Question about using AP codes

[GoofyinNY]

When you reserve a room using an AP code, do you need to have the AP on hand? In other words, do they ask you for information that appears on your AP? I was planning to purchase the AP a couple of weeks before we leave for Disney, but I will purchase it earlier if I need it for the reservation.

Thanks!

 

[Joan S.]

NO, but you will need to show it at check-in. Joan

 

[benedicttw]

You can purchase the AP anytime. You actual get a voucher that you have changed to the actual pass at one of the guest relations. When checking in they may ask to see the pass. Show them your voucher and you will be set.

 

[arazamataz]

Just show AP or voucher at check-in if they ask. I ahd to show once out of three times.

 

[kimwim8]

Do you have to wait to make room ressies until the AP rates come out, or could I book now for December & then apply the discount when they come out?

TIA!

 

[riu girl]

I think you can book your room now (at rack rate) and then when (and if) codes come out for your travel date you can try to apply the code at that time.
Suzy V.

 

[pepe of ohio]

The last post said book now and "try" to apply AP code when it comes out. That seems pretty risky, seeing we get an AP for one person to get the 45% AP discount on rack rates.

 

[cobbler]

Originally posted by pepe_of_ohio
The last post said book now and "try" to apply AP code when it comes out. That seems pretty risky, seeing we get an AP for one person to get the 45% AP discount on rack rates.

They mean try because:
1. Sometimes AP rates are not avail for your choice of resort. Always have a few alternatives on hand.

2. Also they may not be out for the period of time you are going.

3. And again if you aren't quick on getting it when they come out then they could be all gone for your resort which goes back to number 1.

One shouldn't buy an AP just for the resort discount, its just icing on the cake because they are not guaranteed to come out. Are they likely?? Sure but not guaranteed. I think your breakeven point for the use of the AP is 8 or 9 days.

 

[andrabell]

The last post said book now and "try" to apply AP code when it comes out. That seems pretty risky, seeing we get an AP for one person to get the 45% AP discount on rack rates.

Why do you say it's risky to book now and wait to apply the AP code when they are released?

 

[fam4jc]

Hi. I think the risk comes when you budget your trip around a "possible" AP rate; that is when you book at rack and expect and budget around the rooms being cheaper. if you are not able to get the ap rate, for whatever reason, then you are stuck with rack rate.

I think it's a better idea to NOT book until the codes come out IF your dates are flexible and you didn't already purchase air. That's what we do. IMHO, when we all book at rack then wait to apply codes we are driving up demand unnaturally, thus possibly reducing future discount offers. The alternative would be to book with a AAA discount which is a legitimate 10 to 20 percent discount, budget your trip around that, then when the codes come out try to apply it to your existing reservation or change your reservation.

Its tough to wait to book but it works out well for us. For our April trip I only made my reservation late Jan. The AP codes had been out for a couple of weeks already. I didn't have a problem getting good rates at the resorts I wanted (pop and AKL)... but it may not always be like that. I wouldn't recommend waiting that long after the code comes out.

hope this helps.