This just isn't right

[G8r4evr]

You are right, they don't. And the problem is that people were using their APs as some sort of reward program, which is not what it is for. And now that Disney is able to fill their resorts without offering deep discounts, people are realizing it. You should be happy if you get a good discount, but when you expect it, you are setting yourself up to be disappointed.

My cable company isn't exactly high on my list, but this is a Disney board, not a cable board. There is a time and a place for everything and if Disney fans want to vent about Disney, on a Disney board, I dont understand why that is so offensive.

 

[Sammie]

If coming across as being rude to other posters is "thinking with your head", then I guess you are right.

I don't see Maxiemom's posts as being rude, I see them as being sensible.

 

[G8r4evr]

I don't see Maxiemom's posts as being rude, I see them as being sensible.

IMO, there is a way to be sensible, without having a chip on your shoulder. But maybe being born and raised in the south has made me overly sensitive.

I think I will just take my own advice and just skip over certain replies =))

To the OP, I apologize, I shouldn't have changed the subject.

 

[dawgsgirl]

Every time this kind of subject comes up, it is always the same 3 posters who jump on all of us AP holders. I am becoming convinced that they work for Disney and are holding the company line. Just my opinion!!!

 

[Sammie]

Every time this kind of subject comes up, it is always the same 3 posters who jump on all of us AP holders. I am becoming convinced that they work for Disney and are holding the company line. Just my opinion!!!

You know and I could say that some just want a pity party and the only opinions allowed are those that agree with them.

Bottom line, an AP owes you nothing but admission. If Disney does not honor that, then yes you have every right to scream to the high heavens about how you have been cheated out of what was rightfully yours.

Anything else, is just whining. Sorry but that's the way I see it. I don't work for Disney, but then I don't have to, to be able to understand simple economics of business.

But since the truth is not welcome here and insults are only those that are approved by the majority, I am out of this one.

Have a great day and truthfully I hope everyone gets what they want for their vacation .

 

[applechips]

If you are a passholder, go to www.disneyworld.com/passholder and after you sign in, there will be "special offers" - one of those is the dining card (as marivaid posted) for specific check-in dates.

thanks everyone!!

 

[wdwmaw]

I am again sorry for being so ventive. I though people here were venting about how they felt disappointed this time around. I do not feel Disney owes me anything. Yes, I will bask in my ticket savings and yes I will continue to travel to Disney. There is no where else we want to go. I am, like others, are not use to this new Disney. I am frustrated with the fact that I called 7 am the morning the AP's came out. I booked my room and the CM informed me that the 23 rd dates were not loaded or they were a misprint. The computers ended up going down shortly after and I was to call back and have that applied. The 1st day is discounted but the 2 nd day is not. It is available online on the passholder website. I can book that rate online thus leaving me with 3 reservations for the same room cat. and resort. They can be linked but for some reason they can not be combined. The rates are available disney just can't do it on the phone. In the good ol' days guest services would have stepped in and magic would have been spread and I would be set. Just wishin' for some pixie dust. Any one have any advice. ? Once I have 3 reservations can they then be combined ? I am so afraid to split up my origional reservation, I am afraid in the split I will loose some of my days. The 3 CM I have spoke with said they could not guarntee they would be available if I tried to do this process.Here is my example #1 origional reservation for 12/22 with AP rate #2 online reservation with AP rate for 12/23 then #3 the remainder of my days 12/24-30 at rack rate. Now I have 1 reservation # for 12/22-12/30 with one night at AP rate. Another question did anyone get AP rate for 12/23. Guys I am just debating and looking for some answers here. I just felt for the origional person and just wanted that person to know they were not the only one and that I felt there pain on this one.

 

[marivaid]

Another question did anyone get AP rate for 12/23. Guys I am just debating and looking for some answers here. I just felt for the origional person and just wanted that person to know they were not the only one and that I felt there pain on this one.

I was just on the passholder site and tried several resorts, none of which had a room at AP rate for the night of Dec 23.

If you want I can help you look for something, I've been doing that for ourselves every day for the past 2 weeks

 

[wdwmaw]

Here it is I jsut pulled it up. Thank you though ! Don't think I gona get this one.Rooms
Disney's Pop Century Resort
Date December 23, 2007 Date December 24, 2007 Staying for 1 night, 2 days Adults 2 Children 2 Room Type Standard Room Tickets None Package Room Only
Special Rate Oct. to Dec. Annual Passholder Room Only Date Rate per Night
Sun, Dec 23 $ 129.00
Ground Transportation
This offer does not include Ground Transportation.


SummaryTotal $79.00 Tax: $9.88
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grand Total $88.88 Deposit (USD) $88.88

 

[Sammie]

I am again sorry for being so ventive. I though people here were venting about how they felt disappointed this time around. I do not feel Disney owes me anything. Yes, I will bask in my ticket savings and yes I will continue to travel to Disney. There is no where else we want to go. I am, like others, are not use to this new Disney. I am frustrated with the fact that I called 7 am the morning the AP's came out. I booked my room and the CM informed me that the 23 rd dates were not loaded or they were a misprint. The computers ended up going down shortly after and I was to call back and have that applied. The 1st day is discounted but the 2 nd day is not. It is available online on the passholder website. I can book that rate online thus leaving me with 3 reservations for the same room cat. and resort. They can be linked but for some reason they can not be combined. The rates are available disney just can't do it on the phone. In the good ol' days guest services would have stepped in and magic would have been spread and I would be set. Just wishin' for some pixie dust. Any one have any advice. ? Once I have 3 reservations can they then be combined ? I am so afraid to split up my origional reservation, I am afraid in the split I will loose some of my days. The 3 CM I have spoke with said they could not guarntee they would be available if I tried to do this process.Here is my example #1 origional reservation for 12/22 with AP rate #2 online reservation with AP rate for 12/23 then #3 the remainder of my days 12/24-30 at rack rate. Now I have 1 reservation # for 12/22-12/30 with one night at AP rate. Another question did anyone get AP rate for 12/23. Guys I am just debating and looking for some answers here. I just felt for the origional person and just wanted that person to know they were not the only one and that I felt there pain on this one.

Truly I hope you can get a discount, everyone loves one. But none of us are guaranteed them. Actually this is not the new Disney, this is the Disney before 9-11, when Discounts were few and very far between.

Business is booming at Disney, record crowds and record occupany at resorts. Which means very few discounts.

I can understand the disappointment, I can't understand the anger it seems some have toward Disney wanting to be successful especially during peak season.

Kinda like the hit Boardway play, hard to get any discounts for that.

Their booking system is just like many hotel ones, some discounts are available online and some are not. I find that often when I book. Keep trying you might get lucky with a cancellation. It's just that you have picked the busiest week at Disney to try for a discount. Very, very hard to do.

If you end up with what you want, and as long as it is at the same resort, same type of room, they can link the reservations, you can even do it when you check in.

It is all about availability and even though it is Disney and it is the same resort for the same time, it is not the same thing one being online and one being the Reservation center. The inventory is not the same.

 

[marivaid]

Here it is I jsut pulled it up. Thank you though ! Don't think I gona get this one.Rooms
Disney's Pop Century Resort
Date December 23, 2007 Date December 24, 2007 Staying for 1 night, 2 days Adults 2 Children 2 Room Type Standard Room Tickets None Package Room Only
Special Rate Oct. to Dec. Annual Passholder Room Only Date Rate per Night
Sun, Dec 23 $ 129.00
Ground Transportation
This offer does not include Ground Transportation.


SummaryTotal $79.00 Tax: $9.88
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grand Total $88.88 Deposit (USD) $88.88

I'm so confused now. It makes no sense, the rate is $129 but your deposit is $88 ?? I just tried the same thing with All Stars Sports and the rate is supposed to be $129 a night, yet "Total" is $90.
????????????????????????????????????????

 

[wdwmaw]

Marivaid ~ yes and if you go all the way through the booking process then is confirms yes $88.
Guys I am not mad just trying to understand and support the first person that started all of this. I am sure ther will be more kinks as the new rate process and policies come affective in the coming months. We all need to be patient in the coming year yet the dis and others will help us understand.

 

[Mikelly1221]

Ok, I have got to say this. I am a long time Passholder, as in back when they had the 4 season salute passes for Fl residents that you had to get your picture taken with. We could only go 4 months out of the year, and boy I maximized it! We have stayed onsite A LOT, and frankly, I always have stayed with a discount, both pre- and post- 9/11. I learned the system, and worked with it. And we stayed well within our means-I only booked the hotels we were going to stay at.

This year has been the worst I've seen for discounts. The 1st thing that irked me was the postcard back in the spring. We got one at our house, addressed to my mom (so we couldn't use it). So I saw the $59.00 for All-Stars. When I booked a room in September for the All-Stars, the ap rate was $64.00. I know, only $5.00, big whoop. But just a bit irksome that they are sending random people cheaper rates than loyal passholders. We ended up changing our dates, couldn't get a discount at any value, so we're going offsite to the Raddison. In November, again, no discount that we can afford, so we're going offsite again, to the Buena Vista Suites (BTW, for budget conscious families of 5 or more, a FANTASTIC alternative to All-Star Suites or Riverside trundles.) And I'm reading about what's going on with fall discounts, and frankly, Disney is playing a game that I am less and less willing to play.

Yep, AP's are only for admission, I agree. Yep, they are not obligated to give discounts to ANYONE. And yep, I in turn am not obligated to stay on their property, either. Cancelling my AP's is not an option (right now), because we do enjoy it, and I'm not saying I'd never go back. But, I'm not going to be led blindly just because I love Disney-if I don't like their policies, I'm walking and taking my money with me. It's not personal, just business!

 

[toyac]

You are right, they don't. And the problem is that people were using their APs as some sort of reward program, which is not what it is for. And now that Disney is able to fill their resorts without offering deep discounts, people are realizing it. You should be happy if you get a good discount, but when you expect it, you are setting yourself up to be disappointed.

Maxiesmom, I think the issue here is that this is a destination where people spend $$$$$ to go and make an effort to do so regularly. These are the people who helped a VERY sagging bottom line during the various financial slumps over the years. These are the customers touting the benefits of a trip to friends, families, and acquaintances.

A little extra something should be expected when you've patronized a business for a long time. I personally prefer US/IOA because I'm a thrill rider. But with young children, I have little choice in the matter of theme park choice right now. As soon as the youngest one is ten though, I will avoid Disney like the bubonic plague

For every one of me, there are probably three or more disneyfanatics that buy APs, stay on site, get on the DDP, buy DVC, and spend every vacation dollar possible in the WORLD. It really makes no sense to roll out the red carpet for customers like myself over giving the benefits to customers that have already demonstrated their steadfast loyalty.

Not trying to challenge you opinion, which is also correct as far as the American business culture goes. But it still doesn't make it smart in the long run. Our overseas competitors realize that and have taken market-share in a very many industries by thinking ahead.

 

[Minnie]

What I still cannot figure out is why "some" people even come on these threads. The OP is simply frustrated and venting. A "I'm sorry your frustrated keep trying " is plenty.

Several on this thread seem to think they have to come on and "support Disney" every time a thread like this occurs and I just don't get it

The OP never asked for an opinion. Sympathize, add some encouragement, start your own thread saying some AP holders are wrong, but negative posts staying "disney doesn't owe you anything" "APs are for park entry" are really not needed

 

[dclfun]

I have an AP, am a DVC member, and yet have booked packages because the discounts are better- it really is tough to try and navigate the world of discounts, codes, etc. I probably enjoyed myself more and worried less about my own bottom line many years ago when there were no message boards and I was blissfully unaware of Fl resident rates, AP rates, PIN codes, Public codes, AAA discounts, etc. We just booked what we could afford, packed everyone into our van and headed to Florida. Gone are the days of innocent relaxation. I'm sure there are other instances of travel industry/vacation destinations that have the same practices that just aren't so widely discussed or brought to the forefront for us to be enlightened. Human nature makes it hard for anyone to see someone else getting a better deal and not being able to have it for yourself even if you're happy for someone else's good fortune. If historically you've gotten a discount and you see it shrinking, it's also human nature to be upset even though you aren't "owed" a discount. I agree with those who've said it would be nice to have a rewards or loyalty program w/in Disney besides just being able to get a Disney Visa and earn rewards- that's a credit card, not loyalty to a vacation destination or a reward for spending your vacation dollars at the World. Meanwhile I feel for the OP having three different reservations- what if she wasn't saavy enough to do so? Gee, I guess that's what happens to many people who don't know how to play the code and rate game....sigh.---Kathy

 

[maxiesmom]

What I still cannot figure out is why "some" people even come on these threads. The OP is simply frustrated and venting. A "I'm sorry your frustrated keep trying " is plenty.

Several on this thread seem to think they have to come on and "support Disney" every time a thread like this occurs and I just don't get it

The OP never asked for an opinion. Sympathize, add some encouragement, start your own thread saying some AP holders are wrong, but negative posts staying "disney doesn't owe you anything" "APs are for park entry" are really not needed

I went back and re-read the first post. To me, it does not sound like someone simply venting. They are complaining about how they cannot use their AP the way they want to. Which is why there are so many posts trying to point out that the use of an AP is not to get room discounts.

People may have opinions that are different from yours, but they are still allowed to post and engage in conversation about whatever subject is at hand. There is no rule that states you must agree with the OP or not post.

BTW I do not work for Disney, that would be one heck of a commute! But I still cringe when I see people crying about not getting something that they are not entitled to. And you are not entitled to a room discount with an AP, no matter what Disney did for you in the past. Discounts are a bonus! Be happy! Venting about lack of discounts would be more on the line of "I'm disappointed that the AP rates are not much of a discount this year." Not "What is this cr--?" That is not venting, that is feeling like you are being cheated, and you cannot be cheated out of something that wasn't yours to begin with.

 

[Mermaid_Ariel]

I went back and re-read the first post. To me, it does not sound like someone simply venting. They are complaining about how they cannot use their AP the way they want to. Which is why there are so many posts trying to point out that the use of an AP is not to get room discounts.

People may have opinions that are different from yours, but they are still allowed to post and engage in conversation about whatever subject is at hand. There is no rule that states you must agree with the OP or not post.

Agreed. I truly didn't get the impression that anyone was being rude in their disagreement. However, a lot of people will interpret a difference in opinion as being rude.

I just think it's overly idealistic to think that the only people who can engage in a conversation are those who agree. While I agree that rudeness is generally unnecessary, it did not apply to this particular thread.

Having said that, I guess I'm not entirely sure why people perceive Disney as less of a business as other venues. If the demand is there, why would they offer deep discounts? That's why I see a trend of discounts for less desirable times of the year. Just as our local pizza palors offer cheaper pizza deals during the week, they don't offer the same discounts on the weekend when the demand is higher. Essentially, the same product is discounted to people who choose to purchase it then. Is it unfair because they're getting the same product for less? No, it's supply and demand. Economics 101.

I'm just happy to be going to Disney period. I think the fact that we were able to get a discount code for our December trip was a bonus since we had intended to go anyhow. Just be happy and content with what you have.

 

[fla4fun]

My take on the OP was that they were upset that there was AP discount availability if they stayed multiple nights, but not if they tried to book one night. It seems like there have been some minimum stay requirements added to the most recent discounts, which is really nothing new in the travel industry. It can be frustrating if you only need one night, but that's how it goes sometimes. I'm sorry OP that things didn't work out for you, but I'm sure you'll still have a great time.

I'm fortunate that I qualify for several types of discounts (AP, Fla Res, AAA) so it's rare that I have to pay rack rate, but I HAVE had to in the past (in fact, just last December). I never count on a discount, I only book what I can afford, and if a discount comes along, it's icing on the cake. I'm just glad that I get to visit as often as I do (even if it's only a day trip without any resort stay at all).