what is AP and what kind of discounts...

[jksmom]

are you referring to in the post above about staying at WDW resorts and discounts. I am very new to all this. Thank you.

 

[eeyore0062]

AP's are Annual Passes to the WDW parks. With them come some advantages, such as discounts on resort accomodations. There are a certain amount of rooms set aside in participating resorts that AP holders can get at a discount, depending on time of year and availability. The discounts have been know to go up to about 45% off of rack rate... sometimes, more.

Also there is a newsletter that you will receive quarterly, telling you what activities are available for Passholders, for instance next weekend, there will be a sneak peak at the newly revamped ToT where the park will close at regular time and reopen only for passholders to ride ToT and RnR. During the warmer seasons there are also passholder lounges in the parks where passholders can go and cool off.

Passholders have been afforded discounts on merchandise in some of the park's stores and restaurants as well.

Not only that, but having an AP saves you money if you happen to be going to WDW parks for 8 days or more during one year.

Hope this helps answer some of your questions!

 

[the Legend]

AP = Annual Pass. There are two types at WDW, the regular AP and Premium, sometimes referred to as PAP.

Throughout the year, WDW release discounted rates for rooms at select resorts which save you up to 20%-40% or more off the rack rate. Rack rate is the normal rate for that season.

Example: we booked AP rate for both Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge last September.

WL Coutyard rack=$250/night but AP rate=$120/night
AKL Savannah rack=$275/night but AP rate=$140/night

The upside is the significant discounts across WDW not only for rooms but for food, activities and some shopping.
The downside is the price of APs ($300+) and waiting for room rates. There are only so many rooms designated to the AP rate at select resorts and the rates are only good for a fixed time.

Oh by the way, only one member of your group needs an AP to book an AP rate room and you can apply the AP rate on up to 3 rooms. The current rates go to 4/9 and this is why we're all waiting for the new rates! ;-)

Hope this helps!

 

[Mary Ellen]

Since you are new and we tend to use a LOT of abbreviations here, you'll probably want to check out the abbreviations page.

Enjoy!