Sept/Oct Code watch

[kaysmommie]

Hello, I'm new to this board even though we have been to Disney 4 times. I never knew about the code discounts. We are going October 8-16 and staying at Polynesian. How does this work? I was going to book trip this week. Can we apply a code after we have already booked the trip. Thanks, Nichole

 

[SoNotAPrincess]

Hello, I'm new to this board even though we have been to Disney 4 times. I never knew about the code discounts. We are going October 8-16 and staying at Polynesian. How does this work? I was going to book trip this week. Can we apply a code after we have already booked the trip. Thanks, Nichole

Hi, Nichole....

Speaking for myself, I'm waiting and hoping for an AP code to be published for October. I'm pretty new to this, but it is my understanding that sometimes "public" codes are published, too. I believe that if a code comes out and you're already booked, you have to cancel the first booking and re-book using the code. (Someone correct me if I'm wrong.)

 

[Tissa]

If you have a room booked and a code comes out you can have the code applied. You do not have to cancel the reservation. If you are going from package to room only or room only to package then you do have to cancel and rebook. There hasn't been a lot of room only codes in 05 just AP and package discounts.

 

[esmetutu]

I'm a newbie too when it comes to "Code Watch 2006!" From being on these boards, I've learned how difficult it can be to get in on a good code, so for that reason, I'm using a travel agent who specializes in Disney trips. We're booked at the PO-R for October 3-9 with no discounts right now. I have an AP, so if and when codes are published, the travel agent will have them applied. I think it means cancelling the existing reservation and rebooking under the code, but I'm not sure...and I don't have to be. Thank goodness!

I believe I've read that a travel agent can book using your AAA discount, but don't take that as gospel...I've read so many things lately that I sometimes get my facts confuzzled! I don't think multiple discounts can be combined, but I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong!

Good luck planning your trip!

Thank you for your help. Us newbies have to stick together! I've learned so much from reading these boards just like you, yet my mind boggles. So much information! I'm going to start contacting travel agents very soon now. Just have to convince DFi that we really do have to start booking this early.

Good luck to you. Here's to those Sept./Oct. codes!!!

 

[esmetutu]

If you're staying @ POP, I'm confused as to how you're saving $300 w/AAA. Their discount for Value rooms is traditionally 20% off room rack rate.

You can book your room yourself using AAA discount as a "room only" reservation & just pay 1 night's deposit. WDW will be glad to add on the MYW tix/dining option @ a later date. It used to be a week prior to arrival, not sure what the deadline is now. CRO would be able to advise you. One benefit is that you can cancel room (up to 5 days prior( if a better deal comes out.

I haven't used our Disney VISA yet for WDW travel. Just got the card. Usually, you can only apply 1 code (whether it's AP/AAA/misc. code). Don't know if you can add codes to the "6 month free financing" promo...is it from date you place deposit or vacation start time?

Will have to pick your brain on DL - I'm trying to plan a trip next June & having problems (not as much info out there).

Good luck with your planning.

Thanks for your response. It's truly amazing how *nice* all of you WDW guys are. I swear the "Disneyland people" like are rabid dogs in comparison. Must be a California thing.

I was quoted a price through AAA that was almost $300 less IF I tacked on travel insurance when getting a quote on the WDW site. So I guess I fudged the numbers a bit there. I thought that was only fair since AAA offers free travel insurance. Without the insurance through WDW it's about $175 less. I got a small discount on tickets as well.

You gave me some great hints and advice. Thank you. I'm going to start contacting some travel agents as soon as I can convince DFi that it's not to early to start booking!

Please feel free to contact me if you'd like some advice or whatever on DL planning. I don't know a lot about the off-site hotels as I live only 2 hours away and don't stay down there very often, but I know DLR inside and out.

Thanks again.

 

[beefpile]

Hi, I know I already asked this but I've seen two different responses. Does anyone know when the 50th Celebration is finished at WDW? I've heard throught this thread that it is in September, but through some reading at one of the other Disney based websites I've also seen December. We will be in WDW for the first time for our Honeymoon Oct 9-15 and would like to know if we get to take part (I proposed during the 50th at Disneyland this past October, ). If anyone could let me know for sure I would appreciate it!

 

[TSM1993]

subscribing

 

[keishashadow]

What a great place to spend your honeymoon - good luck. The Celebration originally was to run through the end of September (along w/the free ME service).

Haven't seen an official announcement that it's been extended or whether it will continue to be offered gratis. However, I was asked by 2 different CMs, when I made res for Oct '06 & Jan '07, if I wanted to make our ME res. yet. When I responded that I didn't have our flight info yet, I was urged to book ASAP. Others have posted that if they do start charging for the service, existing res. will be honored w/o charge...not sure though.

I've been lucky w/securing low rental car rates (and we do switch our accommodations once or twice when we visit) so we haven't yet tried out ME but, had planned on using in Oct. Think I might book w/projected flight info to get "in line" and alter closer to the date.

Have fun planning your trip to WDW. I'm trying to get out to DL next year (along w/Vegas & Grand Canyon) but, planning info doesn't seem to be as readily available as it is for WDW.

Hi, I know I already asked this but I've seen two different responses. Does anyone know when the 50th Celebration is finished at WDW? I've heard throught this thread that it is in September, but through some reading at one of the other Disney based websites I've also seen December. We will be in WDW for the first time for our Honeymoon Oct 9-15 and would like to know if we get to take part (I proposed during the 50th at Disneyland this past October, ). If anyone could let me know for sure I would appreciate it!

 

[eeyore45]

We're planning on going end of September - for my experience on codes and rebooking last year...

I wanted POFQ, with a FL res rate (my parents are Fl Residents, and were coming and I read they could book 2 rooms) so I paid a "room only" Then they offered a "pkg" (free dining it was when Disney first did the dining pkg so they offered it free, doubt if that will happen again!!) So in order to get the "pkg" I had to "rebook", cancel the "room only" and yes, they had to refund my deposit, and I had to "repay" a deposit...

To make matters even more complicated, the pkg you need to buy tickets MYW tickets, I had already bought them!! Lucky I didnt take advantage of the low discount mousesavers.com advertised, because again, I had bought them thru WDW online, I had to mail them back, and they refunded the money, and then I got the package!! (but the hassle was well worth the free food!!)

So long story - hope it's not tmi - I still plan on booking, this time I think I'd book a pkg room since I dont think an AP will help, and the dining plan is the way to go for our family to save money (we love the character meals, as well as the respite a fine dining gives us!!)

Hope they do offer a code tho... a "Hurricane Code"!! Only as long as they can fill up rooms without codes, I dont see them offering codes - I think they are putting a good amount of money into advertising (the family of 4 $1500) that is paying them in higher attendance... jmho

 

[kaysmommie]

Can someone tell me if and AP code comes out can I buy a AP and use it for this deal? Also what happens if I already booked the package? Is it hard to change your reservations? I guess it would be worth for the AP if the deal is good. Also what were the good deals last OCT and when do they usually come out? Thank you, I'm new here Nichole

 

[keishashadow]

Thus far AP's = room only discount. Key component is MYW tix purchase - 1 day will qualify.

Can someone tell me if and AP code comes out can I buy a AP and use it for this deal? Also what happens if I already booked the package? Is it hard to change your reservations? I guess it would be worth for the AP if the deal is good. Also what were the good deals last OCT and when do they usually come out? Thank you, I'm new here Nichole

 

[SuzanneSLO]

FWIW, there is a BIG convention at the Epcot hotels for Oct 8-13, 2006. They just put up a website with the convention rates of $150 for the moderates and $250 for the Epcot resorts. There was a minimum 3 night stay at the moderates and a 4 night stay at the Epcot resorts. Also, these rates were prepaid and non-refundable 45 days prior (later Aug).

I would have expected lower convention rates, esp. at the moderates, but maybe I am still living in the past! -- Suzanne

 

[kaysmommie]

how big is this convention? What kind of convention is it? Can we take advantage of this discount? If not and the parks are going to be seriously crowded, I might change our week to go. I don't want to take my DD out of school and she has that week off. Completely STINKY! Thanks for posting that, Nichole

 

[SuzanneSLO]

I can't tell you exactly how many are attending, but I can tell you that it is large enough that they set up separate tents at the Epcot resorts to serve meals. It is call the Gartner ITexpo. We went last year during the conference and found little impact on the parks except for the one night they rented out the Magic Kingdom, so it was closed to the public at 6 pm. There might also be an impact on the Epcot resort restuarants and Jellyrolls.

You might be able to use the conference rate even without signing up (the $3500 cost for the conference makes signing up pretty cost prohibitive!), but it looked pretty restrictive. It seemed to be available only for certain specific dates with the minimum number of nights I mentioned before. If that works for you, best of luck. -- Suzanne

 

[wvgoofyfan]

Hello all, new to the disboards but can see already a lot of great information here.

Someone asked earlier about the dates for MNSSHP and the confirmed first night wil be Friday, Sept 29th. Dates are usually Monday and Friday of each week in October until the last week of October when there might be only one on the 31st.

As to rates and codes....The only discount available to me last week was AAA rates and I booked at AKL for 8 nights at $174.00 plus tax for a total of $1552.00. This is for standard view. This is $194.01 per night with tax. I am planning to apply the AP rate (and buy an Annual Pass for myself only) if the savings warrant the purchase. Codes for AP usually come out the first of June. Also special package savings come out around the same time. In 2003, it was stay 4 nights and get 3 free. In 2004, it was stay 5 nights and get 2 free, and last year it was the free dining plan.

I'm using Wendy at Magical Journeys this time and letting them do all the legwork. I have only used the WDW official web site to book all my other on site vacations.

I'm just very happy to be going back and can't wait until October hours are released so I can start the day to day planning.

October is just great for weather and low crowds so ya gotta love it.

 

[jleau]

Hello all, new to the disboards but can see already a lot of great information here.

Someone asked earlier about the dates for MNSSHP and the confirmed first night wil be Friday, Sept 29th. Dates are usually Monday and Friday of each week in October until the last week of October when there might be only one on the 31st.

As to rates and codes....The only discount available to me last week was AAA rates and I booked at AKL for 8 nights at $174.00 plus tax for a total of $1552.00. This is for standard view. This is $194.01 per night with tax. I am planning to apply the AP rate (and buy an Annual Pass for myself only) if the savings warrant the purchase. Codes for AP usually come out the first of June. Also special package savings come out around the same time. In 2003, it was stay 4 nights and get 3 free. In 2004, it was stay 5 nights and get 2 free, and last year it was the free dining plan.

I'm using Wendy at Magical Journeys this time and letting them do all the legwork. I have only used the WDW official web site to book all my other on site vacations.

I'm just very happy to be going back and can't wait until October hours are released so I can start the day to day planning.

October is just great for weather and low crowds so ya gotta love it.

First ever post to a message board so I hope I get this right. I was at AS-Movies last Oct. and loved it. Looking to go back this year and was hoping to take advantage of some sort of discount. Are you saying the best time to look is in June?

I'm hoping to use FF miles so I want to get a jump on things as soon as possible.

This board seems to have some great info!

 

[natewesmom]

We are taking our twin boys for their first visit to the World over their 7th birthday! ANY help with rates will be much appreciated!

 

[MNRMommy]

jleau, June is the historical time that they usually release discount codes for October. A lot of us watch for those codes to see if we can improve on the cost of our reservations. I for instance have a AAA ressie for October allready. When the AP rates come out I will check those rates against what I will pay with my AAA (assuming I can get the hotel and room type I want with the AP rate). If the AP is better you book that and cancel your AAA.

Now some very brave people just hold out for a good code. I am too much of a nervous nelly for that thought.

Good luck and welcome to the dis!

 

[Disneydreaming6]

Hi, new to the boards also. I am planning on going 10/4-10/15 right now at all star sports, I have saved about 300.00 with AAA. we are planning on taking our ds 4yr with us, my sisters and family is going to join us a few days later. When we went last year we had the dinning plan, didn't have the special but still saved a ton of money with the dinning plan and wouldn't think of not getting it again. If we can get a great rate with any special codes we would love to move up to pofq, as that is our favorite place to stay.

 

[eeyore45]

First ever post to a message board so I hope I get this right. I was at AS-Movies last Oct. and loved it. Looking to go back this year and was hoping to take advantage of some sort of discount. Are you saying the best time to look is in June?

I'm hoping to use FF miles so I want to get a jump on things as soon as possible.

This board seems to have some great info!

Just thought I'd add to TC 's post -

Last year I booked a room at the resort I wanted, and then waited for FL Res. codes to come out (my parents are FL res, and qualify and were coming with) BUT then the "Free Dining" came out... I sat on it for a week and then did the math and realized the Free Dining would far outweigh the "historical" code discount for Fl Residents - so I had to CHANGE my ressies, and for codes they 'reserve' a certain 'amount" (unknown to anyone!) of code rooms, ie AAA, AP, etc. at each resort...

So this year, I went and booked a room at the resort I wanted as soon as I had enough saved to reserve the room ( down payment) knowing if a general code comes out I can apply it to my room package...

AP rates are good for "room only" reservations. So if you choose to go room only and then find the code is for a "package" you have to cancel the "room only" and "rebook" to a package - its all do-able, and it would seem in computer land it would be easier - but it does require them refunding the "room only" deposit and for them to take a "package" deposit.

Hope this Helps