Would it pay to buy the AP?

[ShelsGoingToDisney]

We are planning a trip for 1/14-1/21. We plan to go to the Disney parks for 4 days and would like to stay at the Polynesian for 5 nights. Would the current promotions for AP holders for this resort during this time be worth the extra $188 for the AP versus the MYW tickets? I am seeing some say that it would be $70 off per night at the Poly but I can't confirm that anywhere. Thanks in advance!
Shel

 

[Gary M]

I checked the dates from Jan. 14-21 and the rack rate for a garden view room at the Poly is $351 per night. The BRP room rate is $273 per night. A savings of $78 per night.

 

[MagicKingdom05]

ShelsGoingToDisney,

If you might go back within 12 months then buying an AP would be worth it and depending on the discount you can get. If it's just for one trip, if you come out better $$$ to do it then you do have the AP's in hand just incase you decide to go again later in the year.

 

[ShelsGoingToDisney]

We live in Omaha so this will be the only visit for the year! If the savings is indeed $78 per night it would be worth buying the AP. Any other opinions?

Shel

 

[pennst8r]

Just wanted to add that if you have an AP, you can purchase the dining card for $50, which will give you a 20% discount on most meals. That helped me make the decision to buy one AP, even tho we're only planning to be there once this year.

 

[lilstint]

We are planning a trip for 1/14-1/21. We plan to go to the Disney parks for 4 days and would like to stay at the Polynesian for 5 nights. Would the current promotions for AP holders for this resort during this time be worth the extra $188 for the AP versus the MYW tickets? I am seeing some say that it would be $70 off per night at the Poly but I can't confirm that anywhere. Thanks in advance!
Shel

You would spend $188. and save $390. Sure seems worth it to me!!!!

 

[mom2grace]

Not to hijack this thread but you guys seem to know your stuff.

We are in a similar situation but travelling later......5/3-5/7/06

4 nights WL, debating whether to do an AP and get a room discount (if it becomes available) or suck it up and pay rack (right now have WL woods view for $275) and add the dining. 2 A, 1 C. planning on CRT lunch, O'hana dinner, CM or 1900 PF dinner, 1 additional TS (probably Boma) plus regular CS meals as well. 5 TS and 4 CS total.

Would you do the AP or add the dining? We probably would not travel again within the year to WDW.

 

[ShelsGoingToDisney]

Went ahead and ordered the AP. Website said it should arrive by 11/1. Now I am just watching the mail everyday! Thanks for the advice!

Shelley

 

[ShelsGoingToDisney]

Got my AP and got everything booked. Ended up saving $552 on my rooms, sent an extra $186 for the Ap with an overall savings of $366 so definitely worth buying the AP! Thanks for everyone's help!

Shelley

 

[Vinnie The Pooh]

When making the decision to buy the AP are you garaunteed to get the rate (if one is already out) or do they limit the rate to a certain number of rooms. In other words, if an AP rate comes out and I decide the savings would be worth it for my circumstances can I buy the AP knowing that I will be able to get that rate? Am I making any sense?

 

[Rella Bella]

We bought an AP our first trip because we were going for 11 days and and AP was just a few dollars more. I thought we might go back at 11 1/2 months, but wasn't even sure about that. WELL, as it turns out our flight was very overbooked and we ended up getting bounced & TWO RT tickets EACH! We only go east for Disney and the airline doesn't have many routes west so we used both trips to go back!! We got great room rates... free airfare and our AP's! It cost us next to nothing!!
Turned out it was one of our best Disney decisions ever!!

 

[cobbler]

When making the decision to buy the AP are you garaunteed to get the rate (if one is already out) or do they limit the rate to a certain number of rooms. In other words, if an AP rate comes out and I decide the savings would be worth it for my circumstances can I buy the AP knowing that I will be able to get that rate? Am I making any sense?

They do limit the rate to a certain number of rooms and resorts. So if you can be flexible with your resort, time and length of travel you are more likely to get one. Sometimes they may not be avail on the check in day you want but are the day before or after. It does take some playing sometime.

With that said there are no guarantees for an AP rate. They may have them at times and other times not. It really is best to use it for park attendance

About the DDE, that was new this year so hopefully they will continue it for next year but they may not.

 

[Adora]

If you're going for 10 nights (Apr. 19 - 29) and staying at value hotel and then a moderate for the second, is it still worth it? Seeing what time of year it is?? Or should I stick with the 10 day premuim and save my money? (No chance of going back within a year!)

 

[RandyJ]

I am paing for 3 rooms at the Poly. If I buy an AP, can I use the discount on all 3 rooms or do I need one AP per room?

 

[swilphil]

You can book 3 rooms on an AP if they have 3 BRP rooms available. You also must book the rooms 60 days in advance.