Packages, codes, or discounts for Jan/Feb 2004?

ScarletIndigo

Certified Sweetpea
Joined
May 8, 2003
Messages
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Hi there! I'm pretty new to WDW trip planning, and even though our visit isn't happening for another four months, I'm already thinking of the next one. (Yes, I've caught a serious case of the WDW fever!)

Here's my question -- when can I expect any news of package deals (like the Fairytale Package) or other discounts to be announced for the value season next Jan/Feb? I'm already on the MouseSavers.com newsletter list, and I check Mary's site daily, but I know it's always better to plan sooner than later, so I wasn't sure how long I'd have to wait to know if a discount would become available.

For anyone who plans their vacations more than a few months in advance -- how long should I wait and cross my fingers for new packages or discounts? Is it possible to update or change ressies to reflect discounts/packages that open up later in the year?

Thanks in advance for the help!
 
ScarletIndigo - Tag! You're it!

From the historical info at mousesavers.com, discounts for Jan/Feb 2003 came out in Nov '02 (for Jan) and Jan '03 (for end of Feb) - AP rates were a bit earlier. The discounts are usually in response to empty rooms that were not booked earlier - so they want to get anything they can for what's left. That's why the FTP is messing with all the folks who were hoping for room-only rates in August/Sept/Oct.

We (DW and I) were in the same boat: we purchased PAPs in April, assuming we'd get room-only rates in Sept (starting a year which ended in Sept 2004) and then the FTP came out. Thankfully we could book an FTP in early Oct, sit on $1K worth of passes and start our year NEXT fall (we've got the WDW fever too!) but it does mess with planning for those of us who think many months in advance.

PS Nice website - always impressed by anyone who knows about snopes....

Erick
 
::Grin:: I knew I could count on my friend Erick to come through with the answer! ;-)

Nice to see I'm not the only one catching a fever 'round here ... But here's a question for you -- I was under the impression that the AP system changed and instead of giving out vouchers that need to be activated, your pass is good from the date you purchase. Is that outdated info? I think that came straight from the AP page on www.wdwig.com ...

I'm thinking about APs for DF and I as well. Something tells me I should wait until after the Sept. trip to see how much he really enjoys it. Every time he sees me typing on my computer with a big ol' smile on my face, he knows I'm cruising the DIS. He's even hinted at dismantling my computer in an effort to keep me AWAY from this place. Huummphh! Some people just don't understand! ;-)

PS - Thanks for the nod towards my website! And I was convinced I was the only one who ever read it! :D

PPS - Snopes RULES!
 
Jess:

We ordered our PAPs online from disney.com. A week or so later we got hard plastic vouchers in the mail - they have no 'start date'. When we finally want to start our year, we have to go to Guest Services at a park or Downtown Disney where they do a retina scan :p and issue your permanent passes good for 365 from that date.

Here's probably what you saw on wdwig's AP FAQ:

I hear there is a new policy on purchasing Annual Passports. What is it?

On October 2, 2000 Disney changed their policy on Annual Passports. Any AP puchased at WDW, the Disney shops at Orlando International Airport, or from the Ocala Information Center now receives an activated pass, not a voucher.
But above that is:
The following places will send you a voucher for your AP/PAP. This voucher must be exchanged for the actual pass at any WDW ticket window or Guest Relations window or at the Guest Relations offices at Downtown Disney or Downtown Disney West Side:
- Most Disney Stores throughout the U.S.
- online at www.disney.com
- by calling 407-WDISNEY
But yes, make sure that you and DF will want a Year of Disney before you spend the $$$ for APs. I've read - and felt it myself - that once you get and activate an AP, you get the urge to maximize your usage of it.

Erick
 

Hi Erick,

See, that's why I should read things more carefully. Can you tell I tend to be a "Suzy Skimmer" when it comes to reading things that are longer than a few paragraphs? ;-) Thanks for clearing that up for me!

But yes, make sure that you and DR will want a Year of Disney before you spend the $$$ for APs. I've read - and felt it myself - that once you get and activate an AP, you get the urge to maximize your usage of it.

::Rubbing my hands together in glee!:: So that means that if I buy DF and myself APs for next year, he'll naturally feel more inclined to visit WDW more often?! That's what I like to hear!

Where's the icon of a lightbulb going off over my head? :D
 
I was under the impression that the AP system changed and instead of giving out vouchers that need to be activated, your pass is good from the date you purchase.
I think what you are referring to is renewing AP's instead of first time purchase, because rules for that have changed. ~:D~

PLEASE NOTE: Renewals are no longer being done through vouchers for Annual Passes. You must renew on or before your expiration date, and your pass will be valid from the date of renewal, not the date of first use.
 
I'm glad someone else posted this. I am also in the planning stages for the end of January and am trying to hold off on booking a room until I get a feel for of the codes. I was hoping something would come out a couple of weeks after the end date to book the FTP which I believe is June 30 or maybe July 30. Does anyone know for sure?? BTW we just got back 2 weeks ago and not only am I planning for Jan 2004 but also for Nov 2004. I'm trying to swing both YC/BC and WL and I'm not sure which one to do in Jan and which in Nov. Of course I want to buy AP's this November before the DC discount ends. My DH knows I have it bad but luckily the kids are asking to go back also.
 
Last year public discount codes came out the day after Thanksgiving for January and through mid February (through value season).:D
 












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