occassions during the past year. If this is something we won't be able to do in the future we probably won't renew our AP's for next year.

 

[JFrey4240]

I also am very glad that we are DVC members. We will continue to use our points and if we want to stay extra nights then we'll stay where we can afford without a discount. I tried to get an AP rate at WL this summer and couldn't get anything to beat my AAA rate. We like to stay at Deluxes but if we don't want to spend the extra money we'll have to consider a moderate or a value resort. I don't like that we can't try to get a last minute AP rate and a non-refundable deposit. We had to cancel once for a medical emergency and that wouldn't sit well losing the one night deposit. It's bad enough that the airlines are such a pain with no refunds and charging huge fees to change tickets.

 

[WannabeBelle25]

my understanding is that the early booking plan does NOT eliminate the other plan. They are working together, one does not replace the other or at least not yet!!! You may still call and get an AP discount. it just may not be as deep as the discount if you would have been able to book further out with the restrictions. Belle

 

[Laugh O. Grams]

We're FL Ap's and have made last minute reservations on at least 2 occassions during the past year. If this is something we won't be able to do in the future we probably won't renew our AP's for next year.

Yeah, but you will still be able to book over the phone using a FL resident discount code, which is basically the same as the AP discount so I wouldn't worry. WDW loves it's neighbors!!

 

[WannabeBelle25]

my understanding is that the early booking plan does NOT eliminate the other plan. They are working together, one does not replace the other or at least not yet!!! You may still call and get an AP discount. it just may not be as deep as the discount if you would have been able to book further out with the restrictions. Belle

Hey all, I have heard from a friend in CRO. He has sid that they just got word today that there will be no call in AP rates after 10/4/05!!! The only way to book for an AP holder is online. Granted the program has relaxed the period of time that you can book in advance from 120 days to 60 days but to have no call in rates at all!!! WOW!!!!!!!!!!! I absolutely believe this person but can anyone else confirm this?? Thanks!!! Belle

 

[UrsulasMyHero]

having worked at CRO, I don't doubt it one bit. They are trying to find ways of lessening the call volume from "inquiries of rate" to actual sales.

 

[WannabeBelle25]

yeah I can CERTAINLY understand that they are tired of the calls " Are the discount rates out yet??" I also understand and appreciate the booking online thing. That will work for me a good 80-90% of the time, as I tend to be a pretty decent planner. My questions are
1) What about people who dont have acess to an internet?
2) What about people who dont have access to a credit card?
3) What about a spur of the moment trip from someone who isnt a Florida resident? (Resident rates were released)
Belle

 

[swilphil]

Will people who just have their AP voucher, and not an active AP, be able to book online?

 

[WillCAD]

yeah I can CERTAINLY understand that they are tired of the calls " Are the discount rates out yet??" I also understand and appreciate the booking online thing. That will work for me a good 80-90% of the time, as I tend to be a pretty decent planner. My questions are
1) What about people who dont have acess to an internet?
2) What about people who dont have access to a credit card?
3) What about a spur of the moment trip from someone who isnt a Florida resident? (Resident rates were released)
Belle

1) SOL - or book with a travel agent
2) SOL - or book with a TA who will take a check
3) Rack Rate - unless you have AAA or some other discount program

Personally, I think if Disney had simply switched to a year-round flat rate discount (25% off Values, 35% off Moderates, 40% off Deluxes and Home away from Homes), they would completely eliminate the "are we there yet" calls and simplify the whole thing for Passholders. But no, they want to be able to evaluate bookings and demand on a regular basis so as to squeeze every last drop of blood, er, every last cent out of each Guest, Passholder or not.

 

[WannabeBelle25]

Hey Will, Good points all, but if a room isnt booked at rack rate by say last Wednesday, I Seriously dont anticipate it being booked for arrival today!! It makes no sense for the beancounters to eliminate these last minute bookings ( remember completely optional types of trips, not normal planned types of vacations) at a discounted rate. Isnt a discounted rate better than the room going empty? Or am I missing something? Belle