Question from Newbie regarding Reservation

[Palm_Tree]

Our family of four will be heading to WDW for our first time in late April '08 and I wanted to start to reserve our rooms but just had a few questions which I'm hoping those with experince can answer. We plan on spending our first six nights at the Poly and the last two at AKL. From what I have learned from this great board I will keep an eye out for AP discounts for these two resorts as it may make financial sense to purchase an AP pass even for this one stay (we will only be visiting WDW once this year). Can I go ahead and just reserve our lodging now using our AAA discount, and then - if an AP discount becomes available as we get closer to April - just call WDW and advise them that I will be an AP holder and hence they will modify the rate? Note that we will not be taking the DDP.
Also, as for trying to request staying in certain buildings - is this something I would do when I make this initial reservation or should I fax this request a few weeks before our April departure?
Any help will be much appreciated.

 

[Sandi]

Keep a watch for AP rates and, if there is an AP discount for April, you can call to see if there is availability at the two resorts you choose. My understanding is that they only have so many discounted rooms per property and not all properties will have the discount available. If there is availability, they will change your reservation. To check in, you'll need your AP voucher.

As for requesting particular buildings, it is best to get that information into the reservation system on a regular call. Some people advocate faxing in the request a few days (not weeks) before your arrival and that the fax go directly to the resort. I think the resorts are disregarding faxes because they got too many, so putting the requests in your reservation makes more sense to me.