What is the typical discount with an AP?

[abrock]

I am wondering what is the typical discount with an AP? We have our trip booked for Feb 3-8, 2009. I am debating on whether or not to buy an anuual pass for 2009. We are staying at the CR.

My ? is are the AP discounts better than receiving a code? Will I be able to buy an AP for 2009, and when do they come available? Also will I be able to apply the discount to my trip if I am not able to buy an AP until JAN 09, a month before we go?

Thanks!

 

[Shmily1]

Our discount is for April is about $30/night at a value resort. In January it was about $45/ night for a mod. With the discounts for the rooms, food discounts, days at the parks not having buy extra tickets, and discounts shopping, I will have WAY gone over in savings on buying my AP for this year by the time my April trip is over--almost before it starts!! In January, we went to the HoB for lunch and I was looking at the paperwork that comes with the AP and realized we were getting 20% off our meal!! A great meal and a great discount to boot!!!

You can buy a voucher any time and activate it when you want to. Your 365
days starts the day it is activated, not purchased. You only have to have one AP per room discount. If you book your trip now and an AP rate comes out in November, call back and check for AP rate for your time and resort. (Hint: if it's not availabe that time, don't give up, keep calling back) You have to have your AP when you check in but not when you make the reservation. It is always said that a voucher is not acceptable for check in on the AP rate, but I wasn't asked to see mine and if they ask, I've heard you can take it back later after visiting a park for the day.

Have a great trip!!!

 

[ElizabethB]

AP discounts aren't that great anymore. They used to be better. I think WDW has decided to aim their best discounts at people who haven't been to wDW before (or only go to WDW sporadically), figuring the AP holders are already dedicated fans. As a highly placed, and quite tipsy, Epcot executive said to me once at a dinner, "Why should we give you a discount? We know you'll visit regardless."

 

[LillersMom]

We are saving quite a bit over April. CR room south wing garden view for $215/night before tax and BC for $259 regular is $370. We have codes that are better, but not at this time of year. Or best codes have been in late October and early Nov.

 

[mom2aredhead]

I had 7 nights booked at AKL standard view in May...

Rack rate is $275 + tax = $309.38/night

using AAA it came down to $247.50 + tax = $278.44/night
So my total including tax using AAA was $1949.08

The Ap rate for these same nights is $164 + tax = $184.50/night
So my total using an AP discount is $1291.50

I was going to buy myself a 7 day hopper for $264 (+tax) anyway, so now I'll buy myself an AP for $448 (plus tax), so difference of $185.

End result, it cost me $185 extra for the ticket to save over $650 for the room.

Even if I wasn't buying a new ticket, it's still cheaper to buy the AP and pay AP rate for the room by a few hundred bucks. And...the Ap gives me an excuse to get back there before next spring!

This is why I LOVE the Disboards!

 

[abrock]

Thanks for the advice I will see what the discount is at that time when we get closer. It looks like it could definitely be worth it to get an AP!

 

[gardenia]

Thanks for the advice I will see what the discount is at that time when we get closer. It looks like it could definitely be worth it to get an AP!

If you want an AP discount you have to call as soon as they come out for February. There are a limited number of resorts and dates available on AP discounts, and your resort and/or dates may not be included. Unfortunately Disney doesn't just "apply" the discount to your existing reservation.

 

[GoofyFairie]

When would the rates come out for the AP? I am thinking I need to check into the details of an AP and what benefits come getting one.

 

[sherry8253]

AP discounts aren't that great anymore. They used to be better. I think WDW has decided to aim their best discounts at people who haven't been to wDW before (or only go to WDW sporadically), figuring the AP holders are already dedicated fans. As a highly placed, and quite tipsy, Epcot executive said to me once at a dinner, "Why should we give you a discount? We know you'll visit regardless."

I agree with Elizabeth. We saved more using AAA rate than we would have with AP rate for our stay at the WL in Jan '08. Each year the AP discounts seem to get less and less.