Wah, no AP rates left for deluxes for my dates!

[jenjersnap]

Spent 2 hours trying to get through and there was nada for 5/25 - 5/29. DH told me I could do a solo trip but I opted to wait for AP rates - I tried the strategy that I think is most honest by delaying booking so that Disney doesn't think its rooms are filled with people willing to pay rack, which I would NOT on this trip. Guess that strategy cost me and I have learned a lesson.

I did get POFQ but, since I will be traveling alone, not sure I feel comfortable with the exterior corridors. Probably won't go now.

I had the nastiest CM too. She basically told me that it was my fault for not calling earlier (uh, I tried). She said that I had "plenty of notice" because the "email went out last night and lots of people booked LAST NIGHT ... even though they weren't supposed to." Ok, well, a) guess Disney's computer system has a problem if it allows booking when they didn't want it to and b) my "heads up for AP rates" email was received at 11:35 pm last night ... now I know this might come as a shock but Disney is not my whole life ... I was in bed and didn't know that I was supposed to get up at 5 am Mountain time to make sure I got ANYTHING.

Grrr. Double Grr. I am really happy for everyone that got AP rates, however, and even if I can't go this time I am encouraged that they will continue to offer them in the future.

 

[debbiedoo]

To this moment--I still have not received my AP email--have had no AP emails since last sept and trust me--I let them hear about it!!

 

[CarolMN]

..(snip)....I did get POFQ but, since I will be traveling alone, not sure I feel comfortable with the exterior corridors. Probably won't go now. .....

Sorry you didn't get an AP rate for the resort you prefer. That said, I hope you won't stay home because of it. I've stayed at POFQ several times, and although I wasn't solo, I did spend quite a bit of time alone (different interests and physical stamina than my traveling companion). I never once felt unsafe - the resort is compact, and nothing is really very far away from your room. Seemed to me that it was mostly inhabited by families with children.

Best wishes -

 

[littlestar]

POFQ is a darling resort. It's the smallest of the moderates so it's not as spread out. We own DVC and I just booked POFQ with the $109 rate for Memorial Day Weekend. Give it a chance, I think you might be surprised.

We stayed 2 nights at POFQ in January before our DVC 2 bedroom and POFQ had really nice beds - cushy and comfortable. We were in the farthest building from the pool and food court, but it was only about a 5 minute walk to get to the pool for me. Loved it.

Good Luck!

 

[SueEllen]

Jen,
I think some pixie dust is coming your way--check your email.

Sue Ellen

 

[javaj]

Oh no! Maybe you can check again tomorrow (and the next day )to see if anything opened up? So you weren't planning on taking your sons this time?

 

[thedisneymom]

I never received the heads up email either!

 

[Lewisc]

Spent 2 hours trying to get through and there was nada for 5/25 - 5/29. DH told me I could do a solo trip but I opted to wait for AP rates - I tried the strategy that I think is most honest by delaying booking so that Disney doesn't think its rooms are filled with people willing to pay rack, which I would NOT on this trip. Guess that strategy cost me and I have learned a lesson.

How did that strategy cost you? You said you're not willing to pay rack rate. My understanding is if there aren't any AP rooms available at your resort for the dates of your reservation you won't get AP rates applied to your existing reservation.

The lesson you should have learned is don't plan a vacation assuming you'll be able to get future discounts.

 

[tigefan]

Jennifer,
I called last night and first thing this morning and could not get what I wanted either (standard view at WL or AKL). So, I also have a reservation at POFQ.

If it's any consolation, I spoke to someone who had a standing reservation and could not get it switched to AP rates. So I guess that even if you had a reservation, you might not have been successful this morning. I guess that really doesn't help, does it? I'm depressed...

 

[Lives4Disney]

I am sorry - how disappointing. I know what you mean about not booking until the AP codes come out. I feel the same way. I can afford rack rate, but I also believe that they base the number of discounted rooms on how full the resorts are. I always wait and really have never had a problem getting the AP rate for a deluxe. Try to keep calling back.

You know, I just received my AP email at 9:33 am this morning. That rude CM doesn't know what she is talking about. I would have been miffed too if I needed a room and was told by a nasty CM that I should have called earlier!!! Ugh.

Good luck & keep trying - something may come available. I was told by a CM (a nice one) that depending on the occupancy they do release more discounted rooms.

Lives4Disney

 

[Mandabella]

I just needed one night, and I couldn't get it either. I wanted WL standard for May 28th, nope nada....none for AKL standard either.... must be the holiday weekend. I ended up booking at Pop for $74. It's just one night, and then we'll be moving over to Old Key West for 7 nights.

 

[jenjersnap]

How did that strategy cost you? You said you're not willing to pay rack rate. My understanding is if there aren't any AP rooms available at your resort for the dates of your reservation you won't get AP rates applied to your existing reservation.

The lesson you should have learned is don't plan a vacation assuming you'll be able to get future discounts.

Gee, thanks for the unpleasantness. Was it really necessary for you to respond to my post if it bothered you that much? You are making assumptions about my plans and expectations. I haven't "planned a vacation" as I stated. There is nothing planned, just a hope that I could go. This was merely an idea to get more use out of my AP in the parks. There are times I am willing to pay rack rate - our upcoming, done deal trip in December is an example of that - this was not one of those times so I didn't book anything. Next time, maybe I will book rack rate and hold out for a discount, though probably not, because I think it's a terrible strategy that may cause Disney to eliminate or further limit discounts.

There was availability for my dates earlier in the day as I can clearly see from reading the AP rates thread. I didn't get up early enough to land it myself. Period. End of story.

 

[caitycaity]

i know the feeling. i'm still on hold, but i'm going the same time you are so there's probably nothing left. i could have saved $800. we will still be going, but dh is going to be very upset with me, and i'm pretty upset with myself.

 

[jenjersnap]

i know the feeling. i'm still on hold, but i'm going the same time you are so there's probably nothing left. i could have saved $800. we will still be going, but dh is going to be very upset with me, and i'm pretty upset with myself.

Caity, I hope you find something!

 

[elf]

After this mornings 2 hour on hold fiasco I did get my AP for POFQ and asked about AKL but all they had was $179 before tax. I kept my POFQ. I kept reading these posts throughout the day esp. AKL and I called around 2:00-2:30 and got AKL stnd room $139 before tax. So I would call another 2 or 3 times before you give up.

 

[jenjersnap]

Jen,
I think some pixie dust is coming your way--check your email.

Sue Ellen

Hi Sue Ellen! Got it - will respond soon. Now everyone in the family is clamoring to go and we need to sort it out. Thanks so much!

 

[Laugh O. Grams]

How did that strategy cost you? You said you're not willing to pay rack rate. My understanding is if there aren't any AP rooms available at your resort for the dates of your reservation you won't get AP rates applied to your existing reservation.

The lesson you should have learned is don't plan a vacation assuming you'll be able to get future discounts.

Lovely, very sentimental and sweet. And said at just the right time to make the OP feel so much better!

Dude, have you ever heard of the term "pouring salt into an open wound"? If you haven't, you are the poster boy for the term!

 

[caitycaity]

thanks jenjer - i hope you have a good time.

 

[Lewisc]

Lovely, very sentimental and sweet. And said at just the right time to make the OP feel so much better!

Dude, have you ever heard of the term "pouring salt into an open wound"? If you haven't, you are the poster boy for the term!

Perhaps I should have worded my post softer BUT my question is valid. Many people are under the impression that booking a reservation will guarantee them a discounted rate with that reservation no matter what. My understanding that if no AP rates are available at your resort for the dates you have then having a reservation won't help and if AP discounted rooms are available not having a reservation won't hurt. If someone has reliable information that I'm wrong I'd appreciate corrected information.

OP said she learned a lesson and I wasn't sure what she was talking about. Certainly if she lost the opportunity to book a discounted room at S/D or if the hotel became fully booked and rooms were no longer available even at rack rates she'd have a point.

I never understood people booking a reservation that they're 100% certain that they won't be using without future discounts becoming applicable to their reservation. I'm trying to see what point I'm missing.

 

[rcraw45425]

Hey jenjer, isn't Sue Ellen the greatest?