November 2012 Code Watch!!

[FunkyDuck]

I just called a CM to alter my reservation a bit. I asked if there were any other discounts I was eligible for. She said not at this time but to "check back in about 2 months to see what maybe available such as Free Dining."

THAT sounds positive to me!!!

 

[Happy Mom2]

I haven't received a PIN either, but I'm not really worried about it. I think they will issue free, which is a much better deal for us, and I think they will be releasing GP discounts also.

I don't think there is any reason to worry about it at this point. I've been holding off making our reservations, but I think I'm going to book them this weekend.

So... I went back to work today and was sent home. Apparently, I didn't have the right paperwork, and my doctor office is closed today so I had to leave work! I didn't mind! I was ready to go home anyway, and probably would have pushed myself to stay longer and then not been able to move tomorrow.

I hope everyone is having a great day!

 

[Happy Mom2]

Oh! and Happy Mardi Gras!!! For those of you who are interested, I've posted a few pictures of our Mardi Gras tree and decorations on the thread below:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=44095853#post44095853

 

[were45]

If I book now for early November trip (POR), can I still get a discount that may come out later? Do I have to stay on top of it and then call Disney reserv. to apply discount? I booked thru AAA for trip 5 years ago, and I watched constantly for discounts, and when I called my AAA agent she said they 'missed' it, so now I am nervous about missing an opportunity. It seems that in past years they released free dining in July/Aug for my travel dates, but who knows if they'll do it this year.
Also, these pin codes that all you experienced people talk about....are they in regular mailing or email? Are they noticeable? I get the occasional mailer or email from Disney Visa but never see anything that looks like a discount code. I'm afraid I'll miss it if it happens!
Thanks for any advice!

 

[yankeesmom21]

I called today to make a payment on our Nov 11-16 trip and asked if there were any dining deals and the CM said not as of right now...but keep checking back. **fingers crossed** that we can add FD on! I would be elated!

In the meantime I can't wait to plan - since this is a "spontaneous" trip, we aren't going to have much down time. Just hit the parks!

 

[mydisneyobsession]

If I book now for early November trip (POR), can I still get a discount that may come out later? Do I have to stay on top of it and then call Disney reserv. to apply discount? I booked thru AAA for trip 5 years ago, and I watched constantly for discounts, and when I called my AAA agent she said they 'missed' it, so now I am nervous about missing an opportunity. It seems that in past years they released free dining in July/Aug for my travel dates, but who knows if they'll do it this year.
Also, these pin codes that all you experienced people talk about....are they in regular mailing or email? Are they noticeable? I get the occasional mailer or email from Disney Visa but never see anything that looks like a discount code. I'm afraid I'll miss it if it happens!
Thanks for any advice!

Watch for e-mail from "Disney Destinations," and look for a long series of numbers. It will say something like "Be sure to mention your
PIN: XXXXX XXXXX XXXXX."

I don't think I've ever received a pin code in the regular mail, but I always look very carefully at any mail from Disney, just in case!

 

[Happy Mom2]

If I book now for early November trip (POR), can I still get a discount that may come out later? Do I have to stay on top of it and then call Disney reserv. to apply discount? I booked thru AAA for trip 5 years ago, and I watched constantly for discounts, and when I called my AAA agent she said they 'missed' it, so now I am nervous about missing an opportunity. It seems that in past years they released free dining in July/Aug for my travel dates, but who knows if they'll do it this year.
Also, these pin codes that all you experienced people talk about....are they in regular mailing or email? Are they noticeable? I get the occasional mailer or email from Disney Visa but never see anything that looks like a discount code. I'm afraid I'll miss it if it happens!
Thanks for any advice!

Yes, you have to stay on top of it. Disney only allots so may special offers to a resort or room type. Once they are gone, they're gone. You will see them posted Disney's website, these boards, etc. Just check back often.

 

[FunkyDuck]

We usually travel to Disney early to mid November...but this time due to older DD's college schedule...we can only go during Thanksgiving...so I'm a little bummed by the crowds being thicker and also the prices being more expensive...i.e. no discounts...but hopefully will score some discounts on the days before the blackouts and after...almost makes me want to tell DD to stay home...HAHAHA....how awful does that sound??? ...(just kidding sweetheart)...soooooo...Thanksgiving at Disney...here we come!!!

 

[mydisneyobsession]

We usually travel to Disney early to mid November...but this time due to older DD's college schedule...we can only go during Thanksgiving...so I'm a little bummed by the crowds being thicker and also the prices being more expensive...i.e. no discounts...but hopefully will score some discounts on the days before the blackouts and after...almost makes me want to tell DD to stay home...HAHAHA....how awful does that sound??? ...(just kidding sweetheart)...soooooo...Thanksgiving at Disney...here we come!!!

We've gone to Disney World during Thanksgiving week twice before, and we're going again this year. We've honestly not been bothered at all by crowds. We try to hit the best parks, get there early and use a touring plan, and we have no problems. And it's especially fun having our Thanksgiving meal and enjoying the decorations - you'll have a great time!

If you're open to the Swan and Dolphin, I have a discounted rate for that week. Two years ago, I made a last minute switch to the Swan, and a discounted rate was still available, so it would be worth a phone call. It's refreshing to be able to get a discount during a time when Disney resorts are raising rates!

 

[were45]

Thanks for the advice regarding: How to check for Pin codes, and keeping on top of discounts. I appreciate your input!
Have a great day.

 

[FunkyDuck]

We've gone to Disney World during Thanksgiving week twice before, and we're going again this year. We've honestly not been bothered at all by crowds. We try to hit the best parks, get there early and use a touring plan, and we have no problems. And it's especially fun having our Thanksgiving meal and enjoying the decorations - you'll have a great time!

If you're open to the Swan and Dolphin, I have a discounted rate for that week. Two years ago, I made a last minute switch to the Swan, and a discounted rate was still available, so it would be worth a phone call. It's refreshing to be able to get a discount during a time when Disney resorts are raising rates!

I've actually been considering Swan/Dolp or even completely offsite for the first time due to the timing of our visit. We will see. I'm glad to hear that you thought the crowds did not bother you...the problem with us is we are the type of family who does NOT want to wake up early...haha...we usually enter the parks around noon and then stay till close. I hope to receive some kind of discount...please, oh please...and that will make it more comfortable to stay...we need lots of room...so that doesn't help $$ issues either...HAHA....geez...sorry I sound like a downer...

We're going to Disney...nothing bad about any of it!!!!!!! It's ALL GOOD!!!!

 

[LaDonna]

I've actually been considering Swan/Dolp or even completely offsite for the first time due to the timing of our visit. We will see. I'm glad to hear that you thought the crowds did not bother you...the problem with us is we are the type of family who does NOT want to wake up early...haha...we usually enter the parks around noon and then stay till close. I hope to receive some kind of discount...please, oh please...and that will make it more comfortable to stay...we need lots of room...so that doesn't help $$ issues either...HAHA....geez...sorry I sound like a downer...

We're going to Disney...nothing bad about any of it!!!!!!! It's ALL GOOD!!!!

we are hoping like last year for free dining and if you arrive during the promotional period then your whole stay will include the free dining, so I'm hoping if we go up the Wed. or Thursday before Thanksgiving week that will work

 

[exwdwcm]

I haven't received a PIN either, but I'm not really worried about it. I think they will issue free, which is a much better deal for us, and I think they will be releasing GP discounts also.

I don't think there is any reason to worry about it at this point. I've been holding off making our reservations, but I think I'm going to book them this weekend.

So... I went back to work today and was sent home. Apparently, I didn't have the right paperwork, and my doctor office is closed today so I had to leave work! I didn't mind! I was ready to go home anyway, and probably would have pushed myself to stay longer and then not been able to move tomorrow.

I hope everyone is having a great day!

Well that is actually a good thing, maybe fate? since you weren't feeling great anyhow. Your mardi gras tree is so beautiful- love all the decor!

If I book now for early November trip (POR), can I still get a discount that may come out later? Do I have to stay on top of it and then call Disney reserv. to apply discount? I booked thru AAA for trip 5 years ago, and I watched constantly for discounts, and when I called my AAA agent she said they 'missed' it, so now I am nervous about missing an opportunity. It seems that in past years they released free dining in July/Aug for my travel dates, but who knows if they'll do it this year.
Also, these pin codes that all you experienced people talk about....are they in regular mailing or email? Are they noticeable? I get the occasional mailer or email from Disney Visa but never see anything that looks like a discount code. I'm afraid I'll miss it if it happens!
Thanks for any advice!

Yes, you have to stay on top of it, I would say subscribing to this thread is a good step! Anything that comes out will be posted here that is open to the public. They only offer some of the discounts for so many rooms, so once they hit that ceiling, you can't get the discount anymore. That's why calling immediately when you see something is key- sometimes there is a limited quantity. Now if FD is offered, they don't limit that other than by date. But room discounts can be limited by only so many rooms set aside for the discount for so many dates.

for PINS- i've received them both by email and by snail mail, in the form of a postcard. It was a simple postcard and will have a unique PIN # that is obviously stated on the front (or in the email). Simply call and they can and will apply the PIN to your current reservation.

The only problem you can run into with adding a discount to your current reservation is if they don't have enough.....if you are booked at POR for certain dates and they might have already met their ceiling for the discount for the first two nights of your trip or something, so the discount isn't available for your full reservation. They do often tell you about discounts for those dates at other resorts, so you could move if you wanted as well. Always ask what else is available and always ask if you have a PIN attached to your name etc. Good luck!

 

[FunkyDuck]

we are hoping like last year for free dining and if you arrive during the promotional period then your whole stay will include the free dining, so I'm hoping if we go up the Wed. or Thursday before Thanksgiving week that will work

Now THAT would be awesome!!! We are looking at coming down the 17th, Saturday before Thanksgiving..........crossing fingers for what you said!!!

 

[Schmoodle]

France Shmance. LOL! What an exciting year you're having!

I know, right? The thing about the trip to France, my DH is from there so it will be mostly visiting family, spending a week at my MILs, getting in the middle of family drama, etc., so I'm really not looking forward to it much. Plus, DH insists we stay in Paris over the weekend of Bastille Day, and I'm expecting that will be a nightmare as well. I know, bad attitude, and we're lucky we are able to go. I'll come around, and we should have some fun, but right now, I'd just rather think about Disney, LOL. This week has been tough - my 97YO grandma took ill while my mom was out of town, and can't be left alone (can you believe she still lives alone?), so my brother and I have been splitting the time, and we both work, so between that and kids, plus my DH is away, and general life, I'm exhausted. Fortunately, when I have a few minutes of down time, I can come to the DIS and plan!

So I saw lots of folks were asking about the PINS. I get them on occasion. Mine was an email PIN, and was the one for the room and tickets package. When I priced it out, it comes to a 20% room discount on POFQ rack rates. I did price out and save some options for that week on the website, so that is what probably prompted it.

Current Plan:
11/13 - 11/18, me and my best friend, to celebrate our big 5-oh birthdays, staying at POFQ. We want to attend the MVMCP and eat at some of the more chi-chi places, maybe do a tour or two? I'm still hoping for free dining, as that would be a bigger discount than the PIN. Also considering upgrading to an AP, since I'll be back within the year with the kids, and may be able to sneak in another day or two myself when on business trips.

I'm just not sure how that would work - does anyone have any insight into this? I don't want to have to decide ahead of time about the AP, but AP discount room rates may be better. Can I make a room reservation as an AP holder ahead of time, and upgrade my pass when I get there, or do I have to decide and purchase it ahead to make the reservation? Can I reserve if I've purchased it, even I haven't activated/used it yet?

 

[mydisneyobsession]

I don't want to have to decide ahead of time about the AP, but AP discount room rates may be better. Can I make a room reservation as an AP holder ahead of time, and upgrade my pass when I get there, or do I have to decide and purchase it ahead to make the reservation? Can I reserve if I've purchased it, even I haven't activated/used it yet?

You don't have to have the AP in hand to make the reservation. I'm not sure what the official time frame is, but you should have a chance to upgrade to an annual pass after you check in and come back to the front desk during your stay. That way you don't need to buy the pass unless it actually helps you.

I bought an annual pass two years ago, and then we ended up changing our reservation to the Swan when we had to change our trip to Thanksgiving week (because the rate was a lot lower than the AP discount during the Holiday week.) Then, I didn't get a chance to get a second trip out of that pass. So I would have been better off waiting to upgrade!

 

[Happy Mom2]

Well that is actually a good thing, maybe fate? since you weren't feeling great anyhow. Your mardi gras tree is so beautiful- love all the decor!

Now if FD is offered, they don't limit that other than by date. But room discounts can be limited by only so many rooms set aside for the discount for so many dates.

Yes, it was a good thing. It's just going to take me while to fully recover. My boss has been really great about things. She understands it's going to take me a while to get back to normal.

For the FD, in 2010 when they released the FD, I called about 10 days after it was released, and was told they didn't have any more available for my room type. I had to upgrade to a preferred room.

I know, right? The thing about the trip to France, my DH is from there so it will be mostly visiting family, spending a week at my MILs, getting in the middle of family drama, etc., so I'm really not looking forward to it much. Plus, DH insists we stay in Paris over the weekend of Bastille Day, and I'm expecting that will be a nightmare as well. I know, bad attitude, and we're lucky we are able to go. I'll come around, and we should have some fun, but right now, I'd just rather think about Disney, LOL. This week has been tough - my 97YO grandma took ill while my mom was out of town, and can't be left alone (can you believe she still lives alone?), so my brother and I have been splitting the time, and we both work, so between that and kids, plus my DH is away, and general life, I'm exhausted. Fortunately, when I have a few minutes of down time, I can come to the DIS and plan!

Current Plan:
11/13 - 11/18, me and my best friend, to celebrate our big 5-oh birthdays, staying at POFQ. We want to attend the MVMCP and eat at some of the more chi-chi places, maybe do a tour or two? I'm still hoping for free dining, as that would be a bigger discount than the PIN. Also considering upgrading to an AP, since I'll be back within the year with the kids, and may be able to sneak in another day or two myself when on business trips.

France...Paris...ahhh...one of my favorite places in the world. (I might feel differently if I had family there! ) I'm sure you'll have a great time. Just 10 more years til I can go back. DH has agreed we can take DD and DS to Europe when DD turns 16!

I hope your grandmother is ok. Sending good thoughts and prayers your way.

It sounds like you and your friend are going to have a great trip. I'm hoping to have a girls trip with a friend of mine next February for the Princess 1/2.

 

[tink15823]

I just got online to check for discounts. They are updating the online system . Crossing my fingers that it means the rumors are correct and next offer it March 1st. Hoping everyone gets lots of pixie dust

 

[Gymbomom]

So......we changed our dates again. We are willing to let the kids take off 3 days of school. We were planning on doing them M-W after Thanksgiving. Now, I think it will be better to do them on the front end.
Arrive either last pm on the 13th or early the 14th. In-laws will stay till the day before Thanksgiving. We will leave Saturday or Sunday after.

That way we can hit the parks and get everything done by hopefully Saturday or Sunday? Then use Monday and Tuesday for shows, etc.... that handle crowds better.

We will change resorts on that Wednesday before Thanksgiving and switch to deluxe dining. Make sure we have signature ADR's in place and just relax at the resort, hit Downtown Disney.... instead of trying to do much at the parks.

I'm a little worried about airfare especially with the gas increases. Anyone booked that piece yet? I was looking at remaining seats on some of the flights and there were a few that looked almost sold out already!!!!!

 

[DisneyLover75]

So......we changed our dates again. We are willing to let the kids take off 3 days of school. We were planning on doing them M-W after Thanksgiving. Now, I think it will be better to do them on the front end.
Arrive either last pm on the 13th or early the 14th. In-laws will stay till the day before Thanksgiving. We will leave Saturday or Sunday after.

That way we can hit the parks and get everything done by hopefully Saturday or Sunday? Then use Monday and Tuesday for shows, etc.... that handle crowds better.

We will change resorts on that Wednesday before Thanksgiving and switch to deluxe dining. Make sure we have signature ADR's in place and just relax at the resort, hit Downtown Disney.... instead of trying to do much at the parks.

I'm a little worried about airfare especially with the gas increases. Anyone booked that piece yet? I was looking at remaining seats on some of the flights and there were a few that looked almost sold out already!!!!!

I just changed my dates too. I thought thanksgiving was the last Thursday of the month, but nope. So instead of going 11/25-12/2, we're going 11/18-11/25. I didn't want the kids to have more than three days out of school either!

I'm worried about getting a discount, because they may black out that week.