Question about using AP discount at GCH

[StephNJer]

Our next DLR trip is going to be in January, and we are planning on staying at the GCH for the first time. We aren't current AP holders, but are planning on buying them and using them for our next trip in January. We are planners and like to book our hotels early, and I want to book GCH soon for that trip but am wondering how I could use the AP discount. Can I buy our AP's as early now, but not use them until January? And if I buy them now, aren't they considered not technically "activated" until we go into the park for the first time? So, if that's the case, could I use it to get a discount on our room we book at GCH? Should I wait a few months when it's a little closer to January, or would it work out to book the room now?

 

[ParkHopper1]

You can book the GCH at the AP rate now, you will just need to have it when you check in...and you technically don't need it till you check out. You can Book on the AP rate, check in, and you can them go buy your AP. You just need to take the activated AP to the front desk before you check out for them to honor the rate, otherwise you get charged the rack rate.

So yes...book now, but you can wait to buy your AP

 

[-kj-]

How do you use your annual pass to book at the GCH?

 

[mathmom32]

You can book the GCH at the AP rate now, you will just need to have it when you check in...and you technically don't need it till you check out. You can Book on the AP rate, check in, and you can them go buy your AP. You just need to take the activated AP to the front desk before you check out for them to honor the rate, otherwise you get charged the rack rate.

So yes...book now, but you can wait to buy your AP

Good to know for me, as well! My mom, daughter, and I are going on a 3-generation girls' trip and will be staying at the GCH in November. I bought an AP giftcard in May at the old AP rates, but haven't been to DLR to redeem it for an AP. My mom was able to book at the AP rate and I'm glad that I don't have to rush into the park to get my AP and then rush back to the hotel to prove that I have it.

 

[ArchOwl]

Good to know for me, as well! My mom, daughter, and I are going on a 3-generation girls' trip and will be staying at the GCH in November. I bought an AP giftcard in May at the old AP rates, but haven't been to DLR to redeem it for an AP. My mom was able to book at the AP rate and I'm glad that I don't have to rush into the park to get my AP and then rush back to the hotel to prove that I have it.

I don't know any ages, but if someone in your party qualifies as a senior, the senior rates are much better than AP rates.

 

[StephNJer]

Thank you for that information!

 

[ArchOwl]

How do you use your annual pass to book at the GCH?

If you have a pass already, you can look online for the rates. You have to have the barcode from your AP to see them. If you don't have your AP yet, or if you prefer to talk to a person, you can call and ask for the annual passholder rate (code APH I believe).

 

[LisaT91403]

I don't know any ages, but if someone in your party qualifies as a senior, the senior rates are much better than AP rates.

I think that depends on the time of year and hotel availability. We just returned from an overnight stay, and booked the AP rate for us and the senior rate for my mom. The two rates were identical -- 30% off rack.

Another thing to note -- you can book 2 rooms with a single AP, and same for the senior rate (2 rooms/senior).

 

[starry_solo]

Good to know for me, as well! My mom, daughter, and I are going on a 3-generation girls' trip and will be staying at the GCH in November. I bought an AP giftcard in May at the old AP rates, but haven't been to DLR to redeem it for an AP. My mom was able to book at the AP rate and I'm glad that I don't have to rush into the park to get my AP and then rush back to the hotel to prove that I have it.

Most of those AP giftcards (well, they actually are AP vouchers) expire at the end of this year (December 31, 2012) so it's a good thing you're going in November!