Yippee - got my AP discount

[Goofyish]

My Dreams rep has informed me that I that I have the AP rate for my reservation at POR - now paying $93.66/night including tax
(40% discount).

So I've saved over £500

We are know considering moving to Animal Kingdom Lodge for the last 4 nights of our stay.

Has anyone changed resorts before? - Do Disney transfer your bags and everything for you - we won't have a car, so don't fancy lugging our bags on WDW transort

 

[rob@rar.org.uk]

Nice one Tim, those AP discounts are terrific. I can definately recommend a stay at the AKL - we really loved it. Although I've not used the service myself, I'm pretty sure that Disney will transfer your bags from one resort to another.

Regards

Rob

 

[Penny12]

Cool Tim!

They will transfer your bags - just make sure you keep out anything you might need (like swimming cossies) because regardless of how early you might give them your stuff in the morning, they sometimes take a looooooong time to get to your new room.

 

[Winniepoohuk]

Sorry, but can you tell me how to get the 'AP code' rate?
We're going in August and would like to stay at one of the moderates.

 

[Goofyish]

The first thing you need to get the Annual Pass (AP) rate is to get an Annual Pass - you don't actually need to have the AP when you book to get the AP rate, but you will need at least one Annual Pass or Premium Annual Pass (belonging to the person who makes the booking), when you check in.

Next call WDW CRO (central reservations) and ask for 'Code RGM' on the moderate resort you require and tell them the dates you want. They will let you know if there are AP rates available.
You then pay a one night deposit and you are all booked

Another way is to use Dreams Unlimited (we did this), to book your accommodation. You will be assigned an agent who will do all the leg work in getting the best rates for your booking - this could be AP or just a general room only discount rate. It won't cost anymore than booking yourself, but will save you the international call

Dreams website:

http://www.dreamsunlimitedtravel.com/index.html#



Here's a list of current AP rates:

All Stars - $69 standard
Moderates - $84 standard (very limited availability due to Port Orleans closings)
Animal Kingdom Lodge - $114 standard
Wilderness Lodge - $114 standard, $134 woods view, $165 courtyard view
Ft. Wilderness Cabins - $144
Contemporary - $154 standard garden wing, $189 garden view
Polynesian - $214 garden view
Boardwalk/Beach Club/Yacht Club - $204 standard view, $260 water view
Grand Floridian - $254 garden view
Old Key West - $159 studio
Other resorts, room types and views are available at varying prices!

 

[rob@rar.org.uk]

AP means annual pass. To be eligible for these discounted rates at least one of your party must have a WDW annual pass. The discounts on the regular rates are only available if you book directly with Disney (or via an agent who books directly) and are not available if you book as part of a package holiday.

Disney does not guarantee that AP discounts will be available. It all depends on how many un-booked rooms they have to fill. Discounts can be very good - up to 40% is not uncommon - but in general better discounts will be available for quiter times of year and at he more expensive of the Disney hotels.

Regards

Rob

 

[rob@rar.org.uk]

Got there before me Tim!

Regards

Rob

 

[Hilary]

Excellent news, Tim!

As for moving resorts - it couldn't be easier! Bell services will collect your bags from one resort, you go off to the park for the day and then return to your second resort, where your bags will be waiting for you to check in to your room! You do need to be in the room for bell services to collect and deliver your bags, and you should leave a few hours to allow for the bags to physically find their way over.

Go for it!

 

[Goofyish]

We have decided to spend some of the savings we made at POR with the AP rate and have the last 3 nights of our vacation at AKL - savannah view!

Really looking forward to seeing the animals from our balcony

 

[rob@rar.org.uk]

Great choice Tim, I'm sure you'll enjoy it. That's the funny thing about AP discounts - you don't normally save that much money, just end up in better quality hotels!

Regards

Rob

 

[Olaf]

Wow Tim, that's quite a savings! I'm impressed. Certainly makes the purchase of the AP worthwhile.

I'm not a big fan of moving rooms (although we're doing it on our upcoming trip ), but since you folks practically immigrate when you come over here, it probably won't be that bad. Our trips are normally for no more than 7-10 days, packing up and moving mid-stream is such a hassle for me. It seems to take us half a day.

The Animal Kingdom would be my first choice. We had a wonderful time there, although we did have a cheapie room facing the pool. If I were staying there again, I'd definitely spring for a balcony room facing the park. Took a peek into a suite while there, WOW! Now that's a room.

 

[Winniepoohuk]

Thanks for telling me about the AP passes and rates, I will remember this for our next trip. We had considered an annual pass a few months ago but, as we are taking a cruise and stay holiday this year and we don't know yet about next year, we decided to get a 5 day hopper instead.