Okay, I'm new to the AP thing...

[randbmom]

We've decided it makes sense to get AP's for the Thanksgiving trip, since we are planning to return in late August 2003. I'd like to do a split between AKL and Poly. Am I better off making the reservations now with a DC discount and hoping for an AP rate as time gets closer? Will they give me the AP rate on an existing ressie?
We are extending our POR family trip (7 nights) by two nights at WL (just the 4 of us). I made a AAA discount ressie for $202/night including tax for woods view and hope to change it also, to an AP rate when they come out.
That's my other question: when are AP rates usually announced? I heard it was quarterly, (Jan Apr Jul Oct) but don't know when within the month.
Thanks for your help, AP veterans!!

 

[mrsapalm]

I'm not sure you can change your ressie if you booked under another rate. This is what we did, and I hope it helps you out.
We are DC members and had already planned on buying APs for our next trip (Aug 02). We called the DC line and asked about a resort-only rate (CBR in our case) and explained that we are buying APs in anticipation of our trip. The lovely CM told us that we would get a better AP rate over the DC rate, so we booked under the AP rate.
We are picking up our APs at our local TDS this weekend, by the way. We were told that we could check in with just our vouchers (as we are arriving at 11:30 p.m.) but that we had to show our AP cards once we activated them the next day. If we failed to show an AP voucher or card upon arrival, we would have to pay the standard room rate.
You only know about AP benefit specifics by receiving the AP newsletter/paperwork. Disney does not publish them openly, as only AP holders should be privy to the perks they are paying for.
I hope this info helps you out. BTW - don't forget to use your DC discount when you buy your APs - a little bit helps out anywhere you can get it!!
-MrsAPalm

 

[JulesMom]

You cannot convert your DC ressies. You have to make a new ressie though they have transferred my deposit.

Go ahead and make DC ressies now.

Keep checking the DIS and you will know when AP rates come out. It can be a few months to a few weeks.

Have a great trip! And remember planning is part of the fun!

 

[Minnie's Mate]

Thanksgiving week is a Holiday week and is one of the most popular times to go to WDW. There are virtually no discounts during holiday weeks. If you can get a discount using your DC membership now, you should go ahead.

If an AP discount or other discount is offered, you can get it then. But being a popular week, the rooms will fill quickly. If you wait for the AP discount, you might risk not being able to stay at the resort you want or you may be limited to the accomodations you can get or even worse, all of the DC discount allotments may be gone and you might have to pay rack rate.

If a better discount becomes available, call CRO and tell them you want the newer discount. They will cancel your first reservation, give you a new confirmation number and transfer your deposit. Very simple, unless you get a CM on their first day on the job. LOL

 

[randbmom]

Since the DC and AAA rates were the same discount, I booked WL for 11/30-12/2 with AAA rate thru CRO rather than DC since I thought it would be easier to transfer. I am hoping that AP rates are available for the week AFTER THanksgiving. I'm happy with my DC rate at POR for THanskgiving week, and I have 4 rooms linked on one reservation so that would be too much trouble to be worth. I was just making sure that my current room ressie could convert to AP rate, or if there were a certain number of AP rate rooms, like the DC rate rooms. Since my vouchers won't be purchased until next month (airfare on this billing statement LOL) I don't yet get the Mickey Monitor.
Thanks for all the help. I can't believe I'm planning for a 2003 trip before I even take the 2002 trip, but as Jules Mom said, part of the fun is in the planning!