What do you think about online booking for AP holders?

[Daryl]

I thought this oct would be my last trip for a while to WDW. I was afraid I wouldnt be able to get a decent AP rate with the new system, but guess what? So far they seem to be only a few dollars more than the current AP rates from CRO. anyone else find this?

 

[minnie61650]

Hi
I have been reading about a "black Hole" on the codes and dicounts boards. Apparently some Ap holders are caught in that 3 week window of October 4- 26 where there are no BRP/AP discounts whatsoever. . .When the BRP came out it was 120 days and they missed it by 1 week on the front side of October... When they changed to 60 days out, they missed by a week on the latter of October.

AAA is a good discount if you are unable to get a BRP. I know a lot of AP holders are unhappy with the changes that BRP has brought, but at least you
are still able to get some discounts.

I was a Magic Kingdom club {Later changed to Disney Club I think} member since the early 1980s. I was able to get tickets or vacation packages at a discount. Then when the Disney Stores opened I got 10% off every purchase at the store or through the catalog. I also went on a few of their cruises at the discounted rate. Then a few years ago they discontinued the club with just a couple of months notice.
Well, I did buy thousands of dollars of art and collectibles and gifts for my family and nieces and nephews.
I could say Disney promised me discounts and then took them all away or I could say WOW I am glad I was able to be a member of the Disney Club while Disney still offered it.
I choose to be thankful.
Have fun at Disney!
Linda

 

[LoveMickey]

I am a bit dissapointed about booking on line.

1. When I went to book my room, the only room option was a "courtyard" view.

2. I then went to book a room for my nephew and his wife, and there are none available at the lodge.

they offer the campgrounds.

 

[BoPeep]

I was disappointed as well about the room choices. I wanted a woods view at WL. Apparently you can't book woods view with BR. I checked for Dec. & Jan. and it's not available. However, I called in & checked to see if they are booked up for woods views & they aren't, so they just aren't offering the woods view with the Best Rate Program.
I went ahead & booked it at full price (which stinks) but at least we'll have the view we want.

 

[sue1013]

I really like online booking for AP holders. No more having to check daily to see if rates came out. Then sit on hold for what seemed like forever. Booking 60 days out is not a problem for us as it seems to be for some. The change fee to me is just like I'd have to pay to change my airline tickets should my plans change. I have read some say they are not charging the change fee any longer.

 

[skiwee1]

I like the online booking system. I don't have to get up checking all the time for the AP rates to come out. I also don't have to compete with non ap holders to book a room when they do come out. I hope this system stays!

 

[IwasatWDWforamonth]

It is a complete hassle to book a 3 week stay, and the rates for the moderates are 30 dollars more than my AP discount last year.
We used magical journeys, so that they could make sure my room was available for the entire time.
The disney site rarely works at least thats been my experience with it.
And last year their were xmas week ap rates in november, they were gone last week this year for all resorts.
Had to adjust my days so I at least am going at value rates, I found it odd though that cro had to ask WHY I was going on the 19th.

 

[LvsTnk]

I have to say I am not very happy about it, mostly because I don't know the ropes yet. I also am trying to book concierge with no luck at all.

My DS (whom I indulge because he has special needs and is obsessed with Christmas) is sooo looking forward to his Christmas trip and I really have to get cracking on where we are gunna stay since we have stayed at the same resort in the same room for the last 4 years haha.

I really hate change!

 

[Tink10]

Surprise Surprise....I Love the online booking!

It's easy, I don't have to wait on the phone at a pathetic time of the morning & the discounts offered are the same (in some cases are a little bit more) as the last round of AP rates (those that end Oct 4th)

Just like the old AP booking system, only a certain number of rooms were available at the AP discount at each resort & the same holds true with BR. Certain room catagories & concierge weren't always offered & all too often those that were did sell out. I have found that concierge is very tough to find at the BR, but when I booked my Jan 25 - 28 WL ressie, all room catagories were offered at the WL (and still are).

As far as available BR rooms, just like the old AP rates, the early bird gets the worm...... ug:

 

[Daryl]

So some love it, some hate it and some like me, dislike the new system and will probably visit wdw less because of it. Having said that, I can work with it. does anyone think the old cro based AP reservation system will return?

 

[Ladyhawke10]

So some love it, some hate it and some like me, dislike the new system and will probably visit wdw less because of it. Having said that, I can work with it. does anyone think the old cro based AP reservation system will return?

I keep hearing rumors that it might, but then others say that it won't. I'm with you--just hoping the old system will come back

 

[bru_ellman]

We have no problem booking online, it's the 60-day out thing with which we have a problem (we'd also like to not have the NON-refundable deposit thing, but that's another story).

Also, as other's have noted the latest AP/BRP rates at the moderates are around 30% more then in the previous years. That's a bit steep for a one-year increase, but not a "deal-breaker."

In any case, my wife and I just ordered new Annual Passes and we'll try the BRP for our January vacation, but we'll spend our resort dollars elsewhere for our other quick WDW getaways.

 

[katypop]

I know I'm in the minority, but I'm really happy with my AP/BRP rate for Oct. I had an AAA rate for Oct16-27 and was waiting like everyone else for AP rates to come out, I have been successful in getting them for my last 5 trips over the last two years, and was hoping for AP rates again. While I was dissappointed at first with the new program, I decided since I had already booked airfare to go ahead and book a room. I was too late to get my first two nights but did get the AP rate for Oct18-27 and kept the first two nights with the AAA discount. Now, since codes haven't come out, I'm REALLY glad I went ahead and booked. I don't like the non-refundable deposit either, but figured I'd only be cancelling if there's an emergency, and if that was the case, the one night's deposit lost would be the least of my worries. I am really glad they have changed to the 60 days out booking though.

What I liked about the program was that I actually got my first choice of resorts So many times in the past I had to change my resort choice because I could not get an AP rate for it when I called. Sometimes I'd call back and it would be available later, but this requires time and my time is worth something too. A few times the AP rates came out when I was working( I often start at 7:00 AM ) and I could not call until later in the day...and then would be on hold for a long time. I like that I can check the BRP at my leisure. I know I won't neccessarily get my first choice this way either but it is so much quicker to check from time to time.

One question I do have is that my AP will expire before my next trip. Will I still be able to access the BRP if I have an AP voucher sent to me before my next trip or do you need to have an activated pass

Kathe

 

[sherry8253]

I don't mind booking online IF I was able to make a change. It took me 5 calls and 45 minutes on the last call to change from AKL to BC!!!. During those calls, I talked to two very nasty CM's one of which was a supervisor who told me to do it myself and if I could read I should be able to figure it out. When I asked him how, he said it is not his job to know how to make changes to an internet reservation and I needed to call tech support. I don't know about you all but there is NO way I could find to change our resort. If they want to make us book online then give us a website that consistently works and is user friendly. In my opinion, the Disney website is not either of these. After a very frustrating evening, I detest their online booking system that people who want to book a room at a discounted rate are being forced to use.

 

[Taja]

I won't use the new system due to the non-refundable first night policy. I also don't want to purchase an AP (or voucher) prior to arriving at WDW. It's difficult for me to make two trips in 12 months, so I have to plan very carefully to receive value from an AP--even with room discounts! I have to know exactly what the discount is before I will even consider purchasing an AP.

I experience too many life adjustments on a daily basis to be certain of anything! Thankfully, Southwest has an excellent program that doesn't charge for changing reservations--at least, not yet!

 

[sbelyo]

It's awful....

I don't mind the online part but the discount eats dirt big time. It's like 10%-17% Last year it was like 36%

I just checked poly 2006 value season and it was $273 a night. Rack rate was $303 for 2005. The rate did increase for 2006 so if it's say $325 that's half the discount of last year.

In Jan/Feb this year I got AKL for $125 for the $199.00 room. I just checked on the BRP and that room is now $178 that's 11% off, almost 2/3rd less that last season.

Is the AAA rate any better?

Edited:

Actually I may change my previous statement due to the following:

The value season has changed next year and the BRP quote includes tax the AAA rate was $315 including tax Vs. $273 BRP that makes 2006 rack rate $350.00 for poly gv rack rate

 

[Daryl]

Katypop, if you have an AP voucher you can use the info on the back to book online. Just make sure you enter numbers where the website specifies

 

[Tink10]

It's awful....

I don't mind the online part but the discount eats dirt big time. It's like 10%-17% Last year it was like 36%

I just checked poly 2006 value season and it was $273 a night. Rack rate was $303 for 2005. The rate did increase for 2006 so if it's say $325 that's half the discount of last year.

In Jan/Feb this year I got AKL for $125 for the $199.00 room. I just checked on the BRP and that room is now $178 that's 11% off, almost 2/3rd less that last season.

Is the AAA rate any better?

Edited:

Actually I may change my previous statement due to the following:

The value season has changed next year and the BRP quote includes tax the AAA rate was $315 including tax Vs. $273 BRP that makes 2006 rack rate $350.00 for poly gv rack rate

To clarify of the rates.....

For every 2006 date that I've checked so far (and I've been checking a lot) the Best Rate discount, when it's available, is $70 off of deluxes, $40 off of moderates & $20 off of value resorts.

Just like the last few rounds of traditional AP rates, the discounts are flat $$$'s off, not percentages.

For example:

Value season

Pop Century Best Rate is $59 + tax = $65.79 Rack Rate is $79 + tax = $88.09

Coronado Best Rate is $99 + tax = $110.39 Rack Rate is $139 + tax = $154.99

Poly GV Best Rate is $245 + tax = $273.18 Rack Rate is $315 + tax = $351.23


This also appears to be true for value dates in December......

One interesting thing that I'm seeing as I'm checking, is that the dates that should be "Holiday Season" i.e. 12/20 & beyond. The Best Rates coming up are the same as those for "value season" in December....For example....

12/17/05 Poly GV Best Rate is $234 + tax = $260.91 Rack Rate is $304

12/24/05 Poly GV Best Rate is exactly the same.....though the rack rate is $484 + tax

I also checked this at the CR, CSR, WL & Pop & it holds true for all of them....

There are dome definate deals for "Holiday Season" 12/20 - 12/25....

Cheers!

 

[sbelyo]

To clarify of the rates.....

For every 2006 date that I've checked so far (and I've been checking a lot) the Best Rate discount, when it's available, is $70 off of deluxes, $40 off of moderates & $20 off of value resorts.

I understand it clearly now. In a few words it's no better no worse.

 

[ebyers]

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