What are AP rates and how can I get one?

[mimix2]

Totally new to this board! My husband and I are going to WDW in December with our daughter and her family. She booked our trip recently with the Walt Disney Travel Agency, and we are to stay at the Pop Century. I've just begun reading this wonderful board that is full of so much info that it makes my head spin!

People seem to be either upgrading their reservations or saving money with these AP rates. So, is it possible for us to get in on this? If so, how? Thanks so very much for any info you can give me.

 

[cobbler]

AP rates are special discounts offered periodically for annual passholders. You can get one if you have an annual pass and IF they release rates for the timeframe you are visiting. Discounts are not guaranteed, however. So there may not be any avail for your time frame or where you want to stay.

I see you are going in December, IF rates come through they won't be avail until August.

 

[mimix2]

Oh, thank you for that info; however, we don't have the annual passholders, so we won't qualify. I'll keep reading the boards to learn everything I can before time to go.

 

[JennyMominRI]

I believe you can buy an activated AP at the airport in Orlando

 

[Eyore4Ever149]

codes do come out for general public, non passholders. But December? Hmm, not sure they come out at that time of year.

Keep an eye on www.mousesavers.com for codes and info on them.

 

[WDW LOVR]

You don't have to have the AP when you reserve the room under the AP rate. You just have to prove you have an AP when you check in. This allows you to keep an eye open for the AP rates and if one becomes available for the time you're going and it makes monetary sense to get one (AP rate for room saves you more than the additional cost of the AP ticket) you do.

Mousesavers.com is a great place to keep a watch to see if the AP codes (or any other discounts) come out. If they do, call Disney and see if there are rooms available using the AP code and then switch your ressie if there are. Then purchase the AP before you go and you're in. Many times we've used the AP rate to upgrade from a Moderate to Deluxe or Home away from home.

One word of caution: The only way this works is if you've booked a room only ressie and will purchace tickets separately. If you've booked a package you can't use the AP codes on it. You just have to do the math and see if it makes sense.