Newbie question about PIN - what am I missing

[turningleaf]

Lots of questions from a newbie here.

I got a PIN via email (first time!), for 20-30-40 off during diff dates in 2010. I called reservations looking for a one bedroom at BLT. They did not have it so I booked VWL.

Three days later, I called again to check and this time BLT opened up. At this point, I asked the CM to check the Florida Resident rate and ended up saving a little bit more ($1275 with 40%PIN vs $1233 with FL Room only rate).

Then I looked again online and noticed that the 20-30-40% off is also available to the GP.

1. So I guess my question is...what is the value of the PIN or the FL Resident rate if I can get the same discount that's offered to the GP? Am I missing something? I see many people asking about PINs online. Are there PINS out there for more than 40-45% then? Shouldn't they just call and ask for the GP offer (good until June 2010).

2. Since I booked this time using FL rate, I assume my PIN is still good for another reservation? How many times can I use it this year? Are there other PINS out there that I should "wait" for?

3. With the discount, I was still a bit shocked at the prices, can someone please tell me if this is comparable to what other people are paying all the time at Disney? $362 a night (before taxes) for a one bedroom at BLT or VWL in February/March 2010. Am I missing something again? Do some persons actually pay rackrate?

4. We bought our tickets separately with the $99/4 days FL Resident offer. Can I do better than this? Are there PINS for tickets too?

5. What about adding Dining Plan? I understand I can't do this with the rate I booked? I'm not an AP.

Sorry for the long post, any comments appreciated. Thanks!!!

 

[toddlers_mom]

I thought the same thing when I received the PIN and then saw it was open to the GP. One benefit to the PIN I believe is that it's good pretty much through December and I think the GP code is only until the beginning of June.