Tips on getting an AP/code discount?

[KimR]

I keep reading posts from people who have gotten wonderful rates at Disney resorts and who say they would never pay rack rate for a deluxe, etc...it makes it sound so easy to get a discount. Yes, I know about the codes, AP discounts, etc....but in my experience, actually getting one of these discounts is another matter entirely. On our last trip, I called about 2 HOURS after AP rates were released and they were already GONE!!

Do you have to live on the telephone, calling CRO every 15 minutes every day in order to get one of these discounts or is there some trick? Is there a particular time of day that I should call? Last time I called first thing in the morning on the day I heard they were to be released...they were not available when I called, but then were released later that day

I currently have ressies for GF but the rate is over $400 a night and that's for a garden view room. DH doesn't like Disney to begin with, he just shakes his head when I tell him what the rates are....I'd love to get a decent discount! Any tips?

Kim

 

[FoodLover]

There are two "tricks" -

1. Be flexible! If you just HAVE to stay at a certain resort on certain dates in a certain room type, you're going to have a harder time getting a discount. If you're willing to be flexible about the resort, or consider a different view, or go on slightly different dates, you'll almost certainly be able to find a discounted rate. Often people call and ask for a standard room, but those are sold out. It never occurs to them to ask for a water view room, for instance, even though with a 40% discount, they could get an upgrade AND save a bunch of money. Be sure to ask the reservations agent if there are other room types or resorts available.

The analogy I use is this: if you go to Marshall's or TJ Maxx, you'll get a great deal on designer clothes, but you don't expect to find every size and color on the racks. Disney's discount codes (including Annual Passholder rates) are kind of like that. It's a "clearance sale" -- there are great deals, but not on every single room at every single hotel for every single date.

2. Be persistent! One call on the first day is not enough. Keep trying periodically. People change their reservations ALL THE TIME and that means rooms open up. In fact, depending on the response and how many rooms need to be filled, Disney may release additional room nights at the discounted rates. There's no way to predict this.

If you don't have the time or temperament to keep at it, that's a good reason to consider using a Disney Specialist travel agent. They are on the phone with CRO all day long and can keep checking things for you.

Good luck!

Mary
MouseSavers.com

 

[wdisneyaholic]

Wow, those were some excellent tips. I am hoping to get a good rate on concierge level for summer of 2004. I would like to go in end of June or July and hoping to get a good rate. I am really flexible on dates so hopefully that will help me.

Thanks for the tips!!

 

[frannn]

Every time I book a trip, I book my chosen room (ASM) at full price months in advance. Then, once it gets toward the time for AP rates to come out, I call once a week and check these boards daily. As soon as it is in the crucial time when AP rates should be out, I call daily, even if they say the discounted rates are sold out. The only time I didn't get a discounted rate was President's week in Feb. I always check my rental car and airline rates after I've booked as well. Believe it or not, I've gotten better & code rates as my trip got closer. It all depends on how much effort ou are willing to devote to getting a discount. We shop for most of our souvies at the outlets in the FL malls. Some people feel that takes away from the magic, or it is too much effort. I don't, although I always overspend the money I save from the room, etc at the outlets anyway!