Rhonda,
Here's my experience.
Prior to 9/11 there were AP rates, Disney Club and
AAA rates and not alot of "codes". Disney resorts were filled and there were discounts, but not plentiful. Now, Disney offers more discounts - probably because of the economy, post-9/11, etc.
In 2000, I was looking for an AP rate for May. I called CRO 2 hours after the rates came out. I was only able to get 30% off the GF for 2 of my 8 nights. (I was told the other nights were sold out already.) They did have 3 nights at the CR available. Lucikily for me, they were
consecutive nights. So, our trip went like this: 3 nights GF with disney club disount (10%), 2 nights GF with AP discount (30%) and then we moved to Contemporary for 3 nights with AP discount (30%). My total savings with alll the discounts, including switching to a cheaper hotel, was $1,000.00. Don't forget that the Cont. is over $100.00 cheaper a night to begin with.
Since we had the AP, we went back the next year (1 week prior to AP expiring). I was able to get a couple of nights at the CR at the AP discount. And it was nice not having to pay for passes on that trip!!
AP's are more expensive, so you do have to consider that cost as well into your budget. For me it was worth it because I wanted 9 days of passes and an AP was the same price as an UMP.
Hope this helps.
Anna
