Possibility of no AP rates for May!?!

[married2grumpy]

I just called this morning to see if the AP rates were out yet for May visits. I was told the only AP rates available right now are through April 9th. I asked when the new AP rates should be out and was told that there is a good possibility of no rates for May. The CM I spoke to said she believes marketing may have decided not to offer AP rates for that time of year because she feels they would have been told something about the rates coming on line and that the rates would have been released by now. She did say that this was her opinion.

How likely is it that no AP rates will be offered for May? I know Disney doesn't have to offer these discounts but this is the first time I'll have an AP and that stinks to not get a discount. April 10th is only 1 month away and there are no AP discounts for that time yet. Maybe due to Easter none will be offered in late April/early May.

As someone who is new to this whole AP thing, is it normal to see AP rates released with just a months notice? Is there still hope for May rates? Thanks!

 

[franw]

We have been to WDW several times the first full week after Easter week and always gotten discounted rates and found the crowds to be very light. In fact, I think (other than right after 9/11) they were the least crowded I have ever seem WDW. Your next Insider should have some reduced rates for that period but I would check the boards to get advanced notice as they sometimes sell out very quickly. Hope to see you there.

 

[z28wiz]

I am too going to have an ap for the first time. That stinks that there are no rates for may if that is to be true

 

[phanomouse]

Thats funny that they would tell you that... I have seen another post where CRO told someone that the AP rates would be available starting the last week in Feb or first week in Mar. when the didn't show up last week I called and was told to expect them this week or at the very latest by the 15th. I honestly can't see them not coming out with AP rates. Heres another funny thing the person I talked to told me to watch Mousesavers, she said that is one of the fastest ways to see if the rates have come out. WOW can't believe she refered me there, just found that kinda odd. And if the rates do come out this week Mary Waring is out of town and isn't available to update so thats not going to work any way!!! oh well... just keep your hopes up and the rates will come out soon!

 

[WDW2000]

I just booked the Dolphin for the last week of April and received a great AP rate. I got that rate through DreamsUnlimited, however.
Just wasn't sure if people are aware that the Swan/Dolphin offer AP rates well before Disney. You might want to snag a reservation there, just in case. You could always cancel later.

 

[tkgdisney]

I just called to check on AP rates and was told no yet - check back later - I think they are coming - just not soon enough to stop my panic.

 

[WDW2000]

I just think this whole "AP rate" game is ridiculous and don't understand why Disney put's their return guests through it. Personally I think that whenever you go regardless of the season, if there is a room available you should be able to get a discounted rate. I know others have said that all hotels do it, but I know that whenever I travel with AAA for example, it doesn't matter when I check in, as long as they accept AAA I get that rate. And if they are going to only allow a certain number of rooms to be given at the AP rate, c'mon - they can't tell you when those rooms will be available until the day they come out?!! It's all very maddning, but then again I must admit I play the game like everyone else, calling numerous times a day, checking the iternet, scheduling, re-scheduling, cancelling, reservations 4 or 5 times before I get that "perfect rate". Just think it's all unneccesarry.

 

[DebbieB]

With war threatening, I don't think Disney is overwelmed with reservations, so I think the odds are pretty good there will be AP discounts. Especially since they had them for peak season (Feb-April) when they didn't before.

I'm looking for an AP rate for OKW for 5/9 & 5/10.

 

[TChrist05]

Hello all...I have to agree with you all that Disney will offer the ap rates but they seem to come out later and later....I would think they should offer the ap rates before the general discounted rates anyone can take advantage of....we are going on the 7 day Magic cruise from 5/10 -17...we are getting our replacement cruise for our sickness cancelled cruise of 11/30/02.....so since the rates for the ap are not out yet I booked the standard discounted rate for the two days we will be staying....and will change if and when the ap rates come out....but I do agree that they should take care of the "regulars" first.....but that is just my opinion....do others share it also?
Tom

 

[BettyCv]

WDW2000,

Can I ask what AP rate you got at the Dolpin?

The best I rate I have found is $147.50 through AAA. I am wondering if it would be worth buying one AP, just for the hotel discount? (We are not eligible for any teacher/nurse/govt empl discounts).

BettyC

 

[cindala]

I have been an AP holder for years, and last year was the first year that they came out as early as January. They usually are announced between the middle and end of March.

I really don't think that half of the CM's left hand knows what the right hand is doing. Even Mousesavers has posted that Disney hired some 200 new CM and not all of them are as knowledgeable as the rest.

I think we'll just have to wait and see, and hope!

 

[Praise2Him]

My SIL called Saturday for ressies in June and asked about AP rates. The CM told her to check back around the 15th. Hopefully she was right!

 

[sm4987]

I got tired of waiting around and booked the Swan with the teacher discount. Things are getting to close for my blood. However, I noticed that with the last AP rates they seemed to be only $10 better than the codes. If they are significantly better, I might cancel my Swan reservation and book a Disney hotel, otherwise I will try the Swan for the first time.

 

[WDW2000]

BettyCV -

The rate you got with AAA sounds pretty good. The AP rate was I believe $179/nt - but that was for the Club Level Room w/concierge privlidges. The standard rate with AP was $139/nt - so I don't think it would be worth it to buy the AP in your case. Also the rates just went up about $10/nt since I booked so you'd end up paying around the same.

 

[B3LM]

I wouldn't worry too much - you could call back and talk to another CM and get a completely different story. Hopefully, we'll see those AP rates come out soon!

 

[Pig Pen]

I agree that Disney have a standard AP discount available, except in peak season. I would also like to see a similar discount offered to DVC members. We plan to split our stays between regular resorts and DVC resorts to conserve points and usually book our DVC 7 months in advance. It would be nice to be able to book the regular room at the same time without worrying about discounts and codes.