Paying full price for resort room?

[MagicAllison]

I have looked everywhere on here for hints on how to save money and it seems I either use AAA or wait for a 40% off coupon which probably will never come.

Do most of you usually pay full price for your room and/or vacation package from disney or am I missing something?

I'm about to book through disney's website but I worry I'm making some newbie mistake. I think the only "deal" I'm getting is that I'm using my disney visa and it's a package so there won't be any payments or finance charges for 6 months?

Thank you in advance!

 

[CleveRocks]

I have looked everywhere on here for hints on how to save money and it seems I either use AAA or wait for a 40% off coupon which probably will never come.

Do most of you usually pay full price for your room and/or vacation package from disney or am I missing something?

I'm about to book through disney's website but I worry I'm making some newbie mistake. I think the only "deal" I'm getting is that I'm using my disney visa and it's a package so there won't be any payments or finance charges for 6 months?

Thank you in advance!

Disney tightly controls their pricing. Even if a discount comes out, it will only be applicable for your room if your room type and resort are not already booked at a high enough occupancy rate (if it's already almost full, Disney won't feel the need to offer incentives to sell more rooms).

You could get a price quote from AAA, and compare the savings to the cost of joining AAA. For an AAA rate (if it's even available, same reasoning as above), if it's room only you can book directly through Disney or use AAA, but if it's a package you must book through AAA.

If you book a package, a $200 deposit is due within 14 days of making the reservation, and the balance is due no later than 45 days from your trip.

If you book room only, a deposit equal to one night's room charge + tax is due within 14 days of making the reservation, and the balance is due at time of check-in.

 

[MagicAllison]

I'm already a member of AAA so I guess my only option at this point is to see what they are offering and compare it to the quote I found on disney- but chances are it won't be any better?

Using my disney card on the disney site and having 0% apr for 6 months seems to be the only deal going on right now.

 

[MickeyHereWeCome!]

We used our AAA discount for our last trip, and saved quite a bit. The original price we were quoted was a few hundred dollars cheaper than what was quoted on the Disney site. Then, we got an unexpected surprise when we went to pay our balance at the 45 day mark. There was some other special going on, and our AAA agent was able to apply that, and we saved another $200. So, we saved about $500. It is definitely worthy looking into!

You can also use a TA that specializes in Disney trips. Many are constantly on the lookout for codes that are released, and update your price accordingly.

I've never been lucky enough to get any other discounts (40% would be a total dream come true), but have been happy with the discount I got.

 

[teentoddlermom]

Disney has us over a barrel. Pretty much the only discount you can count on is AAA. And AAA only has access to limited numbers of discounted rooms. You can stay pretty cheap offsite, but you don't get the magic, in my opinion. However, the All Stars and Pop are really cheap, and are much nicer than budget offsite inns. Book the AAA and rebook if a better discount comes out later. Just make sure you book the new room first, then cancel the more expensive previous reservation.

 

[Rudegrle]

I always book a AAA rate when I can. Depending on the time of year you are traveling, you can save quite a bit over rack rate. I opt for the room only option through Disney w/ the AAA rate because you can always cancel and rebook if you find something better. From what I was told, if you book through AAA directly you do not have this option.

If you have not already, check out mousesavers.com. Lots of good info on how to save $$$ while visiting WDW.

 

[dixipixi]

In the past, I have been lucky enough to get some really great rates (mostly AP...only once did I get a discount code rate).

We have taken 6 trips to disney since 2000. I was able to get discounted AP rates twice and a discount code once. So, we have gotten discounts 1/2 the time.

This year I could have gotten a discount at a time we didn't want to go, so we are paying full price.

 

[stellablue]

Another vote for AAA!

We saved quite a bit on our trip. and we have saved quite a bit on non-WDW trips we've made as well.

...as an aside, if you have a car in general, AAA is a great thing to have.

 

[septbaby]

Well we are paying full price for the room. However we have free dining.

 

[Seahunt]

I have looked everywhere on here for hints on how to save money and it seems I either use AAA or wait for a 40% off coupon which probably will never come.

Do most of you usually pay full price for your room and/or vacation package from disney or am I missing something?

Well, they do offer other deals - like these below from the 2007 season. There are rumors here on the DIS that a new discount might show soon, but you can never predict if and when something will show. You should keep watching here on the DIS because as soon as a DISer finds a new deal it will be posted here ASAP!

You should also watch the "Discounts" section here on the DIS as they keep a list of current discounts at http://www.wdwinfo.com/discounts.html
(You should also subscribe to mousesavers and they will email deals directly to your email address as soon as they show up.)

To give you an idea of what was offered last year that were non-PIN/mailing/email deals:
2007 Discounts and Codes
Check ins between 1/1/07-2/14/07 Annual Passholder room-only rates became available on 11/1/06, exp 2/14/07
Check ins betwen 1/1/07-2/14/07 Florida resident room-only rates became available on 11/2/06, exp 2/14/07
Check ins between 1/1/07-3/8/07 package discounts for Canadian residents became available on 10/16/06, exp 12/16/06
Check ins between 1/1/07-3/8/07 package discounts for Disney Rewards Visa cardholders became available on 10/31/06, exp 12/16/06
Check ins between 1/1/07-3/8/07 package discounts for general public became available on 11/2/06, exp 12/16/06
Check ins between 2/15/07-3/30/07 Annual Passholder room-only rates became available on 1/3/07, exp 3/30/07
Check ins between 2/15/07-3/30/07 Florida resident room-only rates became available on 1/4/07, exp 3/30/07
Check ins between 4/15/07- 5/23/07 package and room-only discounts for general public became available on 3/8/07, exp 4/14/07
Check ins between 4/15/07-5/24/07 Annual Passholder room-only rates (until approx. 3/6/07, the check-in dates were 4/15/07-6/2/07) became available on 2/21/07, exp 5/24/07
Check ins between 4/15/07-6/2/07 package discounts for general public became available on 1/11/07, exp 2/18/07
Check ins between 4/15/07-6/2/07 Florida resident room-only rates became available on 2/22/07, exp 6/2/07
Check ins between 6/3/07-8/4/07 Annual Passholder room-only rates for Deluxe/DVC resorts became available on 5/16/07, exp 8/4/07
Check ins between 7/1/07-8/4/07 Annual Passholder room-only rates for Moderate resorts became available on 5/16/07, exp 8/4/07
Check ins between 6/3/07-8/4/07 Florida resident room-only rates for Deluxe/DVC resorts became available on 5/17/07, exp 8/4/07
Check ins between 7/1/07-8/4/07 Florida resident room-only rates for Moderate resorts became available on 5/17/07, exp 8/4/07
Check ins between 7/29/07-9/29/07 room-only discount for general public became available on 6/28/07, exp 7/28/07
Check ins between 7/29/07-9/29/07 package discounts for general public became available on 6/28/07, exp 7/28/07
Check ins between 8/5/07-9/29/07 "Bounceback" package discounts ("free dining") only for guests staying at WDW Resorts in Nov-Dec 2006 and willing to prebook their next vacation for Aug-Sept 2007 became available on 11/8/06, exp 12/31/06
Check ins between 8/5/07-9/29/07 Annual Passholder room-only rates became available on 6/20/07, exp 9/29/07
Check ins between 8/12/07-9/29/07 package discounts ("free dining") for UK residents became available on 8/25/06, exp 11/6/06
Check ins between 8/26/07-9/22/07 package discounts ("free dining") for Disney Rewards Visa cardholders became available on 4/9/07, exp 6/24/07
Check ins between 8/26/07-9/22/07 package discounts ("free dining") for general public became available on 4/12/07, exp 6/24/07
Check ins between 9/30/07-12/23/07 package discounts for Disney Rewards Visa cardholders became available on 8/13/07, exp 9/26/07
Check ins between 9/30/07-12/23/07 Annual Passholder room-only rates became available on 8/15/07, exp 12/23/07
Check ins between 9/30/07-12/23/07 package discounts for general public became available on 8/16/07, exp 9/26/07
Check ins between 9/30/07-12/23/07 Florida resident room-only rates became available on 8/16/07, exp 12/23/07
Check ins between 10/21/07-12/15/07 Annual Passholder room-only rates with dining gift card became available on 8/15/07, exp 12/15/07
Check ins between 10/21/07-12/15/07 Florida resident room-only rates with dining gift card became available on 8/16/07, exp 12/15/07
Check ins between 10/21/07-12/15/07 Military room-only rates became available on 9/5/07
Check ins between 10/21/07-12/15/07 package discount for Disney Rewards Visa cardholders became available on 9/27/07, exp 10/20/07
Check ins between 10/21/07-12/23/07 room-only discount for general public became available on 9/27/07, exp 10/20/07
Check ins between 10/21/07-12/23/07 package discounts for general public became available on 9/27/07, exp 10/20/07
Check ins between 12/9/07-12/15/07 "Bounceback" room-only offer only for guests staying at WDW Resorts and willing to prebook their next vacation for these December dates (Deluxe resorts only) became available on approximately 10/23

 

[tndisneyfan]

We pay rack rate from Disney. We've had a pin code one time, all the others have been full price. We don't belong to AAA. We checked one time about joining to get the discount but it would've cost more to join than it would have saved.

We got a pin code back in 2004 for a really great rate at AKL. I think it was something like $99 a night. I have always regretted not not going that year.

 

[fla4fun]

We pay rack rate from Disney. We've had a pin code one time, all the others have been full price. We don't belong to AAA. We checked one time about joining to get the discount but it would've cost more to join than it would have saved.

Wow! AAA must be a lot more expensive up in Tennessee than it is in Florida. I saved enough on my trip this month to pay for my AAA several times over.

I have paid rack rate occasionally in the past, but I can usually get either an AAA, AP, or Florida Resident discount since I don't travel at peak times. The times I usually end up paying rack rate is if I'm going for a specific reason (say, a couple nights to do MVMCP or Night of Joy) and want to be in a specific resort for easy access.

 

[raven69david]

I've NEVER paid rack rate. I will book my room 12 months in advance @ rack rate, however i will apply a discount to the room when they come out. They almost always do (room-only general public) and i've been lucky enough to call CRO at 6am CT the day they become effective. If it means having to switch to another resort, so be it. I don't mind switching from one Deluxe to another.

If i do not get a discount, at least the room is paid for months in advance so no biggie either way.

 

[tndisneyfan]

Wow! AAA must be a lot more expensive up in Tennessee than it is in Florida. I saved enough on my trip this month to pay for my AAA several times over.

I have paid rack rate occasionally in the past, but I can usually get either an AAA, AP, or Florida Resident discount since I don't travel at peak times. The times I usually end up paying rack rate is if I'm going for a specific reason (say, a couple nights to do MVMCP or Night of Joy) and want to be in a specific resort for easy access.

We were looking to stay at a value resort so we were only going to be saving maybe $10 a night. If we wanted to stay at a Deluxe or moderate it would've probably been worth it.

 

[disalways]

I paid rack rate last year and I am paying rack rate this year. I apparently had a code last year, but never received an email or postcard... and I didn't know to ask the CM if I had a code.

 

[MagicAllison]

An update!!!

I decided to book my vacation today and just pay full price (rack rate?). Just before going to the website to book I checked my email and found a PIN code to receive 20% off for the same resort AND week we're going.

I'm excited...but a little surprised becaused it seems like too much of a coinsidence. (Is there a disney spy here?)

But we're now booked and going!

 

[Seahunt]

I paid rack rate last year and I am paying rack rate this year. I apparently had a code last year, but never received an email or postcard... and I didn't know to ask the CM if I had a code.

When did you book, and did you book a package? There was a deal going on for stays 1/1-3/15/08 if you had booked prior to 12/15/07, I hope you got it? It has expired now but here is what it was (not a PIN or email/mailing, it was a deal available to anyone and was also on the WDW website under "Special Offers":

For check ins 1/1/08-3/15/08 package deal (discount + free ticket upgrades) for general public became available on 11/1/07, exp 12/15/07

Walt Disney World January - March 2008 Ticket Upgrade Offer

This special has expired
Travel Dates: January 1, 2008 through March 15, 2008
Booking Dates: 11/1/2007 through December 15, 2007

Purchase the Magic Your Way Base ticket and get the Park Hopper and Water Parks and More options for free! (a small room discount is also included)

Your package must include at least a 3-night stay and at least a 1-day admission ticket. You can book a Magic Your Way package, or a package with Dining or Deluxe Dining, you can also add the Wine package to a Dining package.

****
Be sure and always check the discounts section here on the DIS for any deals that show up!

 

[caroline1851]

I think i might be one of the only people that thinks disney is a good deal even if you have to pay full price. I'm looking at csr for 7 nights for dh, me, ds6 and dd2 and it's $2729 (water view room) including dining. I think that's still a good price even without any discounts. I've been using my Disney Visa for everyting so i'll have about $400 in free spending when i get there. I don't know.............It's just not that expensive. And........i could save $500 by staying at a value resort.

 

[disalways]

When did you book, and did you book a package? There was a deal going on for stays 1/1-3/15/08 if you had booked prior to 12/15/07, I hope you got it? It has expired now but here is what it was (not a PIN or email/mailing, it was a deal available to anyone and was also on the WDW website under "Special Offers":

For check ins 1/1/08-3/15/08 package deal (discount + free ticket upgrades) for general public became available on 11/1/07, exp 12/15/07

Walt Disney World January - March 2008 Ticket Upgrade Offer

This special has expired
Travel Dates: January 1, 2008 through March 15, 2008
Booking Dates: 11/1/2007 through December 15, 2007

Purchase the Magic Your Way Base ticket and get the Park Hopper and Water Parks and More options for free! (a small room discount is also included)

Your package must include at least a 3-night stay and at least a 1-day admission ticket. You can book a Magic Your Way package, or a package with Dining or Deluxe Dining, you can also add the Wine package to a Dining package.

****
Be sure and always check the discounts section here on the DIS for any deals that show up!

Wow! I didn't know about that deal... What a total bummer I missed it. I apparently had an actual three letter code attached to my name that gave me 40% off. The CM explained that the code expired on 12/22/07. I never knew about the code... and I never knew to ask about codes until I joined this board this month 1/08.

But... now I know all about codes and special deals from reading everything here, so I will from here on in be on the look out to find the deals. After this trip in two weeks, I plan to never pay rack rate again.