Question on Booking AP rate

[dmp609]

Hi! I tried booking the AP rate this morning for my dates 10/23-10/29 (Sun - Sat). The hotel I wanted wasn't available, but I recalled someone suggesting to try booking for a longer visit and then calling in to cancel the extra days. I did that and my resort became available. I tried different combinations, one of which was to book through 11/1 (a Tues) . That made the Friday rate go down a lot from just booking through 10/30 or 10/31 (it looks like it's now giving an AP rate for that day and wasn't before). Does anyone know why that might be the case? I'm also wondering if anyone knows if I will get to keep the lower rate when I cancel the extra days at the end of the reservation?

Thanks so much!! I love reading this site and all of the wonderful information people share.

Denise