What does rack rate mean?

[andyjack]

I keep seeing people talk about it, especially with free dining. Can someone explain how it works?

Thanks

 

[bdcp]

Rack rate is the "full rate". No discounts. It's usually the published room rate.

 

[Aliceacc]

You, as a member of the DIS, have sworn a blood oath NEVER to pay rack rate!!!! You NEED to get some sort of a discount, whether it be AAA, free dining, or SOMETHING!!!!

 

[dingoballs]

Paying rack rate for a hotel room is like paying sticker price for a car... one would have to be really really really desperate to do it.

 

[mike_r]

I dont have AAA, but my friend that I am going with does, when booking a room at a hotel do you have to go through AAA's website or through Disneys?

 

[PolyHereWeCome]

You, as a member of the DIS, have sworn a blood oath NEVER to pay rack rate!!!! You NEED to get some sort of a discount, whether it be AAA, free dining, or SOMETHING!!!!

Typed the words right out of my mouth (see my signature). I also agree with the other poster who said that it's like paying full sticker price for a car . . . many many people do it, but not if you are a savy shopper (or desperate to go to Disney, which truthfully someday we might be because we keep going back!)

 

[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

I dont have AAA, but my friend that I am going with does, when booking a room at a hotel do you have to go through AAA's website or through Disneys?

I would suggest calling CRO as there are a limited number of rooms available at the AAA rate. Booking directly on Disney's website only gives you rack rates.

Bonny

 

[PolyHereWeCome]

I dont have AAA, but my friend that I am going with does, when booking a room at a hotel do you have to go through AAA's website or through Disneys?

One doesn't have to go through AAA unless they are interested in a package. For just a room, we always book through the regular Disney reservation line and if there's still a room available at the AAA rate for our dates and location, we lock it in (it's not a guarantee, there are a limited number of rooms offered at that lower rate, just like booking an airline flight). You do not need to provide the AAA number at reservation time, but you will need to show it upon arrival.

We booked AAA room-only rate this for our upcoming May trip, but then when the AP rates came out and we ran the numbers, called and had our reservation changed to instead be AP rate (like AAA rate, AP rate is on a space available basis). Saved me having to join AAA, and I needed a park ticket anyway (used an AP previously) and the room discount was enough to make an AP a better deal than AAA and a Magic Your Way ticket.

 

[SGMCO]

Even though you pay rack rate during FD--
it is during Value Season which is the lowest rack rate
that is at time of year.

 

[Aliceacc]

As far as AAA goes: if you want a package (ie: the dining plan) you have to book through an AAA agent.

If you want just the discount on the rooms (anywhere from 10%-20% depending on the resort and the dates) you can book it yourself, "room only."