Who Da What?

[Minnesota]

I have been to WDW several times as well as DL and DCL and never once heard of using a code. I knew there were various packages and discounts for DVC and AP people but being a college student I can't do either of those.

Being a novice in this area ~ Where are these codes posted and how do you use them? I am planning a short trip for middle of october, am I jumping the gun at thinking there will be discounts out this far in advance? Are these codes just for specific resorts or dates?

Obviously any info would help me out! Thanks!
Minnesota

 

[aka-mad4themouse]

Lately, the codes have been for one of three targeted groups. The Florida residents, the AP holders and the general public booking packages.

Codes for AP holders are room-only codes, since they don't need to buy tickets. Codes for FL Residents can be either package codes or room-only. The codes for the general public are almost always package codes that include some sort of free upgrade (e.g. the free dining addon for the late summer months, or the ticket upgrade offer from the spring months).

The thing with codes of any type is that there is no guarantee that they will be offered. Disney made no special offers at all to the general public for the June/July period. And they only recently added room-only codes for AP holders and FL Residents for late June thru early August.

As far as October codes go, it's anybody's guess if there will be any or when they will be offered. I doubt that anything would be announced prior to the ending date for the current Free Dining offer, which has a 6/25 deadline. Last year, there were no codes for the general public for the middle part of October. The free dining promotion (announced 7/21) ended on 10/4 and the next offer (room-only discount, announced 9/29) didn't start until 10/23.

 

[Minnesota]

Where and about when do I look for them to see if they are avaliable? Does your vacation have to fall completly within the offer dates (I.e. traveling Oct 20 - 24 and the offer starts Oct.23)?

Thanks,
Minnesota

 

[aka-mad4themouse]

Believe me, there will be an avid code watch in this forum for October. Between the Food & Wine Festival at EPCOT and MNSSHP at the MK, a lot of people will be hoping for reduced room rates and packages.

With codes, they almost always state "for stays beginning XX/XX - YY/YY". That means that you cannot checkin any earlier than XX/XX in order to get the promotional deal. However, if you check in on YY/YY, you will get the promotional deal for your entire stay.

So, in your example, if your stay is 10/20-10/24 and the promotion states "for stays beginning 10/23", you will not get the promotional rate.